AN ENGLISH MAHOGANY CASE OF HOLTZAPFFEL WOODWORKING CHISELS

Holtzapffel & Co. was a tool and lathe making company in London, founded by German immigrant, John Jacob Holtzapffel in 1793. The firm specialized in lathes for ornamental turning, something that was a popular leisure occupation for gentlemen at that time. Many ornamental lathes were bought by the aristocracy, and those made by Holtzapffel & Co. were considered the best. A similar set of tools, by Holtzapffel were sold Christie's, South Kensington, 21 June 2011, lot 426 (£3,500, including premium).