Unique T.L. Lilly, W.H. Doffert Compound Miter Box, Bath PA., Tatamy PA.

Description

After researching this unique compound miter box I have not been able to find another example, or any any other items by the makers T.l. Lilly of Bath Pennsylvania, or W.H. Doffert of Tatamy Pennsylvania. This leads me to believe it is a "one-off" probably created as a prototype. I have included what information I found below.
The Miter box is carefully and exactingly constructed of cast iron and cast brass or bronze, and operates very smoothly. It is as I found it, no cleaning or restoration.
The 28" long Disston saw was with the miter box when I purchased it and the wear on the saw indicates indicate it is likely an original pairing. The medallion with patent dates around the keystone indicates the saw dates to the late 1880's - early 1890's; a reasonable estimate of the date the miter box was made.
I've done my best to include pictures that give a thorough look at this unique tool, and I am happy to answer questions.
The price reflects the rarity and condition of this unique find, and includes the cost of shipping within the continental United States, additional costs outside the continental U.S. will be negotiated with the buyer. I will construct a custom wood shipping crate and pack the miter box and saw carefully.
Please look over the pictures, and ask any questions you may have.
I am happy to entertain reasonable offers.
RESEARCH FINDINGS -
William Henry Doffert 1871-1959 obituary mentions he was a pattern maker for the Messinger Manufacturing Company in Tatamay, a foundry that produced many agricultural implements.
T.L. Lilly remains a mystery except for a single mention in the
The Morning Call newspaper from
Allentown, Pennsylvania
31 Jan 1913, in a small section reporting on the rather mundane doings in Point Phillips:
"T.E. Lilly is building a new porch to his house. T.L. lilly is doing the work."
This seems to indicate T.L. Lilly was a carpenter.
My best guess is that Lilly and Doffert collaborated in a venture to manufacture miter boxes that never got beyond this prototype, it's less likely they went to all the trouble just to make one, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility.