Good brands for antique measuring tools/squares/calipers/micrometers etc?

[wsal]

Hey all,
Just wondering if there's some accepted wisdom on what brands are good to look out for for nice old measuring/machinist tools (ie. when searching ebay/flea markets). I have an inherited old Brown & Sharpe combination square with protractor and centre finder that could well be from the 1930s, and it's just lovely - heavy, sturdy, smooth. The kind of tool that just feels good in the hand! I also have a Stanley combination square that just feels like cheap junk in comparison... Also got some nice Starrett bits and pieces and a Mitutoyo vernier. So what else out there is nice? I see Moore & Wright pop up now and then - are they good?

[RayG]

Old Starrett are good, as are old M&W, but keep an eye out for the swiss brands like Tesa, Brown&Sharpe, German brands like Mahr etc.. Don't buy the newer Starrett they are very poor quality.

I would ask the question over in the metalwork forum, you'll get plenty of ideas.

Ray