Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools September
Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools Hand-Held Lamp Wick Trimmers story begins on page 26
MWTCA.ORG
Leonard Bailey's Patented Block Planes and More story begins on page 13
September 2009 No. 136 The Gristmill Index
Features Departments Craftsman made Irish Chariot Plane ...... 10 Chaff ...... 4 Leonard Bailey, The Years at Stanley Rule & Level Co. Pt. II .. 13 Committee Reports ...... 5 Hand-Help Lamp Wick Trimmers ...... 26 National Meeting ...... 6 Mystery Hammer: A Study, A Theory ...... 34 National Meeting Display Winners ...... 8 Update on the Ergonomic Back Saw ...... 36 Area Meetings ...... 11 You Can't Hear it Coming if it Doesn't Make a Sound ... 37 Auxiliary ...... 30 Obituary ...... 38 Book Reviews ...... 39 Collection Spotlight ...... 40 What's-it ...... 44
The Gristmill No. 136 September, 2009
Copyright 2009 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Directors Committee Chairman Association, Inc. AU rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Area A AreaJ Elections ...... George Wanamaker Eric Mattson, 2009 Joel Hodapp, 2009 Meeting Planning ...... Bob Fields Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm Hollis Feeser, 2010 Lloyd Henley, 2009 Membership ...... John Walkowiak 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Robert Nelson, 2011 Rick Kerns, 2011 Scholarship ...... George Elsass Contributing Editors: Nikki Borkovetz, Bob Roger AreaB AreaK Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm Graphic Design: Tracie Sis Gary Kane, 2009 David Howell, 2009 Special Publications ...... Vincent Soukup The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Pete Hartmann, 2010 Bill Youart, 2010 By-Laws and Policy ...... Vaughn Simmons Steve McNulty, 2011 Monte Harold, 2011 Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in What's It...... Ron White March, June, September and December. The purpose of the association is to promote the preserva AreaC AreaL Directory ...... Larry Thorson tion, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements Jim Crammond, 2009 Dave Fessler, 2011 Preservation & Education...... Phil Baker and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pio Del Galofaro, 2010 Marion Henley Award ...... Mel Ring neers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were Mike Stemple, 2011 AreaM Displays & Awards ...... Bob Valich used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share lmowl Ronnie Glover, 2009 edge and understanding with others, especially where it may Family Assistance ...... Don Riley AreaD Richard Bradshaw, 2010 benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. Internet ...... Don Bosse Fred Leu, 2009 Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla President William Rupert, 2010 AreaN Ed Hobbs Ed Chabal, 2011 Vincent Soukup, 2009 Scrapbook ...... Barb & Mike Slasinski 4417 Inwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3315 William Morgan, 2010 [email protected] (919) 828-2754 AreaE Phil Baker, 2011 Russ Allen, 2009 Where to Send What Vice-President of Elections Gary Johnson, 2009 AreaO Please note where to send what so it will reach the George Wanamaker Ron Knorr, 2010 Bob Weaver, 2009 right person. 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 Robert Olesen, 2011 Bob Valich, 2010 [email protected] (309) 836-6872 Allan Foster, 2011 Send changes in your address, phone number or Vice-President of Meeting Planning AreaF E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, Bob Fields Carl Bilderback, 2009 AreaP E-Mail [email protected] 7835 Mount Holly Huntersville, Charlotte, NC 28216-8710 Bill Marlow, 2009 Richard Weymer II, 2009 [email protected] (704) 393-1282MWTCA.ORG Mark Johnson, 2011 Jack Zimmerman, 2010 Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 Vaughn Simmons, 2011 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone (586) Vice-President of Membership AreaG Donald Stark, 2011 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] John Walkowiak Dennis Eckstein, 2009 Pay membership dues for current year: Dues are $25 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 Ray Myers, 2010 AreaQ for USA, $33 for Canada & $44 for Foreign members. [email protected] (612) 824-0785 Roy Ebersole, 2011 Robert Oehman, 2009 Send your check made out to M-WTCA to LeRoy Witzel, Vice-President of Scholarship Tom Konsler, 2010 Treasurer, P.O. Box 355 Humboldt, IA 50548-0535 phone George Elsass AreaH David Friday, 2011 (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected]. Please 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893 Peter Habicht, 2010 write RENEW and your name and address on your [email protected] (614) 888-0591 Mark Hughes, 2011 AreaR check. Do not use a new member application to renew Walter Karsten, 2009 an existing membership. 'I'reasurer Areal Jim Bode, 2010 Submit materials and advertising information to LeRoy Witzel James Goodson, 2010 The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding P.O. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548-0355 Emory Goad, 2011 Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, [email protected] (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected] Secretary Obtain scholarship information: Contact George The Gristmill is printed by Elman & Co. Inc. Larry Thorson Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893, 6565 South 118th St. Omaha, Nebraska 68137 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 Phone (614) 888-0591, E-Mail [email protected] phone 402.346.0888 [email protected] (608) 779-0966z
2 The Gristmill Coming Up
M-WTCA National Meetings Fall 2009 ...... October 29-31, Indianapolis, IN Bob Fields (704) 393-1282, [email protected] 2009 M-WTCA Area Meetings Area B ...... Mee ...... Sept. 12, Genoa, WI Area Q ...... Meet ..... Nov. 7, Bethania, NC Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Robert Oehman (919) 858-8506, [email protected] Area C ...... Meet .. ... Sept. 19, Dearborn, MI Area P ...... Meet ..... Nov. 14, Broadway, VA Del Galofaro (734) 676-0997, [email protected] Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617, Area E ...... Meet ..... Oct. 4, Summit, IL [email protected] Ashley Kennedy (847) 475-2481, [email protected] Area E ...... Meet ..... Nov. 15, Carlinville, IL Area D ...... Meet .. ... Oct. 11, Omaha, NE Bob Terry (618) 377-3421, [email protected] Fred Leu (402) 592-1907, [email protected] Area N ...... Meet .... .Nov . 21, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] 2010 M-WTCA Area Meetings
Area P ...... Meet ..... Jan. 23, York, PA Area E ...... Meet ..... Mar. 21, Loves Park, IL. Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Gary Johnson (815) 636-1464, [email protected] Area I ...... Meet .... .Feb. 6, Bedford, TX Area A ...... Meet .....Apr. 17, Hastings, MN Gregor Mszar (817) 937-5475, [email protected] Bob Nelson (651) 426-2069 Area I,J,K .... Meet.. ... Feb. 6, Bentonville, AR Area E ...... Meet.. ... Apr. 25, Macomb, IL Emery Goad (888) 889-3340, [email protected] George Wanamaker (309) 836-6872, Area A...... Meet .. ... Feb. 13, Medina, MN [email protected] Ron Knorr (217) 434-8538 Bob Nelson (651) 426-2069 Area D ...... Meet ..... May 2, Humboldt, IA Area B ...... Meet ..... Feb. 28, St Francis, WI LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] Gary Kane (608) 877-9290, [email protected] Area N ...... Meet ..... Nov. 20, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL Area F ...... Meet ..... Mar. 6/7, McCormick's Creek State Park, Spencer, IN Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected]
Dates must be cleared with Jim Crammond (734) 241-0549, [email protected]
Financial Statement: Nomination Committee Report Dec. 31, 2008 The Board of directors has approved the following Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. slate of candidates for the year 2009 -2010:
ASSETS President Operating Funds NW Fed. (Ckg) ...... 16,966 Ed Hobbs NW Fed. (CD) ...... 17,334 NW Fed. (CD) ...... 17,109 Vice President - Meeting Planning NW Fed. (CD) ...... 17,543 Bob Fields Vanguard MM ...... 64,472 Accounts Receivable Vice President - Elections Semi-annual meeting ...... 1,500 Restricted Funds EXPENSE George Wanamaker Scholarship ...... 125 Scholarship ...... 9,085 Endowment ...... 18,365 Mt. Vernon & Pres. Comm ••. 3,441 Vice President - Scholarship Meeting Reserve ...... 13,562 loss on Bie Meeting ...... 2757 Gristmill ..•.••••••••.•••.•. -41,481 Mt. Vernon Tools ...... 231 MarkMWTCA.ORG Eastlick Membership Directory ...... 9,986 Pres. & Ed. Comm ...... 1,329 Special Publication ...... 14,705 life Memb'sp Fund ...... 69,127 Drector's Q'rtty Report •..••... 'm Vice President - Membership Board Reserve ...... 100,432 New Members Back Copies .. 1,556 John Walkowiak Adv. Level Contri...... 31,365 What's It Comm ..•...... •.... 236 Other Other Comm. Exp .•..••.•••• 1.500 Secretary Assets held by Areas &Aux .. 30,760 Membership Development .. 3,637 Larry Thorson TOTAL ASSETS ...... $400,220 Advertising •...... •...... •. 242 Area Mailing Labels ...... 516 LIABILmES Administrative (copying, 'Ireasurer Deferred Revenue Dues printing, stoti'ry, pst'ge,etc) . 2 311 LeRoy Witzel (Paid in 2008 for 2009) ...... 56,632 Internet...... 620 EQUITY Membership Database Serv .. 4,471 CPA Services ...... -405 Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor at the elec Retained earnings ...... 329,167 Net Current Income ...... 14,421 Treasurer ••..•••.•••.••••••• 5,806 tion to be held at the 2009 fall semi annual meeting. Insurance .•...•...•.•...... 1 322 TOTAL EQUITY ...... 343,588 Misc. (40th Aniv. shits) •••.•• l,596 The Nominating committee is soliciting suggestions from all mem TOTAL LIABILmES & EQUmES ... $400,220 Semi-annual mee1lng exp.... 2.407 bers for candidates for the year 2010 2011. Please contact John Wells, TOTAL EXPENSES • • .••...•• $108,309 chair of the Nominating committee, [email protected]. NEl'INCOME .••.••.•••.•. ~ September 2009 3 Chaff From The President, Ed Hobbs
We just got back from our spring to look at ways of perhaps improving our meetings. This semi-annual meeting that was held came out of a proposal to shift the meeting days to Friday in Lexington, KY. It was the same - Sunday, the desire to make the meetings more attractive size as the Milwaukee meeting two to those who could not get off work to come and a loud years ago and the largest since, cry of "the trade room is dead on Saturday - you have to with 415 people registered and do something about that." After a lot of discussing and about 130 trade tables. With a total thinking, that committee took a proposal to the Board to of about 60 displays, this far leave the meeting on Thursday - Saturday and rearrange exceeded any semi-annual meeting the events where Thursday would be primarily a program, in the total number of displays! demonstration and tour day, Friday primarily the parking Considering the economy and yes, lot and Saturday primarily the trade room. The Board eBay, it was a great success. approved this recommendation. Yes, we will acknowledge that our new format has not To monitor this new format, I formed a special committee been well received by some individuals and some have made up of Larry Thorson as Chair along with Dave even stated they will not come back unless the previous Heckel and George Wanamaker. That committee devel format is reinstated. Let me take a minute and provide oped a questionnaire that has been used at both the some background material to help put this in perspective. Decatur and Lexington meetings. They have also been observing and evaluating each meeting. Now that we Our meetings are one very big balancing act. We have to have two meetings plus a third planned with this format, consider location as it relates to travel time. Cost of the the special committee will be reporting to the Board in hotel rooms and the trade and meeting rooms must be Indianapolis their findings and presenting a recommenda considered. Suitability of space is critical as our parking tion for further Board action. lot needs are a special requirement that many sites just cannot provide. In Indianapolis, we have a great site at the Adams Mark near the airport. They have plenty of space, great meeting Perhaps the single biggest challenge is the mix of what facilities including the parking lot. Bob Fields and Susan happens within the three days of the meeting. M-WTCA Witzel have an outstanding program planned. Indy has a lot members are a varied bunch with many different interests. to see and do and is near a very large percentage of our Socializing, programs, trade room, displays, tours, parking members so we hope to have a large turnout. See you then. lot, restaurants, room hopping, What's It and taking in the sites are all important to some of those attending. Some We also need people to volunteer to take on specific want all three days in the trade room and some want the responsibilities at our meetings. Please contact Bob Fields schedule shifted to Friday - Sunday and some want more to find out more and offer to help us out. And as always, programs and interaction with fell ow members. if you have any ideas, suggestions, and questions or just want to "talk tools," please feel free to contact me at (919) In early 2007, then president John Wells formed a special 828-2754 or [email protected] - east coast time. committee made up of a representative mix of individuals
Membership by John Walkowiak MWTCA.ORG As you read this, summer is almost over. I have attended in order to keep the organization running smoothly. several Area meets so far this year and I hope you have Please do not hesitate to talk to your directors and volun also. There are still more to come before year's end. teer to lend a hand at meetings or demonstrate. Check the schedules so you do not miss any. There are old George Wanamaker is compiling a list of those who would and new friends to meet and countless tools to look at. It be willing to demonstrate or give a presentation. It does does not get much better than that! not have to be a big production at the Semi-Annual meet Thanks again to those of you who are putting the Silent ings. So please keep this in mind, and give George a call. Salesmen on display, and putting membership brochures It will be fun for you as well as the rest of the membership. in your eBay packages. They are introducing folks to our If you have any questions about Membership or Area club, and this is resulting in new members. Meetings, do not hesitate to contact me. Part of being a member is giving back a little of your time
4 The Gristmill Committee Reports M-WTCA Scholarship Recipients 2009-2010 by George Elsass, Vice President - Scholarships
The M-WTCA is proud to announce the $1500 scholarships to each of the following recipients. They will be able to fur ther their education at an institu Paige Poffenbaugh of Galion, OH tion of their choice. will be attending Ashland University, Ashland, OH. majoring in Math, Teaching at the Jonathan Brown of Ransomville, Secondary Level. NY will be attending Ohio Technical College, Cleveland, OH. Enrolling in Auto Diesel Technology.
Kennedy Ann Reed of Clayton, WI will be attending Luther College Nicole Behrnot of Exton, PA will at Decorah, IA. majoring in be attending West Chester Biology. University, West Chester, PA. maJormg in Elementary Education. (Special Education)
JoAnna Steere of East Greenwich, RI will be attending Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. majoring Coral Cums of Tiffin, OH will be in English. attending Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, OH. majoring in Middle Childhood Education.
Update from Past Scholarship Recipient by Jonathan Marino
I wanted to send _along a short note of thanks for award Schools Office of Service-Learning where I helped teachers ing me the M-WTCA Scholarship in 2002. It is hard for me connect their curriculum to meaningful community service to believe six years have passed.MWTCA.ORG So much has changed! projects. I have spent the last year in Uganda on a Fulbright Scholarship where I conducted policy research and sup In 2006 I was fortunate to graduate with honors from ported local community groups who are recovering from a Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois with a 20-year civil war between the Ugandan government and the major in Political Science. Your scholarship helped open Lord's Resistance Army. My time in Uganda has been both the doors of Northwestern to me, and Northwestern in challenging and transformative, to say the least! turn opened up the world. During my four years of under graduate study I was able to get involved in student gov The most significant thing to happen since I received your ernment, intramural sports and community service activi scholarship, however, was my marriage to my college ties. I traveled to South Africa, Guatemala, El Salvador, sweetheart Lauren Parnell last June. As I write, we are and Scotland for either service work or to study. celebrating six months of wedded bliss. I have used the three years since graduation to start a Once again, thank you for believing in my potential. I do career in public service which I have always dreamed of. I not know where life will take me next, but I will send spent the first two years working for the Chicago Public another update when I find out myself.
September 2009 5 National Spring Meeting, Lexington, Kentucky by Bob Fields
Many members arrived early on Monday The Thursday night program was given by Dave Heckel. and Tuesday so they could tour the many His subject touched on Shaker Furniture but was mainly on Shaker Buildings attractions around Lexington. The ones most and Architecture. He talked about were the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in showed and narrated Harrodsburg, Keenland Race Track just outside video slides from Lexington and Scotty Fulton1s Home in Mays Lick. several original Shaker Scotty was very gracious to invite us to see his collection Communities. of 11,000 hammers. So many people showed up to view Everyone enjoyed the the collection that Doug Fowler remarked that he should program especially go over to Mays Lick and help Scotty control the crowd. since Dave presented it We owe Scotty and Karen a "Big Thank You." in period clothes, Wednesday, Registration opened at including a large broad 2:00 p.m. and was followed by meet- brim straw hat. ings of the Preservation and Our Hospitality Room Education Committee and Executive opened at 9:00 p.m. and was kept Committee. At 8:30 p.m. the behind closed doors. It seems the Hospitality Rooms opened with Gary night before; we spilled into the hall and Jackie Coleman furnishing ample way and discussed tools too loudly! food and drink. Friday morning prior to the crack of Thursday, our Main Program day dawn, Tailgating began in Lexington began on an interesting note with Phil Center1s spacious parking lot with Baker and Mike Stemple leading a Doug Cox providing security. I am Group Session on Saws. Phil is always entertaining and sure passing motorists wondered what those people were Mike is never at a loss for words. These two are unwa doing with all those flashlights. Note: In the future, a vering in their love of old saws and willingness to share Food Cart is planned for the tailgating area. information. The Mid-Morning Program was presented by Dan Gaier and contained numerous examples of Bicycle Wrenches. His wife Debbie, and daughter Allison, were right on time with video slides and shows. Dan kept the group amused by including a few humorous slides during his lecture plus showing a video of him actually mounting, riding and dismounting a Big Wheel Bike. This video brought out Dan1s courageous side since the Big Wheel Bike has no brakes and it is a long way to the ground if you fall. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and this writer believes it drove up the prices on Bicycle Wrenches once tool trading began. At 11:30 a.m. members began moving tools and setting up After lunch, a Special InterestMWTCA.ORG Group met to discuss 11 How displays in the Trade Room. At 2:00 p.m. 60 staffed dis 11 plays (the most ever for both collectors and auxiliary) to Gather and Preserve What We Know • Ed Hobbs chaired the group and took notes on a flip chart to be were opened for viewing, plus questions and answers. published later. This event was truly a highlight of our meeting. In the late afternoon, our Board of Directors convened The Trade Room opened at 3:30 p.m. and the usual fren for a working session and meeting. After the Standing zy ensued with dealers placing tools on tables and buyers and Special Committee reports, Larry Thorson advised searching for that special item. the Board that a second survey and comment form would Our Auction commenced to 7: 30 p.m. with 160 plus lots. be available at the Registration Desk in the Trade Room There was a good variety of tools since most were from a for all interested members to fill out. Information found private collection, plus member lots. Steve Bruder on the forms will be summarized and presented to the Auction Organizer, and Bob Green Auctioneer, kept the Executive Committee for further action.
6 The Gristmill bidding brisk until the last lot John Shore is Kentucky's #1 Man was sold. More than $800.00 of Magic. He completely mysti was raised for the association. fied us with numbered cubes and super-sized cards. He even On the third night, the Hospitality escaped from a straight jacket. Room opened at 9:00 p.m. again We are still trying to figure out with great food, drink and con how he got that hundred dollar versation. bill from Scotty Fulton's pocket Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. into that lemon - great magic the Trade and Display Room show! reopened and early trading was Ed Hobbs officially closed the vigorous as usual. Banquet and Spring Meeting well Fifty unscheduled chairs arrived after 9:00 p.m. Many of the peo just in time for Ron White to ple then headed for the fourth conduct the What's It Session. and final night in the Hospitality Ron will have his research work Room. cut out for himself since he, Jim Many people working long hours Moffet and Jack Devitt found are required to stage a Four Day more What's It than ever. M-WTCA Semi-Annual Meeting During this same time, we were with 415+ attendees using 640+ pleasantly surprised to find the room nights and setting up 60 dis lovely and gracious Vicki Wood plays and 140 trade tables, but I demonstrating her spinning would like to recognize five. wheel in our common area. They are: Kathy and Ed Hobbs Thanks Vicki! for planning and organizing, Peggy McBride for registration and packets, and Jackie and Gary Coleman for host ing four nights in the hospitality room. With exceptional peo ple like these, I was so happy to be along for the ride! See you in MWTCA.ORG Indy!! At 12:30 p.m. the Trade Room closed. In the afternoon George Wanamaker a true M-WTCA treasure, presented a program on Measuring Tapes. He has done extensive research in this area and has published a book on the sub ject. Contact George for availability. Saturday evening our Banquet included a cash bar, short business session, awards presentation, and a gourmet chicken dinner. The entertainment was provided by John Shore.
September 2009 7 A RECORD IS SET IN LEXINGTON by Bob Valich
The June 2009, M-WTCA tool meeting in Lexington, Kentucky was outstanding. The theme for the displays was "tools related to horses", which was definitely fitting for the Lexington area. A total of forty two excellent displays set an "all time record" for the most displays ever, at an M WTCA tool meeting. Members obviously contributed a huge amount of time and effort creating their displays. Each display was interesting and very much appreciated by all who were there. The time allotted for viewing the displays enabled members to talk with each person and learn about that person's display. Displays are one of the most educational and enjoyable additions to a tool meet. We should all think about bring ing a display to a future meet. Best One Tool: Mike Stemple "Shoo-Fly" Saw The following is a list of the display winners:
Best in Theme: Scott Fulton Most Unusual Award and Farrier-A Shoe Cobbler for Horses People's Choice Award: John Ferreira New Francis Engraving Machine MWTCA.ORG
Best Out of Theme: Jim Gehring Fred Curry Stanley Award: Pat Medley Davis Levels Stanley Tools in Sets
8 The Gristmill Wayne Gustafson Herb Caudle Rare Patented Transitional Planes Keystone Hand Saws made by Disston
George Elsass Bridle Planes of the U.K.
Mick Long Bob Roger Locally Handcrafted Miniatures Judges Gimlets Choice Awards
Dick Bradshaw Russ Allen English Instruments from the 19th and Crogan Manufacturing Co. early 20th CenturyMWTCA.ORG
Gary Coleman Kentucky Plow Plane Makers
Henry Caudle Jim Goodson Tools Related to Horses Fine Carved and Decorated Antique European Hand Tools
September 2009 9 A Craftsman Made Irish Chariot Plane Display by John Walkowiak
This type of plane is known as an Irish Chariot Plane. They are not a common pattern; and most appear to be made by a craftsman while a few were made by Irish and English plane making firms. The blade is bedded at a low angle, suggesting it was to be used on end grain pieces. Its most unusual fea ture is the walnut wedge, which features heads of a horse and a jockey inlayed with boxwood. Furniture making and horse racing have a long history in Ireland, so it is not altogether a surprise that the two came togeth Also in the 17th Century, the Irish er at some point and led to were making fine furniture and Ireland the creation of this plane. saw a rise in marquetry work This is the inlaying of different woods to cre Horse racing in Ireland ate a picture. Irish furniture making had its start with Celtic had it its glory days in the 18th Kings and Chieftains. It Century when Dublin became a center emerged as an organized for luxury crafts. and planned activity in the 17th Century. In 1658, By the time this plane was made in Charles II was restored to the 19th Century, there had been at the throne and he passed least 200 years of history blending an Act of Parliament these passions, creativity, and the tal- which saw the first race ents of the Irish craftsmen. We can run under written rules in the Town Plate at Newmarket in only speculate on the exact history of how the unusual par 1666. At the time it was stated ''Horses are a drug, but might ing of horse, jockey, and a furniture making plane came be improved to a commodity, not only of greater use at home together. But knowing a bit of Ireland's history makes it eas but also for exportation into other countries". ier to understand why a craftsman who was skilled at plane making and furniture making would also have wanted to Kind of sounds like the thinking behind gambling casinos have a reminder of his other passion as he toiled in his work today, does it not?
The Search for The Elusive Stanley #4 by Gerry Miels
I was a casual collector of tools before I retired from being found other planes with similar dimensions: 9 inches long with paid to work (I am now the chief house husband for my work a 2 inch wide cutter/iron/blade. The others I have found are: ing wife). Since 2004 I have MWTCA.ORGbeen actively collecting tools, Bluegrass, Craftsman, Dunlap, Eclipse, Fulton, Hubbard True specifically, steel/iron planes, braces and bits, yankee screw Value (yep - that is on the cutter), Merit, ParPlus, Penncraft, drivers, anything that drives a screw, and any tool that is Pexto, Sears, SW/WS (made in England), TruTest, Unknowns hand/shop made or unusual. Oots of???), Victor (not thee Victor), and a Wards. I have seen terms to describe as: NOS (new old stock), NIB (new in box), I have had very good luck with most of the Stanley planes. I MIB (mint in box), New, Minty, and all other descriptions as to have not bit the bullet on a # 1 yet, but for some reason I am condition and/or fitness. Still not a #4. having trouble finding a #4. I frequent flea markets, antiques boutiques (stores), estate auctions, garage and yard sales, and Part of the fun of collecting is the hunt and the WOW of this is even eBay. Alas, no luck, not one #4 to be found. I mean not something new or different from what I have. OH MY - I must a Bailey, Stanley/Bailey, or a Stanley. have overlooked my finds - I do have a #4. It is not Minty, NOS, NIB, or even in excellent condition. But I did find it, had I will accept any Bailey, Stanley/Bailey or Stanley #4 if there is fun doing it and got it with a box. one to be found. I know there has to be one out there as I have
10 The Gristmill Area Meets
Area D Omaha, NE Meet by Lee Kallstrom
A Tool Meet in The Happiest State March 22, 2009 This morning I had a goal in mind. I wanted to I took a little break and stopped at a display of know what the real collectors thought of as the wrenches. Cecil Holmes who usually has an most exciting, interesting tools, and the ones extensive display of different plane types, sur they would pick as favorite show and tell. Are prised a lot of us with his wrench display. Well, they the most expensive, it was not just a wrench display. Some of the the hardest to find, or the most unique and rare types were here, many in most challenging to more than one size. So, along with a favorite research and answer all Hewett Patent wrench, Cecil proudly displayed the questions they raise? one of the limited lines of reproductions of the little I began with Hilary Klein wrenches made by his friend, from Granville, Iowa. Hilary Klein. Hilary is regarded as 'the' expert on the history, mechanisms, and quality of the plethora of patent ed wrenches. Hilary not only collects but also reproduces miniature working models of the more famous adjustable wrenches of the past. These are precise working versions of rare and sought after wrenches. Most of them are less than three inches long. With this background I was sure that he would be showing off some off the wall monkey or pipe wrench. But no. He did one better than that. He pulled out a plane. This was a number 7 or 8 or thereabouts, low knob, good V - logo, but with no markings other than on the lever cap. This is certainly a cool tool. I would like to know more about this plane and the particular labeling on It was then that I got my education. Cecil and Hilary just the cap. stood around the table and talked about the wrenches My next stop was on display; where they came from and how good they another one of the were. They showed a repaired wrench that looked like pros of wrenches, new. These guys are craftsmen as well as experts. Jim Plantikow of Maybe that is part Omaha. Jim had no MWTCA.ORGof the equation. trouble finding his You have to really favorite. It was a work hard using LAROCK Pipe the tools you hold Wrench 1 in. Pat' d in order to under April, 1915 with a stand and appreci very interesting ate these instru mechanism. Jim is ments of change. in the process of Thanks, gentle trying to find the men, for allowing actual patent, the me to listen. maker of the wrench and then locate the origin of the tool. Good luck Jim. Does anyone have any answers?
September 2009 11 Area Meets
Introducing Our Extended Family a large dining table. He explained Fred Leu that he did not have any of the dupli by Lee Kalstrom cates out. They were still packed Our quiet, soft-spoken director has led Omaha's away, here and there. Fred has been tool group for the last fifteen years. During that collecting levels for about five years. time he and his cohort Alan L. L. Davis levels are his favorite Fetty, have organized and run because of the fancy cast iron fili 32 tool meetings and one gree and gold paint. Fred proudly national meeting for M-WTCA. displays his Tall Frame 24" Davis Fred is completing his second combination level, plumb and incli term as director of the nometer. This 3 3/16" tall bench-style inclinometer Nebraska portion of M-WTCA, has a 2 3/4" diameter face with an L.L. Davis patent Area D. He will retire from his Sept. 17, 1867. The level is in such good condition position in the fall of 2009. that I did not even want to touch it, even though I I got to know Fred when I really did want to. All of Fred's tools are in the best began my quest to acquire as many toys as I could. He was of condition, even his seconds and thirds. my first contact with M-WfCA. From the beginning, he Fred also mentioned that he had a few Stanley tools. It took made me feel at home and part of the family. us a couple of hours to browse through these. I saw the Fred and his son Scott are Leu and Leu Builders. They have nicest collection of like-new planes from a fine # 1 to a com been in business since 1975. Fred and Sally have a wonder plete set of Bedrocks and specialty planes, some of which I ful family. They have two daughters, one son and seven had never even seen pictures of before. He also has a num grandchildren. ber of boxed centennial tools. Shown above is a set of Stanley Everlasting chisels with their own mallet. I had the opportunity to visit Fred and Sally Leu recently on a Sunday afternoon to see his collection of what he called a From all of us in the Omaha M-WfCA family, special thanks few Davis levels and inclinometers. I had warned him that I for the service Fred and Sally have given our group. It wanted to take some pictures of his favorite tools. His mod would be much less without you. As the heart of our group, esty led me to anticipate maybe a half dozen toys. Boy was your leadership inspires us all. I surprised. Fred had laid out his levels in a display that filled
Lest We Forget by Bob Roger
Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, each about a tool or implement that was once a common household, farm, or trade necessity, but whose use or existence may soon be forgotten. The Banana Knife I remember in the 1940s going to the Figure 2. Two examples of banana knives Atlantic & Pacific Tea CompanyMWTCA.ORG grocery row enough to slip between bananas and store with my mother to buy bananas. was hooked on the end. It was sharp on the Bananas were shipped in huge bunches, just inside of the hook so it would cut by pulling as they grow, and the whole stalk was hung it toward you. He also placed a diagonal in the store. We would tell the grocer which cutting edge on the back of the knife so it bananas we wanted, and he would pick up Figure 1. Tracy's Patent Drawing could also cut by pushing. his banana knife and cut them from the stalk. Tracy assigned the patent to the company of Landers, Frary, William Tracy of Poughkeepsie, NY was granted patent number and Clark of New Britain, CT. That company was founded in 242,237 on May 31, 1881 for a banana knife. According to Tracy, 1864 and made a wide variety of house wares until General bananas came to market in an unripe condition, and some ripen Electric absorbed it in 1965. Tracy's patent drawing is shown more quickly than others. Because they are so tightly bunched in Figure 1 and an unmarked wooden handled example and an together, traditional knives usually resulted in unintentionally all-metal example marked AL.SIEGLER FRUIT & PRODUCE cutting adjacent bananas. So he designed a knife that was nar- INC. PHONE 2-1627 are shown in Figure 2.
12 The Gristmill Leonard Bailey: The Years at Stanley Rule & Level Co., Part II by John G Wells & Paul Van Pernis @January 2009
This is the fifth in a series of articles on Leonard Bailey. (Figure 4) To assure accu The first three articles were published in the June, racy the steel blades were September, and December issues of The 2002 Gristmill. forced down on a seat t, Part I of Bailey's Years at Stanley Rule & Level Co. was milled at a true 90 degree published in the June 2009 issue of the Gristmill. angle in the cast iron (L stock and riveted in place. Bailey's Squares and Bevels The construction is clearly C, In 1870, Bailey designed a try visible in the heel of the square with an iron stock and No. 2 square. (Figure 3b) a fixed blade that had an The rosewood infill was T,9 .3. ingenious method for adjust attached with a screw or e. ing the blade to a true 90 rivet. The No. 1 square was degree angle during manufac almost identical in its ture or to reset it if it got out of superficial appear true during use. Two set ance to a patented screws bearing on the bottom square made for edge of the blade were used to woodworkers by above, fine tune the exact angle of the Darling, Brown and Figure 4: blade to a close tolerance. Sharp and offered in Traut's 1872 Bailey was granted patent No. Stanley's 1870 catalog. square patent. 114,634 on this square on May The 6 1/2 inch model 9, 1871 (Figure 1). We do not Figure 1: Bailey's 1871 of the Darling, Brown left, square patent know if this square was and Sharp Square was Figure 3b: offered to Stanley, but it was priced at $6.00; while Heel of the never manufactured by Stanley or Bailey. The only known the 6 inch model of No.2 square. example is the patent model, which has a nice geometric Stanley's No.1 Square design cast in the face of the stock (Figure 2) was priced at $1.00. The No.I square was later renumbered No. 10, and remained in Stanley's line until 1935. Stanley apparently guessed right, woodworkers wanted an affordable square that was made square, and rugged enough to remain square unless abused. But Bailey was not daunted, and on December 23, 1873, he was granted patent No. 145,715 (Figure 5) for a better try square using a single tapered screw to force the blade tight against a slot milled in the stock at a true 90 degree angle. This beautiful MWTCA.ORGlittle square was
Figure 2: Patent model for Bailey's 1871 square Stanley introduced two new squares in the 1871 supplement to the 1870 catalog. They were the No. 1 and No. 21 "Improved Try above, Figure 5: Bailey's 1873 square patent. Squares" (Figure 3a) covered by patent No. 125,858, issued to Justus Traut, April 16, 1872. left, Figure 3a: Stanley No. 2 & No. 1 squares, Traut's patent.
September 2009 13 manufactured by Leonard tooling for manufacturing their Bailey & Co. in Hartford Conn. Defiance line of planes. 3 after Bailey left Stanley. A little over a year after (Figure 6) receiving the patent with On December 8, 187 4, Bailey Bailey for a lever locked was granted patent No. bevel, Sargent was granted 157,566 for a method for hard patent No. 141,081, dated July ening blades for squares with 22, 1873, (Figure 9) for a bevel out warping them. He used that had a locking turn screw strong retaining frames to in the heel of the stock. The clamp a bundle of square turn screw had a cone shaped blades togeth end positioned so it pressed er during the on one side of a tapered hole heating and Figure 6: Bailey's 1873 Patented in the cross bolt at the blade cooling Try Square. end of the stock; tightening process. Only the turn screw forced the the edges of cone shaped end of the turn the blades screw into the slightly offset were hard- hole in the cross bolt which ened, the cen l, tightened the cross bolt draw ters remained ing the two cast iron faces of soft prevent the stock together and locking ing them from the blade in place. The paddle warping. shaped handle on the produc Apparently tion model of the turn screw these two was slightly larger than shown patents were above, Figure 7a: Bailey's 1872 in the patent drawing but was not offered to Flush Bevel Patent. mounted off center in the Stanley. left, Figure 7b: inside stock, so one side of the bevel would always lie flat on the On March 19, 1872 Leonard work. Stanley labeled it the Bailey and Samuel D. Sargent2 No.18 Eureka were granted patent No. Flush T Bevel. 124, 779 ( assigned to Bailey) (Figure 10) It (Figure 7a) on a bevel with a was offered in compound lever blade locking Stanley's 187 4 mechanism (Figure 7b). The catalog at $9 locking lever was located in per dozen for the heel of the stock and the 8 inch size; allowed either side of the in the same cat bevel to lie flat on the work. alog the same (FigureMWTCA.ORG 8) The locking lever above, Figure size Bailey & controlled a nut on a steeply 9: Sargent's Sargent bevel pitched cross bolt at the blade Screw Locked Bevel patent. was offered for end of the stock; tightening $15 per dozen. the locking lever advanced the The Bailey & nut which tightened the cross right, Figure 8: Bailey & Sargent Figure 10: Sargent bevel bolt drawing the two cast iron Lever Locked Flush Bevel. Stanley was not offered faces of the stock together and No.1 8 in Stanley's locking the blade in place. Samuel D. Sargent was a Sargent's 1877 catalog. skilled machinist who worked in Bailey's shop at Stanley patented Eureka Rule & Level. He later left Stanley to go to work for the Bevel. Bailey Wringing Machine Co. in Woonsocket, R.I. to set up
14 The Gristmill Bailey's December 13, 1873 Bevel Contract with Stanley linked the adjusting mechanism to the cutter by cutting a contained a clause allowing Bailey to have his bevels series of shallow rectangular recesses, called 'nicks', in made by someone other than Stanley if he purchased the the underside of the cutter. The row of nicks was long tools and patterns Stanley used to manufacture them. enough to allow regrinding the cutter until its useable length was consumed. Bailey's block Bailey's Adjustable Block Plane plane had an ingenious adjustable Almost immediately after completing mouth consisting of a sliding sole plate design work on the No. 13 Circle under the plane's fore bed, which ran Plane, Bailey began working on an between two narrow extensions of the adjustable block plane - it must have fixed sole (Figure 14), and was been late in 1870 or early in 1871. retained by a slotted round head screw Bailey was undoubtedly familiar with in an elongated hole. It had a thin flat the block planes made by Birdsill lever cap (Fig 13.), similar in overall Holly, in Seneca Falls, N. Y. patented in appearance to those used on bench 1852 and manufactured until 1859. Figure 11: Birdsill Holly Block Plane. planes, with a laterally operating cam Later Holly planes were very advanced locking lever to lock the lever cap. in having screw lock lever caps but they did not have a Bailey's adjustable block cutter adjustment. (Figure 11) Bailey wanted to make a plane was small, only 6 1/4 small compact block plane that could easily be held and inches long, and fitted nicely used with one hand. An adjustable cutter was mandatory. in the hand. (Figure 15) It An easily adjustable mouth would certainly be a big was just the tool for a carpen advantage on a block plane, which is frequently called ter or cabinet maker to use in upon to switch from cleaning up the surface or edge of a one hand to trim a joint or board to trimming end grain. The plane would have a sin round an edge. It was called gle cutter used bevel up without a cap iron. The cutter the Excelsior No. 9 1/2 block would be ground with a 25 degree bevel and set on a 20 plane and was first offered, degree bed angle, resulting in an overall cutting angle of without an illustration, on 45 degrees, which is 'Standard Pitch'. The small space left page 28 of Stanley's large for between the underside of the cutter and the bed was too mat January 1872 catalog. small to accommodate Bailey's August 6, 1867 cutter The first production run of adjustment even if it were configured with the adjustment the No. 9 1/2, made during wheel running on a the first 6 months of 1872, did vertical threaded L.Bai!ey not have a threaded hole to J oiner:s P l an{! shaft as shown on the J'fo_JlOt/J" u.,ISJ"I' attach a tail handle, and the Pate.nted June; patent drawing. lever cap was black japanned Bailey used his lever Figure 14: Adjustable Mouth; rather than polished as it was and eccentric pin cut Top of sliding sole shows on later examples. The No. 9 ter adjustment patent concentric machining marks. ed June 22, 1858, patent No. 20,615 MWTCA.ORG(Figures 12 & 13). He
Figure 15: Bailey's No. 9 1/2 Type 1 Block Plane, from the first production run. The lever cap is japanned, and the body does not have a threaded hole to attach the tail handle. Figure 12: Bailey's June 22, 1858 Figure 13: Lever and eccentric pin cut Patent Drawing. ter adjustment, and thin flat lever cap.
September 2009 15 HAif.RY'S PATRNT Pl...A);ES. 39 1/2 block plane and the No. 9 3/4 block --~-- . • ~...... _,...... ,_.!'__,~ Iron Planes. plane with a tail handle were offered in (<' left, Figure 20: Bailey's MWTCA.ORGvertical screw and lever cutter adjustment mechanism. right, Figure 21: No. 9 1/2 Type 3, ca. 1875 - 1879 the first model to have the vertical screw and lever cutter adjust ment, and Bailey's finest. Figure 18: No. 9 314 Type 2 ca. 1874-1875, eccentric pin and lever cut ter adjustment, palm rest lever cap, and tail hanale. 16 The Gristmill BAILEY'S patents, and he received the "piece rate" and his premium for manufacturing them. Still, he probably could have Patent A dj11stable Planes. patented the unique configuration of the vertical screw and lever cutter adjustment, the nicks in the back of the cutter that were used to link the adjustment mechanism to the cut ter, the ingenious sliding fore bed that made the adjustable throat possible, the cam lock under the palm rest lever cap, and even the tail handle, that was copied later by most of N"o. 15½, Stanley's competitors. If he had done so he might have been in a stronger negotiating position with Stanley later when Figure 22: No. 15 1/2 Type 3 with screw and lever cutter adjustment introduced ca. 1875 on insert page 30 112 in the 1874 catalog. they had disagreements over other issues. A small number of Bailey Excelsior Number 9 1/2 Type 3 The tail handle continued to be popular probably because block planes were made with an interesting device etched it looked so impressive. On page 30 1/2, thought to have on the side. The device consists of decorative scroll work been issued in 1875 for insertion in the 187 4 catalog, enclosing the words "L. Bailey's patent Aug. 6, 1867, Aug. Stanley introduced the new Bailey Excelsior No. 15 1/2, 7 31, 1858 Ex'd." (Figure 24) Similar examples of this inch block plane with the vertical screw and lever cutter device have been seen on a few Number 9 miter planes. adjustment and tail handle. (Figures 22 & 23) The Excelsior block planes with this device etched on the Bailey's vertical side were probably made shortly before Bailey left screw and lever Stanley in 1875. It is not known exactly what motivated block plane Bailey to etch adjustment was this device on a basically his few examples of August 6, 1867 these tools, but bench plane he was undoubt adjustment edly very proud adapted to the of them. The smaller space Type 3 Excelsior Figure 23: No. 9 314, Scarce Type 3 ca. 1875- available on a block planes 1879 with vertical screw and lever cutter block plane. It Figure 24: The No . 9 1/2 Excelsior Block adjustment and tail handle. Plane with Bailey 's device etched on the side. were Bailey's last was equally as and finest mod- successful as his bench plane adjustment, and became the els; they were perfection in both beauty of form and in standard for all subsequent Stanley standard pitch block function, and were the seminal standards for all future planes. As soon as Bailey's patents expired, it was copied block planes. He would have wanted to have his name and used by most of the other plane makers throughout and patents displayed on them as it was on the adjustment the United States and abroad. nuts used on his bench planes. Stanley would not have objected; they were aware of the advertising value of dis The No. 9 1/2 block plane was the first of its kind and playing Bailey's name on the tools they sold. Bailey's first block plane. It was actually the beginning of a whole family of standard pitch adjustable block planes It is difficult to over state the value to Stanley of the No. 9 including the No. 9 1/2 through 15 1/2, 16, 17, and later the 1/2 block plane, and other block planes in that series. It is No.18 and 19 knuckle joint block planes. It offered fea one of the few planes that Stanley continued to produce in tures that had never beforeMWTCA.ORG been avail America from its introduction in 1872, able on a block plane: a quality cutter until 1971, after which versions of it adjustment, and an adjustable mouth. were still made by Stanley in England. A drawing of a devilish Imp riding on One wonders why Bailey did not patent the No. 9 1/2 as though it were a sled the configuration of the vertical screw (Figure 25) was used in Stanley publi and lever cutter adjustment mechanism cations and featured on the cover of including the clever use of nicks' on the the Stanley pocket catalogs for a num underside of the cutter as well as the ber of years.4 The No. 9 1/2 led to the sliding sole plate. Perhaps he chose not development of the wide variety of to apply for new patents because he adjustable block planes produced by was already being paid a royalty of 5% Stanley. This plane made millions of on tools made under his original Figure 25: Devilish Imp on a No. 9 112 dollars for Stanley, and was copied by block plane. September 2009 17 most of Stanley's competitors as soon as Bailey's patents highly skilled mechanics and depended on their inventive expired. Bailey had created the design profile and ness and entrepreneurial spirit to develop new products, mechanical features that literally defined the American improve existing products, and devise clever, labor saving cast iron block plane. production methods. These people were often, superb craftsmen, highly intelligent, hard working, and had signifi For a full discussion of Bailey's series of adjustable block cant self esteem. They usually preferred quality over low planes see the two articles by John Wells and Jack cost for the products they designed and produced. Schoellhamer in the June and September 1996 issues of The Gristmill, or email [email protected] The inside contracting system was a perfect fit for the Stanley Rule and Level Co. It flourished there from 1870 Prosperous 'Ilmes until well into the 20th century. There were as many as 20 At the beginning of 1872, both Bailey and The Stanley Rule & shops or departments within Stanley Rule & Level run by Level Company were thriving. Bailey's financial success inside contractors, such as: T. A. Conklin, Justus Traut, allowed him to move his family to a larger home in New Henry Clark, James H. Eddy, and Leonard Bailey.7 Britain, at 96 West Main, a bit further away from the factory. Under this system, the management of the company provid Stanley confidently published for the first time a large format ed floor space, light, heat, power, machinery, raw materials, 8 1/2 x 11 inch catalog with an engraved picture of the facto and advanced capital to the inside contractor to pay his ry on the cover. Bailey's planes, scrapers, and spokeshaves employees. They also arranged for the marketing, sales, and were selling well. The Bailey No. 9 1/2 block plane was fea distribution of the final product. In return, the "inside con tured on the cover of the first of three pocket catalogs that tractor" hired the workers, set their wages or the price per Stanley released in 1872. The third pocket catalog issued on piece they would be paid, called the "piece rate", their work October 1st, 1872 indicated that 40,000 planes were already hours and so forth. They supervised the work, devised tool in use, a doubling of the number reported in January of 1872. 5 ing that saved labor and improved quality control, and Historical events converged to increase demand for developed new or improved products to add to the compa Bailey's planes, spokeshaves, and scrapers as well as the ny's line. The income of the inside contractor consisted of entire line of Stanley tools. The Great Chicago Fire in the difference between the wages or piece rate paid to October of 1871 caused 196 million dollars in damage and employees and the total amount received from the compa left 98,000 people homeless. Waves of European immi ny. The system gave the inside contractor, control over who grants flooded the cities of the eastern United States dur he hired, their work hours, wages, and the entire manufac ing the 1870s, and fueled the westward migration. turing process. Any innovations he or his employees made Thousands of people headed to the western territories to that would increase productivity or reduce the cost of man homestead or live on the land sold cheaply to them by the ufacturing resulted in higher income for the inside contrac railroads. The rebuilding of Chicago, the rapid growth of tor, his employees, and ultimately for the company.8 towns and cities in the West and the continuing recon On May 29th, 1871, Bailey signed a new agreement that struction efforts in the South created a huge demand for fundamentally changed his employment relationship with tools of all kinds. the Stanley Rule & Level Company. He would now be an At Stanley, Bailey had space to work, skilled mechanics "inside contractor" instead of an employee. Under this working under him, financial stability for the first time in agreement Stanley would pay Bailey the unit prices (piece many years, a steady and rather substantial yearly income. rate) for labor agreed to and listed on the attached sched He was with a company that could effectively market and ule - which was Stanley's previous cost of labor - for all sell his tools. It was a goodMWTCA.ORG match for someone with his tools produced in his department plus a mark up of 12%, design and mechanical talent. for the following six months and 10% thereafter, as com The Inside Contracting System pensation for his superintendence. Stanley would also pay for all raw materials, furnish and maintain all machines, The officers of The Stanley Rule & Level Co. were highly and provide power and grinding supplies. Bailey was to talented managers and marketers, but most of them were furnish and pay for all small tools, including files. 9 not inventors or production people. They left details of Production, Pricing, and Economic Conditions production to their highly qualified heads of departments and shops.6 During the next four years Bailey's inside contracting agreement was renegotiated four times. On February 16, The "inside contracting" system had become very popular in 1872, the piece rate for labor was increased 1%, and taps the United States during the second half of the 19th century. and drills were added to the tools to be furnished by It was most successful in those industries that required Bailey. The most important change in this contract was 18 The Gristmill that Bailey was now authorized to purchase on Stanley's Setting the piece rate and inside contractor's percentage account all the castings, steel, and wood needed to pro that was fair to the contractor and affordable for the com duce the planes he made. This gave Bailey more control pany was a complex process. It involved a number of fac over the quality of the material and castings he had to tors, many of which were interdependent. It is too work with. This agreement was renewed February 15, involved a subject to address here but it is sufficient to say 1873 for another year without any change. that Stanley's management understood the process very well including the interaction of market conditions, total On September 18, 1873 the nation's financial markets suf cost, pricing, sales volume, and the necessity of making a fered a severe blow, called the "Panic of 1873" beginning reasonable profit for their share holders. They also appre the depression of 1873-1876. 10 Stanley was quick to react ciated the value of their inside contractors and employ to this economic downturn, and on September 24, 1873, ees, and understood they could not pay the workers in they took defensive action by negotiating 12% lower one contractors shop substantially more or less than they "piece rates" for labor in Bailey's shop. Since Bailey's paid workers in other shops. mark up was a percentage of the cost of labor, lowering the piece rate also lowered Bailey's mark up. In the last From Bailey's point of view the last two reductions in agreement between Stanley and Bailey, signed on piece rates he was forced to accept in 1873 and 187 4 were September 19, 1874, the piece rates were lowered by arbitrary and unfair. From Stanley's point of view they another 10% because the economy was still weak 11 were equitable and were required by the prevalent eco nomic factors; they were a fair sharing of the fortunes of During this same period of time the number of Bailey's the company as a whole. planes sold per month and the selling price changed sev eral times. (The information in this paragraph is present Like most other business, The Stanley Rule and Level Co. ed in graphic form in Figure 25a.) In 1870, the rate of sales was severely hurt by the economic depression of 1873 - was 542 planes per month, and Bailey's No.4 smooth plane 1876. The impact of the depression did not seem to hit was priced at $7.00. In 1871, the price of th~ No. 4 plane Bailey's plane department right away, in fact the sales of was reduced 21% to $5.50 and the rate of sales more than Bailey planes continued strong until sometime in 187 4, doubled to 1,125 planes per month. In 1872 and 1873 the and even then the sales volume and price of his planes selling price remained the same but the rate of sales dou only declined moderately. The effect of the economic bled again to 2,500 planes per month. On January 1, 1874, depression was harder on other shops at Stanley Rule & the price was reduced Level, but the company 9% to $5.00, but sales ~ 5000 $8.00 as a whole did much for 1874 and 1875 Q) better than some of the ~ 4500 $7.00 ~ dropped 67% to 833 a, 4000 • a: other companies in planes per month. This $6.00 L.. New Britain. Bailey's ~ 3500 Q) severe decline in sales shop was able to help o 3000 ••••• $5.00 a.. was due to the eco CJ) 8 the rest of the compa <.t> 2500 $4.00 ;f nomic depression of ••• ny at the beginning of ~ 2000 1873 - 1876. On ro $3.00 (/) these difficult times, 0: 1500 -0 January 1, 1876 the $2.00 § and it recovered from price was lowered ~ 1000 E the slow down sooner $1 .00 -~ again by 10% to $4.50, ~ 500 0 than others. 12 and sales for 1876 0 $0.00 MWTCA.ORGIt is to Stanley Rule & through 1878 rebound Level Co. 's credit that ed to 2,083 planes per they did everything month. In January of Figure 25a Planes sold and Prices. possible to keep all of 1879, the price was their people employed lowered further to $3.25, and from 1879 through 1883, the during economic slow downs. Their management was rate of sales more than doubled to 4,583 planes per month. one of the earliest to understand that their employees, The dramatic increase in the rate of sale of Bailey's planes especially their inside contractors, were their most valu in 1871 and 1872, and in 1876 through 1883, was due to a able asset. It is also noteworthy that a large percentage combination of favorable economic conditions and a of the Stanley Rule and Level Co. stock was owned by tremendous increase in user acceptance of the cast iron people from all walks of life, and all income levels, who adjustable plane, the superiority of Bailey's planes, and lived and worked in New Britain. 13 consumer confidence in the quality of Stanley's products. September 2009 19 Bailey's new Frog Mounting were offered by Stanley in their 1870 cata log with a "5" added before the number Not long after Stanley initiated the "inside making them No's. 51, 52, 55, 57, and 58. We contracting" system, Bailey made a dramat do not know where in New Britain he made ic change in the design of his iron bench the shaves, but it is likely he made them planes. In the new design, called a Type 314 sometime between May 29, 1871, when his by collectors today, (Figure 26) the identi position at Stanley changed from employee cal size frog was used for all sizes of planes to inside contractor, and the spring of 187 4, No. 3 through No. 8. The frog was mount when he was thought to be making squares ed on a vertical cross rib between the sides and bevels in Hartford, Connecticut. 17 of the plane and behind the mouth. (Figure 27) The new design saved on both labor Surmises and Suppositions and materials. Since the identical size frog In December of 1873, Bailey negotiated an was used on all sizes of planes except for agreement with Stanley that allowed him the No. 1 and No. 2 it reduced the number to have his "Patent Flush Bevels" that were of different parts that had to be kept in being made by Stanley produced by "any inventory. The new frog design reduced other party". 18 This agreement in combina manufacturing cost but proved to be a poor Figure 26: Bailey's new frog mounted tion with his second patent for a square tradeoff for the functional benefits that on a No. 4, Type 3 bench p/,ane. and his patent for hardening square blades, were sacrificed: the ability to suggests he intended to manufacture adjust the width of the throat squares and bevels on his own. That must opening to accommodate differ have been the case, because he was report ent classes of work, and the ed making squares and bevels in the spring advantage of having the cutter of 187 4 in Hartford, Connecticut.19 It is securely clamped to a heavy more than likely he set up shop in space solid frog all the way to the cut 20 rented from the A. F. Cushman Co. , lathe ting edge. It is not known if the chuck manufactures, on Cushman Street in decision was made by Bailey or Hartford, the same location where he by Stanley but the design change began doing business under the name of was short lived, 9 to 12 months Leonard Bailey & Co. after leaving Stanley or less between 1872 and 1873. Figure 27: Progs and mounting on Type 3 Bailey 21 bench pi,anes: a No. 4 and a No. 5 shown. in mid 1875. Bailey employed the same concept of using the same size frogs in all sizes of bench planes for the Victor line of planes he made in Hartford, Connecticut after he left Stanley. (Figure 28) Figure 30: Stamp on Bailey's spoke shaves made in New Bailey Spoke Shaves Britain Conn. While working at Stanley, MWTCA.ORG Bailey made a small quan above, Figure 28: All sizes of Bailey tity of his spokeshaves, Victor bench pi,anes used the same size No's. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, frog mounted on a vertical cross rib. L (Figure 29) and stamped to R: No. 3 1/2 & No. 7, both Type 1. the cutters "L. Bailey New Britain, Conn." 15 (Figure right, Figure 29: T to B, No's. 7, 1, & 8 30) These spokeshaves Spoke Shaves, L. Bailey New Britain. were not covered by either of the two spoke shave patents he had licensed to Stanley in 1869. 16 They were identical to those he made in Boston, and shown in the Bailey, Chany & Co. catalog. The same models of his shaves 20 The Gristmill Another interesting question is where and when did he do Stanley saw a way to expand into a different market seg the early design and tooling work for the Victor line of ment. The difficult economic conditions brought on by planes he later manufactured and sold in Hartford? the depression were causing increasing numbers of Considering the number of planes in the line it would have householders to do their own home repair, and improve taken some time to get all of the details worked out. He ment projects. In addition there was a strong upsurge in may have been thinking about the design of his Victor the hobbyist woodworker movement. People needed a planes as early as 1872 when he made the castings for the diversion when they came home from a day in the busi Stanley Type 3 planes with the same size frog for all sizes ness world. Stanley wanted to expand their sales into this of planes. If as suggested, he set up shop to make squares new market sector and take advantage of the current in space rented from the A. F. Cushman factory, it would trends by introducing a new line of less expensive tools. have been easy for him to begin development work on the This new line of tools was not intended to compete with Victor planes as early as 187 4. It would also help explain the professional line of planes that Bailey was producing; how he could manage to come out with a full line of 15 they would be designed and priced to appeal to the home block planes, 12 bench planes, 2 carriage makers rabbet owner and hobbyist. planes, a circle plane, a combination plane, a try square, a flush bevel, and print a 28 page catalog dated 1876 offer ing all of these tools in addition to tools made by others. These questions are fascinating to speculate about and certainly warrant more research but they may never be answered definitively. A Period of Discontent During his first few years in New Britain Leonard Bailey seemed to accept his role at the Stanley Rule & Level Co. He had a great facility to work in, no worries about find ing the money to pay for labor or materials, and he was in charge of the most profitable and productive department within Stanley. He spent part of his time supervising the manufacture of his tools, and was free to experiment and Figure 31: StanleJj No. 110 block plane Type 1. invent new tools whenever he wanted to. Sales of his planes were strong and selling prices yielded a good prof it for both him and Stanley. The first hint that all of this would be threatened was when the Panic of 1873 and_the following depression of 1873 - 1876 forced Stanley to lower the piece rates for tools made in Bailey's shop by 12% and then in 187 4 by another 10%. This was not all that disastrous for Bailey; he continued to receive a fixed 5% royalty for the use of his patents on all him of the tools he produced. But it was difficult for to Figure 31: StanleJj No. 110 block plane Type 1. understand. The sale of his tools remained strong until 187 4 and 1875, and even thenMWTCA.ORG his sales receded for a short Stanley introduced the first tool for this new market in er time than they did in other departments at Stanley and the January 1874 catalog. It was a low cost non generally in New Britain. He did not understand that adjustable block plane, the No.110. It had a shoe buckle Stanley had to share some of the good fortune of his lever cap decorated with an attractive Victorian design department with the rest of the company. and was priced at 75 cents. (Figure 31) The No.110 block plane was manufactured in Justus Traut's shop.22 It was The reduction in his piece rates was only one of several a non-adjustable version of the adjustable block plane factors that eventually determined Bailey's future at that Traut was granted patent No. 159,865 for on Stanley. The next was Stanley's No. 110 block plane. February 16, 1875. (Figure 32) Stanley probably chose to Stanley's management had always regarded Bailey's omit the cutter adjustment to keep the price very low planes as a professional line of tools, and even though and avoid any hint of competition with their profession sales dropped some in 187 4 and 1875 they were getting a al line of tools. However, the presence of an experimen- good share of the professional user market. September 2009 21 tal version of the No. 110 Epilogue with an adjustable cutter For many years Bailey had (Figure 33) in the Stanley been a respected head of one Model Shop shows that they of Stanley's most productive were seriously considering shops and a productive inven making a low cost adjustable tor of new tools including the block plane. No.13 adjustable circle plane None of this went well with and the extremely successful Bailey. First, his pride was No. 9 1/2 block plane. Bailey's injured. Until then Stanley invention of the standard made only his bench and pitch fully adjustable block Figure 30: Stamp on Bailey's spoke shaves made in block planes and they were all New Britain Conn. plane was one of the most sig made in his shop under his nificant achievements of his supervision. Second, he viewed the new low cost block life, and the second most important advance in the devel plane as competing with his No. 9 1/2 series of block opment of the metallic carpenter's plane in America - his planes rather than opening up a new market for Stanley. adjustable bench plane being the first. His block plane Nothing could persuade him otherwise. started a whole new line of standard pitch block planes with an adjustable cutter and adjustable mouth for Finally there was one more factor, and it may have been Stanley and established the model for most of the block the strongest one in determining Bailey's future at Stanley. planes that would be made by other makers, both in the It was his deeply ingrained and compelling desire to be United States and abroad. He had supervised the manu the sole master of his own business, designing, and manu facture of almost 100,000 of his original line of adjustable facturing his own tools. bench planes. All of these tools used cutter adjustments He was undoubtedly hurt when Stanley showed little made under his original patents. interest in his August 17, 1871 patented adjustable try Bailey's planes became very popular, sold extremely well, square, and instead introduced a similar square patented and had made a lot of money for both him and the Stanley by Justus Traut a year later. He was again disappointed Rule & Level Co. Bailey's planes were widely copied; in when Stanley offered the Eureka No.18 bevel square at 1905, after Bailey's death, Stanley began casting Bailey's half the price of his March 19, 1872 patented flush bevel. name in large letters in all his bench planes and advising Then there was his 1872 experiment with making the consumers that all genuine Bailey planes had his name frogs for all sizes of his bench planes ( except the N o.1 cast in the bed. 24 and 2) the same size, and mounting them on a vertical An aspect of Stanley's business that contributed greatly to cross rib in the plane. Was he trying to reduce the man their success, but escaped Bailey's understanding, was the ufacturing cost of his Bailey bench planes, or was he free interchange of ideas for improvement of their prod experimenting with a design idea that he would later use ucts and production processes between their many shop on the Victor line of planes he hoped to eventually make foremen (inside contractors), augmented by acquisition of on his own? patents by other inventors including those not connected We will never know which of these factors finally led with the company. The thrust was to always improve the Bailey to the decision he made and the action he took. tools they offered and retain a leadership position in the On May 31, 1875, at a specialMWTCA.ORG meeting of Stanley's Board market. For example after Bailey left Stanley, a lateral of Directors, Bailey announced that unless he was given cutter adjustment based on a February 8, 1876 patent the contract to make all of the planes Stanley put on the granted to Joseph Nicht, and further developed by Traut's market, including the No.110 block plane, he would give patents of October 10, 1884, and July 24, 1888, was incor up his contract with them. He left the Board no other porated in Bailey's line of bench planes. In 1892, the choice. Traut held the patent for the No.110 block plane round opening in the plane iron was moved to the bottom and had been with Stanley since their very beginning in of the slot, the frog receiver was modified, and in 1896 a 1854. 23 On June 1, 1875, Stanley's Board of Directors fine frog adjustment screw was added by E. A. Schade. voted unanimously to accept Bailey's offer to terminate The same sort of improvements took place in Bailey's his contract for the manufacture of all of his planes with block planes as well as in all the other tools in Stanley's out penalty. Thus ended Bailey's years at the Stanley line. Stanley emphasized cooperative team work; but Rule & Level Co. Bailey was the genius who single handedly gave birth to 22 The Gristmill the adjustable metallic bench and block plane and no later 9 Burdick, op. cit., pp. 3-4. improvements can ever diminish those accomplishments. 10 The "Panic of 1873", a severe nationwide depression was precipitated Without Stanley, Bailey's remarkable accomplishments by the collapse of the Jay Cooke and Companyinvestment company on would never have had the impact they did on the develop September 18, 1873. The stock market closed for 10 days, 89 of the coun try's 364 railroads went bankrupt, 18,000 businesses failed between 1873- ment of the woodworking plane. 1875, and unemployment levels reached 14%. The depression didn't fully At Stanley, Bailey had enjoyed a level of security, prosper lift until 1879. ity, and respect that he had never experienced before. 11 Burdick, op. cit. pp. 4-9. 12 Robert Keith Leavitt, op. cit, p. 56. A future series of articles by the same authors will cover 13 the work of Leonard Bailey after he left the Stanley Rule Robert Keith Leavitt, op. cit, pp. 53-54. & level Co. 14 Roger K. Smith, "Bailey-Stanley Iron Plane Types", op. cit., Vol. I, p.279- 284. 15 1 The No. 2 square with a rosewood infill handle was introduced in the Thomas C. Lamond, Manufactured and Patented Spokeshaves & 1871 catalog, shown in the 1872 catalog, and was replaced with an all Similar Tools, pp. 141-143. No's. 1 and 2 shaves have a keyhole lever cap. metal version in the 1874 catalog. 16 The keyhole is shown and its function is described in Bailey's Patent 2 Robert Keith Leavitt, A History of the Stanley Works, November, 1955, p. 12 No. 21,311, August 3, 1858, but the keyhole is not specifically included in the patent claims. 3 James M. Burdick, "History of the Bailey Plane BusinessFrom 1869", 11 original typed manuscript p.12. See Roger K. Smith, Patented Roger K. Smith, op. cit. Vol. I, p.52. Transitional and Metallic Planes in America 1827-1927, Vol. II, p.231, 18 Roger K. Smith, op. cit. Vol I, p.270 Figure 367 for more on Samuel D. Sargent. 19 Roger K. Smith, op. cit. Vol. I, p.52. 4 E. A Johnson's delightful drawing of an Imp riding on anearly No. 9_ 20 The Cushman Chuck Co. established in 1862 by Austin F Cushman, block plane was used on the front of earlyStanley shirt pocket catalogs were inventors and makers of three jaw selfcentering lathe chucks based beginning in 1888 and on therear cover of 1888 and 1889 consumer cata on the scroll mechanical movement. They held two patents for scroll type logs. A second version of the Imp on a block plane with the "Hand-y" fea chucks, No.1,692, July 18, 1840, granted to Simon Fairman, father in lawof ture, a lateral adjustment, and a cutter with a semicircular endwas used on Austin F and No. 121,494, December 5, 1871 granted toAustin F Cushman. shirt pocket catalogs for several years startinglate in 1901 or early in 1902. The Cushman Chuck Co. was located at 30 Cushman Street, Hartford, CT. 5 Three pocket catalogs were published by Stanley during1872. The first 21 Kenneth Roberts, p. 2 in the "Documentary" following page28 of the dated January 1, 1872, advertised "20,000 planes now in use." The sec reprint of Leonard Bailey & Co.'s 1876 catalog. ond dated July 1, 1872, advertises"30,000 planes now in use". The third, dated October 1, 1872 advertises "40,000 planes now in use." 22 The No. 110 non-adjustable block plane designed by Traut was an unabashed almost exact copy of a block plane previously made by Holly 6 Robert Keith Leavitt, op. cit., p 57. with only the addition of Victorian decoration on the shoe buckle lever 7 Ibid., pp. 56-58. cap. The Victorian decoration may very well have been designed by 8 John Buttrick, "The Inside Contract System", The Journal of Economic Charles Miller who worked in Traut's shop. History, Vol. 12, No. 3 (Summer, 1952), pp. 205-221, provides an excellent 23 Robert Keith Leavitt, op. cit, p. 58. overview of the inside contracting system. 24 Alvin Sellens, The Stanley Plane, p. 35 German Steel by Philip Baker What is German Steel? For some time I have asked myself that Simon is not positively sure but believes the steel was question. I have seen it often stamped on the backs of British taken from the cementation furnace. It is called blister or backsaws. I assume it mayMWTCA.ORG be found on other tools as well. cementation at this stage. Next it may have been melted (Converted or Refined) and when cast was called cast Did it come from Germany? Not long ago I sent an email steel. It could have been reheated and hammered one or to Simon Barley in Great Britain asking him this question. more times and was then known as Shear or Double Shear Simon is a student of the British saw and its history and steel. If it was run under a fast running tilt hammer, Simon this is what he had to say about it. (not 100% sure) believes it was then called German steel A page from a Marsh Brothers catalogue (Sheffield) dated which is the basic lowest quality steel used in making 1849 lists the various steel they supply. German steel is list saws. It was common. Simon has used saws so marked ed and is also called Tilted steel. This is the only documen which seem to be as good as the ones marked cast steel, tation he has found. Simon has a Barber & Germ hacksaw but were quite a bit less expensive. I had given him under my "lend lease" program marked I trust this will answer several inquiries I have received on German steel. Barber & Germ worked 1787-1817. The German steel and may be an aid to other who might won mark ceased to be used with the advent of World War I. der as to its origin. September 2009 23 Two Great Auction Weekends Nashua, New Hampshire September 18 & 19, 2009 Indianapolis; Indiana October 16 & 17, 2009 Our Octiilie-r auction will Feature the Collection of the late Mary Lou Stover, Muskego, Wisconsin Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions a Division o/Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools 800 869-0695 MWTCA.ORG Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions The World's Largest Specialist Auctioneers ofAntique Hand Tools A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, Avoca, New York (800) 869-0695 · Please Plan to Join Us at Our Auctions! · www.mjdtools.com Subscribe to our Tool Auction Catalogues for 2010 and Save! ~ Four Full Color Auction Catalogues ~ Five Listed Auctions of 1001 to 3001 Lots Each ~ Five Searchable Auction Preview Photo CD Rom Disks ~ Free 75,000 Item CD Value Guide with Subscription ~ All FIFTEEN Publications Just $75.00 Ten Great Auctions in 2010 Open House Auction Martin J. Donnelly Listed Auction: Ramada Inn & Joint Tool Meeting Avoca, New York Friday, March 19 Indianapolis, Indiana August 5, 6 & 7 Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Auctioneers: Bill Baxter & Paul Wilmott Catalogue Auction: Ramada Inn Listed Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Saturday, March 20 Indianapolis, Indiana Friday, September 17 Nashua, New Hampshire Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Listed Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Catalogue Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Friday, April 16 Nashua, New Hampshire Saturday, September 18 Nashua, New Hampshire Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Ramada Inn Catalogue Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Listed Auction: Friday, October 15 Indianapolis, Indiana Saturday, April 17 Nashua, New Hampshire Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Catalogue Auction: Ramada Inn Saturday, October 16 Indianapolis, Indiana Subscribe or 2010 Auctioneer: Bill Baxter I 'I : U 1 911 • ~ I • II •· :1 ~: I :11 :, I,' l I 'I I I I , I I " I I I I I I ' I I I I I I I I , I MWTCA.ORG■ I , I , , I I We are Committed to Expanding the Market/or Antique Tools n the past eleven years we have sold more than a half million antique tools at auction. Our extensive advertising, Internet market I ing and commitment to using technology to achieve the best results for our consignors are the reasons we are the biggest and the best. If you are planning the sale of some or all of your antique tool collection, please call for a confidential consultation Today. Martin J. Donnelly (800) 869-0695 Hand-Held Lamp Wick Trimmers by Bob Roger Lamp wicks have taken many shapes over the years (round, flat, narrow, wide, thick, thin, etc.), but whatever the shape if they were not trimmed evenly and cleanly they resulted in smoking, less light, and uneven burning. Early trimmers may have been scrapers or knife blades to scrape off the burned residue. Shears were used first, followed by shears with compartments or devices to hold the cut-off residue (Figure 1). Figure 1. Early style with residue container Three legs were then put on the shears so they could be easily grasped for use and to keep the trimmer from soiling the table with carbon. Coil springs were added at the pivot to hold the trimmer closed after use (Figure 2). To help keep the trimming blade parallel with the wick tube, guides or gauges were invented to use with the trimmer. When the trimmer uses pivoted shearing blades, and the blades are brought together, the wick will be expanded under the pressure Figure 2. Spring-closed container on legs of the cut and the wick will be left with a comer projecting laterally. Devices were then invented to flame while also clearing the residue and trimming the hold the wick tight as the shears were used. Other inven wick to ready it for the next night. tions used mechanical means to have a blade cut the To whet your interest, let us look at what I think are the entire wick simultaneously. first ten patents for hand-held wick trimmers. Not wanting separate tools, some lamp designers incor 1. Trimmers like those in Figures 1 & 2 were already in porated a trimmer into the lamp. And by the end of the common use by the time the first US patent for a hand Civil War one would guess they had all been invented held wick trimmer was issued. That patent was number but they were not. Wick trimmer designs were just get 18 713 issued on November 24, 1857 to Stow & Barnes. ting started. One can find the US patents for some of Their design made the trimmer in two parts rather than them in at least six categories the normal six parts and is shown under the Cutlery classification, !IJ1rJ in Figure 3. Not counting the rivet one category under Compound 13ur.11eJ, and spring, the six parts are three Tools, one category under lliclf Trimmsr,. legs, two arms, and debris cover. Combustion, and one category Pi!. 713.. · Pale11!ed -1for.J.¾, /1.f Their parts were stamped from under Stoves and Furnaces. ..,,.._~~~¥~ ~- • sheet steel. They are interesting toolsMWTCA.ORG with r~ - many mechanical variations in Figure 3. Stow & Barnes 1857 Patent performing a relatively simple task, and you do not have to be a lamp collector to find these ..ifZ,~ implements attractive. Some are ·.I¥'!. ~ very elegant in design and materi- ., ., . ~ al while others are 'Rube ~ Goldberg' gems. ~:--:--...... ;::;;;.;'7.., • Trimmers are also referred to as .,. , snuffers in some of the patents because they would snuff the 26 The Gristmill 2. To overcome the problem of the wick stretching while before being riveted to the softer offset handles. His being cut, Halvorson's 1859 design had an adjustable plate drawing is shown in Figure 6 with a well-made and to hold the wick and keep it from sliding or expanding marked example in Figure 7. outward along the blades as it was being cut. His design is shown in Figure 4. lT.BEer;,zori . . H. H~/ror4P.l1.,. : 1/idt 'I'rimmei; . ITiC'.k 7'rimme,: . · . Pate.nfetilJec_gr, /86.4. :/Ti~-6.!'114. Pale.n fetl ..m/q;g_ ta.r: Ad . . ~ · · . &----~------~- .,, Figure 4. Halvorson's 1859 patent 3. Eagle's 1862 design used two plates with opposing openings in them such that when the handles-were spread there was an opening in the center for the wick When the handles were closed the wick was simultaneously com pressed and cut by the blades from both ends. His draw ing is shown in Figure 5. .J; JY. Ztz§k · Figure 6. Barnard's Patent m;1- .7'rUJ2.m11r. % 136_,:f!)O. .Pol£?1hd/J.9t.31J IS6. MWTCA.ORG Figure 7. Barnard's Trimmer 5. A week later Bond received his 1865 patent for a design that simultaneously cuts the entire width of the wick, another solution to eliminate the problem of the wick stretching while being cut. It appears, however, Figure 5. Eagle's 1862 snuffer fairly complicated and expensive to manufacture. His 4. Barnard was issued an 1864 patent for an improved patent drawing is shown in Figure 8 and a marked approach to manufacturing trimmer shears. His blades example in Figures 9 & 10. The anvil the blade presses are separate and flat, allowing them to be tempered against is brass. September 2009 27 C. M, TYLER. ·JI. F. Bond, Lamp~Wlck Trimmer. N~ -92,108.. -lliiilr Trimmer; ..Jre4.io9Z ?a!Bnfer/Jo:n.J l8oJ. Figure 11. Tyler's trimmer ~Q.£. . 7. Naylor & Fairchild had a simpler idea than Bond. Their -Jt:~- idea was a blade and anvil trimmer that cuts the entire width of the wick in one stroke. Their patent drawing is shown in Figure 12. They state that their improvement allows the entire width of the wick to be viewed while being cut, but Bond's patent also did that. Figure 8. Bond's Patent . •.. RA TL°OII -~ A. f°AIR-CHILD. La·ll'l,-Wfok Trlm11en . . · · P~hntad Augut 26, j073. Figure 12. Naylor & Fairchild's blade and anvil design 8. In 1875 Zeng patented a simple wick scraper with debris trough. His drawing, shown in Figure 13, illustrates Figure 9. Bond's trimmer in position for use two different forms. I. z.: · l>t· IUI. UKJI-HUCIEH.· MWTCA.ORG.-ro." 10~.U5. ·. hhllh4- lov.-9, 18"s. · . I ) Figure 10. Bond's trimmer from underneath 6. In 1869 Tyler patented his lamp tool. One end is a tongs for grasping and removing the hot chimney, the other end a tongs for holding a cloth for cleaning the inside of the chimney, and in the middle a pair of shear blades for trim ming the wick. His drawing is shown in Figure 11. Figure 13. Zeng's trimmer 28 The Gristmill 9. With a concept similar to Naylor & Fairchild's, Lyman And now just one more example. On October 4, 1881 received patent number 173,977 in 1876 for his vertical Charles Clark received patent number 247,888 for the handles/horizontal blades trimmer. The curvature of the trimmer shown in Figure 16. He added a brush to his con blades results in the wick being cut from both ends vex pan-shaped trimmer. The two halves of the pan come toward the center while holding and compressing it. His together to hold the wick tight (not cut it), and extra drawing is shown in Figure 14. squeezes of the handles bring the brush back and forth across the wick to remove the charred tip down to a uni form height. Figure 17 shows an example that is marked ~- -. B. ~T-IU': with his patent date. It works well. . Ult~WIOJ: T~f~K::la. . lh, 173,977, ;,tenti4 ~,,'b~--- 2.1, ·un. • I o • • • • ~ Figure 14. Lyman's trimmer 10. A few months later in 1876, Lyman patented his trimming shears shown in Figure 15. He angled the blades so that the tips cut before the back end, forcing the wick toward the pivot and preventing it from Figure 16. Clark's 1881 patent stretching outward. c. . ~- ·1vn1~ .. -· .. ·.ii.1~•-wicz. H1xu;11.. · 1·uu~ot ~~1 1e. ,e·n, MWTCA.ORG Figure 17. Clark's trimmer So what are you waiting for. Head for the flea market this weekend and see how many you can find! Figure 15. Nugent's trimmer shears September 2009 29 M-WTCA Auxiliary Lynne's Lines by Lynne McCalla, Auxiliary President Greetings to All the Women in M-WTCA! Secretary - Rita Myers; Treasurer - Jan Dills. They are count ing on all of you to follow through with your offers of help to All of you are Auxiliary members, as I tried to make clear at them and the committees on the board. We also proposed to our Lexington, KY Convention. We enjoyed having more of you a number of changes in the by-laws. My goal as your you participate in the various programs that we provided. As President has been to clean up the discrepancies in our by-laws a matter of fact, there were more attendees at all of our gath and clarify any statements that are not true or need more detail, erings than ever before in our history. You brought 17 displays so that the end product is a document that fits our current to Lexington, a record! They were absolutely wonderful! I got organization and will carry us into the future. We proposed to know you and your subject so much better because of your these general changes: The Vice-President will continue to be willingness to make the effort to bring a display to share. an elected officer but she can continue to serve after two years Hope all of you had a fun and interesting time and will join us as can all officers but the President. The title has changed to again in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 29-31, 2009. Our Vice-President of Meeting Planning. She will work with the men theme will be What Turns You On! Please read the article by on site selection, assuring that the Auxiliary's needs are our Auxiliary Leader (formerly the Hostess), Susan Witzel in planned for and executed as she and the President deem neces this edition of the Gristmill. It sure sounds like we have lots sary. She is responsible for the selection and supervision of the of interesting opportunities to get together and share. Please Auxiliary Meeting Leader for each meeting and for managing do come to our Meet and Greet activity to meet new friends the Auxiliary's Meeting Manual. The Past-President will chair and renew acquaintances. I look forward to seeing all of you. the Nominating Committee to select the next slate of officers. Back to Lexington for a minute. The Auxiliary Officers and Other minor changes were made and all will be available to you Board worked really hard during the Spring Meeting. We came in your registration packet, along with the minutes of the last to the meeting without a slate of officers to present to the mem meeting and the Treasurer's report to be voted on at the bership. I want to thank all of the women who answered my Luncheon. This is an attempt to shorten the business meeting plea for help and stepped forward to volunteer to help in any to a minimum. The luncheon is a fun time to visit and get to way. With that vote of confidence and support you made it pos know each other better. Please plan to stay and attend. sible for us to present the new slate of officers who are: See you in Indianapolis with my Engine Running! President - Judi Heckle; Vice-President - Kathy Hobbs; On the Other Side of the Bed by Kathleen Holmes Cecil had mentioned to Carol ( our daughter) that he was "Once you start attending auctions, you can become addict planning to go to an auction that coming weekend. She had ed"! Carol wants to go again when Cecil sees one he wants never been to an auction so she and I went along with Cecil. to go to. Some of you can relate to Carol's experience... and mine. You will see something you want to buy and it goes off While those two wandered around looking at the offerings, the chart on price. OR you are buying to resell OR you are I "people watched". There were certainly a varied group of just browsing through the offerings on the tables OR you are attendees and I enjoyed my time observing them. I thought I just "people watching". could tell the people who wereMWTCA.ORG buying to resell, those who were intending to buy specific items, and those who were fol Many of you also go again and again to the antique tool shows lowing the auctioneer just for the fun of it. And I enjoyed the offered by M-WTCA or other area groups who meet around the "people watching". nation. You set a mental limit ( and often go over it as it is some thing you just have to have) on what you want to spend to fill Cecil advised Carol to set a mental limit on what she would out a specific line of tool. Some of you are beginning as tool spend on each item she wanted to bid on... and on the total collectors and can buy the less expensive items. You go to the amount for the day. The auctioneer started off with the fur tool shows, visiting with the folks who have lots of knowledge niture. Carol had aimed at the purchase of a wardrobe but it about the tools you are looking for. They can advise on purchase went higher than she wanted to spend. She did spend $26.00 price, availability, and the history of a particular purchase. on a couple of pictures she had fixated on as well as a bench and light for $2.00. She had a marvelous time. That is the value of going to the various antique tool shows around the country. Then you can go to bed with visions of tools Carol visited with a friend of ours who cautioned her with whirling through your dreams On the Other Side of the Bed. 30 The Gristmill Auxiliary Luncheon by Kathy Vogt The Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon speaker on She also had parties and learned information Saturday, June 26, 2009 was Donna Elkins from this way to pass on. Although Rose thought the Kentucky Humanities Council. She teaches she would never be arrested because of her at Jefferson Community College and has been prominence and who she knew. She was giving these presentations for three years. Her imprisoned and when released she went south program entitled "Secret Women: Stories of and never came back Three Civil War Spies and the Messages they Belle Boyd was only sixteen years old when Left Behind" kept us captivated as an audience. she started spying. She talked to Union sol These ladies diaries and journals written in diers and passed on information openly. They their own words confirmed what they had done. Donna had no specific reason to arrest her. showed through their acts of bravery that they were will ing to die to protect their view of what they thought about Elizabeth "Crazy Bet" Van Lew was specific in telling infor what their country should be. mation. She even said there are this many troops here so you should bring ( a specific amount) of troops. Since she was One of these Civil War spies was Rose O'N eal Greenhaw. discreet and very cautious, Elizabeth was never arrested. Rose coded long messages in numbers and put them in She wanted slavery abolished and the Union saved. her hair to pass information on to the Confederate cause. Ladies, Start Your Engines! by Susan Witzel We want you to motor on over to Indianapolis October will lead the book discussion of The Glass Castle by 29-31, 2009 for the Semi-Annual meeting of the M-WTCA. Jeannette Walls. Glory June Greiff will regale you Friday The Indiana ladies are revved up at the starting line and evening with scary Halloween tales, including the poetry ready to show you a good time in Indianapolis. Come of James Whitcomb Riley and Edgar Alan Poe. The experience real Hoosier Hospitality! The theme for the ladies luncheon Saturday noon will be one you will not ladies in Indianapolis is What Turns You On? Be sure to want to miss! Wearing black or white will help us cross bring a display. Tell why it really interests you. A Ladies the Finish Line of our Auxiliary activities. Installation of Tour is planned for Thursday to explore Indianapolis, officers for the Auxiliary will be held. Come join us! including the White River State Park Area and the Support your new officers! Susan Witzel and the Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens. During Meet And Indianapolis Auxiliary Pit Crew: Nan Schulte, Conni Greet, first time attendees have a chance to get acquaint Newby, Mary Lou Google, Sally Redinger, Marlene ed with other auxiliary members. Show and tell items Greiwe, and Annabel Ring. are shared and new friendships made. Jeanne McDonald Ways and MeansMWTCA.ORG by Miriam Seevers At the Lexington National Meet, the possibility of selling trade room. Do you think this was a good way to be vis M-WTCA pins at the various area meets was actively pur ible and available? sued. Fourteen individuals agreed to be their area sales The ending figure for the book sales was down about half men for the 190 pins that are out there within reach of of what the Erie meet created. Is this a sign of lack of those who attend only area meets. The Ladies Auxiliary interest, or confusion caused by changing the location? appreciates your effort and willingness to help us. Contact me at [email protected] if you have any In Lexington, the book table was located in the Ladies suggestions. The remaining books were given again, to 'Social Room' for two days. Then it was moved to the the township library in Windsor, IL. September 2009 31 Lexington Meet and Greet by Judi Heckel One of the favorite Auxiliary sessions is the Meet 'N a Henry Disston nail file and a new ear trumpet. It is Greet. There members have the opportunity to renew always a pleasure to learn other sides of our members friendships and learn of a member's new activity or acqui through their collections and talents. sition. The session began with the introduction of five first time attendees (L to R) Pamela Brown, Timberville VA; Becky Roger, Stanton VA; Kathleen Donnelly, Avoca NY; Jan Simmons, Hamilton, GA; and seated Helen Burge Mayfield Heights OH. Members participated in activities like a 5K walk to raise proceeds for the Ronald McDonald House program as a birthday present for a granddaughter. Another member entertained us with a recent purchase of a singing bear. After a few choruses of "Good Day Sunshine," the bear warmed himself into everyone's heart and accounted for several purchases by other members. Other members designed attractive purses from antique linens, or mod eled a jacket with a unique quilting technique, or showed knitted scarves. One member shared some favorite dolls from her personal collection. Other members discovered Troublesome Creek Book Discussion Led by Author, Jan Watson by Susan Witzel Jackie Coleman of very close to her Granny and has honored the strong men and Lexington, introduced women who live in the hills of Eastern Kentucky by "telling her friend Jan Watson their story." Kentuckians are great storytellers. She spent to 52 thrilled auxiliary time at Granny's when she was younger, listening to the tales ladies. She spoke of of folks and life events of ancestors and friends, all the while being retired after 25 keeping her hands busy with everyday chores. It is the "love years of working with of place" that keeps the folks in the hills. Even though it is has newborns and mothers always been a struggle economically, the home place in the as an RN. Jan draws hills is also buried deep within the heart and soul. on her medical back So it was with "Copper Brown," who comes of age in the ground and her faith as late 1800s. As we meet 16 year old Copper and enter her she writes. "You can world, we are introduced to her family and friends. As MWTCA.ORGnot leave who you are Jan "tells the story," we are drawn back in time and place out of your writing," she explained. She researches medical but find that "people are still people" with similar lore from books of the 1800s and learns of the superstitions heartaches, problems and personalities. Copper's head and customs of the hills. She read excerpts from strong personality and temper get her into one predica Troublesome Creek to introduce us to the characters, ment after another. Her faith, her family, her medical abil explaining that voice to an author is like your voice to a ities and her love and compassion for the women she friend. Her earliest story ideas have been written on scraps served kept her fully occupied. Life was not easy for of paper or a napkin - inspired by everyday happenings. Copper, but it was fulfilling. She had carried the story of Troublesome Creek in her heart Jan, winner of the 2004 Christian Writers Guild for her for over 50 years after her Granny told her about a young first novel, Troublesome Creek, lets her faith and sense of mother who had died in the creek during a flash flood. It is the humor shine from the pages of her book She was a only actual fact in the book All else is fiction. Jan's real life delightful inspiration to us all. Granny lived close to the real Troublesome Creek Jan was 32 The Gristmill Stop Horsing Around and Get To Work by Karen Fulton Editor's note: Karen Fulton of Maysville, Kentucky pro family, we all pulled plants until we had enough for several duced a display on raising burley tobacco. Her memories rows of tobacco to be planted and then we all went to the of the farm are still vivid in her mind. She enjoys using field. If we were fortunate to have some extra help, they the watercolor media to explain the process to others. The were left pulling plants for us. fallowing is an excerpt of the description she shared with Summer did give a labor break for other garden and mow her display. If you are interested in the complete text, ing jobs unless the worms came along on the tobacco and please contact Bill Kolm, Gristmill Editor. spray was needed. We were thankful for a mechanical "Stop Horsing Around..... and get to work" was heard often sprayer. Before the mechanical one I have seen my hus on our farm as our family raised burley tobacco. The value band carry a sprayer on his back and walk through the of farmland in the 1900s was based on the amount of bur tobacco. This mechanical sprayer (highboy) pulled with a ley that could be grown on the land. An acre allotment was tractor was used later to spray the tobacco after it had been established in order for the government to assist the farm topped and dropped sticks between the rows. ers with a minimum price support that the companies had Beautiful blooms grow at the top of mature tobacco. In a to pay to purchase the tobacco. Later the acre allotment good year this is 5 to 6 foot tall. The desired plant has large was changed to a poundage allotment per farm. leaves. Those blooms do not last long because they are The year began with seed beds being prepared by putting 'topped' or broken off to cause the lower leaves to grow a wood on the area and burning it to kill weeds and to leave little bigger. Walking through the tall tobacco and breaking the dirt soft. This was a "horsing out the tops with bare hands is around time to roast hot dogs." an experience. This was done This fun was changed when these early in the morning while the 100 ft. x 12ft. areas were covered plant was less tough but it was with plastic sheets sealed on the usually wet from the morning sides and canisters of a gas were due. The plant will not grow released under the plastic to kill suckers (leaves and buds grow all weeds. In later years, this job ing on the lower part of the was made easier by contract plant). The plant was sprayed labor of machines to fumigate the with a chemical to stop the beds and seal the plastic. growth. The highboy was used for this job. In a few weeks the In late March the plastics were plants would turn a golden yel removed. A rake was used to low. smooth the area. Tobacco seeds are so small it was usually mixed Sticks four feet long to be used with fertilizer to make sure it was scattered evenly. A light by the cutters are 'dropped' between the rows with boys layer of straw was spread over the area and a white cotton riding on the highboy. Often workers were hired ( outside canvas was spread over it and fastened on the edges with the family) to "house the tobacco". This started with work pegs (bent wire pieces). ers setting a stick vertically and putting a metal spear on the stick With a hand on the stalk and a swing of the tobac The next four to six weeks was a time to prepare the ground MWTCA.ORGco knife, the 'cutter' picked up the loosen stalk and force for planting with plowing, disking, fertilizing, and working the stalk over the spear near the cut of the stalk. He repeat on equipment (setter) to be used. As the plants began to ed the process until six stalks were on the stick in tepee for grow in the bed so did the weeds. To get rid of the weeds mation and then quickly moved on to the next six. At the one must sit around the tobacco bed and gently pull or cut end of the row the sticks cut, were counted and workers out the problems. A board used as a bridge across the plants were paid by the stick made it easier to reach the middle of the bed. It was hard on the knees after several hours at this tedious job. Kentucky tobacco barns were built with tiers and rails for air drying the burley. Getting it there was the most intensive Late May was "setting time." The weather and the size of labor problem. Workers balanced themselves on two rails plants dictated this start. The plants were ready when they and with a leaning motion pulled up the tobacco on sticks were 10 to 12 inches tall. Pulling plants was another time from the worker below and placed them between the rails. consuming job. Plants were carefully hand pulled and bun The tobacco was spread on the stick so the air could get to dled in cloth bags to take to the field. Since we did this as a each stalk Good 'barn men' wanted the top rail. September 2009 33 As the fall leaves changed colors so did the color of burley. After several years of learning the hand tying art, the process It dried to a brown color. The dry crumbly tobacco waited was changed to bales. Large wooden boxes were made to lay for a wet day to be able to be removed from the rails with the tobacco leaves in. A lid was placed on the tobacco and out coming apart. This was called 11 in case." pressed down with a jack With the lid in place the side came off the box to allow you to tie the strings around the bale. The sticks were thrown down from the rails. The stalks Then the bale was labeled and taken to the barn. were pulled off the stick and placed in a bundle. The bundle was tied with string for easy carrying to the stripping room. The truck loaded with sticks of pressed tobacco Oater bales) was delivered to the warehouse. There men pulled The heater helped to warm the stripping room ( a small the hands off the sticks and arranged them in a circle on a room extension of the barn). On one side of the room was basket made of slats. The circles formed a stack four or five a long table. The first person at the table "bench" opened feet tall. Each basket was labeled with the type and name the bundle and pulled off the lowest leaves called trash. of farmer. On sale day we would go back to the warehouse This was usually my job. After I had as many leaves as I to see it sell. It was hard to understand the chant of the auc could hold in my hand, I wrapped a leaf around the butt tioneer and tell which buyer was bidding, but we could see ends of the handful and fastened it so I could hang the the results posted on the tag as the group of buyers moved handful over a stick The stalk then was taken by the sec on to the next row of tobacco baskets. We waited in the ond person to pull off the bigger better leaves called lugs office for our money reward for a whole year of work and do the same. The third pull was the rest of the smaller leaves called red. The stick full of like kind of hands was So what do I do for fun? I try to keep memories alive through then put in a press to flatten it. A place in the barn was my paintings of a 111 Way of Life For the Kentucky Farmer. 11 made to stack the pressed sticks until taken to market. Mystery Hammer: A Study, A Theory ~•llff.tL) 'II'. Btl.AOt.&. by Bill Gambriel c.nrnna.n-clt&. 110. so~,70l, P•teo.l The Study I started collecting hammers in August of 1999. Two years later, I was in a small antique store in Illinois and discov ered a hammer I was sure was one-of-a-kind, rare, a real unique antique tool. I purchased it for $12.00. In my collec tion it was labeled as a carpet stretcher. I was convinced, or wanted to be convinced, it was the William Sexauer carpet stretching hammer patented in 1887. This can be found in Baird and Comerford's work, The Hammer The King of Tools, p. 207. The hammer remained in my collec tion with the carpet stretcher label. In 2003, I was introduced to the uses of a computer, and this opened a vast realmMWTCA.ORG of research material. Approximately a year later, I discovered the wonderful world of ebay. I started to buy and sell as a hobby. To compare, included here is a copy of the Sexauer car I noticed that one item, among the many hammers being pet stretcher diagram from the U.S. Patent Office, a pic offered for sale on ebay, seemed to appear more than any ture of the hammer I purchased and the one that often other ... my prized antique rare carpet stretcher. appears on ebay auctions. There are similarities, but In August of 2007, I decided to do a study. I followed all the there is one outstanding difference. The Sexauer ham auctions on ebay I could find of this hammer. I printed the mer has a point at the base of the handle to enable it to first page of the auction to keep for data, and made notes grab the wood floor when stretching a carpet. The other about the final outcome of the auction. I did this for a year. hammer has a claw and it would be virtually impossible for it to grab the floor, unless a nail was placed in the What follows is the interesting information about this floor to prevent the hammer from slipping when stretch hammer that resulted from this study. ing a carpet. Also, of the hammers on ebay, not one 34 The Gristmill included the stretching board illustrated in the Patent • Victorian Diagram. I am convinced that the hammer with the claw • 1800s at the base of the handle is not a Sexauer hammer. • Opens crates Findings from the auctions • Very rare From August 16, 2007 to August 17, 2008, there were a • Painter's hammer used to open the cans of paint total of 63 of these hammers offered on ebay. From this, it and the hook would be for lifting the can by the bail would appear that it would not qualify to be declared a • Leather and upholstery hammer rare item, nor one of a kind. They were usually offered in • Boot hook the auction format, but some were available to be pur • Kind of fancy so could have been used by chased immediately. A few were offered with another a secretary item. Two were included in catalogues of well known tool • Stencil handle auctions. One was auctioned by a reputable tool dealer. • A old cast iron crate or box opener this is a real Item location indicated they were offered in 17 different States, rare fined it is quite small (sic) all across the U.S. There were none located here in Canada. • Carpet stretcher (six had this as part of their Of the 63 offered, 41 were sold, 22 had no bidder at the end description) of the auction. I did not include any of the 22 if they were All except one stated that there was not a manufacturer's relisted, in this study. The highest price paid was $50.00 mark on the hammer. (amounts are in U.S. Funds). This one was advertised as "2 Antique Billiard Pool Table Repair Tools Tack Hammer". The Theory Included with this hammer was a tack remover. The low Knowing now that my prized hammer is not what I est price paid was $.99. The average price was $11.99. thought, and compiling the data from ebay, I have devel Samples of Titles of Auction: oped a theory about this hammer ... and it is just a theory. • Old Fancy Cast Iron Victorian Tack Hammer EITHER • Decorative Tack Hammer Someone, somewhere, found a warehouse that contained • Antique Tack Hammer Crate Tool a lot of wooden crates, and the crates were filled with an • Small Fancy Cutout Hammer Tack Puller Upholstery Tool odd looking hammer. These were slowly put on the mar • Antique Horse Shoe Hammer ket, to avoid flooding the market and thus reducing the • Antique Cobbler Tack Hammer Cut Out Blacksmith Tool price, and they have gradually spread across the U.S. It will only be a matter of time before they appear in Canada • Vintage Steel Tack Hammer Saddle Pool Table Billiards - perhaps they are here now. • 2 Antique Billiard Pool Table Repair Tools Tack Hammer • Cobler (sic) Universal Tool 1800s Neat Patina OR • Old Iron Hammer Cigar Box Country Store Cutout Handle Someone has learned how to make these and sell them as • Unique Cast Iron Hammer Pry Bar Cut Out Tool an old tool. An antique made while you wait. • Small Antique Iron All Purpose Hammer AND • Household Tack Hammer When a person obtains one of these, because of its • Woodworking-Farm Tool appearance, they embellish it with any kind of title and/or • Vintage Hammer/Pry BarMWTCA.ORG description to sell it at maximum profit. Perhaps the most honest of all the titles was "Antique CONCLUSION Craftsman's Hammer, Use Unknown, It is a Mystery." It This hammer is not rare, not one of a kind, not a carpet appears that there was no consensus of what this hammer stretcher, not an antique tool, not an expensive item, etc., really is: the present owner decides what to name it. etc.... buyer/collector beware!!! These are still being auc There were a wide variety of claims in the descriptions of tioned on ebay with exaggerated titles and claims. this hammer: (My hammer now has the title of "Specialty Hammer" ... • One of a kind which designates it as having no tangible proof of its actu • Hand made, hand forged al use; or, simply, I do not know what specific label to • Wrenches in handle place on it, nor do I know its purpose.) • Handle is a template September 2009 35 Update On The Ergonomic Backsaw by Phil Baker I I ~- -- - -~-- Featured in the recent ergonomic that of the brass back Now there hacksaw article, was the brass are two examples. This saw has back having the space between the the older 1/4" high eagles on either cheek and grip lengthened by 3/8 of side of the arch. It is the only an inch in order to achieve the example I have seen. All other desired angle of the grip. Leading uses of the 1/4" eagle has been over up to this saw were three other cast steel to the left of the arch and types beginning with the saw I believe to be type #1. over warranted to the right of the arch on earlier saws. On this saw, cast steel is above warranted to the right of the The Henry Disston brass back was the fourth saw used. It arch. This is the first time I have seen this. The saw screw was marked with a steeper arch than any of the Disstons in diameter heads are 7/16" so the brass back was not the first the collection. The letters were the larger size found on the to use that size. There is no label screw. back of my earlier saw. At that time, it was the first use of the 5/16"eagle (a change from the original 1/4" eagle) and the In my study I had designated three saw types with the first first observation of eagles flanking the arch. The saw screws label screw. Now there are four. I had made an estimated pro had 7/16" heads, a change from the 9/16" diameter heads. It duction date of the first label screw found on the brass back at had the first type, "flying eagle" label screw. NOTE-The 1846. It may be possible that the 1846 date could be 4 7 or 48. 7/16" screws were permanently changed to 1/2" when the This gives us some more early history of the Henry Disston second label screw was adopted. firm. Of interest is the information found in Volume 2 of the Another Henry Disston saw has now found its way to my History of the Disston Company written in 1920. The authors house. It has a 14" blade with steel back I believe it is ear are William Dunlop Disston, Henry Disston and William Smith. lier that the brass back This makes the brass back #5 and It states that Henry began working when he was 13 years old this new one #4. For starters, the large Disston arch mirrors for Lindley, Johnson & Whitcraft. It was reported that he fur nished saws to his old employers after leaving them. Has anyone ever seen a Lindley, Johnson & Whitcraft saw? Or was W. & C. Johnson the name they used? Any information on this subject is most welcome. Carl Bilderback has just informed me that he has a mint Atkins hand saw fully nickel plated. It is labeled as the T.R.Roberts Speed Saw patent 1919748. Now we have six makers of nickel plated saws. A What's It by Phil Baker In June of 2008 the Preservation and provided them and they were used in huge Education Committee inventoried all the numbers". Alford describes them as the tools at Mount Vernon. A group of eight rep most common item for packing snuff. resenting a diversified group of extremely Small tools like pocket knives and scissors knowledgeable tool researchersMWTCA.ORG was only along with snuff would be protected on stumped by one article. their voyage overseas. Sheffield, at this time was the snuff making capitol of the world. Tobacco was It looked somewhat like a misshapen balloon. Not seen is delivered in large casks and the casks were used to ship another smaller opening, which was tied off as a means of Sheffield tools. Each cask would hold between a ton and a closing it. If you rapped on it, it would sound like a dried ton and a half of tools. gourd so it was not flexible. The curators had thought it might be for holding grease. We did not seem to think it George Washington kept very complete records of his would have been practical then or now. transactions. Despite fighting the British and gaining our independence, he preferred many British products to A while back I was reading Simon Barleys thesis on, Hand American. Records in his writing verify this and yes, Tool Manufacture during the Industrial Revolution: Saw George did order snuff. making in Sheffield c.1750-c.1830 (he received his PhD in January). On page 232 I read this; "The bladder was the poly The use of the bladder was not recognized by anyone I talked thene carrier bag of the 18th century, both the pig and cow to. Let us know if you have anymore to add to the story. 36 The Gristmill You Can't Hear it Coming if it Doesn't Make a Sound ... by James Goodson The Continuing Story of The Coes ... who lived in Wisconsin, repaired and restored these press es for show. I did not want to struggle with the heavy box Many are the changes created ing/crating up of this drill press, so when the Louisiana con by time and progress which con tact (the ebay dealer) learned that the Wisconsin contact stantly target and affect our sus wanted to buy it, he offered to pack and ship it North for ceptible daily lives. Though all $25 plus shipping costs. When agreed upon, the plan was things change with time, ( some that the Louisiana buyer picks up the press here in Houston even for the better), some tend on his way to a planned vacation in San Antonio. Upon to resist that trend with the returning home, he would use the remaining materials from obstinance and courage of pride and human dignity. Just his original shipment to pack this machine for delivery to such an occurance is the legendary honesty and dedicat Wisconsin. Payment was made from Wisconsin to me for ed spirit of the tool collecting fraternity which still contin the purchase price and another to Louisiana for the pack ues to this day. ing and shipping costs. Ultimately within a few weeks, the Years ago I had purchased an early Coe's patented press arrived at its northern destination in good shape. And ( ca.1860's) drill press complete and good except for a 4" The Holy Grail?? ... NONE of these three people knew the piece of missing casting joining the rac others beyond the extent of associated e gear support arm to the main frame. My mails. This entire transaction proceeded efforts to find a fix for this problem died on the merits of good will and the entrust off after a year or so of investigation, ed integrity of individuals known only to resulting in no certain repair techniques each other as "tool guys"! having surfaced short of recasting. The The missing piece was re cast by the project was eventually set aside and the new owner and the press was back in press displayed in my shop for a number perfect shape. It was part of a presen of years. Early last year I noticed that a tation along with other pieces of very similar drill press sold on ebay and I ancient equipment there in Wisconsin. decided to contact the seller through e The 'after' picture was gratiously sent bay channels to see if he might be inter to me by the new owner after the ested in my press. He was not interested repairs were made. in purchasing another one but was able to put me in touch with one of the unsuc Life is Good!! cessful bidders in his auction. This fell ow M-WTCA Silent Salesman eBay by John Walkowiak by John Walkowiak Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstra Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership promo tions? We have available a Silent Salesman for tion in your listing or on your web site. This will be good for MWTCA.ORGM-WTCA by providing the thousands of eBayer's and online you to display at these or any other venues. collectors who are looking at old tools and do not know They are lightweight and sturdy self-standing sign about us, an easy means to make contact with our organi holders. They hold a small poster and a pocket that holds zation. This will also improve your credibility as a seller by the tri-fold membership brochures and are available showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be a Win-Wm in two sizes. It is an effortless way for you to promote situation for everyone! Just go to http://mwtca.org and click membership in M-WTCA. You can contact me at on the Selling on eBay bar on the left side of the homepage. [email protected]. Then simply copy and paste the promotion and add it to your listing where it best fits. It is simple and easy and will be a great help in exposing our great organization to the world. Also, do not forget to include a membership brochure in all the tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of membership brochures to you. September 2009 37 Obituaries Ann Henley by Jane Garcia Ann Henley, 84, passed away on watched friendships blossom around the country as they May 19, 2009 in Mesa, Arizona attended meetings and met an incredible group of people. from complications due to My dad always said his collection was his retirement. Alzheimer's disease. She was born Although he did not live to see his retirement, it served in Pleasant Hill, Missouri on May that purpose for my mom. The collection contributed to 15, 1925 and married her high her life financially for 25 years. What a blessing! school sweetheart Marion Henley, in 1948. Graveside services were held in Columbia, Mom continued her contribution to M-WTCA by handling Missouri on May 29, 2009 with Ann being buried beside all the mailings until 2006 when we decided she needed to Marion who died in 1982. Survivors include daughter Jane move to Arizona due to the progression of Alzheimer's. It Garcia (husband Marv) of Florence, AZ, grandson Justin was a sad day when she said she could no longer prepare Owen of Scottsdale, AZ, nieces Judy Hervey (CO), Mary the M-WTCA mailings. Her lifetime membership was Lee Dixon (LA), Janice Pfortmiller (TX), nephews Gary cherished. Although she suffered from Alzheimer's for Welsh (AZ), Richard Welsh (TX) and Roger Welsh (PA). roughly five years, thankfully it only affected her short term memory. Until the end, she was able to share her They moved to Columbia, MO in 1954 which became memories of her friends from M-WTCA with great joy. home for many years. In the late 1960s they became mem bers of M-WTCA and their lives were forever changed. As I was blessed with amazing parents and I thank each of you a teenager I watched my parents' interest in 'old tools', for all you gave to them through your friendship and love. and attending junk sales increase. But more importantly I Jane Garcia Memories by Mel Ring With the passing of Ann Henley, I am work of those who have gone before us. We have fun reminded that at some point in life, we are being reminded when we see a tool, that it is what one of our friends collects. We are sometimes moved when we left with just memories and a few things that look at a tool that we own, what a friend said when he evoke memories. gave it to us, "Here is something you will like, I got it in a box of stuff." I have had something on my desk for more than three decades. It is a one inch brass bolt and nut that began as Every time I see that brass bolt, I remember a friend. a fun paperweight. I bought it off an M-WTCA trade table in a parking lot somewhere.MWTCA.ORG I bought it from a member whose name I remembered but for a long time it carried less significance than it does today. And then it became more significant. The man who sold it to me was Marion Henley. Who would have known more than thirty years ago that our club would have a major award named after the man who sold me that brass bolt? Who could have predicted that I would one day become the chairman of The Marion Henley Committee? We are tool collectors. We are people who study the 38 The Gristmill Book Reviews TheCHRONICLE.. The EAIA Virtual Bookstore The Early Am"·riean lndu-.tri~ .i\J;i,ociat1 on Yohunes l~ 19SS➔ 007 Book Review by Bill Kolm The Early American Industries Association has a great value going on a trio of informative reprints. The EAIA virtual book store is offering a CD version of the 1999 edition of The Directory of American Toolmakers, a reprint of A Pattern Book of Tools and Household Goods, and The Chronicle on DVD volumes 1-60. EAIA members pay $70 plus $5 S&H which is a nice $15 savings over individual pricing; all others pay $95 plus $5 S&H. I nearly ran past the deadline time writ ing this book review since I wanted to keep reading these three very interesting titles. I first opened the CD disk "The Directory of American Toolmakers" and spent considerable The Chronicle. This is time browsing the pages looking at Company names and the where I ran into a problem. years they existed along with what they produced. After tear How do you write a review ing myself away from this extensive list of toolmakers, I of these 60 volumes going opened "A Pattern Book of Tools and Household Goods" back to the beginning in reprint book A pattern book is a bound set of "engraved 1933? There are numerous plates" printed from copper plates, illustrating the goods pro educational articles from duced and/or sold by a manufacturer. This book contains 83 the very beginning of the Robert N•lson, oditor copperplates of tools made in Birmingham, England, ca. 1818. Association, proving that This oversized 15" by 9" pattern book has many pages that these guys were into preserving the knowledge of the old fold out as much as 18 1/2 inches showing all sorts of tools trades which they knew were disappearing. The DVD is in the from the early nineteenth century. There are numerous tools Adobe PDF format making the entire contents fully search in this pattern book that I have never seen before, like a joint able. I have not finished reading all these volumes yet but I ed boot hook This is a very interesting and informative book look forward to the journey. This has to be the best value in Also inserted on the back cover is a reprint of an 1810 W. & C. the market for research resources. Wynn price list nearly matching the plates of the pattern book To order go to web site, www.EAIAinfo.org or questions Lastly, I loaded the DVD containing the first sixty volumes of email [email protected] Mechanick Exercises: or the Doctrine of Handy-Works by Joseph Moxon, Reproduced in facsimile by Gary Roberts, Toolemera Press Book Review by Bill Kolm After I received the DVD "Mechanick Exercises or the each trade, an explanation of terms Doctrine of Handy-Works" by Joseph Moxon, fellow of the used in the different trades and Royal Society, and Hydrographer to the Late King Charles, it rules of the trades. It even shows became apparent this wouldMWTCA.ORG not be a normal book review. It drawings of the tools used in each loads easily and instructs you to make sure you have Adobe trade. This is definitely the litera Reader 8 or 9 on your computer to run the software. When one ture you need to research and iden hits the open book tab, the entire reprint loads for your brows tify old tools used in the late 1600s ing pleasure or one can select different chapters using the and early 1700s. index on the left side of the page. One can also use the search As Gary Roberts points out, "This book is one of the most feature if you want to look for a specific word or profession. important and rarest books in the English Language on the There are 383 pages in this 1703 edition which has been left in skilled trades of Smithing, Joinery, House Carpentry, Turning, its original form entirely. I found that the wording and thought Bricklaying and Sun-Dyalling." It is reproduced in facsimile processes 300 years ago are very similar to that of today. It is from the original in Gary's personal library with full feature very easy to read once one has mastered the letter "s" which PDF, fast search and bookmarked. At $21.65 this has to be the back then, looked more like an "f'. In fact they had several value of the year for anyone interested in old tools. Available shapes for an s. This is very detailed, giving the definition of from The Toolemera Press website (www.toolemera.com) or contact Gary Roberts at [email protected] September 2009 39 Collection Spotlight by Dove Heckel When you get to know Jim and Phyllis Moffet, The collection has over 800 eggbeaters, along with many nut you realize that they both have been collect meg graters, com dryers and shellers, apple parers, tobacco tags, laundry items, kitchen utensils, wrenches, blacksmith ing tools and household implements for a tools, mouse and rat traps, farm tools and implements, and long time. They have belonged to M-WTCA for even clothespins. To house over 30 years and have been avid collectors for these items, Jim built a barn over 55 years. Jim has been involved with the for them sometime in the mid What's It Committee and program for quite a few 1970s. This barn not only years as well. As they refer to themselves as being, houses the collectables, it also "tighter than bark on a tree," they have amassed has a large meeting area for however quite a large and extensive collection. family get-togethers, ladies club meetings and grade school field trips. In the Spring each year Jim and Phyllis have local school 5th graders come out to see the museum. The kids shell com, peel apples, tour the museum, go on nature walks on the farm, and help make home made potato chips. Often stu dents say that the visit, "Was the best day of my life." Jim and Phyllis have loved the hunt for the items and have enjoyed figuring out how to display the items. This is something that they were able to do together. They have stopped buying new items, "Except when it is really unusu al." "Our collection has been a lifelong journey and it shows how diversified we are in our collecting." MWTCA.ORG 40 The Gristmill '' Our collection has been a lifelong journey and it shows how diversified we are in our collecting.MWTCA.ORG ,, September 2009 41 DAVID STANLEY AUCTIONS 54th INTERNATIONAL AUCTION approx 900 Lots of Quality Antique Woodworking and Allied Trades Tools on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th 2009 At the Bretby Conference Centre, Nr Burton upon Trent, England I To include the first 350 lots from the late Max E. Ott Collection The collection comprises approximately 50 of the rarest Norris planes, a large collection of wooden planes by lohn Green including many unusual items, and a fine collection of rules, gauges and instruments by W. F. Stanley London. Many early catalogues and rare books and numerous other fine tools to excite both collectors and dealers! Also included will be a much improved selection of tools which include entries from eleven countries. The entire catalog of 900+ lots available ON-LINE 3 weeks prior with full absentee bidding instructions at: www.the-saleroom.com In spite of this new digital age we are still producing our great, full color catalogs which include estimated prices, conditionMWTCA.ORG coding, postal bidding instructions & prices realised list after the sale. $35 from The Mechanicks Workbench, P.O. Box 420, Marion, Mass. 02738 USA. USA Tel: (508) 748-1680 E-mail: [email protected] or Australia and New Zealand for £24 from David Stanley Auctions, Osgathorpe, Leics. LE12 9SR England from Australia Tel: 00-11-44-1530 222320 New Zealand Tel: 00-44-1530 222320 E-mail [email protected] quoting your mailing address and credit card details. Visit our web site at www.davidstanley.com TONY MURLAND INTERNATIONAL AUCTION Thursday October 15th 2009 Limes Hotel, Needham Market, England This year's auction contains the usual selection of beautiful rare and unique tools, a fine array of tools that easily qualify as tools are art. From a private collection of world class squares a fantastic ebony square and plumb line engraved Alan Lambert (1753-1852) of Carshalton. His son Charles Lambert founded Lambert & Butler the tobacco giants. A great selection of tools by Norris, Spiers, Mathieson, Preston, Stanley etc. Superb quality chisels, carving tools and gouges. A quality collection of European tools. In this year's sale the first four hundred or so lots will be international quality. The sale will then move onto a great selection of our normal collectable and usable tools. The catalogue will have a colour cover with pictures of the more stunning items. The rest of the international quality tools can be viewed on our web site. There will then be selective images of some of the better regular lots. This new format allows us to contribute to the ethics of reducing our carbon footprint and more to the point means our catalogue is only $12. We do not charge for you to view the auction online. MWTCA.ORGView catalogue online www.antiquetools.co. uk email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1449 722992 September 2009 43 What's It The items and their pictures will be identified by the issue Fig. 136a & b come from the Lexington "What's It?" ses number of the Gristmill it first appeared in and their order sion. These two items seem to be forged rather than cast listed in that issue. iron. Both have the same type "tighten and hold closed" mechanism as seen in 136-3a. Perhaps used in a similar Fig. 136-1 line of work? Previous Items Identified Fig. 135-1 Fig. 136-1 From California, this item is fairly heavy, approx. 1/2" thick at handle end, tapering to approx. 3/8" near end of prongs. Prongs are slightly rounded and not sharp. The # 513 is stamped on one side and the reverse side has an oblong shape with an unknown mark stamped in a corre sponding location on reverse. ,!!) J. G. EICIIOL Tl. Fig. 136-2 Pate•ted ~ug. 8, 1899. tfAflNESS MACHINE. No. 630,335. 31/4 inches Fig.136-2 From the southwest, this tool's egg-shaped end turns freely on the shaft and is held by peening of the shaft end. The moveable T/arm-shaped member, made of cast iron, moves up and down on the shaft on square shaped threads as the handle is turned. Fig. 136-3a graphics edltQd MWTCA.ORGto fit space Fig. 135-1 from June 09 has been identified by a mid-west member as a Harness machine. Patent No. 630,335 partial Fig.136-3b description: 'for sewing and repairing harness and other articles of leather and equivalent heavy material' and 'to pro vide simple and efficient means whereby the length of the steps of the feeding movement of the needle may be varied to suit the dif-ferent articles'. This column is for you, the readers. Please send your items, answers, and comments to: Virginia White, PO Box 1418, Angels Camp, CA 95222. Phone (209) 728-2142. E-mail: vwhitel [email protected] 44 The Gristmill SPECIAL CALENDAR FOR 2010 IMPORTANT BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE NEW DISCOVERIES OF AMERICAN PATENTED PLANES Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America, 13-Month Calendar in full color featuring important patented 1827-1927, (Vol. I), Roger K. Smith, 1981. 8 ½" x 11", planes that have not been publicized before.• It includes patent information and new biographical information on some of the hardcover, 340 pp., 350 superb pbotos-41 in full color. inventors. All nice color images on 9,. x 12" heavy stock which are Covers all the basic information on patented planes. ideal for framing when the calendar is outdated. Each month has Important information on Bailey and Stanley. several daily notes of important events related to many other Biographical data and photos of many inventors and patented planes and/or their inventors. manufacturers. Production Type Studies for Stanley Calendar produced by Roger K. Smith, author of Palented Transitional cl Mnallic Planes in America. Vols. I cl 1/1 and is of the planes. Rare plane catalogs reproduced. Although first same high quality. published in 1981 this book has not become obsolete. It Order from Roger K. Smith, P.O. Box 177, Athol, MA 01331. has been the "bible" for hundreds of collectors, dealers, Cost $12.95 + $3.55 shipping. (Add SJ.50 for priority mailing.). auctioneers and historians. Six thousand copies have Shipped in a strong envelope. (Mass. residents add sales tn.) Special discount: 12 calendars at Sl35.00 pp. (This gives you l free been sold. It is now out of print, and second-band calendars.) Write for other discounts and personalization copies sell for $200+ on ebay. We have a limited availability. Available about September I", 2009. number of mint copies available now at $130.00 each See samples at www.rogerksmith.com post paid. *Except when offered in a,,ction catalogs. Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America J. JOMES . (Vol. II), Roger K. Smith, 1992. 8 ½" x 11", hardcover, ■ lterht • lac-l ■ u . No . 153,343. Paleoted,,,. July 21, 1174 . 400 pp., over 450 photos--44 in full color. Over 50 I ..li'i9"-:.I- I I pages of new information on Stanley and Bailey planes. I I : . ' --. Includes planemakers up to 1960, including Millers Falls, Shelton, Vaughan & Bushnell, Phelps, etc. List of Brand Names and all known U.S. plane and spokeshave patents. ALL NEW INFORMATION. (Not a revised Vol. L) $88.00 each post paid. Order from Roger K. Smith P.O. Box 177, Athol, Mass. 01331-0177. See www.roflerksmith.com for other publications. ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION St. Charles, MO, October 17, 2009 Harvester Lions Club, 4835 Central School Road, St. Charles (St. Louis), MO 63304 Auction Starts Saturday at 9 AM (doors open at 7:30 AM) (preview Friday from 1:30 to 6:30 PM) Stanley Planes: FINE #2, 3(2), 3C(3), 4 (2), 4C(2), 4 ½, 5(2), 5C (2), 5 1/2C, 6, 6C, 7, 8, 8C, 12, 12 1/2, 13, 20, 20 VICTOR, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 32, 33, 35(2), 36, 40, 45 (3 different; one in original wood box), 46, 48, 50(2), 60 ½, 65, 71, 71 1/2,, 78, 79, 80 scraper, 82, 90 steel cased rabbet, 98/99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 110, 112, 113 (2), 118, 120, 127, 140, 190,278, OHS, BEDROCK 604C RT, 605 FT, 608C RT; Handyman H1203. Non-Stanley planes: Sargent 1080 plow & 711 Auto-set, Siegley #2 plow w/cutters, Keen Kurter, Diamond Edge, Ohio Tool, Union, FIRESTONE, Sargent, V &B, Gage, Siegley, Bridge Tool.. . Other Stanley Items: Marking gages #77, bevels; butt gauges; scrapers; catalogs, spoke shaves: 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 60, 62, 63, 151, 152; Stanley router bit store sign. Wooden Planes: Several St. Louis & Chicago marked complex molders; 60+ additional molders inc. dado, T &G, beads, hollows & rounds, screw-arm plows (3); plus full range of wooden bench planes. Edge Tools: Large collection of timber framing tools inc. Adzes; axes, broad axes, hatchets, coopers tools; assortment of chisels, carving gouges; 20+ drawknives inc. 8 with folding handles. Hatchet collection includingMWTCA.ORG Marbles; Keen Kurter, Kelly ... , spoke shaves by MARTIN, Millers Falls, BAILEY, Union ... , Levels: Stratton Bros., Millers Falls, Cook's patent; Starrett iron level; several others. Saws: 20+ hand saws inc. Disston, Atkins, Bishops; BRIDGE TOOL CO. St. Louis back saw, crosscut, stair saws, saw sets. Boring Tools: Braces, breast drills, chain drill, push drills, hollow augers, dowel pointers, auger handles, auger bits, "T" augers, Yankee screwdrivers, push drills. Wrenches: Numerous adjustable pipe & nut wrenches, unusual pliers. Ephemera: MWTCA tool catalog reprints; MWTCA Gristmill newsletters; EAIA Shavings & Chronicles; misc. books on wood and metalworking & tools. Misc: Wallace Patent entrenching tools (shovel); Lufkin MEZURALL White Clad tape measure display. Hammers: Large collection (200+) hammers, hatchets mauls, mallets and fencing tools: inc. Anderson patent, Cheneys; Blacksmith rounding hammers, flatters, polishing, planishing, top swedges, punches; tons more. List with links to photos posted at www.GreatPlanesTrading.com Auctioneer: Vince Biermann Terms: Cash or good check. Sale Manager: Mike Urness Vince Biermann Auction Service Master Card & Visa cards Great Planes Trading Co. http://www.vbauctions.com/ accepted for a 3% fee. St. Louis, Missouri 63006-6022 St. Peters, MO 63376 A 10% buyers premium will be in effect. Phone: 314.434.4325 Phone: 636.379.8195 www .greatplanestrading.com September 2009 45 Toolemera.com Publisher: Classics - Digital & Print Online Museum : Books & Ephemera Hand Tool Makers : Online Directory •!• Premier Title •!• Digital Mechanick Exercises by Joseph Moxon [email protected] r ,nfonnati.t.m. to find a dealer in rea, or NJ piace un order, contact: The Toolemera Press JOHN T. KRAMER P.O. Box 8715/Sugar Creek, MO 64054 • (816) 252-9512 In Association with the EAIA kramcr({~kramerfae.com www.krame:rlze.com Digital Chronicle - Digital DAT 16--l>AGf:; BOOK Oli' lNSTRUC'HONS &, lJSES !<"RICE W1T1I PURCIIASE. Ji111BodeTools.co111 Tool Company Names Answers The Largest Antique (puzzle on inside back cover) Tool Website On Earth Buvinu and Selling Fine AntiqueMWTCA.ORG Tools Ph: 518-537-8665 Email: [email protected] 46 The Gristmill Marketplace Wanted Education Wanted WANTED: Winchester items, tools, FOR SALE: Belt driven grinder (12" WANTED: Spiral auger and broad axe sporting goods or advertising. No stone) and drill press (auto feed ?) 8' Marked N. & B. MEAD CASTINE ME. firearms. Collections or pieces OK. line shaft w/24" & 14" wood pulleys, 24" N. MEAD CASTINE ME. L.J.Tomo Jr. Please advise price and condition. idler/clutch shaft w/3 ratio pulley. Also 7111 Waterman Ave., St. Louis, MO. David McDonald, 14211 Kellywood 4 extra bearing blocks, 3 10" metal pul 63130. Home # 314-726-0407, Work # Lane, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 558- leys & motor. $375.00 OBO. Pickup 314-721-3911, telephone & fax. 5236 [email protected] only. Located in East Troy, WI, 35 mi from Milw. John Lauber 414-491-6108. WANTED: Reaping Hook or any other WANTED: Tools of any sort made by tool marked I. Christ. L.J. Torno,. Jr. the Sandusky Tool Co. I don't have 7111 Waterman Ave., St. Louis, MO. them all yet! Also, catalogs, advertis Would you like to better be able to use 63130 Home # 314-726-0407, Work # ing and related material. John the tools you collect? To have your 314-721-3911 telephone & fax. Walkowiak, 3452 Humboldt Ave., hands follow the hands of previous owners in using your tools for the tasks Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 824- WANTED:OSBORNEHOLEPUNCHES they were created for? Check us out! 0785. [email protected] (ARCH PUNCH) Sizes: 1 3/4", 1 7/16", MIKE SIEMSEN'S SCHOOL OF WOOD 1 1/4", 13/16", 3/4", 5/8", 5/16" Must be WORKING www.schoolofwood.com, WANTED: Wooden Bottom Planes in Good +, no nicks in cutter, not all mush Chisago City, MN, 651-257-9166 restorable condition and/or for parts. roomed on striking end. Doug Hughes, My interest is repair and cleanup of 113 Weber St. S. Waterloo,ON. N2J 2A4 these for appearance not value. Also Canada 519-744-2690 need source for handles (tote) and knobs, original or reproductions. James Hansen, 2378 W. Hansen Rd. Wilcox, Az. 85643. Phone 520-384-9173, Advertising Information Cell 520-507-5184, Fax 520-384-3347 ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES March January 10 Size Cost WordLlmit June April 10 Full page, 4-color, September July 10 (when available) $275 900 December October 10 Full page $180 900 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 11 wide.) 25 word limit. NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive YOU'VE event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill's publication. For example, an GOT TOOLS 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 11 wide X 4 7/8 11 tall. Always buying AlwaysMWTCA.ORG Sellin1 Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be Pete Niederberger charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your · Used and Antique Tools and ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge. Para for Same Mall Order Call Me and For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and dou Come to the Shop ble-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly. 415-92-4-8403 [email protected] 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, NE 68164, phone E-mail: [email protected] (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected] Website: www.a 1levelrepair .com "WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!" September 2009 47 I G starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning. This year's program features Roger K. Smith. Roger will be speaking on new patented plane finds. T D ~ is on Friday and features dealers from across the country, Canada, and England. With about 100 tables of the finest antique and usable tools available in one place, at one time, this is the largest non-club show in the United States. Many of our dealers save the best just for the show. So don't miss out, come on down and take advantage of the sale and camaraderie. Show opens at 1:00 p.m. Friday. No show on Saturday. f ALCTIO on Saturday features E.W. Carpenter Improved Arms and Handled Plow. Sandusky center-wheel plow planes with ivory tips. Dom's Patent Plane. Dirigo Jig Saw. Beck Binocular. Spiers Gunmetal Panel Plane. Bailey Split Frame and Vertical Post Planes. Mint Union No.XO smoother. Holley Patent Turret Head Brace. Patent Models. Salesman's Samples. Planemaker's Chest with many tools. Stanley planes and many other tools of all types including many items in the original boxes. Inclinom eters and levels. Plow planes in rosewood, boxwood, and ebony; many with ivory. Large selection of ivory rules. Patented planes by Bailey, Holly, Gage, Phillips, Rust, Boss, Morris, Phelps, Sar gent, Traut, Miller, and many others. Patented braces and drills including unusual brace wrench. Large selection of infill planes including several rare examples. Goosewing axes. Log calipers and rules. And, as always, a good selection of high-quality box lots. More than 730 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves. A GE L JUS' RATED CATA OG #35 mails early Sep ro Auction Services tember. All tools fully described with color photos and accurately Fine Tool Journal graded with estimates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auc 27 Fickett Road tion. Absentee bidding available. Pownal, ME 04069 1 (800) 248-8114 MWTCA.ORGFax (207) 688-4831 Please send ___ Catalog(s) for the 35th International Antique Tool Auction on October 24, 2009. $28 US & Canada. $34 USO for Overseas Airmail. Includes Prices Realized. Order both ___ 2009 Auction Catalogs. $50 US & Canada. $60 USO for Overseas Airmail. Includes Prices Realized. April Auction catalog mails when ordered, October catalog early September. Visa/Mastercard No.______Exp.Date: Phone: ______Signature: ______ Name: ______Address:------City: ______State ·.... ___ Zip·....______