What are these

The lower items are clockmaker broaches used to enlarge pivot holes in clock plates, the files are also used in clock work Peter

One set are probably clockmaker's broaches, for increasing the size of holes. The files might be for that and for polishing/burnishing, but that's a guess.

regards Mark Rand RTFM

Did he also dabble in clock-mending?

I'll ask. Thanks for the other replies it does seem clock related then.

Some of them are just what it says - five-sided broaches. They are used by clock makers and model makers to enlarge holes slightly. Typical use is opening out holes in clock plates to fit bushes. Still readily available from horological suppliers in a huge range of sizes - those ae quite big ones.

The top two are pivot files for repairing and polishing pivots on clock arbours. The "broaches" are broaches for adjusting the pivot holes in clock plates to fit the arbours, for example. They would be normal tools for a clock maker/repairer.

Bill Lamond

Earlier on today a neighbour of mine stopped by so I could pick over some bits he was clearing out of his place and taking to the tip. He is living in a bungalow that used to belong to his wife's grandfather and he was a machinist apparently. I'm curious about one set of items and wonder if anyone knows what they are. I've placed a picture here

Looking forward to any insights.

They are clockmakers broaches, and may be some files and burnishers.

Steve R.

The top two are pivot files for repairing and polishing pivots on clock arbours. The "broaches" are broaches for adjusting the pivot holes in clock plates to fit the arbours, for example. They would be normal tools for a clock maker/repairer.

Bill Lamond

Worn pivot files were often made into burnishers. I have some. I used to repair antique clocks and watches.

Steve R.

They are clock maker's broaches.

Most of them are 5-sided cutting broaches used by clock makers to enlarge tapered holes prior to fitting tapered bushes. The other tool is a combined pivot file and burnisher which cost about £26 new, so if you still have them it would be worth putting them up for auction.

Cliff Coggin.