From Watson’s Tin Box: The Engineer’s Thumb | The Fourth Garrideb

“Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatch-box with my name, John H. Watson, MD, Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid.”

– The Problem of Thor Bridge (THOR)

“Round one of his hands he had a handkerchief’ wrapped, which was mottled all over with bloodstains.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion that meets in Columbia, Maryland, shares a few select items from their tin evidence box for The Engineer’s Thumb with us here at The Fourth Garrideb. These evidence boxes were originally created by the late Paul Churchill, BSI, one of the founders of Watson’s Tin Box and contains both genuine artifacts and genuine faux reproductions that he (and others) created. These items create a great deal of discussion at their monthly meetings and we hope it will do the same here. Enjoy!

“I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the side table.’
I took it up and glanced at it. ‘Mr Victor Hatherley, hydraulic engineer, 16a Victoria Street (3rd floor).’ That was the name, style, and abode of my morning visitor.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“‘This has been done,’ said I, examining the wound, ‘by a very heavy and sharp instrument.’
‘A thing like a cleaver,’ said he.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“‘Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the name of “Colonel Lysander Stark” engraved upon it.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“You are probably aware that fuller’s earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found in one or two places in England?” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“It was a quiet little plainly furnished room, with a round table in the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the door.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“‘Here is an advertisement which will interest you,’ said he. ‘It appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this – “Lost on the 9th inst., Mr Jeremiah Hayling, aged 26, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten o’clock at night, and has riot been heard of since. Was dressed in,” etc. etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the Colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy.'” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the seat, and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford for its centre.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“‘Come,’ said the inspector, laughing; ‘it’s a very pretty diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do you give your casting vote to?'” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

“‘None at all,’ said Holmes. ‘They are coiners on a large scale, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the place of silver:
‘We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work,’ said the inspector. ‘They have been turning out half-crowns by the thousand.” ~ WTB ENGR Evidence Box

Thanks to the 42nd Garrideb, Denny Dobry, for the scans in this post. Thanks also to Debbie Clark, the 58th Garrideb, the current keeper of the evidence boxes.

Watson’s Tin Box, a BSI scion in Columbia, MD, is one of the most active Sherlockian groups in the Middle Atlantic region, Generally meeting on the last Monday of each month, the meetings feature canonical toasts, good conversations and dining, as well as a discussion of the month’s featured story and an educational presentation. For more information about Watson’s Tin Box, please visit their website HERE.

A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars