Preliminary identification

Interapid 312b-3 Dial Test Indicator

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A professional-grade Swiss-made metrology tool designed for measuring minute mechanical variances with a resolution of one ten-thousandth of an inch (.0001").

Story

In the high-precision world of 20th-century Swiss manufacturing, the name Interapid was whispered with the same reverence as Patek Philippe. This tool was the 'eyes' of the master machinist, allowing them to detect errors forty times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Maker / Origin

Interapid is a legendary Swiss brand that became part of the Brown & Sharpe family, known globally for producing what many machinists consider the finest test indicators ever made.

Condition & Value

The crystal shows significant surface scratching and fine 'crazing' or stress cracks, which is common for tools used in environments with oil and temperature fluctuations. The dial face remains clean and legible.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD