Long shot - Drawing board base.

Nasher · 14 April 2009, 19:57

One of the things I enjoy about Rib.net is the broad variety of people with different backgrounds and interests other than Ribs, so I though I’d see if anyone can help.

Whilst clearing out my mothers garage at the weekend I came across an old drawing board stand made by Dargue Bros and branded Simplon. Having Googled Simplon and Dargue Bros, I’ve not got very far, but have sent out some emails.

I remember the full drawing office size board lived in my Fathers Home office since I was very small, but about 15 years ago when he became too ill to use it any more he broke down the actual board part for firewood and asked me to put the stand in the garage where it has been ever since, unfortunately we lost him 13 years ago and it was forgotten.

It’s a VERY heavy piece of machinery, fully adjustable for rake and height and I'd imagine very old, there are no signs of a date, but there is a serial No.

I am very loathe to scrap it, as I'm sure a museum or other society may like it, it may even be worth something, but I wouldn't have thought so.
The trouble is I don't know where to start looking for help in identifying how old it could be or who would like it.
Does anyone have any ideas to point me in the right direction please?

Because of its sentimental value I am also thinking of restoring it, and adding a nice top to use it as a table, but I don't really have room and Mrs Nasher doesn't know yet. If pubs can use Singer Sewing machine bases then I can use this.

Thanks

Nasher

chewy · 14 April 2009, 20:52

Now that looks nice Nasher!
I want to get an old Seagul (outboard before anyone says out) and strip it and rebuild it so its like knew and have it in the front room.

codprawn · 14 April 2009, 21:42

You could sell it to Paul Tilley - I am sure with a few mods he could start making his own hypalon!!!

I wouldn't throw it out either - which is why I never have room to move.............

Pete7 · 14 April 2009, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

Now that looks nice Nasher!
I want to get an old Seagul (outboard before anyone says out) and strip it and rebuild it so its like knew and have it in the front room.

Mine

Pete7 · 14 April 2009, 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

and Mrs Nasher doesn't know yet. Thanks Nasher

Replace the flower pot first and get some brownie points in the bank

Hightower · 14 April 2009, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Mine

WHAT! Viv lets you keep that in the house?

The Cat's got it's scatching post,so I guess it'll make a good peeing post for the Dogs

Hightower · 14 April 2009, 22:36

Can't help you with the identification Nasher, but would make a wicked trim tilt bracket for twin Seagulls!

Nasher · 14 April 2009, 22:42

Thanks guys.

Yes Pete I know the flower pot by the front door is a little empty at the moment, but that's her domain.
I want your Seagul by the way, would look great leaning up against the wall in our hallway.

I'm now really keen on the table option, just need to find somewhere to put it.
I've had an email back from a guy who collects slide rules of all things, which were made in great numbers by Dargue Bros, and he says the company operated between the early 1920s and early 1950s.

Nasher

Nasher · 14 April 2009, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by hightower

can't help you with the identification nasher, but would make a wicked trim tilt bracket for twin seagulls!

Very Good

TonyC · 14 April 2009, 23:03

I found this about the company

Quote:

Dargue Brothers Limited
Manufacturers of desks, drawing boards and other equipment and instruments for drawing offices. The business was established in 1908 by brothers, Algernon and Fred Dargue, at South Street, Halifax.

In 1909, they opened their Simplon Works, Halifax.

In 1936, they were listed as makers of scientific instruments at Hill Street, Halifax.

In 1976, they were taken over by E. J. Arnold of Leeds. They moved to premises in Brearley.

In 1978, they were taken over by Button & Company.

The business closed in 1979

Nasher · 14 April 2009, 23:09

Wow, thanks Tony

Nasher

Tim M · 15 April 2009, 10:35

Nasher, if you decide to go down the museum route, this place might be suitable possibly:

http://www.johnjarroldprintingmuseum.org.uk/

JSP · 15 April 2009, 10:46

Nasher,
restore it, put a nice piece of wood on it and use it. Would be a lovely piece

Steve_B · 15 April 2009, 14:08

I have one very simular to yours, except that mine has chains instead of the straps. Maybe the GTi model then??

Like you loaths to get rid of, as my father bought it for me whilst doing my Technical Drawing A level. However it is so darn big and heavy, her indoors wont allow it in the house.
Even with it on the lowest adjustment it is just a bit too high to use as a table, so sits at back of garage collecting dust and getting in the way.

ollyit · 15 April 2009, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Mine

very bling!!!