A Publication of the Mid-West Tool Collect~rs Association
Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools One Hand Ice Saws articles begins on page 10
M-WTCA.ORG
INDIANS AND CHIEFS on labels and axes. The Red Warrior Axe and Related Labels, article begins on page 28
June 2011 No. 143 The Gristmill Index
Features Departments Important M-WTCA Document on Display at Mount Vernon .. 6 Chaff ...... 4 One-Handed Ice Saws - Part 1 ...... 10 Committee Reports ...... 5 Two Gunstock Plane Examples ...... 19 Letters to the Editor ...... 6 Eagles and Stars ...... 20 Area Meetings ...... 7 Buck Roger Prototype Found ...... 23 You Can't Hear it Coming if it Doesn't Make a Sound ..... 18 M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership & Additional Gifts for 2010 .. 26 Tool Family Trees ...... 22 The Red Warrior Axe and Related Labels ...... 28 Book Review ...... 34, 44 Tool Makers of Middletown, Connecticut ...... 31 What's It ...... 34 New Book Tells Story of Planemakers Who Served in the Revolution .. 32 Lest We Forget ...... 37 They Come Out or Removable Blades ...... 35 Auxiliary ...... 38 When Giants Fall ...... 43 Obituaries ...... 42
The Gristmill No. 143 June, 2011
Copyright 2011 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Directors Committee Chairman Association, Inc. All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Area A AreaJ Elections ...... George Wanamaker Robert Nelson, 2011 Rick Kerns, 2011 Meeting Planning ...... Bob Fields Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm Richard Rayburn, 2012 Jim Dills, 2012 Membership ...... John Walkowiak 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Matthew Kujawa, 2013 Scholarship ...... Mark Eastlick Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson AreaK AreaB Monte Harold, 2011 Gristmill Editor ...... Bill Kolm Graphic Design: Tracie Sis Steve McNulty, 2011 Gary Coleman, 2013 Special Publications ...... Vincent Soukup The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Darrell Vogt, 2012 By-Laws and Policy ...... Vaughn Sin1mons Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quaiterly in Gary Kane, 2013 AreaL What's It ...... Open Dave Fessler, 2011 Mai·ch, June, September and December. Directory ...... Larry Thorson The purpose of the Association is to promote the preserva AreaC tion, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements Mike Stemple, 2011 AreaM Preservation & Education ...... Phil Baker and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pio Jim Cran1mond, 2012 Ronnie Glover, 2012 Marion Henley Award ...... Mel Ring neers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were Zachary Dillinger, 2013 Richard Bradshaw, 2013 Displays & Awards ...... Dick Bradshaw used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share lmowl Fantily Assistance ...... Don Riley edge and understanding with others, especially where it may AreaD AreaN Internet ...... Russ Allen benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. Ed Chabal, 2011 Phil Baker, 2011 Lee Kallstrom, 2012 Randy Knudsen, 2012 Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla President David Christen, 2013 Scrapbook ...... Barb & Mike Slasinski George Wanamaker AreaO 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 AreaE Allan Foster, 2011 [email protected] cell (309) 255-2406 Robert Olesen, 2011 Bob Weaver, 2012 Where to Send What Rus Allen, 2012 Bill Racine, 2013 Vice-President of Elections Please note where to send what so it will reach the Gary Johnson, 2012 Hollis Feeser right person. 1606 28th Street N.W, Rochester, Minnesota 55901-7614 Ron Knorr, 2013 AreaP (507) 282-3175 Donald Stark, 2011 Send changes in your address, phone number or AreaF Richard Weymer II, 2012 E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, Vice-President of Meeting Planning Mark Johnson, 2011 Jason Miller, 2013 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, Bob Fields Randy Brown, 2012 E-Mail [email protected] 7835 Mount Holly Huntersville, Charlotte, NC 28216-8710 Bill Marlowe, 2012 AreaQ [email protected] (704) 393-1282 Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 M-WTCA.ORGDavid Friday, 2011 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone (586) Vice-President of Membership AreaG Rob Zaccardi, 2012 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] John Walkowiak Roy Ebersole, 2011 Tom Konsler, 2013 Pay membership dues for current year: Dues are $25 3452 Hun1boldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 Wayne Michael, 2012 for USA, $33 for Canada & $44 for Foreign members. [email protected] (612) 824-0785 Ray Myers, 2013 AreaR Send your check made out to M-WTCA to LeRoy Witzel, Frank Flynn, 2013 Treasurer, P.O. Box 355 Humboldt, IA 50548-0535 phone Vice-President of Scholarship AreaH (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected]. Please Mark Eastlick Peter Habicht, 2013 Areas write RENEW and your naine and address on your 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cainbridge Spring, Penn. }6403-9776 [email protected] (814) 734-7818 Vaughn Sin1mons, 2011 check. Do not use a new member application to renew Areal Neil Bohnert, 2013 an existing membership. Treasurer Emory Goad, 2011 Submit materials and advertising information to LeRoy Witzel James C Goodson, 2013 The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding PO. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548-0355 Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, [email protected] (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected] Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark Eastlick Secretary The Gristmill is printed by Elman & Co. Inc. Larry Thorson 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge Spring, Penn. 6565 South 118th St. Omaha, Nebraska 68137 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 phone 402.346.0888 [email protected] (608) 779-0966
2 The Gristmill Coming Up
M-WTCA National Meetings Spring 2011...... June 23-25, Bowling Green, KY. Fall 2011 ...... Sept 28-Oct 1, Baraboo, WI Bob Fields (704) 393-1282, [email protected] Bob Fields (704)393-1282, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608)779-0966, [email protected] 2011 M-WTCA Area Meetings
Area S ...... Meet ... ..June 11, Staunton, VA, Area B ...... Meet ..... August 28, Deforest, WI • Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617, [email protected] Steve McNulty (715) 284-4060, [email protected] Area C ...... Meet ..... July 16, Kalamazoo, MI Area P ...... Meet ..... August 28, Adamstown, PA Jim Crammond (734) 241-0549, [email protected] Don Stark (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Area Q ...... Meet .. .. .July 23, Raleigh, NC Area C ...... Meet .. ... Sept. 24, Dearborn, MI Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, [email protected] Del Galofaro (734) 676-0997, [email protected] Area D ...... Meet ..... July 24, Mt. Pleasant, IA Area D ...... Meet ..... Oct. 9, Omaha, NE Ed Chahal (319) 385-4710, [email protected] -- • Le_: Kalls!r~ (402) 981-0500, [email protected] Area E ...... Meet ..... August 7, Garfield Farm Museum, LaFox, IL, Area Q ...... Meet ..... Nov. 5, Bethania, NC George Cella (630) 377-3646, [email protected] Robert Oehman (919) 858-8506, [email protected] Area F ...... Meet ... ..Aug . 20, La Porte, IN Area E ...... Meet ..... Nov.6, Carlinville, IL, Carl Bilderback (219) 362-9869, None Bob Terry (618)377-3421, [email protected] Area A ...... Meet ..... Aug. 21, Rochester, MN Area S ...... Meet ... ..Nov. 12, Broadway, VA Matt Kujawa (507) 529-1553, [email protected] Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617, [email protected] Area N ...... Meet ..... Nov. 19, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] 2012 M-WTCA Area Meetings
Area I,J,K. ... Meet ..... Feb. 11, Bentonville, AR Area A ...... Meet ..... Apr. 21, Cannon Valley Auction Center, Cannon Falls, MN Emery Goad (888) 889-3340, [email protected] Bob Nelson (651) 426-2069 Area A ...... Meet ..... February 11, Medina MN Area D ...... Meet ..... May 6, Humboldt, IA Bob Nelson (651) 426-2069 LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] Area E ...... Meet ..... March 25, Loves Park, IL Area N ...... Meet ..... Nov. 19, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL Gary Johnson (815) 636-1464 Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] Dates must be cleared with Jim Crammond (734) 241-0549, [email protected]
Stop "Clowning Around" & Come to Baraboo, Wisconsin by Lorry Thorson/Bob Fields & Jeanne Thorson/Kathy Hobbs
As a child, I am sure you remember how excited you were There is a lot to see and learn at Circus World, but its when you heard that, "The circus is coming, the circus is most enduring theme is a place where everyone can be coming to our hometown!" Well, guess what? Now you have a kid again! So with that in mind, the men's theme will an opportunity to go to the winter hometown of the Ringling be "boy's tools and tool sets" and the Auxiliary theme Brothers Circus: Baraboo, Wisconsin. So get busy and start will be: "Let's be a kid again!" So have FUN and create making plans to come to our Fall M-WTCA National Meeting a magical display sharing your wonderful childhood in Baraboo, Wisconsin on Sept. 28 memories with us. It will be a through Oct. 1, 2011. great way for all of us to get to M-WTCA.ORGknow each other better! Larry & Jeanne Thorson are in the midst of planning a great meeting Plans are still developing. There for all of us. One of the highlights are a lot of things to do in the will be a tour of the Circus World area including a 1500 booth craft Museum in Baraboo with a special fair, flea market and farmer's "behind the scenes" tour of the market in Warrens WI the week magnificently restored 100-year end prior to the meeting. The old circus wagons. No doubt, this Fall meeting will be a great will be interesting for both the men and women. Be sure opportunity for you to be a kid again and come to the to bring your camera as these restored circus wagons are Ringling Brothers hometown in Baraboo and have lots beautifully decorated and very colorful. Something you of FUN. certainly do not get to see every day.
June 2011 3 Chaff From The President, George Wanamaker
This question has been raised a mnn ity, even if I do not collect it, I may buy it. The above types ber of times to me, "What can we do of individuals could bring those tools to meetings to sell to to get more high quality tools to Mid an interested collector, without affecting their collections. West Tool Collectors Meetings?" Other collectors set a finite number of tools to hold in Before I discuss this subject, I want their collection. They buy a new tool and sell one from to say I truly believe that every true their collection. Thus, more good tools go on the MWTCA collector can find at least one and market. probably several affordable tools to Another way to improve the quality and quantity of tools take home to their collection at any would be for members to bring one or two specific tools National and almost any local meet to the member auction at the National Meetings. It should ing. There truly is something for everyone. be submitted for sale only at the auction. At present, This question presents a many tools sit on a table for three quandary. The question should days, then go to the auction. As be, "What has happened to tool '' What can we do to get more better tools appear at the auction, collecting to cause this situation high quality tools to Mid-West better prices will be realized to arise?" In my opinion, two Tool Collectors meeting? ,, which would lead to more quality things are the principle cause of tools being sold through this this situation. First, we have venue, and thus more buyers. been successful. Antique or collectible tools are not This is an improving market spiral. being made any more. Therefore, there is a finite num What this comes down to is that the members need to ber available and demand is out stripping supply. A qual think about what they can do to improve the quality and ity tool will usually only change hands a couple of times selection of tools at the National and local meetings. The before it is "retired" to a collection for the foreseeable members can take steps that will build the fun and antici future. As the number available decreases the competi- pation of other members in the collecting of tools. The tion increases. prices realized will improve if the overall quality of items A second reason for this is the development of large improves because more people will attend the auctions scale marketing (in terms of customer contacts). The and selling. internet and eBay come to mind first. But, we would Finally, if every one would show restraint, especially at also have to include the increase in the number of large the National Meetings and refrain from SELLING and tool auctions held around the country. In the mid 1970s, BUYING tools until at least Wednesday, many problems when I became a member of MWTCA, there was Bud would solve themselves. The meeting would be cheaper Browns Auction and maybe one or two member auctions for many because they would not have the expense of around the country per year, plus the auction held at the staying Monday or Tuesday. More people would attend MWTCA National Meeting. Now there are ten or more go Wednesday through Saturday because they would not feel to, sit down auctions per year that specialize in tools. they had already missed the prime tools early in the week These are taking tools that previously might have come Many people just do not attend because, they believe they to MWTCA meetings. cannot get good quality tools on Friday and Saturday Another angle of the mass marketing is that most sellers because of the early week trading. want a top price for items, which leads to the need for To solve the problem of more quality tools at MWTCA larger audiences of buyers to develop oppositional bid Meetings, it will take everyone's cooperation. Buyers ding. MWTCA meetings can provide an audience of sever M-WTCA.ORGmust refrain from buying, which will stop sellers from al hundred rather than several thousand buyers looking at selling. No one would need to arrive early and everyone a given item. would have a more equal opportunity to buy quality tools WHAT CAN MWTCA DO ABOUT THIS? We, as an organ in the trade room and the auction. This will lead to more ization may not be able to do much, but as individuals and better tools at MWTCA meetings. interested in tool collecting there are several possible I value your opinions and should you wish to discuss this options. I know of individuals with several identical qual further, please contact me. ity tools that they are holding for investments. There are also collectors who purchase any quality tool because it is a quality tool, but their interest lies elsewhere. I am this type of collector. If I see something different of good qual-
4 The Gristmill Committee Reports
Recognizing and Opportunity by Hollis Feeser, VP of Elections
Area Directors are limited to serving two 3 year terms. By have a voice at the Directors meetings, and might even get design, this 6. year limit results in Director turn over. In a tip on locating that special tool. turn this presents an opportunity for new ideas and new Now is the time to prepare for the nomination of Directors voices from new Directors . The Directors are the glue that to fill open seats. The process begins with nominations holds the areas together and they carry the voice of the from the areas. Any member of M-WTCA can be nominat area to the Directors and officers at the semiannual meet ed or you can nominate yourself. However you must ings. Serving as a Director is not difficult. It involves a few insure that the nominee has agreed to being on the ballot. hours a year working with other Directors, planning meets, tracking income and expenses, assisting with mailings and Do not pass up this opportunity. I have yet to meet a correspondence and listening to the memberships sugges Director, past or present who says "I wish I had not agreed tions and comments. Directors are encouraged to attend to serve". the Semi-Annual National Meetings but it is not mandatory. Now is the time. Contact that potential candidate and Opportunities abound! You will meet new friends, and complete the attached nomination form on the inside of meet the Officers and Directors of other areas. You will the front cover of The Gristmill.
Membership by John Walkowiak, VP of Membership
I hope everyone has had a chance to attend at least one Please take along some brochures on your tool hunts and spring meeting, and in the process has passed on some give them to others with similar interests, or you can tell good tools to fell ow members and perhaps added a tool to them to go to our website to check us out. your collectio? or working tool kit. Also, please put a membership brochure in your eBay or Our membership is holding steady and for that I thank all internet sales. If you can use a Silent Salesman just let me you members who have been promoting our great know and I will get one to you. Organization. Have a great summer!
Mount VernonM-WTCA.ORG Needs Rotherham Plow Parts by Neil Bohnert
Mount Vernon needs parts for two Rotherham plows to be the "broken Rotherham plows". It is to show what the Salt included in the renovated Salt House exhibit. The 1799 House looked like in 1799. As many know, Phil Baker and inventory of the estate following George Washington's other M-WTCA members are continuing to work with the death lists "two broken Rotherham plows" in the Salt collections staff to acquire tools and prepare exhibits for House. It is believed these plows were stored there for the Mount Vernon Tool Collection. If you have plow parts some time prior to 1799, awaiting repair. The collections to donate or need information, please contact Neil staff is looking for parts that could be placed on exhibit as Bohnert ( 434-420-1221 or [email protected]).
June 2011 5 Important M-WTCA Document on Display at Mount Vernon by Neil Bohnert
A special exhibit at the Mount Vernon Museum through One Hand Do. [Hammer] August 9 of this year features a document purchased for One Large Screw the collection by M-WTCA in 2003. The document, a Two Pair Tongs receipt dated January 22, 1755 for "Sundry Smith's Tools sold to George Washington," is extremely important to the One Tool for forming the Eyes of Axes collection because it is the earliest evidence of black Two Cleve Irons smithing at Mount Vernon. At the time, 22 year old Washington had arrived at the estate just one month earli This document, as all others in the collection, will be exhib er. The receipt is signed by Adam Stephen, thought to be ited only for a six month period every five years in order to a broker or middleman in the purchase. protect it from exposure to light. The exhibit, The receipt lists 23 items. (Do. is an Bringing Them Home: 150 Years of Restoring the abbreviation for "ditto"). Washington Collection, features many Washington items never before on display. This is One Large Pair Bellows a rare opportunity to see this special contribution One Large Vice by M-WTCA, only until August 9. The exhibit One Small Do. [Vice] credits M-WTCA for donating the document. One Pr. Tongs Old Iron After years of research and archaeology, the Three Broad Files Blacksmith Shop was reconstructed on the site Three Square Do. [Files] of Washington's original shop and opened in April, 2009. Demonstrations of 18th century One Tool for making Large Nails Smithing take place every day, creating the same One Do. [Tool] for making Small Nails household and agricultural items that were used One Anvil on Washington's plantation. Two Sledge [Hammers]
Letter to the Editor by David E. Heckel, Past-President & Past Gristmill Editor
I would like to congratulate and compliment John Wells and information to our members, with no thought of compen Paul Van Pernis on their series of eight articles on Leonard sation for themselves, speaks highly of John and Paul. Bailey, which recently was concluded in The Gristmill. To Their work supports M-WTCA's Purpose, " ... to promote produce such a scholarly work is an accomplishment that the preservation and study of antique and traditional fellow M-WTCA members should be justly proud of them. tools ... " and shows their willingness to share their knowl The research and the photography that these two mem edge with the membership. bers presented to the membership are outstanding. As Keep the articles coming, support The Gristmill, and let part of The Gristmill supplied to each member, this eight John and Paul know that their work is appreciated. part story was a labor of M-WTCA.ORGlove. To be willing to give this Letter to the Editor by Sam Ohio, Ripley Ohio
James Goodson's articles, "You can't hear it coming if it more than happy to share their knowledge with a youngster doesn't make a sound," have been a terrific addition to The like me. My favorite activity at the Tool Meets is the tail gait Gristmill. I hope Mr. Goodson is putting a book together ing/swapping/storytelling part. with all his stories and experiences. The stories and letters Thank you to three fine gentlemen, Atlee Hochstetler, Jim of personal finds are my most ertjoyable part of your publi Brown and Scotty Fulton for your stories, knowledge and cation. I am relatively young ( 40 years old)compared to friendship. It is men like these that will continue to draw most of the people that I meet at the Tool Meets, however all new and younger members to the M-WTCA. the members that I talk with are very friendly and seem
6 The Gristmill Area A "Cabin Fever" Meet - Medina MN, February 12, 2011 by Bob Nelson
Once again, the skies cleared and the snow stopped for Bea Westerberg did an interesting demonstration/display our 24th Annual ( and original) "Cabin Fever Meet". on "Teddy Bear Making from Wool Fleece". The process is as follows: • Gather the freshly sheared fleece • Wash the fleece many times in hot water to remove the lanolin, dirt and debris. • After the wool is dry, use a "felting" needle to develop the dense body components. • Assemble components and add trimmings.
Opening Announcements by Area A Directors Each ten inch Bear requires at least eight hours to complete. L to R: Matt Kujawa, Bob Nelson, Rick Rayburn Bea says that they are primarily a labor of love and general ly not for sale. We were all amazed at her exquisite creations. Rose Rayburn and Judy Nelson registered over 210 mem bers, guest and volunteers. We packed the Medina 13 year old Gavin Ballroom with 84 trade and display tables. The buying, Rayburn demonstrated selling, demonstrations, displays and auction ordered and displayed his pro something of interest to all who attended. cedure for sharpening plane blades. Gavin first uses a hand operat ed grinder to bevel and square up the cutting edge. Then the blade is placed in a fixture and set at a 25 degree angle. Gavin then works the blade on a Norton Multi Oil Stone device. He "Cabin Fever" selling/buying begins Gavin Rayburn demonstrates his does about 15 strokes Demonstrations: plane blade sharpening skills on the coarse stone, 15 Tom Latane1 demonstrated the simple but effective custom on the medium and finishes with 25 strokes on the fine scraper/cutter that he fabricated in order to replicate a non stone. The blade is then placed back side down and given standard molcling profile for one of his customers. Tom has a few circular strokes to de-burr the cutting edge. done a number of interesting demos for us over the years We encourage our children and grandchildren to become and we would like to thank him for sharing his expertise. involved with M-WTCA through displays and demos. Tom Howard, Dean Jansa and Mike Siemsen built and Gavin's demonstration taught many of us old timers the demonstarted a veneer saw (or frame re-saw). They even right way to sharpen our plane blades. Thanks Gavin. made their own saw blade from a piece of blade stock What's It? using a Foley Manual Toother patented in 1932. The saw is a replica of one Once again Eric "The Legend" conducted a great What's It found in Colonial session. We had many interesting items to discuss and Williamsberg. Mike wonder about. 1 M-WTCA.ORG Siemsen s School of Woodworking has been a consistent demonstrator at our local Meets. I can not thank this group of guys enough for their enthusiasm and educational contributions. Dean Jansa and Mike Siemsen demonstrating the re-saw/veneer saw that they made at the Meet Eric Mattson conducting another memorable "What's It" session
June 2011 7 Displays: Greg Strayer displayed an amazing selection of rare embossed axes that had many of us drooling and saying This year's theme was "19th Century Patented Edge "Boy I wish I had that one"! Tools" for the men and "Kitchen Tools - Old and New" for the women. Displays were judged according to M-WTCA Howard Mironov shared his collection of George Gay's guidelines. The results were as follows: ratcheted screwdrivers and also showed a rare "Clipper" Hand Surfacer for the final finishing of butcher blocks. Women's Best in Theme - Kim Borgwardt Best Women's Display- Bea Westerberg Catherine and Tom Latane' displayed the edge tools that they themselves crafted during a two week session in the Men's Best in Theme - Bob Nelson shop of Havard Bergland in Hamar, Norway. Displayed Men's Best Out of Theme - Bill Ericson were the laminated knife blades, carving tools and drills Men's Best Single Tool - Don Bosse that Tom forged under Mr. Bergland1s instruction, as well Best Junior Display - Gavin Rayburn as the wood, silver and leather that Catherine worked on People's Choice - Bill Ericson with the finished knives.
Howard Mironov - The "Clipper" Hand Surfacer
Bob Nelson - Leonard Bailey's Most Important Patents "Boston" Nos. 1 thru 4 circa 1868; Stanley Nos. 1-4 circa 1958
Howard Mironov - George Gay's Patented Ratchet Screwdrivers
Stanley No.71 Rabbet Spokeshave M-WTCA.ORGAdjustable Fence 1919- 1939 2 'I• inch wide Cutter Brass with Lacquered Finish
A brass framed rabbet spokeshave with an adjustable gauge. Will make rabbets In areas not accessible to a rabbet plane.
Bill Ericson - The "Companion" No. 1 Drills; circa 1879 Steve McNulty - Stanley No. 71 Kim Borgwardt - Rabbet Spokeshave "The Housewive's Helper" Pat'd 1881
8 The Gristmill Guild of Metal Smiths of St. Paul, MN. and the Badger Blacksmiths of Eau Claire, WI. The goal of these seminars is to preserve Norwegian Edge Tool traditions and to pass Scandinavian blacksmithing knowledge on to folks like Catherine and Tom. Cabin Fever Auction: This year's auction featured many nice tools from the collec tion of the late John Waldoch. In attendance were his daugh ter Virginia and sons Dave and Tom. Also featured were many of Bill Watkin's books and publications. Proceeds from the auction help us to cover Area A expenses. Auctioneers were Bob Daudt and Ben Langton. Auction Catherine and Tom Latane - Preserving Norwegian helpers were Mandy Gervals and Steve Nelson. Tool runners Edge Tool Traditions were Gavin Rayburn and Carter Nelson. 2012 Information:
1'\ll.,IIILl\'-..\,J 1JO:i Membership renewals are due on or before January 1, '\n. -:k.tU~ hrr, I<. In..,••• Ull)
Area Q Summer Meeting by Ed Hobbs
The annual M-WTCA Area Q summer meeting will be held While primarily a Saturday event, some early birds come in Raleigh, NC on Saturday July 23, 2011 at Ed & Kathy in on Friday afternoon to set up, check things out, social Hobbs' farm. ize and/or to park their motor homes or campers. In 2010, about 297 members and guests attended this meeting. Each year this "Annual Rite of Summer" draws a large number of those interestedM-WTCA.ORG in collecting and using tools as Because of the increasing number of people attending, well as those interested in early industries from all over again this year, pre-registration will be required to ensure the East coast and even the Mid-West. It is an opportunity we have adequate food and facilities. Registration forms to buy and sell tools, hear a very interesting program, view have a map and a list of local hotels. outstanding tool displays, participate in the tool auction, The farm is located just a few miles south of Raleigh off I- trade stories, eat great BBQ and generally relax under the 40 at exit 297. There is plenty of room for all. We can guar shade of the barns and pecan trees. antee there will not be any snow or cold weather and the Our program this year will be on repairing cast iron tools BBQ will melt in your mouth. as well as an update on our support of the Thomas Day Notices will be sent to all M-WTCA and EAIA members in House and Tavern. (Google Thomas Day to find out more NC, SC & VA in late June. For more information, contact about this exceptional 1840s vintage free man of color Ed Hobbs at 919-828-2754 ([email protected]) or who owned the largest cabinetmakers shop in NC.) Ray Hoke at 919-876-8512 ([email protected]).
June 2011 9 One-Hand Ice Saws - Part 1 by Bob Roger
This article is presented in two parts. Part 1, presented 4-6 feet long. The term 'ice saw' in this article refers to the here, covers ice saw patents, blades, handles, makers, smaller one-hand saws. and markings. Part 2, to be presented in the next issue, These saws may have more variability than any other one will compare other rough use saws with ice saws and function saw, and they were used for only a short time in discuss many of the surviving examples of ice saws. our history. They had their beginning in the last half of the Looking and seeing are not the same thing. We can look at 1800s as the natural ice industry expanded, and because something often, but never really 'see' it. Such is the case that industry was almost uniquely American, most if not with ice saws, a tool that I have looked at for a long time. all of these saws were made and used here. Their demise But now I think I am beginning to 'see' them. was signaled as electric refrigeration began to replace block ice delivery during the 1930s. Not really suitable for One-hand ice saws were used in the icehouse and on the other functions, most of these saws were left to rust or delivery wagon to separate large blocks that had frozen were recycled for their metal. together and also to cut the blocks into smaller sections for delivery to the customer. Although not generally col So how do they vary? Their handles are made in many lected for their beauty, they are usually easy to recognize. styles of wood or malleable iron or both, and were either Which of the following statements do you think are true solid or hollow. At least 30 different handle styles were about them? used on these saws. The blade's back may be skewed or straight, as may the toothed edge. The blade's thickness A. They always have metal handles. may be constant or tapered. The teeth may be large or B. They always have large V-shaped teeth. small, and their spacing on a saw may be constant or vari able. On some saws the teeth are in several groups with C. Their teeth are never set and the blades have no the spacing and size constant within the group but differ taper in their thickness. ent between groups. There may be teeth on both sides of D. They are plain with no etchings or markings. the saw blade. The nose of the blade may be squared, E. The blades are always between 24 and rounded, pointed, or might contain an ice chisel. They come in many lengths and weights. They were made with 36 inches long. at least three different styles of teeth (tooth shape), and F. All of the above. the teeth may be set or not. They may be elaborately If you selected any of the answers you need to keep read marked by their makers or retailers or left unmarked. There were many makers. Look at any other one-function ing because none are true. Look at Figure 1. There are three ice tools pictured, each having an ice chisel on the handsaw and see if you find as much variability. front of a toothed blade. Only two of these tools are one Applicable Patents hand ice saws. Can you pick out the imposter? It is the bottom tool, which is an ice cleaver or hack that was I have found only nine patents that relate to one-hand ice saws, and many of them were for attachments or added sometimes used in the icehouse in place of an axe. The features, not for the saw itself. Here they are in chronolog other two tools are ice saws. ical order. M-WTCA.ORG
Figure 1. Three unusual ice tools with chisel blades at the f ront This article is about these small one-hand saws, not the larger two-hand saws that were used on ponds and rivers to harvest the ice and whose blades were usually between Figure 2. Pat. 329,523 Figure 3. Pat. 771,419
10 The Gristmill Number 329,523 was issued November 3, 1885 to Gustav H. Werner of St. Louis, MO for a pair of ice tongs. One leg of his tongs contained a saw to start a cut in the ice where a split was desired. The other leg contained a blade to • 0 complete the splitting. See Figure 2. right: Figure 6. • Pat. 865,989 Number 771,419 was issued October 4, 1904 to John H. Conover of Pawnee City, Nebraska for a tool designed for below: Figure 7. use on ice wagons to split large blocks of ice into smaller .•7 ./ ...... rr"' .... '1-':°••l)iflll''-"'-"""j.'_' .. '.~i,--:.-:.i~ ' Pat. 878,839 - ., \ ,, , . . . \ blocks and to move the blocks around in the wagon. The L . ", \ J .,,,·~. . ',, • , . 1, ... : ."..' .l( r .,/ : ;\• 4 ( . •[; ·:,,.._:< •.· . i ,-•;_, • ''- -1 I ,. r I . 11 ·• 1, . • 11 •. _. , .· . • • · 1 •. many-toothed saw blade was sharpened on only one side ~- \- . - ,._ ; _ 1 ·,,· lr11 ~ ·;j •_;. , •. .'I :, : and moved back and forth to make a cut where the sepa ration was desired. See Figure 3. Number 878,839 was Number 837,172 was issued November 27, 1906 to Frank issued February 11, D. Woodford of San Jose, CA for a household saw to cut 1908 to George A. pieces from a block of ice. The saw was used to start the Walker of Jet, OK cut and the cleaver ( on the back opposite the saw blade) for a pair of ice and/or chisel (the blade at the tip of the tool) was used to tongs that also con complete the break See Figure 4. The saw blade angles up tained an ice saw in the front creating an illusion in the drawing that the and ice pick One blade has considerable thickness. arm of his tongs Number 850,292 contained a serrated was issued April edge (saw), and that arm also had a pointed end serving as 16, 1907 to an ice pick This tool is to carry a block of ice to its desti Thomas Butler of nation where the saw and pick are used to cut or split it Dallas, TX for an into smaller pieces. See Figure 7. ice saw that was Number 976,661 was issued November 22, 1910 to John designed for cut Kopp of Leavenworth, KS for an ice saw that had a wedge ting an ice block at the front of the saw and another at the rear of the blade while it is lying attached to the handle. The wedges were for entering the Figure 4. Pat. 837,172 within an ice box kerf and splitting the block, or for separating blocks that or refriger.ator. have become frozen together on the delivery wagon. Kopp The part desig said that the saw itself could be any suitable type of ice nated by the saw. See Figure 8. arrow is a wedge that can be inserted into the kerf to break off a partially sev ered piece. See Figure 5. M-WTCA.ORGFigure 5. Pat. 850,292 Number 865,989 was issued September 17, 1907 to John Bayless of Wellsburg, WV. It was for a combined ice saw and splitter. The saw consists of three sections held in above: Figure 8. place by a hefty back-and-handle unit. Two sharp blades Pat. 976,661 slide up and down through slots in the back between the left: Figure 9. saw sections and are held 'up' by a leaf spring. The saw Pat. 1,154,541 was used to cut a groove in the block and then a pair of levered hammers struck the blades, driving them into the groove and splitting the block See Figure 6.
June 2011 11 Number 1,154,541 was issued September 21, 1915 to Thomas Pacetty of Columbus, GA for a splitting attachment for ice saws. His attachment was a wedge-shaped blade attached to an ordinary ice saw. After the kerf was cut to the depth of the saw blade, the attachment was driven into the kerf using the weight of the saw as a hammer, splitting the block See Figure 9. The saw in his drawing closely resembles an E. C Simmons/H.M. Meier Oak Leaf brand saw that may have been made by E.C. Atkins (see Figure 29). Number 1,266,982 was issued May 21, 1918 to Winfield Scott Palmer of Glenburn, PA for an ice saw/ ice pick com bination tool. See Figure 10. His handle and saw back were Figure 11 . Werners 1885 tongs/saw made of wood. The pick was a single piece made from thick wire curled at the top to form a circular cap. It was held in the saw back by a spring that also returned it to striking position. A kerf was cut into the ice with the saw, and then the saw was moved slowly along the kerf with one hand while the pick was struck with the other hand, splitting the block Figure 12. Woodford 's 1906 saw
Because many of the surviving saws are unmarked, iden tification can be somewhat of a puzzle. With little patent information to go on, identification of a saw must be based on its features - the blade, the handle, and any markings. I do not know of any reference that discusses these features, so what follows is based entirely on what I have been able to observe from catalog illustrations and examination (by myself and others) of a number of surviv ing examples, most of which are discussed in Part 2 of the Figure 10. Pat. 1,266,982 article. These speculations may change as more examples Were any of these patents manufactured? Yes, at least are located and analyzed. three of them. Figure 11 shows an example of Werner's Blades patent (Figure 2). This example has the sharpened arm ( on top) for splitting the ice as well as the saw for The length of a saw blade is the length of the steel without starting the break, true to the patent. I have also seen the handle attached, and is measured from the tip of the an unmarked example of Conover's 1904 patent blade (toe) to the end of the blade in the handle. It is the (Figure 3). shortest length of steel blank the blade could have been made from. Figure 12 is an example of Woodford's 1906 patent (see Figure 4) that has the blade marked "The Woodford The overall length of the blade on most one-hand ice saws Pat. 11 27 06." It has the chisel on the end but was not was usually 18, 20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, or 42 inches, manufactured with the cleaverM-WTCA.ORG blade on the back. The although one of 39 inches has been measured. The blade total length of the saw, including handle, is 12 inches lengths on some of the patents discussed previously were and it has 2. 75 teeth per inch (TPI). I use TPI through less than six inches. Because many makers made their out the article rather than points-per-inch (PPI), which saws in several 'standard' lengths, the length of most saws is always one more than TPI. This blade is 8 ½ inches by itself does not identify its maker. long (including long tang in handle). The distance However, the shape of the blade can, in some saws lead to between the first and last tooth is only 4 ¾ inches. The speculation as to who made it. For example, the back blade is not tapered. The teeth are not set and are edge was usually straight although there were a very few sharpened as a ripsaw. with skewed backs, a feature that Disston dates to 187 4. Atkins and Simonds each made at least one model of their ice saws with a curved back (skewback), but most surviv-
12 The Gristmill ing ice saws have straight backs. Disston, Atkins, two saws are by the same maker (probably Hiles) and Woodford, and Branch-Crookes also made ice saws with both have a blade length of 42 inches. There are seven an arched back ( opposite of skewed). The tooth-edge on groups of tooth size on each of the saws, graduated from almost all Gifford-Wood ice saws appears to be curved smallest on the top (back) and then larger in the group at (breasted) while Disston and Atkins made some models the toe on the bottom and growing in size in each group as curved and some straight. they move toward the heel. The six groups of teeth on the bottom have the following number of teeth in them, from The toe (front) of the blade has several defining features toe to heel: 7, 6, 6, 6, 7, and 5. So do these two saws have to look for. The toe shape and the shape of the back end identical blades? No. The smallest teeth are in the group (heel) between the teeth and the handle may both offer at the top (back) of the blade, and one saw has 17 teeth in clues as to maker. On the toe, is the end straight or curved this group while the other saw has 18. or pointed? If straight, is the intersection with the back rounded or squared? These features will be evident in the catalog drawings and in the examples shown in Part 2. Figure 59 (in Part 2) illustrates 16 different blade shapes that are linked to makers. While some ice saws have tapered blades and some have a 'set' in the teeth, these features are not good identifiers because there is little data to link them to the makers. The final and most noticeable features of the blade are the size and shape of the teeth. While they usually indicate that it is an ice saw they are not by themselves definitive as to maker. Almost all Figure 14. Two saws illustrating variability in teeth within the saw manufactured ice saws On woodworking saws the angle between the two edges appear to have one of (leading and trailing) of a crosscut tooth is standardized at three types of crosscut 60 degrees. I call this the tooth angle. The angle the lead teeth - Plain, M, or Great ing edge of the tooth makes with a perpendicular to the American. The three line connecting the gullets is also generally constant. I say types are shown in generally because Disston's 'The Saw in History' from Figure 13 with the plain 1915 to 1925 has this angle at 12 degrees while Disston's tooth CV-shape) being 'Saw, Tool and File Manual' dated 1939 has the angle at 15 the most common. The degrees. There appears to be no standardization on either example in Figure 12 has the tooth angle or the leading edge angle for ice saws hav a plain tooth that has ing Plain (V) teeth. Generally, the angle between the lead gullets with parallel ing and trailing edges of a tooth on an ice saw is narrow sides, a combination of er than that of wood-saw teeth (60 degrees). Many ice .______P___ ta __ in __ T __ oo ___ t __.h the plain and M styles. saws have teeth with overall angles between 30 and 40 Figure 13. Tooth types1 degrees, although at least one has a 60-degree angle. Tooth length (gullet depth measured perpendicular to a Handles line connecting gullets) is highly variable between saws, and sometimes evenM-WTCA.ORG within a saw. Tooth spacing Handles for ice saws were made of either malleable iron ( expressed as teeth per inch, or TPI) also has similar vari or wood (usually beech), or a combination of iron and ability between and within saws. The number of teeth per wood. Most surviving examples have iron handles. Iron inch is computed as 1/S ( see Figure 13 for how S is meas handles were riveted to the blade with either two, three, ured). The larger the tooth the smaller the TPI number or four rivets while saw nuts, wood screws, or rivets were will be. I have found that ice saws generally have their used with beech handles. Some makers used very distinc teeth spaced between 2.3 and 0.6 TPI, and this is probably tive handles and these can be fairly reliable identifiers. In one of the key characteristics that differentiate ice saws addition to the shape of the handle and the way it fastens from other saws. The discussion under 'Other Rough-Use to the blade, the iron handles may have either a solid or Saws' in Part 2 of the article presents more on this feature. hollow handgrip. If hollow, the openings will be on the sides (as slits or holes) or on the ends (top and bottom Look carefully at the two ice saws in Figure 14 to see openings), or both. Using the handle's material, shape, some of the variability to be found in ice saw teeth. These and hollow/solid features, I have identified 30 different
June 2011 13 handles from the ice saws in the catalog illustrations in catalog with 34 teeth. Actual examples of this saw, all this Part and the surviving examples that will be shown in with 30-inch blades, have 30 teeth (unmarked). 68 teeth Part 2. They are all shown together for comparison in (marked), 30 teeth (unmarked), and 31 teeth Figures 57 and 58 of Part 2. (unmarked). Makers Disston White2 provides a list of ice-tool makers from the 1890 HANO ICE SAWS. / With Iron Handle. 'Seeger & Guernsey's Cyclopaedia of the Manufacturers and Products of the United States'. The listing under ice saws (it does not specify whether one-hand saw or larger) is: American Saw Co., Trenton, NJ G ~,; it1t:ht.·~. 2~ im hes. E.C.Atkins & Co., Indianapolis, Ind. ~1.(J() 21.00 BEECH HANDLES. Baldridge & Hogan Saw Co., Cincinnati, Ohio Henry Disston & Sons, Philadelphia R. Hoe & Co., NYC Knickerbocker Ice Co., Philadelphia Harvey W. Peace & Co., Brooklyn, NY Figure 15. Disston 1897 Richardson Bros., Newark, NJ Wheeler, Madden & Clemson Mfg. Co., Middletown, NY
The list is obviously incomplete, not even including the ice-tool giants of Gifford Brothers of Hudson, NY, W. T. Wood & Co. of Arlington, Mass. and many others. But Figure 16. Disston 1915 even if a saw had a logo on it we might not know who actually made the saw. For example, suppose we have Figures 15 & 16 are from Disston's catalogs of 1897 and one with a Richardson Brothers mark. The National 1915. The 1897 illustration shows two saws with M teeth, Saw Company bought Richardson in 1890 and contin but with a note that they were available with either plain ued to operate the facilities and use the Richardson (V) or special (M) teeth. Lengths offered were 24, 26, 28 marks. They also bought the companies of Wheeler et & 30 inches. Note that the shape of the toe is straight al, Peace, and Woodrough & Parlin in the early 90s, and with a rounded corner at the back, and the heel angles continued their operations and marks as well. So was toward the tooth edge. This shape appears to be typical our hypothetical saw made by Richardson or National? of Disston's ice saws. Three different handles are shown, Maybe it was Disston, because it is likely that National two of iron and one beech. The top handle in Figure 15 is was either absorbed by Disston or was a Disston sub iron and has a ridge at the front of the hand opening, as sidiary whose affiliation was masked to maintain an does the iron handle in Figure 16. That ridge may be spe illusion of competition. However, the Richardson ice cific to Disston's iron handles. All three saws have a saw in the National catalog (Figure 26) has a handle slightly breasted tooth edge, and the saw in Figure 16 that appears identical to one of the Simond handles and the bottom saw in Figure 15 have straight backs. rather than a Disston handle. Reminds me of Abbott & The top saw in Figure 15 has an arched (convex - oppo Costello's 'Who's on First?'M-WTCA.ORG routine. site of skewed) back. Following are some catalog illustrations of ice saws, Other hardware dealer catalogs list the Disston saw in but first a note of caution. After recording the charac Figure 16 as the Disston No. 73 (1922 catalog, 24, 26, & 28 teristics of the saws illustrated in these catalogs, I con inch blades), the Disston No. 73 (1930 catalog, 30 inch clude that although fairly accurate, they are artist's blade), the Disston Wagon Saw (1932 catalog, 26, 28, & 30 illustrations and should not be relied on for exactness inch blades), and the Keystone (1942 catalog, 28 inch without confirmation from actual examples. For blade). In the 1922, 1932, and 1942 catalogs the blades instance, the Gifford-Wood #642 ice saw with 30-inch have a 'square' toe instead of having the corner rounded. blade appears in the G-W 1906 catalog having 41 teeth, I find it interesting that an ice saw was still listed in a in the G-W 1908 catalog with 40 teeth, in the G-W 1919 1942 catalog. catalog with 40 teeth, and in the E.C. Simmons 1921-22
14 The Gristmill Wood & Gifford-Wood Saw number 652 had a wood handle, as did their number 640 ( also 30 inches long) that was not illustrated. \V eight, 2 ¼ poun s. In the Gifford-Wood catalog of summer 1908 the following saws are listed: 641 - Illustrated, same as in the 1906 catalog except that the mark on the blade is now Gifford-Wood Co. in a semicircular arc. Under the 641 it notes Figure 17. Wood 1888 the No. 640 Wood-Handle Hand Saws have the same shaped handle. 639- Wood handle, 26 inches 640 - Wood handle, 30 inches 640 ¼ - Wood handle, 36 inches 640 ¾ - Guard iron handle, 26 inches No. 641 Cuard lron-Hdl. Hand Saw. 641- Guard iron handle, 30 inches 30 in. blade. 641 ½- Guard iron handle, 36 inches Figure 18. Gifford-Wood #641 (1906) 642 - Illustrated same as 1906 except with the Gifford-Wood Co. mark and 1 less tooth. 641 ¾ - Oval iron handle, 26 inches 642 - Oval iron handle, 30 inches 642 ½ - Oval iron handle, 36 inches
No. 642 Oval lron-Hdl. Hand Saw. Figure 21 is from their 1919 catalog and shows the #642 de. with the Gifford-Wood mark Note that most Gifford Figure 19. Gifford-Wood #642 (1906) Wood saws have a fairly sharp corner where the toe meets the back (Figure 34 in Part 2 shows an exception), and that the line of teeth is clearly curved (Wood's saw was not) and their backs are straight. The 'oval' handle on the #642 appears to be distinctly theirs. No.652 Simonds Hand Ice Saw No. 359 Hollow back, regular tooth Figure 20. Gifford-Wood #652 (1906)
Figure 22. Simonds #359 (1919)
M-WTCA.ORGNO. 642 HAND SAW, OVAL IRON HANDLE. 30 IN. W e~ght, 4 ½ lbs.· blade 30 in. Ion . Figure 21. Gifford-Wood #642 (1919) Figure 23. Simonds #355 - Beech Handle (1919) Figure 17 shows an illustration of an ice saw from William T. Wood's 1888 catalog. It was 30 inches long and available with either a wood (No. 92) or iron (No. 93) handle. In 1905 Wood (of Arlington, Mass.) merged with Gifford . \ \ \ \ Brothers of Hudson, NY to become the Gifford-Wood Company. They continued to use Wood's mark on their saws, as shown in Figures 18-20 from their 1906 catalog. Figure 24. Simonds #357 - Iron Handle (1919)
June 2011 15 Figures 22-24 are from the 1919 'Catalog of Saws & Knives' of Figure 26 is a Richardson saw from the 1895 catalog of The Simonds Manufacturing Co, Fitchburg, Mass. Figure 22 The National Saw Co., Newark, NJ, who was operating shows their Hand Ice Saw No. 359, hollow back, regular Richardson Brothers Saws. It had a metal handle but tooth, available in lengths 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, & 34 inches. The Beech-handled ice saws were also available. Lengths of No. 355, shown in Figure 23, was for wagon use and was 24, 26, 28, and 30 inches were offered. NSC bought available in lengths of 24, 26, 28 & 30 inches. It had a beech Richardson Bros in 1890, the Wheeler, Maddon & Clemson handle with polished edges and M-style teeth. It appears to be Mfg Co. and the Harvey W. Peace Co. in 1891, and just like the bottom saw in Figure 15 (Disston 1897) except Woodrough & McParlin in 1893. NSC was either absorbed for the markings. Figure 24 shows the No. 357 that was by Disston or was a Disston subsidiary whose affiliation 3 intended for wagon use, had a malleable iron handle, and was was masked to maintain an illusion of competition • available in lengths of 24, 26, 28 and 30 inches. It's handle is However, the handle on the Richardson/National saw different from the top saw in Figure 15 (Disston 1897) in appears to be the same as the Simonds handle in Figure 24 three different aspects - the hand opening is farther from the rather than a Disston handle. blade, there is no ridge in front of the fingers, and the lower Hudson Tool Company tail is closer to the bottom than on the Disston handle. Belknap (Atkins)
I.. .. .•;_-:~• ..._ ,~. \ • Jty ...... ~'\ '-.. :... :~•
Figure 25. Belknap 1898
Belknap was a hardware dealer and not a saw maker. Simmons Figure 25 shows the three ice handsaws they offered in 1898. The top saw in Figure 25 is E.C. Atkins' No. 40 with pointed toe, V teeth, and a down-turned Japanned iron handle that is hollow with side openings. The blade was 18 inches long and had the Atkins logo on it. The middle saw is also Atkins, has a skewed back and V Polar.* teeth and was offered in lengths of 24 inches (the No. 1) and 28 inches (the No. 2). The teeth were set and the blade had the Atkins logo on it. The bottom saw in Figure 25 has a blade shape similar to the top saw (pointed blade,M-WTCA.ORG rounded heel), but with a beech handle and was 24 inches long. It had ARCTIC on the blade and probably was also an Atkins saw. National/Richardson
tar.*
Figure 28. Simmons 1899 & 1903 Figure 26. National (1895)
16 The Gristmill E. C. Simmons was a retailer and not a saw maker. Figure Montgomery Ward & Co. 28 shows three saws from their 1899 & 1903 catalogs Figure 30 is from Ward's Fall-Winter 1894-95 catalog and (same saws in both catalogs). The Polar had a 26 inch shows a one-hand ice saw with iron handle and M-style blade with V-teeth, a riveted beech handle, and was teeth, available in 24, 26, 28, and 30 inch lengths. The blade marked "H.M.Meier's Polar Ice Saw." It had a straight is etched with the Henry Disston & Sons mark It appears back, straight toe, and straight tooth edge. Schaffer" said to be the same as the top Disston saw in Figure 15. Meier was in St. Louis beginning in 1887. Another source has Herman M. Meier in St. Louis from 1853-1864 and said that he was a hardware dealer who marked his tools (which he apparently did not manufacture). The Meier name was later used by E. C. Simmons as a brand name, implying that Simmons absorbed Meier's company. Schaffer has E. C. Simmons (1868-1940) selling the H. M. 5 Meier Oak Leaf brand saws (see Figure 29). Birky adds Figure 30. Ward's 'Disston' (1894-95) that William Enders joined Simmons in 1887, and by 1912 he had become vice-president. From 1921-1930 a William Sears1 Roebuck & Co. Enders Manufacturing Co. was listed in directories with Figure 31 shows the offering in the Sears, Roebuck and the same address as Simmons, and evidence points to the Co. 1902 catalogue. There was no ice saw illustrated in conclusion that William Enders' Oak Leaf-brand tools their 1908 catalog. This saw has an iron handle and etched were a lower-quality product sold by the Simmons on blade is the Sears, Roebuck & Co. Chicago logo. It was Hardware Co. Who made the Oak Leaf saw? If Simmons sold in lengths of 24, 26, 28, and 30 inches. It has Great and Meier were both dealers, perhaps it was Enders American style teeth ( double M) and appears to be similar unless he also was just a dealer. to the Wards/Disston saw in Figure 30 except for a differ The middle saw in Figure 28 is a Disston saw with a 26- ent tooth style and handle. inch blade, Great American teeth, and iron handle. The blade is marked "Henry Disston & Sons Great American." It has a straight back, toe, and slightly breasted tooth edge. The bottom saw in Figure 28 is marked "North Star" with a 5-point star all in a rectangle. The blade is 26 inches long, has V-teeth and an improved Japanned iron handle. It has a straight back and toe and a curved tooth edge. This appears~to be the Gifford-Wood No. 642 saw with a Figure 31. Sears (1902) Simmons 'North Star' mark Markings Very few ice saws have their handles marked. Note that almost every saw in the catalog illustrations has etched markings on the blade, yet less than 20% of the examples I have looked at, show any markings at all. Were the marks worn off by heavy use, obliterated by rust, covered with paint, or were the saws just not marked? Because ice M-WTCA.ORGsaws were for 'rough-use' and etching was an added cost, I suspect that most of them were just not marked. Part 2 will be presented in the next issue. Figure 29. Simmons (1921-22) Figure 29 is from Simmons 1921-22 catalog. The top saw is marked Oak Leaf on the blade and is the No. EH with V Notes: tooth, iron handle, and 26 inch blade. It has a straight back 1. Crosscut Saw Manual, Warren Miller, Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, June 1978. and tooth edge and a curved toe and heel like the Atkins 2. Some American Ice Harvesting Tool Manufacturers and Dealers for 1890, saws, and the handle appears to have some similarity to one Stephen W. White, The Clu·onicle, March 1977, pages I 0-11. of Disston's handles. The bottom saw is the Gifford-Wood 3. Directory of American Toolmakers, Early American Industries Association, 1999. No. 642 with a 30 inch blade marked "Wm. T Wood & Co." 4. North American Wood Handsaw Makers Checklist, E1v Schaffer, January 1, 1991. 5. Edward Campbell Siimnons 1830-1921, Jack Birky, The Gristmill, March 1993.
June 2011 17 You Can't Hear it Coming if it Doesn't Make a Sound by James Goodson
During one of my formative These were pegged together quite nicely with four pegs tool collecting experiences, I and the beam was let through the handle with a double acquired a very odd and tenon (the top one open along its top edge). What I had ancient looking iron plane not noticed, was the finishing detail carefully applied to that was highly unusual and the bottom of the handle. This a knowledgeable friend unlike anything I had seen or pointed out, was fashioned exactly like the toe end of a read about before. I paid very narrow wooden molding plane with the quarter inch little for the opportunity to chamfers continuing down each edge of the handle and bring it home and simply study its unique characteristics. half way around the bottom end so that when looking It had a thin straight sided iron 'box-like' body around its head on at the handle base, one would instantly recognize perimeter which was completely hollow inside. This 'box' the familiar profile of the front of a molding plane. As was tapered toward the toe end and was brazed along each typical in the 18th c., tool makers often made a variety of bottom seam on both sides and the rear. The toe end had different types of common wooden tools. This likely a considerably worn wooden knob like handle which would have been constructed by a planemaker quite deft 'lipped' over the very front of the plane itself. The 'too at finishing off certain common details in a particular narrow' wedge was seated against a cross pin which I manner of preferred embellishment regardless of the later learned was an older style of wedge adjusting. The nature of each tool. iron was thin and distressed looking but ancient in An archaic looking iron appearance and the entire amalgamation more easily fit 'axe head' in a small into the category of 'shop made out of necessity' than into antique shop in any perceivable alternative I could think of ( especially Guatemala had obvi considering the brazing). ously spent a great deal I mused over this piece for several years but the concept of time buried under of a centuries old plane being part of my collection was ground. Its rough sur not yet within my imaginative grasp. Ultimately I sold it face showed heavy pit unable to quite fathom its uniqueness. It was probably ting and the edge was some fifteen years later that I realized the significance of heavily worn and show its age and a likely 17th c. Italian instrument makers plane ing some separation of came and went right through my fingers. My perceptions the forged layers of far surpassed my early understandings of any true historic iron. I hastily pur knowledge of tools. Knowledge quickly became para chased this piece partly mount as a partner to perception for me from this time on. because it intrigued me so much but also On lunch break a few years back, I visited an odd sort of because I had noticed there that if a 'tourista' stopped to shop that furnished wagons and 'tack' to parades and observe anything in one of the shops and did not purchase exhibitions around Texas. It was always fun to look over right away, the price was quite without hesitation, raised what they had brought in including items that were not by a factor of about two in the short time it took you to necessarily related to the western culture. One extremely make up your mind! This head has to be of Spanish origin ornate and fully adjustable nickel plated iron table as Central America had no iron smelting until it was intro appeared particularly elegant and sculptural. Envisioning duced by the Spaniards sometime during the 16th c. A its potential as a very unique dining table I inquired about it. Purportedly, it was said to have been an embalmers remnant of the era when Spanish exploitation by Herncxn M-WTCA.ORGCortez progressively conquered parts of Central America table! ...... Moving right along, I accessed an area set and The Mayan civilization, this axe head (per aside for antique woodworking haps halberd) would have remained buried tools that the owner had an a for several centuries following one of the con affinity for picking up when flicts of the Spanish conquest there. A snappy they happened to be amongst decision almost 20 years ago allowed 70 the general western goods he Quetzals ( about $14) for a bit of centuries old targeted on his buying trips. A history pivoting around a major turning point small handmade wooden in the history of the Central Americas. square caught my eye with its beautiful rosewood handle and Sometimes the facts can straighten out a little oddly enough, mahogany beam. historic 'dysfunction'. At one tool show I spent
18 The Gristmill too long negotiating a purchase of three small tools said decorated and of a European design so its origin I know to be from an Amish workshop. I was truly only interest would not have been in the U.S. even if it in fact ended up ed in the small dual post marking gauge in an Amish workshop (though so was reluctant to purchase the lot unlikely). Its decorations and simple just for the single preferred item. The chip carved designs most likely orig items were readily purchased by some inated in Austria. Here the facts one else in the interim and I was left realign a history giving credence to with that familiar tool room feeling of its lineage and disposing of erro those old 'hesitation blues'. I visited neous details that may sometimes with the new owner and found to my inadvertently become 'tagged' to a amazement, that he only was interest tool as its heritage. ed in the two I did not want and I quick ly made an arrangement for the mark ing gauge. Now this marking gauge is
Two Gunstock Plane Examples by Don Stark
To follow up on an article by Jack Whelan on gunstock Mockridge & Francis plane. Figure 3 shows the tiled front planes, some additional examples are pictured and briefly profile of the Wright plane. Figure 4 shows a direct front discussed. Two gunstock planes are pictured in Figure 1. profile of the Wright plane. Figure 5 shows a close up of The top example is an the R. Wright, Philada makers mark 8" long plane with a It is interesting to note that the Wright plane is 5/8" diameter round rounded on both the front and rear at the bottom of groove by Mockridge the body where the plane enters and exits the gun & Francis, Newark, stock It appears to be original to the makers intent N.J. The bottom exam possibly to prevent entry and exit chipping. ple is an 9-1/8" long plane with a 1" diame Credit for the pictures goes to my brother-in-law, ter round groove by R. Bill Moore. Hopefully Jack Whelan may have Wright, Philada, with some additional comments. owner J. Dal branded four times. Figure 2 shows the tilt ed front profile of the Figure 1 M-WTCA.ORG
Figure2 Figure3 Figure4 Figure 5
June 2011 19 Eagles and Stars by Mike Stemple
In the era preceding the advent of acid etching in the Disston began using medallions for the first time in 1846 1860s, there were a couple of die stamps used to either with the "Flying Eagle" medallion. designate top end models or to identify saws from a par ticular maker. The first mark I would like to talk about is the die stamped eagles. Disston, Johnson & Conaway, Welch & Griffiths, and other early American saw makers used eagles on the blades of full sized saws and on the spines of hacksaws and meat saws to denote top of the line models.
Probably the most prominent use was by Henry Disston One way to tell a Disston hacksaw that was made before on his "Double Eagle" hacksaws. Phil Baker discussed 1848, besides using the medallion, is the handle style. Pre these in great detail in his article in a recent issue of the 1848 Disston handles have a pronounced "hook" feature Gristmill. I call these Disston Eagles "Standing Eagles". on top of the handle that curves back towards the spine. Johnson & Conaway used an identical "Standing Eagle" on their back saws.
Welch & Griffiths had a much different style eagle which collectors call the "Boston Eagle". Disston made "Double Eagle" hacksaws from the early They also have the "lambs tongue" carved feature on 1840s until circa 1855. The ones made before 1846 have no the thin part of the handle where it meets the "cheek" at medallions and have the larger 9116th split nuts. the bottom. M-WTCA.ORG
20 The Gristmill Both these features were used by other early saw makers, Disston and some of the other early saw makers also with the "hook" feature being found as late as 1870 on stamped eagles on the blades of some of their high end Flint made hacksaws. Disston made his "Double Eagle" full sized saws. This is not nearly as common a feature as hacksaws with both brass and steel backs, with the brass found on the hacksaws, and few examples of full sized backed ones being scarcer and more valuable. saws with die stamped eagles on the blade exist.
Disston and some of the other makers also made a higher quality model than their "Double Eagle" hacksaws; those being the "Single Eagle" brass backed ones. These had the company name in an arc around a single eagle. Disston and other early saw makers also stamped eagles on some of their meat saws. Double Eagle meat saws are seen occasionally and even examples of Triple Eagle meat saws have been found.
A lot of these top of the line hacksaws also had the "triple cove" style handle. Some of these also had the brass "cone nuts" instead of regular split nuts. The second mark is the use of die stamped stars.
I have found the use of star die stamps to be an indicator that the saw was probably made in the New York City area prior to the Civil War. I have seen a star marked saw from an early Philadelphia maker, William Johnson, but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. New York makers using stars on their saws include Josiah M-WTCA.ORGBakewell, Cortland Wood, Platt & Holroyd, AJ Shotwell, and Worrall & Co.
June20ll 21 Many of the saws made at Sing Sing prison have the star mark Cortland Wood and James Cheeseman (Eagle Saw Co) were the saw makers at Sing Sing during the 1850s. Some common features found on all these saws are the stars on the spines or blades, most have the "domed" steel nuts used circa 1845-1855, and many have mahogany, Cuban mahogany, or even rosewood handles.
With the advent of acid etching after the Civil War, saw makers could put elaborate decorative etches on their saw blades and the use of stars and eagles as high end markings basically ended. There are of course, notable exceptions. Wheeler, Madden, & Clemson had their "Star Saw" model which had a large star etched on the blade in addition to the star shaped medallion. Woodrough & McParlin had their "Bow Belly" saw model with a large etched eagle on the blade, and William McNiece etched a six pointed star on one of his saw models. I am sure there are others that I am leaving out. In conclusion I would like to say once again, that nothing Almost all of the full sized saws have three stars around is etched in stone. New facts and new saw examples are the company name, with most of the hacksaws having one coming to light on a regular basis. Please feel free to con star with the company name in an arc around it. tact me with any information you may have on this subject.
Tool Family Trees by Bob Roger Answers on page 37.
These small tools are all members of the cutlery family tree, and all belong to a specific branch of that tree. Can you identify the main function of that branch? Figure 1 shows five different examples from the branch, along with a penny for scale. Figure 2 is a patent drawing of another member that performs its function by boring with a two-edged rotating blade, and Figure 3 is a patent drawing Figure 2. Patent for a boring member of a tiny plane that is also M-WTCA.ORGa member of this tree branch.
C
D
Figure 1. Five members Figure 3. Patent f or a plane member
22 The Gristmill Buck Rogers Prototype Found by Randy Roeder© 2011
There is a tendency for collectors to overuse the term shave but unlike any found on planes put out by the com "prototype" when seeking an explanation for examples of pany's competitors. I often wondered if any of the planes non-conforming tools that show up from time to time dur developed as part of the experiment had survived. ing the pursuit of their hobby. As often as not, the exam I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that a similar ples are "one-off' efforts by individual craftsmen who plane-or perhaps the identical plane with a new front never intended that the item would become the basis for knob-appeared on a popular online auction site last year later production. At other times, the term is used by expe and is now safely ensconced in a private collection. The rienced collectors in hopes of softening the blow when new owner of the plane has asked to pass judgment on a volunteered to provide pho mismatched "Frankentool" tographs so that the discov of no particular distinction. ery may be shared with Then too, the prototype tag Gristmill readers. While it is misapplied to examples of is fun to speculate on what standard production unrec may have happened to the ognized by the person mak plane in the years since it ing the judgment. True pro left the Millers Falls Plant, totypes are produced to test no hard information is to be the functionality or appear had. The tool eventually ance of a design, are hard to made its way to Holyoke, come by, and provide inter Massachusetts, a city not far esting examples of the think from the Millers Falls Plant, ing that ·went into the pro where it was put up for sale duction of a tool. Photo from 2002 Gristmill article. Courtesy Garth Huxtable Collection, by its owner. In 2002, I wrote an article for American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie. the Gristmill that included copies of a photograph and drawings documenting the Millers Falls Company's abortive attempt to manufacture block planes in the so-called "Buck Rogers" style. The illustrations were found in the papers of noted industrial designer L. Garth Huxtable and were likely the result of a collaboration with his brother-Robert W. Huxtable-one of the company's draftsmen who went on to become an engineer in the operation's hand tool division. The photo graph showed a late stage, well-developed model that would have been a fairly close approximation of a final product. An examination of the image shows that design ers were experimenting with the tool's functionality as well as its appearance. The plane features a dual-screw Recently discovered prototype. Private collection. cutter vaguely reminiscent of the Stanley No. 151 spoke- The newly discovered plane meets the requirements of a prototype in that it was a manufactured as part of a devel opment effort to bring a new tool to market. Prototype M-WTCA.ORGmodels can serve any number of functions in the develop ment process-ranging from that of demonstrating "proof of principle," to coming up with the shape and ergonom ics of a product, to serving as a template for an item's final appearance. The recently discovered plane was likely to have been constructed fairly late in the development process. The mechanical considerations appear to have been nailed down and considerable thought has been given to the size, feel, form, color and finish of the item. The tool fits the definition of a prototype.
Recently discovered prototype. Private collection.
June 2011 23 • r • ~------~-- 1ce-W,etl: !)· A111.;ut T«il LMiu~c f10111 Mm.i& 1- DDatl!IJf Atiliq111e: Tools ...
(800) 869-0695 · mjdtools.com Please Plan to Join Us at Our Auctions M-WTCA.ORGFive Great Auctions Remain in 2011 Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, 5223 County Road 8, Avoca, New York Open House Auction Thurs., Fri, & Sat., July 28 thru July 30 & Joint Tool Meeting: (3001 Lots Sold in Three Days!)Auctioneers: Bill Baxter & Paul Wilmott
Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike, Nashua, New Hampshire Listed Auction: Friday, September 9 · (1001 lots) · Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Catalogue Auction: Saturday, September 10 · (780 lots) ., Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott
Ramada Inn Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana Listed Auction: Friday, October 14 · (1001 lots) · Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Catalogue Auction: Saturday, October 15 · (780 lots) · Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Annual Open Hous:e & ... . Antique Tool Auction Thursday, Fr.iday and Saturday July 28, 29 & 30, 701_1
Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools· 5223 County Route 8 · Avoca, New York lease plan to join us for a Quadruple Joint Invitational Meeting of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Early American PIndustries Association, the Western New York Tool Collectors and the Tool Group of Canada at our World Headquarters Complex in Avoca, New York. We will sell 500 lots Thurday at 2:01 pm.; 1250 lots Friday at 9:01 a.m.; and 1251 Lots Saturday at 9:01 a.m. Plans call for tool trading beginning Friday morning and continuing at dawn on _ .___..L- _ .,____...., _ Last Year's Auction - 3001 Lots Sold 230 Lots per Hour! Saturday. The sale will be called jointly by Live Free or Die Auctioneers Paul Wilmott of New Hampshire and Bill Baxter oflndiana. We will be selling between 225 and 250 lots per hour. To register, please send $5.00 and indicate whether or not you will be selling. There is an additional fee of $5.00 for the first dealer space and $20.00 for a second dealer space. We have room for approximately 100 dealers. Some sell ing will take place on Thursday afternoon. It will be high summer in the beautiful Finger Lakes Area. Please plan to make a long weekend of it and bring the family for a great time in the country. Please plan to join us for a pig roast on Friday evening. Please note on the Dealer Space Registration whether or not you plan to attend the pig roast and include an additional $5.00 per person to partially offset the cost. Our auction of 3001 Lots will feature the fully stocked modern woodworking shop of Dr. Ronald Pearson of Erie, Pennsylvania and select items from the Pearson Collection as well as a wide variety of items including chisels, edge tools, blacksmiths 's tools and more. More than 10,000 tools will be included in the sale. Auction Preview, Antique Tool Fair and Open House All Day Friday. Pleas_e plan to join us for an enjoyable Summer weekend in the Finger Lakes Region! We have arranged for balmy, eighty degree weather beneath a nearly cloudless sky. Please check our web site for lodging information or give us a call at (800) 869-0695. PLEASE COME PREPARED TO FILL YOUR VEHICLE WITH TOOLS
- Reg1strationFo-rm-for-iie-aier Space &-PigRoasf(N~ -,,;c;s;a-,.y-t~ ;:egi;,;r Jo-; ;,;cti;n-o;,iyf- -- Send to: Martin J. DonnellyM-WTCA.ORG Antique Tools • PO Box 281 • Bath NY 14810 Yes, I/We will be attending. Name(s): Address for name badge( s): Dealer Space $5.00: ___ Second Dealer Space $20.00: Friday Night Pig Roast $5.00 per person: Total Enclosed: Please Note: We have arranged for great weather and expect temperatures in the 80's with a light cooling breeze and a cloudless sky!
Live: Free: or Die: Antique: Tool Auctions - A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique: Tools - (800) 869-0695 Let's Talk About Marketing Your Antique Tool Collection ... M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership & Additional Gifts for 2010
Benefactors Marvin B. Bunn Pete Vaughan Dennis Freund Roy Ebersole Paul Schaffner Frank Tolford Gary L. Wright Jeff Grothaus Wayne Oestreich Derrick DuToit Bob Nutt Contributing Members A. Dwayne Broddle Mark Snyder Pete Cohan Michael Power Richard A. Weymer Andrew D'Elia James Cascarano Sanford Moss Judy Gambrel David Elliott Walter T. Lane Charles L. Pettett Carlton K. Fahler Robert Rups Alton Cronk Robert L. Petrovic Mike Lamarre Willie Royal Thomas A. Henry William J. Morgan Bill Youart Nelson Coressel Harold J. Liberty James F. Earnhardt Bill Roberts Joel Moskowitz Paul Boldt Mel Ring Ashley Kennedy Additional Gifts Gary Studebaker John W. Kinn emeyer Jack Fites Karl Gurcke Joe Kunz Richard Dodge John Walkowiak Alan W. Brown Sustaining Members Ross R. Morcomb Harold E. Harden Edward Blatnick James Mau Donald E. Wood TomJordens Robert Buffington Edmund L Wilkins David Jeffers Melvin Bostian George Paiva David Dell Lewis McDonald Fred Hilton Bob Fields Dennis Fuller Stanley Madeja Robert Stoxen James V. Moffet Dennis Racki Bill Adsit David Mischke Steven F Dice Ronald Holwager Gene Walbridge Lynn Smith Jared Isaacs Philip W. Baker Michael Mueller James Durochia Vincent L. Soukup Howard Loomis Eric Bernard Lyle Hoofnagle John N. Hood George Elsass Bob Austin Gary R. Coleman Vaughn Simmons John Fite James Barbieur M-WTCA.ORGRobert W. Mustain Dan Brewer John Fitzgerald Steven W. Neale Robert Terry Tom Narigon Jon Whitney Les Bornhorst V. Leon Ridenour Harold Stiffler Bryan A. Konsler Adam Koontz Siegfried Snyder Darrell Vogt Clifford Sapienza Philip L. Platt Duane Johnson John Bellon Lon Woods Jim Ackelson Frederic S Thompson
26 The Gristmill Donald Wing Paul S. Matis Harry Spoor William H. Rypka Karl Hesse Robert Meadows Joel Blasius Joey Gilmore Robert McCarthy Thomas M. Blaisdell J.B. Cox John A. Reed Howard W. Diamond Calvin Anthony Ray Glick Jack Folse Dale Ashdown Walter Bizzell Ralph W. MacLachlan Larry E. Brown James Cascarano Arthur B. White William McMillen Joe Jerkins Ron Grabowski L. Samuel Scheiderer Paul Honore Gary C. Thompson Dennis Fuller Jonathan Hanke Brian J. Willie Roger K. Smith Verne E. Vollrath Henry L. Caudle Alan L. Fetty Charles N. Williams Endowment Fund Philip Eberhard Larry DeWolf David Lawson Leo Stambaugh John M. Roblin Willie Royal Richard P. Cadieux Walter Clement Carl Underwood William Watkins Philip Tetzloff Carl Bilderback Werner H. Gumpertz Bret L. Rochotte Andrew D'Elia Herman Leonhardt Horst Lichtenberg Thomas Kluwin Robert A. Brown Robert Stoxen J. Kurt Von Achen Larry Chenoweth Eugene Hayes Rick Gayle Frederic S. Thompson George G. Bitler Roger Bourgeois Ron Kaplan Glenn Anderson Richard Bradshaw Bryan C. Lloyd Herbert G. Caudle William S. Brooks Bill Collins Henry L. Caudle Peter J. Strasser Gene Terril John Cellucci Peter J. Hathaway Jim Bindon Ron Brese Gerald L. Miels John Davis Gail Dieleman Bobby Martin Scholarship Contributors Richard D. Dickerson Ralph Giddens Thomas & Lorraine Lamond Mike Stasik Mark Firley Lars Larson Bob Fields Craig C. Yost Michael Slasinski George Snow George H. Sherer Neil Stoll M-WTCA.ORGHans Porcher Harry Hastings John G. Wells Wolfgang Schmidt Tom Witte Judy Gambrel Paul E. VanHorn Brent Akerley Myrna Coleman Irwin J. Sitkin Michael Garlich Elroy A. Klug Michael Mueller Mount Vernon Contributors David Foster Robert J. Sauer Doug Cox Roger D. King Carlton K. Fahler
June 2011 27 The Red Warrior Axe and Related Labels by Thomas C. Lomond ©
PATENTED j'\M 19th 868
{Jl/;4u?! y~h/lZ Design Pat. No.2,948 issued January 25, 1868 to James H. Mann of Lewistown, PA. The actual labels resulting from the patent were initially used by the patentee. Some were printed on gold-tone paper, others on white paper. The use of brands and images related to or depicting in the introduction of still other brands and labels, Indians was practiced by a number of axe makers and some of which were not registered. purveyors. Although originally patented by James H. This has resulted in some confusion associated with Mann, the RED WARRIOR AXE bore the name of THE RED WARRIOR AXE, THE RED MANN William Mann. William was son of Thomas Mann who AXE, RED CHIEFTAIN AXE and axe brands had engaged in his trade of axe making starting sometime reflecting the Indian as a theme. Part of that confusion in the latter part of the 1700s. His son William also took may be attributable to the terminology used at up the trade of axe making and after starting in different times as it applied to Patents, Copyrights Johnstown, NY relocated to Axemann, PA. That was and Trademarks. Apparently some trademarks were around 1825. William's son, William Mann,Jr., carried on registered as patents while others were registered as the business and in turn brought his three sons into it. copyrighted. In some cases both were involved. That They were William Mann the 3rd, J. Fearon Mann and seems to be the situation with the brand name RED James H. Mann. James was instrumental in operating CHIEFTAIN AXE. In addition it may be that some William Mann & Co. and his son James H. Mann, Jr. of the principals involved took certain liberties that eventually ran that company. On March 10, 1868, while ultimately added to the confusion. Actually that may working for William Mann & Co., James H. Mann was have been done on purpose to cloud the issue of using issued a design patent for the RED WARRIOR AXE a recognized brand name by the originator or his heirs label. in order to circumvent the restrictions resulting from For one reason or another this stimulated other the acquisitions or the American Axe & Tool Co. when members of the Mann clan either to share in the use of the various founding companies associated themselves the brand or over time create a brand name that was with the A. A. & T Co. quite similar. One such brand was the RED MANN AXE patented by J. Fearon Mann on September 21, 1875. CHIErTAJN ~D (HIEFfAJN Apparently competition from other early companies and ~D, . , r_ I · then the withdrawal of other axe makers named Mann . _ from the A. A. & T Co. resulted
THE f{ED M!~!AX~ AT'll-lE M-WTCA.ORGCopyright No.13,825 ( March 10, 1906) graphic published by OLDO~INAL~N'SAXE FACIORY the Copyright Office; eventually simplified and printed in red . . ~...,. ~ :orte, Pa, CHIEFTAIN ~ ~~~PT,_~..,,,e RED THE J. Fearon Mann used a brand name that was actually a play on words. It was called THE RED ·•Rf Ql~!~!iti~XE••ATTHE MANN AXE. The name MANN OLD ORIGINAL MANN'S AXE FACTORY BEST CAST STEEL ~-BEST CAST STEEL ~ was as the family spelled it. One versions had an image, two others S UPPLEE- B IDDLE H DWE Co P H1LA S UPPLEE-B ODLE H DwE Co P HIi.A only the wording. The name use Two months later, on May 15, 1906, another suggests the popularity of some c;?3:, ~.l- Gffez/2/?..- Red Chieftain trademark (designated as #52,687) was ~t,f-~PATE'NTED SEPT 21ST 1B75. issued to the Supplee Hdw. Co. Indian connection. IND1
28 The Gristmill "JN])IIBC~.E:~1,~ CAST HAND STEEL TEMPER MANN-EDGE TOOL CO. LEWISTOw,j, PA. U.S.A.
Label facsimile as originally introduced with INDIAN CHIEF an enlargement of the center section of the Supplee Hdw. Co. RED CHIEFTAIN AXE label. Indications are that this label was short lived. MANN-EDGE TOOL CO. LEWISTOWN, PA . U.S.A.
James H . Mann patented the name RED WARRIOR Related Indian theme brands and labels used by AXE along with the name William Mann as the the Mann Edge Tool Co .of Lewistown, PA. maker/originator. James H. Mann (son of William Mann Another axe manufacturing company that played a Jr.) was the primary principal in William Mann & Co. major role in the use of the Indian theme as a brand in 1868 when the design for the label for the RED name and that depicted an Indian as part of many WARRIOR AXE was first patented. At that time the graphics was the Mann Edge Tool Co. METCo., as term Registered was also used fundamentally to they were sometimes referred to, was started by Joseph describe such a patented label. It may have been an R. Mann in 1895 and at times involved Robert MannJr. acceptable alternate for Copyright Secured. William Mann & Co. joined the A. A. & T. Co. in 1890 and as a result turned over the rights to the name Red Warrior Axe. James H. Mann and William Mann, Jr. (actually the 3rd) were involved in the company at the time. Apparently they, like a number of other participants, became extremely discontent with the A. A. & T Co and those that controlled the company so the Manns withdrew and went back in business under different names depending on the specific Mann involved. In the process they registered the brand name RED CHIEFTAIN AXE. That was on March ro, 1906. The number 13,825, which was the original registration number in 1868, was assigned to that registration. The This was the most multi-colored RED WARRIOR RED CHIEFTAIN AXE name with a similar design AXE label. It was used by the A. A. & T. Co. was registered again on May 15, 1906. That time it was designated as a Patented Trademark No.52,687. Conjecture suggests thatM-WTCA.ORG the James H. Mann Co. sold or otherwise turned the brand· name over to the Supplee Hardware Co. at that time. Supplee Hardware had been using the label on some of their axes around that time. Prior to 1906, possibly for a comparatively short period, Supplee Hardware had been using a similar label PATE~,EO By,.,. 291h 111811 that today would be considered inflammatory; socially unacceptable or politically incorrect. Perhaps that W~m-~/1# impacted on the acquisition and modification of the brand along with the label that was used. In 1906 The In addition to offering the Labels similar to those initially Supplee Hardware Co. merged with the Biddle RED WARRIOR AXE, used on the axes with the RED Hardware Co. but the labels were not changed to reflect the A. A. & T. Co. also offered WARRIOR AXE brand were that change. the RED WARRIOR provided by the American Axe
June 2011 29 RED CIDEFfAIN
BY MANN EDGE TOOL CO.
BEST CAST STEEL BEST CAST STEEL MAGILlHDWE. co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN . ROBERT MANN & SONS ROBERT MANN & SONS MILL HALL, PENN MILL HALL, PE NN.
Robert Mann & Sons chose to use RED CHIEFTAIN as a variation of the RED WARRIOR AXE brand. The image of the Indian varied quite a bit from those which were used on the ex 1~ original RED WARRIOR AXE and later that which were on the INDIAN CHIEF labels used by the Mann Edge Tool Co. CAST . HAND Sometime along the line it is believed that Robert STEEL_~~~-TEMPER & J.H .ROBBINS & SONS , HOWE .CO. Mann and/or Robert Mann Sons had used the RED SELMA , ALA . WARRIOR and RED CHIEFTAIN names. Such labels may also have been used to satisfy some customers that had become familiar with Robert Mann marked axes. Later they may have also been adaptations or variants of the labels as used by the A. A. & T. Co. Eventually the Mann Edge Tool Co. introduced more brands promoting the Indian theme. They HAND included INDIAN CHIEF, MANN'S INDIAN TEMPER CHIEF, MANN'S RED CHIEF and THE VIRGINIA CHIEF. Each of these brands included a design of an Indian similar to that originally used on THE RED WARRIOR AXE. The Mann Edge Tool Co., sometimes referred to as METCo., provided axes to a number of hardware concerns with variations of these names incorporated onto labels. They also supplied other Indian theme labels to companies SUPER CAST STEEL without any reference to METCo. or the Mann Edge J. H. WED01NGT0N &CO. Tool Co. One of those brands was the RED INDIAN CHARLOTTE, N. C. AXE.
IRUEIEMPER RED WARRIOR KELLY WORKS Possibly the last version of the brand RED WARRIOR used. It was stamped into some axe heads made by True Temper.
I ,,
,._. ~ ~~ -=-~~ ~J M-WTCA.ORGtc~-==--~-==--
The examples above represent variations of Indian theme labels made by the Mann Edge Tool Co . and sold by hardware concerns. Numerous axe manufacturers and distributors used a wide variety of brands and labels associated with Indian names or images
Special thanks to: Norm Nilsson for his continuing assistance and support John Waddell past owner of Mann Edge Tool Co. Representation of an etching based on the RED CHIEFTAIN AXE brand that was used Comments and/or additions are always welcome.They can be sent to the author or [email protected] iNo by an Illinois hardware wholesaler. 3
30 The Gristmill Tool Makers of Middletown, Connecticut by Dick Dickerson
The Warner Family of Hammer and Edge Tool Makers The second invoice in Fig. 5 is dated 1916. The company is now listed as The Warner Hammer Company Manufacturers of ham This is a follow-up on a article I wrote for the Gristmill mers and edge tools. Center, top of the invoice has the company December 2010, No. 141, Page 38. I received new informa~ established date of 1818, on the left side, a circle with "W'' 1818. tion from M-WTCA members Bill Warner, Nappanee, IN. This answered a question on another hammer I have. Fig. 6. and Ken Bassett, Tacoma, WA. This invoice provided the link I needed for the length of Bill sent two emails with pictures of various Warner ham operations for this company. My original article, paragraph mers and marks in his collection. Fig. 1 is the mark for M.R. 7, line 4, I had written 123 years, this should now read 113 & I.H. Warner. Fig. 2 is a picture of their claw hammer. Both years of four generations of Warner tool makers. are much clearer than what I have. Also, a picture of the mark for WARNER USA.
Fig. 3. This might be the last ESTABLISHED 1818 f-RlJGHT ~110 EXPRt 5 QU;\UT'\' . TOOLS WESHIELO, CONN mark for the company. ••• ~ ARNER & NOBLE THE WARNER HAMMER Co.
MANUFACTURERS OF
HAMMERS AND EDGE TOOLS
CROMWELL, CONN ., U. S. A. Dec. 6, J.
Fig. 5 1916 Invoice
\ ,,,,,,, . ) above: Fig. 1 ., ,,_ i..,.. ~ "'),,.; Mark MR. & I.H. Warner .,,, Cast Steel ~ o ,u1 (~)1 IJ f. right: Fig. 2 ~ Claw Hammer
Fig. 6 Hammer with the trademark
Fig. 3 Mark WARNER U.S.A I would like to thank both Bill and Ken for providing this very useful information. One of the best benefits of Ken sent copies of two invoices. the first is dated 1877 and being a M-WTCA member is the sharing of knowledge lists the company then asM-WTCA.ORG Warners & Noble. Please note the between members. variety of hammers made. Fig. 4.
Fig. 41877 Invoice ,; )' I I C ;
Monufaciurers 01 Nail, Riveting, Brad, Blacksmith's Engineer's, Machinists, Co.rpet and Mason's Hammers.
June2011 31 New Book Tells Story of Planemakers Who Served in the Revolution by Mike Hanley
In 1999, I purchased a rather WRENTHAM. I have not as nice 18th century crown yet seen one of these and moulder at the Stevens Point would love to hear from any National Meeting. I have long one who has one. Henry considered this crown moul learned the trade at his der one of the most beautiful father's workbench as the planes I have ever seen, but Revolution swirled around the makers mark was a sim them. Following the families ple N*P not to be found in move to Winchester NH in our book Wooden Planes. I 1790, Henry became one of never could have imagined the earliest organ makers in the journey of sleuthing and our country. researching this plane would My interest in Noah Pratt was lead me through, culminating heightened by his role in the with my new book American Revolution. While Motorcycles, Planes, & the primary focus of my book Revolution just released. My Figure 1: Noah Pratt crown moulder, author's collection, photo by Bob Poull is Noah Pratt and his oldest book tells the story of the son Henry, I also include a man who made this plane. Noah Pratt was a woodworker chapter on some of the other planemakers of the era that who built homes and furniture in Wrentham fought in the Revolution. As tool collectors, our focus has Massachusetts in the 1770s. Period documents reveal that been on the tools we collect and the makers' marks that Noah Pratt served as a Minuteman in a number of the early have been documented over the last 30 years. However, battles of the Revolution. I also include brief passages on there is seldom more than a cursory mention that a maker those battles. Eventually I explore why the war started "responded to the alarm of April 19th, 1775" or simply there around Boston. What did freedom mean to these "served in the Revolution". A painstaking search of 30 people? Throughout the book I use my experience of free years of various trade journals reveals dom, riding a Harley-Davidson to ask only a few articles with more information readers to think about what freedom '' A painstaking search about the role these planemakers had in means to us every day of our lives. of 30 years of various winning our freedom. My book is at least Noah Pratt was a housewright and furni trade journals reveals a beginning in pulling this information ture maker who answered the alarm at only a few articles together in one place, expanding on what Lexington & Concord in 1775 as a ser with more information has been published previously, and giving geant in a Minuteman company from these men the credit and respect they so Wrentham. He eventually attained the about the role these richly deserve. Simply saying that a plane rank of Captain, so he was certainly well p lanemakers had in maker fought in the Revolution is like say known in his community. Another winning our freedom. ,, ing your dad fought in WWII - intuitively planemaker of note living in Wrentham we must know there is so much more that at the tin1e was Cesar Chelor, the freed begs to be told. Negro slave of Francis Nicholson who is generally credited My research included a number of trips and countless as the father of American planemaking. My research shows hours looking for any homes built by Noah Pratt where we that Cesar Chelor and Noah Pratt lived less than two miles might match his crown moulding plane to some of the trim apart and attended church meetingM-WTCA.ORG together every week for in the homes - to no avail. I still maintain hope that further fourteen years from about 1770 till 1784 when Chelor died. research and the appearance of my book might help uncov There is no question these two men knew each other and er such ajoyous event. This is another area of research that likely visited each other's workshop on occasion. tool collectors could apply themselves. We have some Craftsmen have forever influenced each other's work reports of work that has survived a number of early plane There is evidence discussed in my book that these two had makers, including that of John Hernings - the slave and some influence on each other's work as well. master carpenter who worked on Monticello from 1796 to While Noah Pratt is not mentioned in Wooden Planes, his 1826 when he was freed. 1 Other reports cover homes built two oldest sons Henry and Nathan are listed, although by planemakers Isaac Fitch and Seth Green Torrey docu there has been a bit of confusion regarding their relation mented in the EAIA Chronicle in just the last year. This sort ship. Henry Pratt also made planes, with some marked of research is quite difficult in an ironic sort of way. As tool
32 The Gristmill collectors we are spoiled by the makers' marks frequently bronze plaque mounted along a roadside fence of a small found on the toe identifying who made a given plane. Of town cemetery. Curious, I stopped and was astonished to course this is even more difficult on 18th Century planes learn that one of our Revolutionary War veterans was with only initials for the makers' mark, such as the N*P on buried right here within a few miles of my own home. In Noah Pratt's plane. However, homes and furniture made by fact, the site www.wissar.org/graves.htm2 informs us that these craftsmen seldom have any markings attributed to 41 Revolutionary veterans are known to be buried in who made them. Period homes are most often named for Wisconsin, five of them in my immediate Walworth the original owner they were built for, and the craftsmen County area. We can who did the work are long forgotten. Even so, there are only guess how many period homes and furniture in museums waiting for us to more first generation connect the dots back to their maker - and perhaps match . children of our patri some of their planes to this work. ® ots also migrated, and REVOLUTIONARY what tools they WAR brought along to build VETERAN their new life. How excited would PATRIOT DAVID oANES served the cause of gaining our nation's independence from England while a you be to learn your dedicated member of the military. A descendant of William Bradford III, grandmother's antique the first Governor of the Plymouth Colony, David was born in 1762. In the tea set was made by spring of 1782, he enlisted In the Revol;ition at Brimfield, Massachusetts. an obscure silversmith He served for over a year in Captain Killum's Company in Colonel Rufus Putnam's Fifth Massachusetts of the from Boston who rode Continental Line. out in the spring of David later transferred to Colonel Vorst's Regiment, also of the famed Continental Line. 1775 to warn that the (Continued on other side> British were coming? Oh, perhaps you did Figure 2: Six planes found together in Wisconsin, all late 1700s. not know that Paul Third from left and far right are by John Sleeper. Author's collection, photo by Bob PouU Revere was a silver smith by trade? I would like to share with you the excite Considering our Organization is centered in the Midwest, ment I had in finding this beautiful tool made in the 1700s most of our members focus is justifiably placed on names - and then learning the maker was a Minuteman who like Stanley, Ohio Tool, and Sandusky. These are after all, fought in the opening battles of the American Revolution the tools that built the Midwest and are most available for as it boiled over just outside Boston. Noah Pratt built us to collect. However, if one is interested in collecting homes, furniture, and the tools needed in his daily work. quality rather than quantity, 18th century planes are here to As a common housewright, he has been lost to history for be found in the Midwest. Following the Revolution there over 200 years, much like the shavings under his bench the was a great migration from New England westward - last day he closed the door to his shop. The role he played sometimes as far west as the Wisconsin Territory. I know in winning our freedom has never been told - till now. members that have found planes by Cesar Chelor and Jo Please consider supporting almost ten years of research Fuller here in the Midwest. My wife picked a nice John and writing. To buy this new book, visit the website Sleeper out of our local flea market a few years ago that www.MotorcyclesPlanesandRevolution.com led to a group of six planes by Sleeper and his contempo rary David Hunkins who worked. just upstream from M-WTCA.ORG1 Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest by Phil Baker and Dave Heckel, Sleeper in Haverhill Mass. Clearly these were the last of a Gristmill June 2006 working set of planes that were carried all the way from 2 Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution (WISSAR) Massachusetts to the Wisconsin Territory in the early 1800s to build a homestead and barn for the family. Within a generation or two these planes became "antiques" and CALL FOR INFORMATION ultimately were consigned to a box in the barn waiting to There must be other planes marked N*P and be found by some lucky collector. John Sleeper served at H.PRATT stuck on collector's shelves around the the Battle of Bunker Hill, covered in detail in my book. country. I would appreciate corresponding with any As ultimate proof of this early migration of patriots to the one that has one of these planes. I can be reached via Wisconsin Territory, last summer while riding my Harley the MWTCA Directory, or email [email protected] Davidson through the countryside, I stumbled upon a
June 2011 33 Book Review by Bill Kolm
Astragal Press, an imprint of Finney Company, is Ending the chapters is a technological update to help one announcing the release of Collecting Tech: Appreciating understand why objects described have become obsolete. and Collecting Historical Technology by Peter F. Stone. The book concludes with a discussion on various aspects of collecting historical technology Collecting Tech brings together with an emphasis on the social and invention, engineering, and sci Invention, Engineering and Science historical context of these intrigu ence for a fascinating look at his ing technologies. toric times. The mesmerizing tech co nologies in this full color book I discovered I was hooked on the (from periods up to the 19th and book from the very first item early 20th-centuries) are rarely 'Coffee Grinder'. Author Stone available outside expensive offers some very exclusive infor antique stores and major auctions, mation about the objects he is so Stone turns to the kinds of describing. After the initial objects any collector of tech can description, he gives a most inter find and buy at flea markets, esting history of the invention and antique malls, garage sales and use of that object. Stone has local auctions. without a doubt, put in a tremen dous amount of research to com If a collector is curious about tech plete this publication. This book nology and the objects that reveal is packed with items I have never its history and artistry, they should seen before or even heard of. My enjoy Collecting Tech's collection only problem with the book was I and commentary. Each chapter is could not put it down each time I based on these technological started reading. The book has 216 areas: domestic, steam, nautical, Peter F. Stone pages with over 200 full-color electrical, engineering, surveying, illustrations and is 8 l/2"x 11" with science, tool, and occupational. Sewn-cloth & Jacketed-hardcover and offered for $42.95. Also attached to each chapter is a chronology of signifi Collecting Tech is available through on-line and local cant developments in the specific technological area booksellers, astragalpress.com or by calling Astragal along with a related timeline for the objects described to Press at (866) 543-3045. help provide historical context.
What's It
David Crowe tells us he needs help identifying the item shown in the two photos. He has taken it to several What's It sessions at local Meets M-WTCA.ORGand no one can put a name to it. It is 13 inches long, tapers to an edge at one end and has two movable "ears" that fold up against the main shaft. Anyone able to help identify this item please contact Gristmill Editor Bill Kolm at [email protected] or call 402-572-1238.
34 The Gristmill They Come Out or Removable Blades by George Wanamaker
Most people think every tape measure has an Top: #3306 gunmetal finish case attached blade. They would be wrong! The remov Bottom: #3206 nickel finish case, the blade of this model was able blade was a feature that was available in the marked on both sides. early years of the flexible-rigid tape measure. The Stanley #3206 and Not to be confused with the flat tape, which is much older, the flexible-rigid tape has a concave-convex blade that #3306 introduced in 1933, had the donut type case could be pushed or retracted into a case when not in use. and a removable blade. The case was usually about two inches by two inches by one half to three fourths inches thick The #3206 was offered with a nickel plated case All known removable blades are six feet in length, with and a blade marked on the exception of several offered by Farrand and the both sides. It was also Stanley #7508 which were eight feet in length. The offered both with and advantages of having a removable blade are; 1) when without a hook on the removed it can be laid flat for length measurements, the blade. The #3306 was iden attached case has a tendency to fall over and lay on its tical except the case had a front or back which will twist the blade, 2) it is easier to gunmetal black finish and use as a straight edge for marking, 3) from a manufactur the blade was only marked ing stand point it saves the need for attachment and on one side. The #3206 was retraction hardware. discontinued in 1935, Three companies are known to have made tape meas while the #3306 was dis ures with removable blades, Farrand, Stanley, and continued in 1941. Lufkin. All Farrand rules had removable blades, except A second tape meas the D case, which was not produced until after Stanley ure was introduced purchased the company. Stanley made eleven different in 1933 with a rules with four different case designs with removable removable blade, blades. Lufkin made only one case, the Donut, with a the octagonal cas~ removable blade. #3506. The blade was six feet long and was provided both with and with out a hook This case had a nickel finish for most of its production time. For a short period, The #3506 model with an octag onal case. Available in nickel, as maybe a year, it had well as, green, red, and black lac a lacquered case in quer finish. This model was the lime green, red, or closest Stanley came to making Model A Farrand case. Model C Farrand. a true Farrand type case. black.The lacquered case is very rare in Farrand's original patentM-WTCA.ORG in 1922 had a removable blade. This tape measure was probably ·first marketed about green and has never been seen by this author in red or black The lacquered case was listed from 1933 through 1926. It was sold by Stanley in 1929 and the Farrand 1940 in Stanley catalogs. This author believes this was a Company was purchased by Stanley in 1931. All Model A mistake; it is hypothesized that the nickel plated case and Model C Farrand cases had removable blades. was offered for the entire production run with the lac The Model A case, the original case used by Farrand, and quered cases being offered only in 1934 and maybe 1935. the Model C, a later design which could be produced more 1940 marked the end of production of this tape measure. cheaply, were based on the same patents. Case C did not A third case design made by Stanley with a removable replace case A; it provided a cheaper option for the blade was the "target" case used in the #7 406, #7506, and Farrand line. Both cases were available with a removable #7508 models. This was a closed case introduced in 1935. blade of either six or eight feet.
June 2011 35 prior to 1943 #1261 and the Defiance name were added to this model. This case has been seen in bright steel, nickel, and black gunmetal finish. Periods for these changes are unknown at this time with the excep tion of the black gunmetal which was used during WWII. In 1953 the Defiance line was discon tinued and the Handyman line was introduced. The #1261 was moved to the Handyman line for a short period of time, probably a year or two at #7406 with satin chromium case. #7506 "Target", with concentric lines. most. It may even have been just to It was a round, dished case. The #7506 and #7508 had con use up parts made centric lines making it look like a target. before the change in lines. The #7 406 was introduced in 1935 in the Four Square line with a chromium case decorated with four red squares in Tape measures the center. In 1936, this model joined the Stanley line, with removable changing the four red squares to a red dot, and having a blades, while not nickel plated case instead of a chromium case. It was dis rare, are much continued in 1940. less common than attached blade The #7506 was introduced in 1935 and, and with a case tape measures. A design change in 1951, survived until 1958. This was the number of factors longest production removable blade tape measure. The probably account case looked like a target until 1951 when the concentric for this. This fea lines were removed and a red, ture was not par black, and silver label was ticularly valuable added giving it a more modem, earlier Defiance #1261, in many uses. art deco look At different times though much more Generally they scarce. the finish on the case was bright were earlier type steel, nickel, and black gun designs, there metal (used during WWII). The were not as many different models, mod blade was changed in 1948 from els had few years of production, and few horizontal numbering to vertical companies made them. numbering. For much more information on Stanley In 1949 the #7508 was added. It tape measures see the book Stanley Tape was discontinued in 1953. At Measures, the First Forty Years which may any given time the case finish, be ordered from George Wanamaker for blade and design were theM-WTCA.ORG same $34.95 plus $5 shipping. as the #7506. The last model of the #7506. This was the last tape measure Stanley made with a The last tape measures Stanley removable blade, discontinued in 1958. made with removable blades were the #1261 Defiance/Handyman. 1939 saw the intro " Tape measures with removable duction of this closed, round case marked "Removable blades, while not rare, are much Blade". It had no number and was not labeled Stanley or less common than attached Defiance in anyway, except some blades were marked Defiance. These tape measures had a steel case and a blade tape measures. " bright steel blade, neither was nickel plated. Sometime
36 The Gristmill Lest We Forget by Bob Roger
Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, each about a during the canning or filling process, but not much help tool or implement that was once a common household, thereafter. Figure 1 shows the patent drawing for a holder farm, or trade necessity, but whose use or existence may designed to securely hold a condiment bottle and to catch soon be forgotten. the drippings. It is patent number Holders for Condiment Bottles 547,713 and was You do not see these much anymore, and surpris issued in 1895. It was ingly there does not appear to be very many also issued in 1894 in patents for them. There are several patents and Great Britain. manufactured items that relate to holding bottles Figure 2 shows an example that is a slight variation of the patent. The holder is marked WIZARD and has a nice wooden handle. The bottle is -... a patented bottle • 'I marked H. J. HEINZ Figure 3. Holder open CO. and has 14 flutes or panels. It is probably a ketchup bottle. Figure 3 shows how the bottle is attached to the holder with a sliding sleeve. The bottle is very secure in the holder, and can be shaken hard without coming free. I think it looks nicer on the table than a plain bottle of ketchup or dressing. Similar holders for pouring wine are designed to keep the hands from warming the bottle, but that was not of particular importance with condiments. Let us not forget the tools used at the Victorian table. Figure 1. 1894195 patent Figure 2. The Wizard Bottle Holder
Tool Family Tree Answer by Bob Roger
These all belong to the com parer branch, and that includes edge is the inside bottom of the key slot (left end) in the warts, bunions, and calluses. When one of those growths 'spoon bowl', and is sharpened from the inside of the bowl got too painful, it was sliced, pared, or planed off or bored (which is down in the photo). out. These tools are usually inexpensive, take up little Item E is marked "KEWTIE LAPIN MADE IN USA" and space, and are fun to collect. M-WTCA.ORGcame with its own double-edged razor blade and plastic Figure 1: Item A is patent# 1,698,045 issued in 1929 and marked case. Although marketed in the 1940s as a woman's under "MADE IN USA". It has a removable triangular-shaped blade. arm razor, it was actually patented in 1911 (patent # 983,202) as a com cutter. Item B is marked "THE ANGLE CORN PARER PAT JAN 9 12" and is patent# 1,014,154. It contains a tiny and remov Figure 2 is patent #1,133,881 issued March 30, 1915. The able single-edge razor blade. end of the tube is placed over the com and the blade pushed down and turned to bore out the com. Item C is marked "GILLETTE MADE IN USA BEAVER 36" and contains a removable single-edge blade. Figure 3 is patent # 1,753,086 issued on April 1, 1930 for a tiny com shave (plane). Item D is marked "KORN BARBER PAT PEND CHICAGO" and is patent #2,698,481 issued in 1955 but based on earlier There were many more patents issued for these tiny tools. patents issued in 1893, 1897, 1911, and 1924. The cutting Perhaps you have one in a drawer someplace.
June 2011 37 M-WTCA Auxiliary Jottings from Judi by Judi Heckel
Hurrah, we survived Mother Nature's you can serve our Auxiliary, either as an Officer or winter challenges and look forward to Committee Chair. When Lynne calls, please respond with a good weather. Lynne McCalla, our positive, "I would be happy to serve." We will all benefit Nominating Chair, is working to produce from your help. Jot this down: Bowling Green KY for the a slate of officers to present at the June June 23-26, 2011 National Meeting. The theme for the dis Meeting. Please consider ways in which plays is A Pocketful of Treasures.
Meet and Greet by Kathy Vogt
What a terrific turnout for the Meet and Greet in Louisville! nice for the whole season. Thank you for so many sharing at this special time. Paula Cox Helen Birge ran her sec introduced first timers Cathy Myer from Indianapolis IN and ond Race for the Cure, Marilyn Barclay from New Zealand. Cathy talked of a mount and at age 92 that is quite ed plane she has on a coffee table. She collects music boxes a feat. Becky Leamy gave and does stained glass work Since she is traveling light, us an update on her Marilyn shared a tiny purse from her great grandmother with genealogy study. It is up a tiny pair of scissors inside. She also brought us up to date to 1,100 pages and she has on the recent earthquake in New Zealand. Kathy Vogt showed a special place in her heart a fancy piece of green Depression Glass with all kinds of for her Hessian relatives. detail. Mary Ruda wisely used some health recuperation time Susan Witzel showed a to sew up some magnificent quilts. One was aquarium new perpetual brass cal inspired, another a shaving cream dyed quilt from a class she endar probably from the taught. She is also teaching her granddaughter to quilt. Victorian Era. Dorothy Christian displayed some of her doll Annabel Ring showed "stack and whack" quilts. She also collection and is especially fond of her Elvis Presley wedding makes an interesting tote bag for all her quilts. Harriot Baker doll. Jan Dills reported on efforts to restore the Rudolph modeled her new button necklace and gave us tips for display Fuchs home in Mark 'lwain National Forest. Be sure to enjoy ing buttons on cards. Marian Seevers vowed she was not the website http://www.markhamsprings.com/ and view the going to cut material and put it back together. Instead she results of their efforts. Judy Gambrel, our "Pickin' Momma," bought a pattern for $4 and made a jacket. Over the years, now has earned National recognition and will again be fea Mid-West members have purchased 42 of her jackets, and she tured on the program, American Pickers on the History is ready to start on #175! Linda Hammontree showed a wool Channel. It is such fun to come and meet fellow members of applique quilt made from a 1000/o wool jacket. Phyllis Moffet the Auxiliary and share in the stories and the items they bring. shared that squirting VaselineM-WTCA.ORG on a pretty leaf keeps it looking Look for the time on your Auxiliary agenda and join us. Book Review by Judi Heckel Jeanne McDonald led Auxiliary members in a discussion a man," splitting and hauling wood, butchering hogs, ren of the novel Gap Creek: The Story Of A Marriage by dering lard, planting crops, and taking care of the stock Robert Morgan. The story opens with one wrenching Even when Julie meets and marries handsome young death and ends with another. This novel of tum-of-the Hank Richards, there is no happily-ever-after in store. century Appalachian life consists of fire, flood, swindlers, Nothing comes easy in Julie Harmon's world, and their sickness, and starvation. It is an assortment of plagues first year together is no exception. Auxiliary members all visited on the sturdy shoulders of 17-year-old Julie sympathized with Julie, analyzed Hank, and looked for Harmon. Fortunately, she is fully capable of working "like ward to discovering their own "tin" filled with riches.
38 The Gristmill M-WTCA Auxiliary Louisville Ladies Luncheon by Susan Witzel
Twenty nine beautiful new derby hats Alexander Hamilton Jr., August Belmont, and Samuel DuPont. These men raised $300,000 in a two week period, festooned with flowers and feathers which was phenomenal for that time. Inventions and busi decorated the ladies luncheon at Louisville. nesses exhibited there for the first time. Many exhibitors They added a touch of elegance as became wealthy, and many products fifty five M-WTCA Auxiliary mem are still in existence today. A gold bers gathered for food, fun and fel medal was presented to the winner of lowship. Chef Paul was introduced categories that included art, sculpture, and thanked for his delicious lunch and inventions. Some of the winners of apple waldorf salad, Kentucky Hot included: Elisha Otis, the safety eleva Brown and a dessert bar. tor; Samuel Morse, the telegraph; Cyrus McCormick, the reaper; Samuel Mike Stemple and Phil Baker then Colt, the 1st repeating revolving rifle; presented a very interesting program Isaac Singer, the first practical sewing about the first world's fair hosted in machine; Matthew Brady, the first the United States in New York City. photographs on paper; Charles Louis The whole program evolved when Tiffany, jewelry; Gail Border, con Mike sent Phil his Platt and Holroyd densed milk; Charles Goodyear, vul saw for repair, which had been exhibited in the Crystal canized rubber; William Colgate, toilet soap, Henry Steinway, Palace in 1853. Phil and Mike entertained the Auxiliary piano; and Charles Pfizer, the first medicine to treat intestinal luncheon members with a piece of history that has all but worms. Promoted by PT. Barnum, the exhibit ran for 16 been erased. Thanks to much research, especially by Sherri months. Sadly, the building burned to the ground in 1858. Stemple, the audience learned of the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in 1853. This exhibition changed the Hostess Susan Witzel presented Mike and Phil homemade character of "work" in the U.S. The Association responsible pickles in appreciation for helping her "out of a pickle" by for its building included famous names like Horace Greeley, presenting such an interesting program.
The Ladies LoveM-WTCA.ORG Their Books! by Judy Gambrel, Ways & Means Chairman
Thanks to all the ladies who assisted the Auxiliary in rais can be purchased during the hours the Trade Room is ing over $200 at the Louisville, Kentucky meeting. We sell open (sorry, no advance sales). M-WTCA pins, tote bags and YOUR used books to raise Pins sell for $4.00 each and we have a good supply of money for Auxiliary projects. them. Please let us know if you would like to take some More than $1,100 has been raised in the five years since to sell in your own area. There are a limited number of we started the used book sale. This is a very successful tote bags remaining from the Can1p Hill show. project and we can all share our love of reading by bring All items will be sold again at the Bowling Green meeting ing our used books to be sold to other members. and we encourage you to bring your used books - and Hardcover books sell for $1 each and paperback books your money so you can shop, shop, shop. 50¢. The book tables are in the Trade Room. The books
June 2011 39 M-WTCA Auxiliary Women's Auxiliary Displays in Louisville, Kentucky by Kathy Vogt
Doris Hardy, Co-Chairperson of the Awards Committee, wardrobe in Victorian times. Hat pins were used, as were made the Louisville Meet extra special by having her daugh hat decorations on occasion, to firmly secure the hats in ter, Sharon Hardy, make bracelets with beads and a horse place. In present times, hats are again a fun and elegant charm as a thank you gift for the six ladies bringing displays fashion statement. In the early 1900s, popular music hall for our theme, "Decorations!" Included in actresses in America and Britain made this issue of The Gristmill are the remain popular the wearing of enormous, heavy ing three display articles from our Meet in " Every display is hats that required a pin to keep in place. Louisville, Kentucky in October. Every dis delightful for all Longer pins were introduced till 1908, play is delightful for all members to enjoy. members to enjoy. when a series of laws were introduced to We learn so much about each other as well We learn so much limit the size of these "deadly weapons". as facts about various collections from Fearing the suffragettes would use their your displays. Please consider doing a dis about each other as hatpins as weapons, the legal length was play for Bowling Green, Kentucky in June well as facts about limited to 9 inches from end to end and where the theme will be "A Pocketful of various collections many women were forced to trim down Treasures". Remember even one item can from your displays. " their pins (and tone down their hats) to be a display, whether in theme or out-of stay within the law. Today, the majority theme .... include a table cover, a title and of pins are created for decorative use or your name. It is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3. We look forward to stuck through the lapel of a blouse or suit. The youngest seeing a display from YOU! Thank you for your participa "functional" hat pins date back to the years of World War tion in enhancing our Meets. II, when women stopped wearing so many hats and start ed cutting their hair shorter since they were working in the factories and shipyards. Also included in Susan's display were assorted hats of earlier years. Some Mary Engelbreit hat creations, a red hat dressed up "just for the fun of it", and various magazines of the 20s and 30s showed how the well dressed woman would coordinate her outfits for the season. One special book told the history of hats, the styles that have been worn over the years, and how to fashion your own hat as an early milliner would have done in the early days of our country's beginnings. Hats are decorated in many ways, with ribbons, feathers, beads and netting. Styles are varied and need to fit the shape of a woman's face, the season, and the occasion. Aside from special events like the "Run for the Roses" and a bride on her wed ding day, most hats are now worn for warmth in the winter and protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Women "Decorations" For the Well Dressed Woman no longer enjoy this special type of fashion decoration. by Susan Witzel The hat pins and hat decorations of the past are simply Judges Choice Award M-WTCA.ORGsmall pieces of history that are fascinating to hold in the Susan first became fascinated with hat ornaments - not hat hand. It would.be fun to hear them share stories of their pins- when she found out about them from an antique deal adventures in the past. er. She found checking on hatpins from eBay auctions that Mary's husband, Gil, gave her a set of Geisha Lithophane hat ornaments were a double duty item also listed as lapel Dragonware for Christmas after she admired it in an antique pins. They are not in plentiful supply, perhaps because hat mall many years ago and called it to his attention. The set ornaments were the "plain cousin" of the hat pin which is was made by Nippon in the late 1800s until the mid 1900s. very showy and collectable. Hat decorations are fashioned The plates, cups and saucers, teapot, cream and sugar, salt with a metal rod between two ends which screw on and off. and pepper and two vases of different sizes were displayed They could be used to change the appearance and "dress on a black Japanese kimono with some teacups on their up" or "dress down" a hat to make it coordinate with a sides to view the Geisha in the bottom of the cups. Made woman's outfit. Hats were a very popular item in a lady's with lithophane with a raised design of a woman, the Geisha
40 The Gristmill M-WTCA Auxiliary
Masters of Decoration - The Japanese by Mary Gandenberger Best of Show October Fun by Phyllis Moffet in the teacups can be clearly seen when raised to the light, Phyllis shared her uncle's paintings in the Halloween Post covers and Mary's flashlight showed an even sharper image of her. she displayed. The book by Eugene lverd, American illustrator The lithophanes went out of style in the late 50s to early 60s for the Saturday Evening Post, had a wealth of information in it. because of the cost to produce them. Since the inside of the This was only given to the families as a keepsake. Her uncle's cups is created with lead, one should not drink from them. real name was George Ericson who became the famous artist, The smoky gray color with white pieces Mary displayed, commercially known as Eugene lverd. He was also a famous were extremely ornate with very detailed large dragons that photographer. His work appeared from 1926 to 1936 and he used wrap around most of the piece and originally had glass eyes both names. He died of pneumonia in 1936 before the day of rather than the typical slip work ones, all signs of being penicillin and was only in his 40s. Phyllis had pumpkins dis older. All of Mary's pieces have the glass eyes except the played as well as a Halloween noisemaker shaker with a wood larger vase. All of the pieces are marked MADE IN JAPAN. en handle which seemed to bring out the pumpkins shown in the A dragon in the Orient is very important to the people. The Post covers. She had Saturday Evening Post covers from most significant meaning being fertility, humility, procre October 2007, November 3, 1934 and October 29, 1927 with ation and warding off evil spirits. What a wonderful thing to pumpkins/jack-a-lanterns on them. A copy of a postcard from share with M-WTCA members, Mary. I can see why you say 1934 was also displayed. Curtis Publishing Company owns the that the Japanese are "masters of decoration!" rights to some of his works. Thank you for sharing your uncle's paintings with us in October, the month of Halloween memories.
M-WTCA Silent Salesman M-WTCA Silent Salesman by John Walkowiak by John Walkowiak Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? We Please consider placing an M-WfCA membership promotion in have available a Silent SalesmanM-WTCA.ORG for you to display at these your listing or on your web site. This will be good for M-WfCA or any other venues. They are lightweight and sturdy self by providing the thousands of eBayer's and online collectors standing sign holders. They hold a small poster and a pock who are looking at old tools and do not know about us, an easy et that holds the tri-fold membership brochures and are means to make contact with our organization. This will also available in two sizes. It is an effortless way for you to pro improve your credibility as a seller by showing your affiliation mote membership in M-WTCA. You can contact me at with M-WfCA. It will be a Win-Win situation for everyone! Just [email protected] go to http://mwtca.org and click on the Selling on eBay bar on the left side of the homepage. Then simply copy and paste the promotion and add it to your listing where it best fits. It is sim ple and easy and will be a great help in exposing our great organization to the world. Also, do not forget to include a mem bership brochure in all the tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of membership brochures to you.
June 2011 41 Obituaries
John L. Alexander
John L. Alexander, 84 of Tuscola, IL. John retired from USI-Quantum Chemical Company in passed away on March 17, 2011. John Tuscola, IL, where he worked as a Supervisor. He was a was born September 12, 1929 in member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Midwest Tool Fairmount, IL. He married Betty Wetzel Collectors Association, Tucola Moose Lodge and Friends of on April 17, 1949. She preceded him in the Tuscola Airport. John served in the U.S. Army Air Corps death on December 25, 2004. during World War II.
Horst Lichtenberg by William J. Morgan & Charlotte Lichtenberg
Horst Lichtenberg passed away on February 9,2011 Horst's interest in tools was based on both his education under the care of his wife Charlotte and the Florida and his years of teaching Industrial Arts. He became more Hospice Foundation at Brookside. Horst was born in active as a collector after 1985 and joined M- WTCA in Brooklyn, NY on March 2, 1932. He was a resident of 1989. His focus was woodworking tools and machinist's Keene Valley/Lake Placid, NY who wintered in Dunedin, tools. As with most of us, he was easily moved by the beau FL. Horst was drafted in 1952 and proudly seived in the tiful or interesting tool that presented itself. Horst retained United States Marine Corps. He was a graduate of SIJNY his collection in New York and spent his summers dealing Oswego and taught Industrial Arts at Keene Central and trading tools in Florida and other southeast states. School in Keene Valley for many years before becoming In addition to his wife Charlotte, Horst is sUIVived by his the Administrator of the school. Horst and his wife sons Carl and Reiner. Memorial donations may be made to Charlotte were married in 1960 and together owned and the M-WTCA Endowment Fund by contacting the M operated a tourist home in Lake Placid. NY. WTCA Treasurer, LeRoy Witzel.
Lucy M. Parks
Lucy Parks (73) wife of longtime later J. P. Morgan Chase in Loveland, Colorado as MWTCA member Gail Parks passed Bookkeeping Supervisor and Operations officer. away Dec.M-WTCA.ORG 27, 2010 in Loveland, Lucy enjoyed attending many of the different Tool Collector Colorado from complications of heart Club meetings with her husband. The last Tool meeting she and lung problems. She leaves behind was able to attend was the PNTC (BITW) 2008 in Shelton, her husband Gail, daughter Susan and Wash. She talked about it a lot. Lucy made displays for two son Michael. Born in West Point, Iowa MWTCA meetings. One consisted of W. A. Sheaffer Pen Co., Lucy received her education in the and other Pen Co. memorabilia. The other display was of Catholic School System in Fort Madison, past kitchen collectibles which she displayed with pride. Iowa. Her first employment was with W. A. Sheaffer Pen Co. She enjoyed the lasting friendships she made with tool col in Fort Madison, Iowa. After Sheaffer Pen, Lucy was lectors and their spouses. Lucy will be missed by many. employed in the banking business, retiring from (Bank One)
42 The Gristmill When Giants Fall by Mark Eastlick
I am writing this in tribute to three people who have passed it was the same plane. I decided that upon retirement, I away within the last two years. Dick Howe, Bob Baker and my would like to go to Maine and spend a week at Bob's shop to close friend and mentor, Dr. Ron Pearson. Ron was known by learn how to do some of the restoration skills that I had been many members of Mid-West for his outstanding tools and his in awe of for so long. When I told Bob about what I wanted service to our Organization, but moreover, his knowledge and to do, he agreed and I was ready to make the plans for a his willingness to share information about tools. When news week in Maine. Alas, Bob was taken from us too soon and I of Ron's illness became public at a recent tool meeting, the never got to have that chance to learn from the man consid comment was made "What are you going to do?" I began to ered to be the best restorationist. think about that statement which is so often made when About fifteen years ago, I attended an auction where some someone passes. While you cannot change the gravity of the tools were being sold. I bought some old tools without know fact that all our lives will end at some point, we can choose in ing much about them. As the auctioneer shifted to selling other effect what we do while we are on earth. Let us begin with items, a man came to me and asked if I was a tool collector. I some short remembrances about each of these three men. said, "I do not know, do people collect this stuff?" The man gen I have said that I wished that I had started collecting tools tly laughed and he introduced himself as a tool collector. It was sooner than I did because that way I could have learned more Ron Pearson. from Dick Howe. Before Dick died, I wanted to learn how to Ron and I developed a friendship by going to tool meetings operate a South Bend Model A Lathe. I had no background in and auctions. We even golfed on Tuesdays with a group of working with machine tools and I asked Dick for some help. friends. At any time, Ron was always willing to talk about His answer surprised me a bit because he told me, "Before I tools and take the time to answer questions that I had. He show you anything, I want you to take the lathe apart, clean was always encouraging and supportive as my involvement it, paint it and put it back together, then you will get your first in tool collecting grew. He welcomed me into his home and lesson." I soon found out, that would be the first lesson. By made me feel as if I was a part of his family. I will always con raking the lathe apart, it made me familiar with the parts, sider it an honor and a privilege to have been his friend. their function and the care of the machine. Later, when Dick saw the results of my work and I received approval, we began As to the question, "What are you going to do?" As members with some of the simple functions of the tool. Unfortunately, of Mid-West Tool Collectors, we can honor Dick, Bob and by that time, Dick's illness had progressed to the point that Ron by helping others and sharing our knowledge, and we could not continue. If I knew 10% of what Dick knew teaching others the skills that we have learned. If you have about technology and tools, I would consider myself lucky. knowledge about a particular area of tool collecting, make sure that others can learn from you. If you have a technical In seeing the skill in which Bob Baker made and restored skill, teach someone how to do it. If you are talented and can tools, it left me awed at the talent this man possessed. A few restore or refinish tools, share your talent so that it lives years ago, Ron had found a Sandusky center wheel plow after you. In demonstrating the passion that we have for our plane with ivory tips that, unfortunately, had some damage. tools and sharing what we have learned, we are able to After looking at it, I was sure that any repairs would be redeem what has been so freely given to us. The giants will noticeable and therefore lessen its value. Ron sent it to Bob then be able to continue on after they have fallen. to work his magic and when it came back, I could not believe
SCHEDULE: Location: The Chester Ranlett Tool Museum 11 am to 1 pm 6th Annual Route 6, Eastham, MA Located behind the Swift-Daley House Museum and TAILGATE M-WTCA.ORG(call Irwin Sitkin @ 508-945-3069 adjacent to the Eastham Post Office. Plenty of parking. if you plan to set up) TOOL All are welcome to a gathering of tool collectors, anyone 1 pm interested in sharing their knowledge and experience or WELCOME DISCOVERY just enjoying a part of the past in a setting committed to preserving old tools used by a variety of craftsmen. by Mark Herman, Curator DAY Plus Demonstrations: Pewter Spoon 1:15 pm Making, Wood Carving, Furniture Making TOURS Tool Museum Sunda~Aug. 14,2011 Bring your old tools to Trade or Tailgate Beach Shack or describe as a "whatsit". Swift Daley House 11am to 3pm Appraisals available by a team of Experts 'WHATSIT" SESSION APPRAISALS
June 2011 43 Book Review by John G. Wells
the worlds greatest collections of antique woodworking tools. A close examination immediately reveals that the Antique Woodworking Tools tools in the collection were selected by an individual who Their Craftsmanship from the Earliest Times was extremely lmowledgeable in the fields he chose to col to the Twentieth Century lect; the collection also shows a deep commitment and emotional attachment to the intrinsic beauty of tools. The David R. Russell early 17th century German handled auger, item number with Pl1otograplls by James Austin 1388 on page 457, is one of the most beautiful tools I have ever seen. Antique Woodworking Tools begins with the earliest tools lmown: those predating written history to those of the Roman era. It moves on to explore beautiful anvils, axes, and saws. It adds a delightful excursion into the fascinat ing world of measuring and marking devices. Then it embarks on the major theme: Wooden and metallic planes of the 16th through the 20th centuries, made in central Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Of particular interest to me were the decorated, hand made, 17th and 18th century continental wooden planes found on pages 96 throughl33. I was also fascinated by the central European metallic planes made of wrought iron plates beginning with a very rare German smoothing plane on page 272. It was made in the 1570s, which has its sides decorated by acid etching. It is similar to the two planes made in Nuremburg that are in the Dresden Collection. The next several pages contain beautiful central European metallic miter and chariot planes of the 17th and 18th cen Antique Woodworking Tools: Their Craftsmanship from turies made of iron plates joined by brazing or dovetailing. the Earliest Times to the Twentieth Century by David R. They were often decorated with fanciful scallops and cusps Russell, with photography by James Austin is a superb cut into the top edges of their sides or into the edges of the book It was published by John Adamson, 90 Hertford upturned front palm rest. The very significant contribution Street, Cambridge CB4 3AQ, England, 2010. It is available to the development of ornamental lathes and tools made by from the publisher for £90 plus shipping and packing from John Jacob Holtzapffel during the late part of the 18th and Astragal Press, David Stanley Auctions, and from Jim early 19th centuries is celebrated on pages 362 through 371. Bode. ISBN 978-1-898565-05-5. David Russell began his collection with a The book has 528 pages and measures ,, David Russell's book is a Norris smooth plane that he greatly cov 10 ¼ x 13 ¾ inches. It is hardbound eted as a young woodworker. So it is not with cloth covered covers, and has a vehicle for sharing his surprising that his book devotes over 50 dust jacket. It is printed in full color on fabulous collection with pages to the absolutely marvelous infill heavy paper. It contains 935 illustra the world. His unerring planes made by Norris. The book con tions showing 1556 tools plusM-WTCA.ORG 575 illus eye has sought out the cludes with a generous treatment of bor ing tools including an extensive selection trations of marks on tools, and it has an most interesting tools appendix with 269 plane iron marks. of very attractive plated and framed Each item is fully described and the available over the past braces, followed by beautifully decorat provenance is provided when avail 40 years resulting in one ed screwdrivers. able. The research is stunning; in many of the worlds greatest David Russell's book, Antique cases presenting newly discovered or collections of antique Woodworking Tools will delight all tool recently translated material. woodworking tools. , , collectors and woodworkers as well as David Russell's book is a vehicle for everyone having any interest in how sharing his fabulous collection with the things were made in the past, and the world. His unerring eye has sought out the most interest tools that made it all possible. This book belongs in every ing tools available over the past 40 years resulting in one of serious collector's library.
44 The Gristmill 2nd ANNUAL HOTTER 'N HELL ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION July 9, 2011, 9:30 AM Harvester Lions Club 4835 Central School Road St. Charles (St. Louis), MO 63304
Featuring the Milo Hochstedler collection from Kokomo, Indiana
STANLEY PLANES: #3, 3C, 4, 4C, 4 1/2, 4 l/2C, 5, 5C, 5 1/2, 6C, 24, 24 prelateral, 32 prelateral, 33, 34, 35, 40, 45 (inc. one in tin box), 46, 55, 65, 66 header, 70, 71, 79, 80, 82, 102, 103, 113, 203, 220 JOB; BEDROCK 605, #6C Type 1, lots of other Stanley tools. OTHER PLANES: RARE Morris Pat. jack plane by Sandusky, Ohio Tool #37, 029, 0120, Millers Falls #67 router; Deffaulx Pat. rams horn scraper, Atkins Ideal #14 saw swedging tool, Palmer & Storks fore plane, Gage Tool Co. #19, Sargent #52 scraper; J. GILMER NEW ALBANY (Indiana) toothing plane, and many other wooden plow and molding planes. KEEN KUTTER: FINE Keen Kurter treadle grinder, Food Choppers, chisels, saws, claw hammers, comer chisels, gouge, rafter squares, #190 plane, hatchets, #104 ratchet brace, K9 tin snips, drawknives, pliers ... SAWS: Sterling brass back flushing saw, fine Folding Saw Co. drag saw, Jackson back saw, KOCH Patent butcher saw, stair saw, keyhole saws, numerous hand saws by Disston and others, hand cranked band saw setting machine, Atkins #27 circular saw setting stand, THE STAR treadle operated scroll saw. LAYOUT TOOLS: Fine Stanley #1 Odd Jobs, rosewood marking gages, clapboard marking tools; Unknown make 36-inch log cane, Frank R. Buck & Co. Woodstock, ILL 36-inch log rule ... EDGE TOOLS: numerous adzes, 20+ corner chisels, lots ofregular chisels and gouges ... BORING TOOLS: AJAX boring machine; Dole Pat. hub borer; G-P comer brace; Brown & Flather plated brace, F.E. Wells & Co. Sheffield brace, T augers; chain drill, Grand Rapids gang bit, penny braces, ratchet braces, three folding boring machines inc. THE BOSS; Russell Jennings 3-tier box of auger bits, lots of bits and bitstock tools ... WRENCHES: Sheffy Patent 15-inch pipe wrench; Dies Patent/ Larco screw-adjusting 10-inch pipe wrench; F.W. MACKE & CO. QUICKSET pipe wrench; several IH screw-adjust nut wrenches; IH 1 5/16; 373941R2; 1 5/16, 373941Rl; 1 1/8, #373942Rl; 12737-DA double open end; P318 double open end; and a 35250, and many others. OTHERS: RARE Bard Patent (Sept. 10, 1878) broom-press or vise, Scarce B.B. Noyes Blacksmiths kick vise (missing a piece); GENEY A ILL FLUTER Patented 1866, HEAT THIS; AMERICAN ST. LOUIS leather skiver; Haussmann Patent Veterinary Mouth-Speculum; Uncle Tom #2 fence stretcher PAT. MCH 3 RD 08; several other fence stretchers; wooden whetstone holder, horn whetstone holder, Facile 1903 Patent cream tester; Fine Shepard & Adams Patent (U.S. #211,061) Fluting-Machine; Griswald No. 8 AMERICAN waffle iron; Unusual PAINE'S Patent (U.S. 295,582) COMBINATION LOCK CRANK; TAYLOR'S SHEFFIELD EYE WITNESS wick trimming scissors; Laing & Maginnis leather tool; RARE ATLANTA MACIDNEM-WTCA.ORG WORKS 1862 double caliper; LUTTEN 4-inch shears, Lufkin Mezurall store display; Utica Tools wooden hardware store display for pliers; books, books and more books.
Sale Managed by Michael J. Urness & Great Planes Trading Co. (314) 434-4325 [email protected] www.greatplanestrading.com
June 2011 45 Announcing. . . ,C' T American Wood~Metal7 plan es from the Collection of the D)Elia Antique Tool Museimz
This 352 page hardcover ~ _-i 'lll book has been produced to Jlt, 1 • • I promote the D)EliaAntique \ '\l \.1 ~! ·t)... Tool Museum .md provide ] •1 a keepsake for tho e v.,rho visit. It includes color photos with captions of some 400 planes, including many uniguc examples, selected to provide a broad sampling of the 1,400 planes in the museum's collections. To order, please send your name and address, along with Published by the JOHN T .. KRAMER a check for S30.00 (S25.00 plus D'ELIA P.O. Box 8715/Sugar Creek, MO 6405, S5.00 s&h) to: {816} 252 951!::; ANTIQ!JE TO kramrr , , kramt.rize.corn The D'Elia Foundation MUSEUM~~r www .k:ramerlze .con, P.O. Box 164 ?fi..p,lfrf_; BOOR OF JNSTRtJCTIONS &. USRS f'REE wn1r J>VRCirASE. Scotland, CT 06264 Scotland, Ct 06264
Timeless Tools ITALIAN PLUMB BOBS & Treasures 300+ Color Photos
This book is a labor of love highlighting over 300 historic and beautiful plumb bobs (FIU A PIOMBO, in Italian) from the personal collection of Riccardo Chetoni, Civil Engineer and renowned European We search New England· tool researcher and historian. for vintage woodworking Riccardo's personal collection of more than 1 machining leather and 3,000 bobs, his world-wide research and 1 M-WTCA.ORGother unique hand tools. his presentation in Istanbul at the first International Plumb Bob Congress See us at tool meets all come together in this & our cabinet-making remarkably beautiful book. shop in Antrim1 NH Text in Italian, English and German. jane@ janebbutler.com 603-588-2637 $69 US, Delivered via Priority Mail Show schedule and store at PayPal to: [email protected] www.T1melessTools Or visit the website: www.olumb-boboinfo andTreasures.com
46 The Gristmill Marketplace Wanted Wanted Wanted WANTED: Winchester items, tools, WANTED: Old Greenlee Forstner Bits. sporting goods or advertising. No Sizes 1 7/8" through 3". Must be made IN THE HEART firearms. Collections or pieces OK. in Rockford, IL. Call Woody Ford OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS Please advise price and condition. (502)228-3113 or (239)293-8057 AMISH COUNTRY David McDonald, 14211 Kellywood [email protected]. Lane, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 558- 5236 [email protected] WANTED: An OHIO Tool Co. Number ELI'S 228 Jointer Plane #8 size. Contact; Dan ANTIQUE TOOLS Looking for Gabriel planes and Miller, 330-297-6344, [email protected] Kenyon saws. Let me know what you --, p 214 S. Vine St. have. John Walkowiak 612- 824-0785 Arthur, Il 61911 Just 30 Minutes South of Champaign [email protected] FOR SALE: 50# Little Giant Trip Primitives • Tools • What's It Table Hammer $1500 (furn). Huge Blacksmith Vise 811 jaws $1000. Call after 6pm Steve RMTC/SWTA Combined Meeting Eli Schrock, Owner (763)444-5214. Phone: 217.543.2108 Fax: 217.543.2110 Labor Day RMTC/SWTA Tool Cell: 217.254.7140 Closed Sunday Collectors annual meeting, September 3 & 4, 2011. Holiday Inn and Suites Sunport, 1501 Sunport Place SE. Albuquerque, NM 87106. Info call, Connie Fessler, 505-243-4905, Res. 505-944-2255 Advertising Information
ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES WANTED: Any hand forged iron tool March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit ( except reaping hooks) marked June April 10 Full page, 4-color, I-CHRIST or D.Christ. Laurent Torno 7111 September July 10 (when available) $275 900 Waterman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63130 December October 10 Full page $180 900 [email protected] Tel/Fax 314-721-3911 Half page $105 450 CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4" wide.) WANTED Stanley Handyman tools 25 word limit. in the original box, packaging or hang card. Bill Kolm 402-572-1238, NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive [email protected]. event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill's publication. For example, an ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue.
* For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2" wide X 4 7/8" tall. Always buying Always Selling Pete NiederbergerM-WTCA.ORG Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be Used and Antique Tools and charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your Parts for Same ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge. Mail Order Call Me and Come to the Shop For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and dou 415-92+8403 pniederber@aoLcom ble-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly.
Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertis A-1 LEVEL REPAIR ing will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and Most brands repaired and restored membership application, contact John Walkowiak or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication. Bob and Diane Skogman 18639 - 327th Ave. Isle, MN 56342-4784 Phone: 1-320-684-2078 Send all ads to: Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding Street Omaha, E 68164, phone E-mail: [email protected] ( 402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected] Website:www.a1levelrepair.com "WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!"
June 2011 47 'lturmans
Warman's Tools Field Tools Guide 2nd Edition
Clarence Blanchard
Clarence Blanchard
At last, a guide you can really carry along to flea markets, antique stores, rum mage sales, auctions & estate sales, containing hundreds of color photographs to make on the spot appraisals easy.
• 2,000 price listings covering planes, levels, saws, braces, drills, gauges, edged tools, and more. All listing are from actual sales made within the past few years.
• New Stanley tools section.
250 color photos. 4 by 5 inches. 510 pages. M-WTCA.ORG]US( $]4.99plusshipping. Fine Tool Journal 27 Fickett Road, Pownal, ME 04069 Phone: (800) 248-8114 Fax: (207) 688-4831
Snail mail, call or order online at www.FineToolJ.com