Resource for Brass Lens Era Screws?

[Drew Bedo]

I have just gotten an old, 1900s era brass lens.

The pinion gear housing is missing three of its four screws. Is there a non-big box hardware store source for something that will work.?

[r_a_feldman]

Here in Chicago, I go to Ace Hardware for small brass screws and bolts. For the smaller sizes (1-72 and finer), I go to a hobby shop that sells model railroading supplies.

[RichardRitter]

Last time I needed those screws I had to make them.

[Drew Bedo]

Last time I needed those screws I had to make them.

I was afraid that might be the case. YetI think that this lens is from the later part of the brass lens age with a nickeled lens barrel . . .so I am hoping that the thread pattern is from the mass production, interchangeable parts technology rather than the one-off craft tradition.

A trip to some hardware store is coming. . . .and maybe a model train shop.

[Tin Can]

Better be a very old Hobby shop

I have a huge only historical toy train shop near me

I mentally cataloged all his metal and fastnerers

I repaired threads for decades

Even used Metal Disingration machines to remove old and broken

https://cammann.com/what-is-metal-disintegration/

are plated lens barrels a sign of projector lenses and less value

I was afraid that might be the case. YetI think that this lens is from the later part of the brass lens age with a nickeled lens barrel . . .so I am hoping that the thread pattern is from the mass production, interchangeable parts technology rather than the one-off craft tradition.

A trip to some hardware store is coming. . . .and maybe a model train shop.

[smigol]

Check with JI Morris for miniature screws like this. https://jimorrisco.com/ Might have high minimum though.

Alternate is mcmaster.

[Drew Bedo]

What about SK GRimes as a source?