June 2014 No. 155 Features the Gristmill Index Hair Clippers

Hair Clippers, Article begins on page 10

Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools

M-WTCA.ORG

William Crutchfield-Planemaker Article begins on page 20

June 2014 No. 155 Features The Gristmill Index Hair Clippers ...... 10 Nicking Irons-Some Uncommon Variants ...... 14 Johnson & Conaway Makers of Backsaws 1840-1857 . . . 16 Departments William Crutchfield - Planemaker-Danville, Kentucky . . . 20 Chaff ...... 4 Ivory Point Rule ...... 26 Area Meetings ...... 5 The 43rd Brown International Antique Tool Auction . . . . 27 Tool Family Trees ...... 8 M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership Fall National Meeting Promo, Rockford, IL ...... 9 & Additional Gifts for 2014 ...... 30 Tool Tid-Bits ...... 21 Early Totes… Some Variant Features ...... 32 Lest We Forget ...... 33 Securing Saw Handles to Blades ...... 34 Auxiliary ...... 38 Cheesman, James L...... 35 Obituaries ...... 42 Beneath the Wood ...... 36 What’s It ...... 43 Straw Press ...... 37

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No. 155 June 2014

Copyright 2014 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Directors Committee Chairman Association, Inc. All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Area A Area M Elections...... Hollis Feeser Allen Snyder, 2014 Stephen Edwards, 2015 Meeting Planning...... Larry Thorson Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm Richard Rayburn, 2015 Doug Fowler, 2016 Membership...... John Walkowiak 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Area B Area N Scholarship...... Mark Eastlick Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson, Steve McNulty, 2014 William Morgan, 2014 Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm John Wells Darrell Vogt, 2015 Randy Knudsen 2015 Special Publications...... MIke Urness Graphic Design: Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads By-Laws and Policy...... Gary Coleman Area C Area O The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West What’s It...... Rob Hartmann Mike Stemple, 2014 Bob Valich, 2015 Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in Jim Charvat, 2015 Directory...... LeRoy Witzel March, June, September and December. Preservation & Education...... Doug & Paula Cox The purpose of the Association is to promote the preserva- Area P tion, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements Area D James Leamy, 2014 Marion Henley Award ...... Kerry McCalla and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the Ed Chabal, 2014 Patrick Renehan, 2015 Displays & Awards ...... Dick Bradshaw pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects Lee Kallstrom, 2015 Don Stark, 2015 Internet ...... Russ Allen were used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla knowledge and understanding with others, especially where Area E Area Q it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. Don Snyder, 2014 Bruce Bogust, 2014 Scrapbook ...... Mike Slasinski Bill Cox, 2015 Rob Zaccardi, 2015 President Robert Terry, 2015 LeRoy Witzel Eric Kennedy, 2016 Area R 105 Knights Blvd, Humboldt, IA. 50548-1879 (515) 890-0262, [email protected] Area F Area S Where to Send What Mark Johnson, 2014 Wordell Davis, 2014 Vice-President of Elections Please note where to send what so it will reach the Hollis Feeser right person. 1606 28th Street N.W., Rochester, Minnesota 55901-7614 Area G (507) 282-3175 Roy Ebersole, 2014 Send changes in your address, phone number Wayne Michael, 2015 or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry Vice-President of Meeting Planning McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone Larry Thorson Area H (615) 791-6198, E-Mail [email protected] 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 Annette Habicht, 2015 Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, [email protected] (608) 779-0966 Area I 17140 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone Vice-President of MembershipM-WTCA.ORG Emory Goad, 2014 (586) 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] John Walkowiak David Hegwood, 2016 Pay membership dues for current year: Dues 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 are $25 for USA, $40 for Canada & $60 for Foreign [email protected] (612) 824-0785 Area J members. Send your check made out to M-WTCA to Jim Price, 2015 Vice-President of Scholarship Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, 3315 Clement Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 phone (540) 432-0617 Mark Eastlick Area K E-Mail [email protected]. Please write 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge Spring, Don Craig, 2015 RENEW and your name and address on your check. PA. 16403-9776 [email protected] (814) 734-7818 Do not use a new member application to renew an Treasurer Area L existing membership. Steve Gosselin, 2014 Vaughn Simmons Submit materials and advertising information 3315 Clement Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spauld- [email protected] (540) 432-0617 ing Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, Secretary E-Mail [email protected] Randy Knudson The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) is printed by Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark 8173 Lenox Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6630 Elman Print, 6210 South 118th Street, Omaha, Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge [email protected] NE 68137 phone 402.346.0888 Spring, Penn. 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818

2 The Gristmill Features Hair Clippers ...... 10 Nicking Irons-Some Uncommon Variants ...... 14 Coming Up Johnson & Conaway Makers of Backsaws 1840-1857 . . . 16 William Crutchfield - Planemaker-Danville, Kentucky . . . 20 M-WTCA National Meetings Ivory Point Rule ...... 26 The 43rd Brown International Antique Tool Auction . . . . 27 Spring 2014 Fall 2015 June 11-14, 2014 Columbus, OH. Sept.30-Oct 3, 1015 Mars, PA. M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership & Additional Gifts for 2014 ...... 30 Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Larry Thorson 608-779-0956, [email protected] Early Totes… Some Variant Features ...... 32 Fall 2014 Spring 2016 Securing Saw Handles to Blades ...... 34 Oct 1-4, 2014 Rockford, IL. June 9-12, Holiday Inn - Airport, Des Moines, IA. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Cheesman, James L...... 35 Spring 2015 Fall 2016 Beneath the Wood ...... 36 June 10-13 2015 Kingsport, TN. Oct 4-8, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Louisville, KY. Straw Press ...... 37 Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected]

2014 M-WTCA Area Meetings Area P Area E June 28, Adamstown, PA Sept. 7, Ottawa, IL Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Bill Cox, (815) 672-3874, [email protected] Area C Area A July 12, Kalamazoo, MI Sept. 7, Rochester, MN Jim Crammond, 734-241-0549, [email protected] Matt Kujawa (507) 254-7864, [email protected] Area R Area H July 24-26, Avoca, NY September 14, Barnet, VT Kathy Donnelly (800) 869-0695 Annette or Peter Habicht 413-229-7745, Area E [email protected] August 3, Garfield Farm Museum, LaFox, IL Area Q George Cella, (630) 377-3646, [email protected] September 20, Raleigh, NC Area D Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, [email protected] August 10, Washington, IA Area D Ed Chabal (319) 931-7122, [email protected] Oct. 12, Omaha, NE Area O Lee Kallstrom (402) 981-0500, [email protected] August 16, Sonoma, CA Area S Bob Valich, (707) 545-8812, [email protected] Oct. 25, Broadway, VA Area P Vaughn Simmons, (540) 432-0617, Aug. 24, Adamstown, PA [email protected] Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Area E Area F Nov.2, Carlinville, IL Aug. 30, La Porte, IN Bob Terry (618) 377-3421, [email protected] Randy Brown (219) 575-8687, [email protected] Area N M-WTCA.ORGNov. 22, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected]

2014 M-WTCA Area Meetings Area A Area E Feb. 14, Medina MN April 12, Loves Park, IL. Allen Snyder, (651) 485-4321, [email protected] Gary Johnson (815) 494-3219 Area F March 14/15, McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer, IN Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected]

Meeting Dates must be cleared with Jim Crammond, 734-241-0549 [email protected]

June 2014 3 Chaff From President, LeRoy Witzel

To all our new members I want to ing summaries from the mid-70s that around 300 members say “WELCOME – Glad to have attended a National meeting when membership was less you join M-WTCA”. Our total mem- than one-fourth of our membership of recent years. bership is 3337 year-to-date. New members are up about 20% com- The 2014 Directory should be in your hands by now. THANKS pared to a year ago. Vaughn Sim- to Randy Knudsen, Vaughn Simmons and Kerry McCalla for mons, Treasurer, feels M-WTCA is coordinating all the information to get it ready for publica- on target to have over 3500 mem- tion. Things like your Directory just do not happen. bers by year-end. This is all due to We have so many members contributing great information our internet site exposure, more by writing articles for the Gristmill. This present issue is Silent Salesmen with application forms spread around no exception. Bob Rogers always has informative articles- the country and the great job our members are doing in --Lest We Forget and Tool Family Trees and now one on spreading the word of M-WTCA by urging people with an- Hair Clippers. Other articles to check out in this Gristmill tique tool interests to join. Carl Gray, one of our behind- are Dave Heckel’s---Ivory Point Rule; Gary Coleman—Wil- the-scenes member volunteer, sends out our new member liam Crutchfield Planemaker; John Wells—Stanley’s No. packets which include a few back issues of Gristmills, a 130 and 131(Type 1); Phil Baker---Saws; and James Good- current membership directory, and a recent special publi- son—Early Totes. Also, be sure to check out the article cation. This introduces all of our new members to some of on Jim and Phyllis Moffet’s apple peeler presentation at M-WTCA member benefits. In talking with new members the Springfield, MO. meeting. It is good to see all the great the past few months, the first comment that I hear is: “I re- informative and well researched articles written by mem- ally like the Gristmill!” After going to their first meeting, bers and sent in to Bill and Peggy Kolm for publication in they say “I can not believe how friendly everyone is and the Gristmill. how willing members are to share old tool knowledge”. Some say “I wish I would have known about M-WTCA Our Host Larry Thorson, VP of Meeting and Planning and sooner.” All of us need to keep sharing the good news our Hostess Carolyn List, Auxillary Vice-President have about M-WTCA. a wonderful meeting lined up for all of us in Columbus, Ohio. The Friday night auction will feature many items This past winter on some cold and snowy evenings in Iowa, from the collection of the late Morris Olsen collection. I looked through some early Gristmills printed in the 70s. Looking forward to seeing many of you in Columbus for Reading some of the semi-annual meeting articles, it was a fun time. easy to detect that we had a very dedicated Board of Di- rectors and Executive Committee who worked hard to set Remember our motto: Studying, Preserving and Shar- the stage for what we have in our By-Laws and 3 P’s today. ing Knowledge of Tools. This is what makes our organi- It was amazing to read in one of the semi-annual meet- zation an important part of member’s lives.

Special Volunteers Hollis Feeser, VP Elections

Spring greetings to all. M-WTCA.ORGnot a chore. Yes, the Directors will be busy when planning a Meet but it is a short term job. A Director can expect to M-WTCA is unusual as a volunteer organization, as it is spend some 30 hours a year in planning and executing the dependent on some 48 Directors to represent the entire Area activities. The Area membership will be there to as- membership by being on site in the individual Areas. They sist in the various activities at the request of the Director. are there to inform, guide and represent the members of It is a responsible job, an important job, and a satisfying their assigned Areas. They have the opportunity to plan experience. and execute the Area activities that best fit and represent the interest of the members. The Directors are the pipeline Director elections are coming up later this year and we to the officers of M-WTCA and the officers back to the need to fill 15 openings. Now is the time to encourage, pro- membership. In short, the Directors are free to make local mote, offer help, and make sure your area is prepared to decisions as long as they follow the BYLAWS as printed in fill any open seats. I am here to help so just contact me if the membership directory. Being a Director is an honor you have questions.

4 The Gristmill Area A “Cabin Fever” Meet: Medina, MN. February 8, 2014 by Bob Nelson

This year everyone in our part of the country tru- ly had “cabin fever”. Hopefully our snow will be gone by the time this article is published.

Once again, the weather gave us a bit of a break for our winter Meet at Medina. 220 members and guests were registered. We filled over 80 trade, display, demonstration, “What’s It”, and community tables. Trading began at 8:30 and continued to be strong until our auction in the afternoon. Prices were said to be slightly higher this year, but many reported excellent buys. We were please to have five National officers attend this Meet: President - Leroy Wit- zel, Auxiliary President - Susan Witzel, VP of Elections - Bob Stuefen - “November, December and January Finds” Hollis Feeser, VP of Meeting Planning - Larry Thorson, VP (an impressive selection of the antique treasures found by of Membership - John Walkowiak. Bob in the three months prior to our meet).

Displays: The themes this year were “The Fam- ily Tools” for the men and “Family Heirlooms” for the women. We would like to thank the following members for sharing their nice displays: Susan Howard Mironov - “Multiple Blade Screwdrivers” (a nice Witzel - “Buried Trea- assortment of screwdrivers with multiple blades and slid- sures on the Mississippi” ing/rotating internal frames). (shells, buttons, shell harvesting devices, button manufacturing equipment, and books about buttons and the button trade on the Mississippi).

Pat Feeser - “Our Family Heirlooms” (a beautiful collection of books, china, carvings, silver, and watches owned by members of her and Hollis’ family).

M-WTCA.ORGCecil Holmes - “My Fa- vorite Patented Tool; The Square” (machin- ist, blacksmith and carpenter squares and squaring tools manufactured over 100 years ago and still used by Cecil at work today). John Walkowiak - “New Old Tools” (a fantastic display of the elegant reproductions of rare planes, saws, and ham- mers made by John). Top Right Photo

June 2014 5 Jim Preusser - “The Challenge Plane” (five examples of the Allen Snyder - “Mixed Craftsman Made Planes” (a beauti- very rare Challenge Plane patented by Arthur T. Goldsbor- ful collection of Cuban mahogany, boxwood, burled ma- ough and manufactured by Tower & Lyon circa 1889). ple, pine, rosewood, and hickory craftsman-made planes circa 1800s).

Judging is done according to M-WTCA guidelines. Results Joe Preusser - “A Type were as follows: 1 Bailey Victor No. 3” (this plane was invented Best Women’s Display - Susan Witzel and patented by Leonard Best Single Tool - Greg Vetsch Bailey in Hartford, Con- People’s Choice - Cecil Holmes necticut circa 1875 after Best Out of Theme - Jim Preusser he left Stanley). Best in Theme - Bob Nelson Miscellaneous: Chris Schwartz and John Hoffman from “Lost Art Press” filmed a video of the tool buying experi- Greg Vetsch - “The Niels Jensen Plumb/Level” (one of the ence available at an M-WTCA meet. Chris is the former ed- rarest of Minnesota’s patented tools, intricate and gorgeous; itor of Popular Woodworking Magazine and John Hoffman patent date of August 5, 1890 by Niels Jensen, Minneapolis). is an avid home woodworker. The leading actor was Mike Siemsen, who played himself. Supporting actors were our trade table vendors (who also played themselves).

Dick Enstad, who demonstrated a full scale “rope walk” at the Science Museum of Minnesota, brought a model of the rope walk and explained the rope production process. (Next year we hope we can do the full size version at Medina).

M-WTCA.ORGBob Nelson - “Grandpa Theodore’s Planes” (all of the Ohio Tool Co. Iron Planes, as shown on page 4 of the Ohio 1910 catalog - 13 planes numbered 01 through 08; a collection started by his Grandpa Theodore in Duluth, Min- nesota circa 1905).

6 The Gristmill Bob Daudt was again the auctioneer at Medina and did a fine job. The auction helps offset the cost of the meet. Thanks to Bob, and to those who donated their lots to the Area A, and all who participated in the auction.

Once again, Eric “The Legend” Mattson hosted the What’s It session. This year seemed to have a record number of UOO’s (Unidentified Old Objects).

On behalf of Area A, I would also like to offer our condo- lences to the family and friends of Morris Olson and Tom Lamond. Morris was member #765 and was well known to all of us in the Midwest area. Thank you Morris for your service to your country and to our club. Tom Lamond, member #592, was a prolific tool researcher andwriter. I first met Tom Thank you to everyone who helped in any way with our at our 2006 National Meet in Rochester when we were co- meet. Please join us next year for our 28th Annual “Cabin speakers. His presentation was on “Axes and Logos”. Since Fever” meet at Medina on February 14th, 2015. then, we shared lots of information, but I learned much more from him than he did from me. We will miss you, Tom.

An Area A Meet in a Video by John Walkowiak, V.P. Membership

The February Area A Cabin Fever Meet was featured in a video. It showed that someone need not spend thousands of dollars to start woodworking, but can start with hand tools for a relatively small amount of money. The taping was done by member Chris Schwarz and his business partner John Hoffman. It featured Area A member Mike Siemsen on camera. Chris and John are the founders and owners of the publishing business Lost Art Press. They are focused on publishing books about traditional woodworking. In doing so, hope (and are succeeding) to bring back some of the “lost arts” to encourage folks to give traditional woodworking a try. This will be the first video they have produced, although Chris has made many with tools at a most reasonable price. They then returned to contemporary hand tool makers. Mike’s shop to tune and sharpen the tools, video taping the process. Mike then used the tools to build two saw Mike Siemsen has been a woodworker all of his life, and benches, which were in turn used to build the workbench. operates Mike Siemsen’s School of Woodworking, in Chis- The finished product will tentatively be available in June ago City MN. He teachesM-WTCA.ORG hand tool fundamentals as well 2014 from Lost Art Press. as power tool use what is known as a blended shop, as well as furniture construction. Mike is a regular demon- The video will be a wonderful advertisement for M-WTCA. strator at Area A Meets. Chris, John, and Mike deserve a hearty Thank You for fea- turing Mid-West as a great source of hand tools as well as The three of them wanted to make a video showing how a encouraging more folks to become interested in old tools. tool kit could be put together, the tools tuned up ready to work, and a highly functionally workbench built for $500 - As you start hitting the roads looking for tools to add to $600 including lumber. your collection or to use, do not forget to take some membership brochures along to give to others with similar in- They attended the Cabin Fever Meet and taped the “hunt” terests. Contact me if you need some. They can also be and purchase of their list of tools. We all know, attending printed from our website and there is one in each Grist- a tool meet is the most efficient way to acquire a kit of mill and Membership Directory.

June 2014 7 Area P Cabin Fever Meet by Jim Leamy, Area P Director

Area P hosted another successful Cabin Fever with many members taking new treasures home with Meet at the Holiday Inn in York, PA. on Sat., them. Most dealers reported very good selling. There were six quality displays set up. The auction conducted by Jan. 25, 2014. Despite the threat of a major Brown Auction Service was a rousing success with over snowstorm, the meeting was a big success 400 lots sold. A special thanks to hosts Don and Carol with 58 dealers and 160 attendees. Stark and event organizer Jeff Lacates.

In addition, two new members signed up at the door and two others renewed their memberships. Trading was brisk

Tool Family Trees by Bob Roger

Shown here are five members of a very collectible family. This should be easy for the ladies as they are most often associated with the applicable function.

Answer on page 45.

M-WTCA.ORG

8 The Gristmill M-WTCA Fall Meeting - Rockford, IL Larry Thorson – Host, Judy Gambrel – Hostess

After a ten (10) year hiatus, the Fall meeting 10,000 sq ft. apartment which was originally built as a hos- is returning to Rockford, IL. The meeting will pital for the 6,000 factory workers when the complex was National Lock Hardware Company. This facility has twice be held October 1-4 at the Clock Tower Resort been featured on the History Channel TV show American and Conference Center in Rockford, IL. Pickers. The building also houses the bulk of her late husband Maury’s tool collection. His main collection was foot powered machines, many of which were made by WF & John Barnes in Rockford. Maury’s tool museum is 24’ x 116.’ There is also a general store, tavern, hardware store and music store. Time and date for the open house will be noted in the meeting registration materials.

Weather permitting the tailgate session will start early Thursday morning (bring a flashlight). The men’s program on Thursday evening will feature a presentation by Ce- cil Holmes on surface gauges. Early access to the Trade Room will be available on Thursday afternoon from 4-6 PM for those that would like to bring in their displays and tools. Security will be present starting at 6 PM Thursday through noon on Saturday. Tools brought in on Thursday afternoon must be placed under their trade table. On Fri- day the Trade and Display room will open at 6:00 AM for display set up and loading in of tools. At 8:30 AM displays will be ready for viewing followed by tool trading at 10 AM. Friday afternoon Shane Christen will present a program on “tools of war” with the ever popular tool auction Friday evening.

For those members that can only attend on Saturday, we again are offering registration for ‘Saturday Only” with the The hotel rate is $103 for double occupancy and includes a trade room opening at 6:30 AM. The What’s It session will hot breakfast buffet Wednesday thru Sunday mornings of be held in the Trade Room at 10:30 AM. At 2:00 PM we will our meeting. Higher rates apply for triple occupancy. The have the election of officers for the next year followed by rate three days prior and three days following the meeting the men’s program. is $95 and includes a continental breakfast (no hot breakfast buffet). With Rockford being the home of many well Saturday evening we will close out the meeting with a known tool companies, the men’s display theme is “Ma- short business meeting and banquet. chinist Tools”. The hotel is located on the northeast side Rockford and the Rockford area is host to a number of of Rockford just off I-90/94 with a large parking lot to ac- historic gardens, museums and antique shops. For more commodate our tailgate session on Thursday. information on things to see and do in the Rockford area Your Hostess and I are arranging multiple tours on Thurs- go to www.gorockford.com. day which include the M-WTCA.ORGMidway Village Museum, the Lau- Watch your mail for registration materials in mid-August. rent House, a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (the Judy and I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting only home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for a handicapped new ones in Rockford, Illinois. We have arranged great person) and the Historic Auto Attraction. (Attractions) programs for you and know you will have a great time. If Historic Auto Attraction (Attractions) houses one of the you are interested in demonstrating a skill or tool(s) at the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy & Kennedy Rockford meeting please contact Larry Thorson at son-of- Family artifacts & memorabilia in the country. This tour [email protected] or call 608-779-0966. We are also look- will be of interest to both men and women. ing for program presenters for our Spring 2015 meeting in Our Hostess Judy Gambrel has offered to hold an “open Kingsport, TN. If you are interested or know of someone house” at her 850,000 sq ft factory/warehouse located in that might have information on tools, etc. to share, please downtown Rockford. Enclosed in the warehouse is Judy’s contact Larry Thorson.

September 2013 9 Hair Clippers by Bob Roger

Interested in small, elegant mechanical gadgets that are The first patent for pivoted handle clippers with a spring easy to display? Try collecting hair clippers. A general return and also with a means for applying blade tension progression of hair-shortening tools would go from sin- (pressing the cutting blade against the lower blade) is gle-blade knives and razors to double-blade scissors to number 65,077 issued on May 28, 1867 to C. F. Harlow & E. singeing lamps (covered in another article) to hand-held/ F. Perry. It was for a ‘machine for cutting hair, grass, & c’. hand-powered clippers to mechanically-powered clippers Their drawing is shown in Figure 3. to electric clippers. This article focusses on the hand-held, hand-powered clippers that were invented beginning in the 1850s and continuing into the 1950s. These ‘improved clipping machines’ were first used on animals, grass, hedges, etc. and then on people. They are a pleasure to hold and often are found at very reasonable prices.

Clippers were made in various sizes for different jobs. For example, a larger clipper would be needed to shear sheep or cut grass than to trim behind a man’s ear. But size is only one way of grouping them. There are also many other features to look for when collecting clippers, and sometimes a number of mechanical designs within a basic feature.

If who invented it or manufactured it is of interest, there Figure 1. Fisher’s Shears are several names that appear often in the clipper patents and on the clippers themselves - Coates, Priest, Hotchkiss, Oster, Clark, Carleton, Brown & Sharp – and relation- ships between many of them. For example, the John Os- ter Manufacturing Company of Racine, WI. made clippers having features of earlier patents by Priest, Carleton, and Noble. Noble was a witness on one of Carleton’s patents, and both Carleton and Noble assigned their patents to the Brown & Sharp manufacturing Company of Providence, RI. However, those earlier patents would have expired by the time John Oster opened his business in 1924. Oster obtained a patent in 1930 for a clipper having the designs of Priest (1892) and Noble (1884) with very slight variation – just enough to obtain a patent. In 1925 Christian Scheerer of Germany was issued a patent for a clipper that contains the features of Noble’s (1884) patent and Carleton’s (1892) patent with very minor differences, and Oster also pro- Figure 2. Chambers’ Shears duced that clipper.

The first U.S. patent for a hand-held, hand-operated shears having multiple shearing positions and a reciprocating blade appears to belong to L.M-WTCA.ORG B. Fisher for his sheep shears. It is Patent number 14,354 issued on March 4, 1856 and his drawing is shown in Figure 1. His clippers have a spring return and are for one-hand use. Fisher’s description stated “Although these shears are described for shearing sheep, they may be used as shears generally, for trimming hedges, flowers, lawn, or margins of flower beds, or for any other purpose to which shears are applicable.” Figure 3. Harlow & Perry’s Hair Cutting Machine

The next patent, and the first with pivoted handles, was Several of the basic early clippers had two handles pivoted number 16,720 issued on March 3, 1857 to E. G. Chambers together, one attached to each blade. One handle was fixed for his sheep shears. His drawing is shown in Figure 2, and to the bottom blade (sole), and the other handle worked a the clippers have no spring return. mechanism that caused the upper (cutting) blade to slide

10 The Gristmill back and forth across the lower blade (reciprocate). One Dating clippers can be complicated unless they are handle was held in one hand and the other in the other marked. We know they began in the 1850s, but electricity hand, however, the one-hand designs predominated. did not bring an end to the hand-powered clippers – there were patents for them as late as the 1950s. Figure 4 shows two clippers illustrating a size difference and also two-handed versus one-handed designs. The large Let us look at a few examples to whet your appetite. Fig- two-hand clipper is Brown’s ‘Newmarket Clipper’ patented ure 5 shows three two-handed clippers. The one on the in England in 1874 and in the US in 1878. Brown was both left with the guard is Priest’s 1903 patent (roller bearings) the patentee and maker. The tiny clipper has a cutting edge made by the American Shearer Mfg. Company. The center only 7/8 inch wide and was made by Marks in Germany. clipper is Brown’s (discussed above), and the right clipper is unmarked but also has roller bearings (but differ- Many of the improvements, such as Priest’s 1903 friction ent containment mechanism) so probably dates to 1903 reduction roller bearings, are mechanical designs that or later. may not be easy to distinguish without disassembly and careful inspection. But some features are easily observ- able. Among the more visible are:

Thumb & finger horns and/or loops. These keep the clipper in a stable position in the hand, and some like Priest’s 1885 thumb horn are adjustable.

Spring return. The spring returns the cutting blade to the starting position, and the blade often cuts in reverse as it returns. Some types are leaf (Figure 3) or coil (Figure 1) springs between the handles, coil springs on vertical posts above or below the cutting blade, and push springs in hori- Figure 5. Three Two-Handed Clippers zontal cylinders. The existence of a leaf spring between the handles is not an accurate guide to age.

Adjustable pressure between blades. This is called blade tension in the patents, and allows the space between the blades to be adjusted. This is often accomplished by a nut (knurled or wing) on a post or by nuts on studs.

Grooved sole plate. This was patented by Noble in 1884 to reduce friction with the skin and to achieve a closer cut.

Curved or variable thickness sole plate. The plate may be thinner or curved up in the back to allow more ma- neuverability for getting into recesses. Carleton patented this in 1879. M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 6. Open Mechanisms & Leaf Springs

Figure 6 shows two clippers having open mechanisms and leaf springs. The top clipper is Clark’s 1874 patent for blade pressure. The bottom one is Peugeot’s French toilet clipper.

Figure 4. Big/Little and 2-Hand/1-Hand

June 2014 11 The top clipper in Figure 7 is the Juno made by the Pilot Figure 9 shows the grooved sole-plate that was the subject Tool Co. of NY. The guard with it is Redman’s 1927 patent of Noble’s 1884 patent. which was assigned to Boker (NY). The bottom clipper is Hauptner’s (Germany). Figure 10 shows an Oster clipper having Dean’s 1924 patent for a rounded sole-plate add-on, and Oster’s 1931 pat- Figure 8 shows a Hotchkiss clipper (top) and a Coates ent for a thumb rest add-on. Clipper Mfg. Company clipper having two (1885 & 1895) of his many clipper-related patents. Figure 11 shows two tiny clippers, the left one is Boker’s ‘Jewel’ and the right one is Shumate’s ‘Imp’.

Figure 12 is Priest’s Clipping Machine. It is marked with two of his many patents – 1884 for fulcrum design and 1885 for the adjustable thumb horn and the thumb loop combination. This clipper uses a coil spring on his patented center post for the return mechanism.

Figure 13 shows two post-1924 clippers con- taining Carleton’s 1892 patent push spring return which was copied Figure 9. Noble’s 1884 Patent

Figure 7. Pilot’s Juno & Hauptner’s Clippers

M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 8. Hotchkiss & Coates Clippers Figure 10. Oster’s Additions

12 The Gristmill by Sheerer in 1925. The spring is housed in the horizontal cylinder behind the large slotted cover on the side. That cover is threaded and allows adjustment of the spring tension. The clipper on the left is marked ‘Oster’ Style, indicating that the maker was probably someone other than Oster. Notice that its cover and the non-movable handle are all one piece while they are separate pieces in the example on the right, which was made by Oster using Car- leton’s and Sheerer’s patents. Both of these clippers also have Noble’s 1884 patent sole plate.

So the next time you see one of these clippers, stop and take a closer look. You will see that there is more to look at than you might have previously thought.

Figure 12. Priest’s ‘Clipping Machine’

Figure 11. Jewel & Imp

Figure 13. Carleton’s 1892 Patent Spring

Selling on Ebay by John Walkowiak

Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? We have the tri-fold membership brochures and are available in available a Silent Salesman for you to display at these or any two sizes. It is an effortless way for you to promote other venues. They are lightweight and sturdy self-standing membership in M-WTCA. You can contact me at sign holders. They hold aM-WTCA.ORG small poster and a pocket that holds [email protected]. M-WTCA Silent Salesman by John Walkowiak

Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership promo- Just go to http://mwtca.org and click on the Selling on tion in your listing or on your web site. This will be good eBay bar on the left side of the homepage. Then simply for M-WTCA by providing the thousands of eBayer’s and copy and paste the promotion and add it to your listing online collectors who are looking at old tools and do not where it best fits. It is simple and easy and will be a great know about us, an easy means to make contact with our help in exposing our great organization to the world. Also, organization. This will also improve your credibility as a do not forget to include a membership brochure in all the seller by showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a a Win-Win situation for everyone. supply of membership brochures to you.

June 2014 13 Nicking Irons - Some Uncommon Variants by James Goodson

Rather like a satellite cours- er and its wedge are let through the shoulder of the plane. ing an orbit, the proverbial This particular nicker terminates in a forked tip which nicker iron faithfully traces a clears the way for the very tiny dado shaped projection of dedicated pathway clearing the plane iron. and defining the way for each successive determining plane The second example is iron cut. Unheralded as they likely English also, its are, these pint sized modified stamp reading Js Gilinders versions of a plane’s cutting iron play a critical role in the in italics. Once again the iron’s ability to perform its given task. Designed to sever body is of beechwood with the wood grain just ahead of the plane’s iron (sometimes the nicker iron and tiny found on both sides such as a dado plane), this knife in- wedge projecting through corporates a razor edge to great advantage. Commonly the low shoulder of the occurring, little acknowledged and greatly ignored, this plane to effect their cut. little warrior can on occasion be found in some unusual The nicker iron which cuts locations and be put to some unusual tasks as well. a tiny dado, is not original to this piece. The plane also displays a stamp bearing my very initials…. Js G. This matches the plane makers stamp as well. Might the maker be the owner / user of this particular copy as well?

The third example is unmarked as to maker but is a fine specimen of complex moulder from an excellent cut of beech. It shows only light use and extremely crisp detail as many of the special- ly made complex moulding forms were made for a specific and singular application only. Once again, I have on rare occasion acquired a plane where the nicker the nicker iron and wedge iron is let through the shoulder of the plane. This anomaly are let through the low has occurred several times over some 30+ years of collect- shoulder. The wedge is a ing various types of woodworking tools and I have on each replacement and the iron, occasion acquired the selection to ponder. I have not seen hidden but still in place, is any other examples, which brings me to this discussion quite short and protrudes and inquiry. If you have a similar example of this type of only slightly from its slot. application of a nicker iron, please bring it to the table as The fourth example may not actually incorporate a nicker. I would be quite interested in furthering the discussion in Through the low shoulder is a small wedge secured by this article concerning this unusual application. Its func- means of a tiny sliding dovetail feature. It could incorpo- tion in this location is not in question here. M-WTCA.ORGrate a rather wide The first example on and thin nicker iron hand is a rather com- within its confines pact plane ‘From as there is about a John Moseley & 16th of an inch of Sons, London’. It is available space for a rather select issue just such a fitting. of beechwood with It Is quite comfort- a boxwood wear in- able on its own as sert incorporating well though but I the profile. The nick- have no clue as to

14 The Gristmill what it would be for other than some sort of depth stop. An archaic and Some more help here? This plane appears English and is quite rare tool from stamped with the date 1790 on the toe end. Again, it in- the Alsatian region corporates a fine selection of beechwood into a complex of France found pri- moulding profile. marily in the 18th c. and earlier is the Pulling this brief article together reminded me of a few ‘trusquin traceur’ other nicker applications on some other tools in my col- or ‘rabot a rainures lection. This little workhorse of a feature could be modi- d un tonnelier’. A fied to fill some very specific requirements when the occa- device used by the sion arose. Consider the following examples which I am cooper for cutting sure only touch the surface of additional imaginative uses out the heads and bottoms of pails, buckets and other expanding the capabilities and utility of this humble little smallish stave constructed stock. Its heavy iron and the feature. necessary nicker irons needed were constructed into a single unit whereby twin blades, one each end, were forged between two nicker irons, one each side to form a single cutting assembly. The adjustment mechanism used on this example rather favors the form of the French guillo- tine. Two heavy forged uprights with a threaded spreader bar atop, anchor a threaded post with a shamrock shaped turning handle. The frame is rigidly attached to the wooden stock all set at a very very slight angle off of the vertical.

The adjustable croze. With ingenious modification of the nicker feature alone, a three arm or adjustable arm croze The ‘trailing’ could forgo the twin wedges, fitting slots and nicker nicker iron fitted irons for cutting across the grain of the oak staves. In into a plane of their place on this occasion is fitted a threaded shaft with Mediterranean wing nut for vertical adjustment. Forged at one end into oak a split edge, this threaded shaft now terminates into that split edge each segment sharpened and filed to a serrated (saw tooth) blade. A single ‘nicker’ now does the work of two and incorporates a considerable amountM-WTCA.ORG of mass to the effort which must substan- tially improve its prog- ress through hard oak staves. A drilled hole would fit the threaded post with only slight mortising in the base for the addition of the cutting head.

June 2014 15 Johnson & Conaway Makers of Backsaws 1840 -1857 by Phil Baker

There is some question as to the start up date of this firm. I All the saw screws are of the split nut type except #3, #13 have chosen the dates in the title based on the differences and #15. There are no label screws on any backsaws in the of 15 Johnson & Conaway backsaws in the Baker collec- study. I am looking for a Johnson & Conaway label screw tion. EAIA’s Directory of American Tool Makers has two on a backsaw. J. & C. only used label screws on hand saws. references to Johnson & Conaway of 1840 as a start up date. 1840 is in line with my estimated date of manufacture All handles have the hook and carving at the base which is of the earliest saw in this study. I believe that many early often called the “lambs tongue”. I know of no other maker makers made the back saw soon after starting up, to il- that changed their basic saw design so little through the lustrate their ability to make a fine tool. If so that helps in years of their existence. They used the hook and carving the dating game. on all saws in the research and it is interesting to see how this firm would mix design of different periods through the McElroy’s Philadelphia Directory published companies 17 years they worked. manufacturing in Philadelphia. That list contained names of companies that paid for their listing, therefore listing by There has been a study conducted in England that con- McElroy is not all inclusive. cerns the use of a dot between cast steel on saws up to 1835. The first type saw in this article has this dot, making Charles Johnson was in all probability, one of the John- it one of the reasons it has been chosen #1. Note the use of son’s that Henry Disston apprenticed under. William Con- the dot between spring and steel on #4 and #14. away was born in Massachusetts in 1822. #1 - 14” steel back–CAST*STEEL is stamped on the back. Research has unearthed very little of the lives of these two Johnson & Conaway mark is in a low arch–PHILADA is all saw makers. Hopefully this information will come to light capital lettering. Under the handle is original bluing and as so many of us look for answers. the number 3. The handle was drilled for the saw screws and located in place then at this point holes were punched The manufacturing date of each saw is based on the han- through the blade. Removal of the handle required much dle design, wood types, and the different markings found care due to the spurs caused when the holes were punched on the back of each saw. The handles on these saws vary through the blade. The handle is beech. The nib at the top in degree of design and quality of workmanship. Usually between the hook and horn is rounded. The grip is 30 de- a maker follows a pattern which possibly may be traced. grees off a plumb line from the teeth, the chamfer stop is Not so with J. & C. They are all original work except for early. The cheeks of the handle are large and have a heavy #10 in which each handle has been removed. Enhance- chamfer. All of these points indicate work typically found ment of bluing has been done unless noted. Original bluing 1842 or earlier. This saw was made ca 1840. found under the wood is saved.

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16 The Gristmill #2 - 14” steel back–marks on the back now is spring steel. #5 - 16” brass back--change in marking in brass back. The It is the first to be marked extra. 5/16” high eagles either arch is steeper and now 7/8” wide at the base in width. side of Johnson & Conaway arch. Philada is the same as It was 1 1/8” and the print is smaller. Under the arch is #l. The apple handle is not as nice as # l and the chamfer Phila, a change from previous Philada. 5/16” eagles flank stop and nib at the horn remain the same. The cheek is not arch, l” taper to blade and the handle has heavy cheek and quite as full with less angle on the chamfer. The angle of larger chamfer than #4 adding to the design of the handle grip is unchanged. This saw was made ca 1843. changes question. It has been repaired--apple wood. The saw was made ca 1846. #3 #6--12” brass back--beautiful apple handle at the angle ad- opted by Disston ca 1846. The angle of grip in relation to the tooth line is 45 degrees. Same approximate angle as #3. The cheek and chamfer angle are not as large. Double eagles flank arch, it has a 3/8” taper to the blade. Excep- tional stamping on brass with an arch and “Phil” the same as #5. Width of chamfer stop is 3/16”--3/8” taper to blade. The saw was made ca 1846.

#7 - 12” brass back–much the same as #6. Phila is still under arch with Double Eagles. The nice figured apple handle at first glance similar to #6 but the skill of the maker

#3 - 6” brass back–beech wood open handle. The cone shaped brass screws contribute to my manufacturing date and they are similar to Disston’s which when first used were not raised as high and had a larger flat surface top for a short time ca 1844. Note--the screws have the slotted side on the face side and this is the original work. The slot side requires a larger hole than the finish side and the holes in handle dictate placement. Chamfering of the cheek is heavy with the nib at the horn rounded, Philada remains. The two eagles measure 1/8” in height which may be a record. Note-- the angle of grip on the open handle is now nearer 45 degrees. The angle of the grip is greater than #2 and #4–all open handle backsaws IM-WTCA.ORG have seen (no matter the date), had the grip at this angle. The top of the back looks like three #5 sides of an octagon. This is the earliest use of this I have seen. Others using this in the collection are Hasenclever & Son ca 1844, Cresson, Plat & Holroyd, W.B. Sears, Bakewell and Affiliates, all ca 1850-1860. This saw was made ca 1844. #6 #4 -14” brass back--beech wood for handle. The cheek is a little smaller with medium chamfer. Philada still being used. The horizontal chamfer under the hook is more decorative and 1/2” wide. Marked on the back are spring steel, warranted and extra. There is a dot between spring and steel.

June 2014 17 is superior to #6. Look closely, the chamfer stop under the #10 - 14” brass back–low arch with Philada ending with a hook relates back to it’s first use on #4. The saw was made smaller capital a. It is the only strike in the collection like ca 1847. it. There are Double Eagles with extra and spring steel in the brass back. Handle has been repaired. This saw was made ca 1849.

#10

#11 - 12” steel back–original bluing. There are no Eagles and the cheek is much smaller. The diameter of the saw #7 screw heads has been a constant 7/16” until #11 which has one 9/16”. There is no taper to the blade. The chamfer stop very clean. Back is marked extra and spring steel. Handle #8 - 10” steel back–open handle of beech–great condition. is made of apple wood and the nib is pointed for first time. Bluing on back is original, the blade is clean on both sides This saw was made ca 1850. with no imperfections. Chamfer stop similar to #7 but only 3/8” wide. Double Eagles flanking the arch are not struck well, showing only the right side. 3/8” taper to blade and #11 the last of Phila. This saw was made ca 1847.

#12 - 12” brass back–Double Eagles are over spring steel and warranted that bracket the arch. #12 and #13 are the only two with the Eagles over spring steel and warranted and it looks like there was not enough room for a good mark. This handle is not as fine as #11 ¬back to the 1/2” #9 - 14” steel back--spring steel mark on back first ap- chamfer stop. 1/2” blade taper. Handle made of apple peared on #2 and continues. Philada is under arch which wood. This saw was made ca 1851. is not as steep as #8. Note--the use of the lower case at the end of Philada is not used as Disston and others did. Blade is not marked extra. At the 1/2” chamfer stop, the base of #12 the hook rises more than the others and is a little longer. The cheek has become fuller and the handle opening design has not been used sinceM-WTCA.ORG #5. This shows the lack of consistence in handle design. The blade is parallel. Start- ing at #2 all saws have been marked extra but #9 is not. This saw was made ca 1848.

#13 - 12” brass back–markings on # 12 back are identical #9 to those on this one and the cheek is similar to # 11. The three doomed steel screws and the rise (did the workman that made #9 handle have anything to do with this one??). A smaller hook and Cuban Mahogany wood sets this handle apart. Richardson Bros. Ca 1874 made a backsaw very similar with the rise to the hook out of Cuban Mahogany wood. These are the only two seen. The difficulty in strik-

18 The Gristmill ing the Eagles over spring steel and warranted may have on #5. A single pointed nib at top with the chamfer stop led to a change on #14. This saw was special and made ca which is a little different than earlier types. 1/2” taper to 1852. the blade.

#14 - 14” brass back--ca 1854. First sighting of a single Ea- #15 - 14” brass back–single eagle under arch is one of two gle strike under the Johnson & Conaway arch. There is no known and ca 1855. Note–there is no mark on saw for Phil- mark on saw for Philada. A dot between spring and steel adelphia. There is a dot between spring and steel centered centered on an elliptical mark may be seen when magni- on an elliptical mark. Just the dot early on, up to the 1850s fied. The interior design of the apple handle is last seen by others and used occasionally into the 1880s by Disston & Sons. Origin was in England prior to 1835. The wood is walnut and the conical brass screws have not been used since #3 that I know of. Note the flats on the heads are smaller than those on #3, they are 1/32” higher. The use of three flutes as a chamfer stop front and back have not been seen by the author before. On the face side 1/2” of the flute under the hook was intact. Two flutes were gone. A circular piece was broken out down to the top screw due to a defect in the wood grain and the piece was missing. It #13 was replaced with walnut with a nice grain for repair by the author. There is a single nib at the top of saws in the study at the juncture of the horn and all nibs have been rounded up to #12 & #13 which are pointed. This saw has a pointed nib top and bottom that is a bit smaller, maybe another special saw?

In conclusion, this study hopefully will be the start of ac- quiring more examples of Johnson & Conaway saws and other information that will help pull together the history of this maker.

Mike Stemple and I are collaborating on the study of hand saws and back saws by Johnson & Conaway.

#14 #15 M-WTCA.ORG

June 2014 19 William Crutchfield (B 1780 - D 1861) Planemaker - Danville, Kentucky by Gary R. Coleman

Background: After the American Revolution, Central Ken- tucky saw exponential growth in population, commerce, education, medicine, politics, and the arts. Lexington was called the “Athens of the West”.

One reference book (Ref 1) names over 2,000 Central Ken- tucky cabinetmakers from 1775 to 1855. You can find on page 23 of that reference book the following entry: MERCER COUNTY 1803 CRUTCHFIELD/ Wm/ master house jointer/ carpenter/ took apprentices. (Deeds Book 5/ page 6).

The 1840 Census for Mercer Co, Kentucky (Danville district) has the following entries: Wm. Crutchfield/ age group: 50 to 60/ employed: manufacture and trade. W. L. Epperson age Figure B group: 20 to 30/ employed: manufacture and trade. dianapolis of life-long Louisville tool collector Tom Full- An interesting side note: W.L. Epperson was born in 1814 er. The catalog Lot #599 listed the following wood plane: and died in 1900 in Louisville. It is believed that he was a Round Plane / marked planemaker in Louisville as early as 1845. In 1840 at age W.L. EPPERSON / W. 26, he probably had finished his apprenticeship and was CRUTCHFIELD. I saw a business partner with Wm. Crutchfield. They were prob- the plane at the sale. A ably house jointers, carpenters, and planemakers. M-WTCA member and friend Robert St. Pe- In 1842 Boyle County was formed from parts of Mercer ters, Alton, Illinois pur- and Lincoln Counties. The county seat of Boyle County is chased the plane (ca Danville, Kentucky. 1845) (Figure C). Wm. Crutchfield has two siz- The 1850 Census for Boyle Co, KY. (Danville district) has es of embossed marks the following entry: William Crutchfield/ age 70/ male/ oc- (Figure D). His planes cupation: planemaker, born in VA. do not have a location The steps in my discovery: mark. I was in New Albany, Indi- Figure C I recently was doing ania in 2005 antiquing for family genealogy re- Kentucky marked wood search on Ancestry.com, planes, when I found an when I found the above early (ca 1835) adjustable census reports. I found sash plane (Figure A). the Crutchfield entry af- The embossed mark was ter purchasing the above W. CRUTCHFIELD. My mentioned cabinetmak- first impression was that Figure D ers reference book. he might be an early Lou- M-WTCA.ORG isville planemaker. Figure A In conclusion: Let it be known that William Crutchfield of Danville, Kentucky was a master house jointer and carpen- Over the next seven ter circa 1800 to 1849 and a planemaker circa 1835 to 1861. years, I found three more molding planes in Stanford, Bur- gin, and Harrodsburg, Kentucky with his embossed mark. Each city is within ten miles of Danville, Kentucky. I also found one of his planes in Tennessee and another one of References: his planes in Saint Louis (Figure B). Whitley, Edna. A Checklist of Kentucky Cabinetmakers from 1775 to In November 2006, Mike Urness, President of The Great 1855 with Addendum. 2nd ed. Paris, KY., 1982. Planes Trading Company conducted the estate sale in In- U.S. Census 1940, Mercer County, Kentucky. U.S. Census 1950, Boyle County, Kentucky.

20 The Gristmill Tool Tid-Bits by John G. Wells

Stanley Numbers 130 and 131, Type 1. was reissued on October 23, 1883. All of the examples that I have seen have had a cutter stamped with the makers This article explores Stanley Rule & Level Co’s Type 1 name and the original and reissue Patent dates. This cut- Double End Block Planes, No’s 130 and 131. It is not a ter could not have been made prior to issuance of the reis- type study; it focuses on the earlier types of each model sued patent. Early in 1884 Stanley’s management decided which I believe are the most interesting. Type 1 tools add to have their name and the model number of the plane cast a link to the period in time when the tool was first con- in raised letters on the beds of all new castings made for ceived, designed and manufactured; they bring the past No’s. 110, 120, and 130 block planes. Many of the compo- alive. In most cases it was a time when a good tool made nent parts used on the No. 130 are identical to those used the craftsman more productive, earned respect by being a on Stanley No. 120 block planes made at the same time: joy to use, and was lovingly cared for. i. e. the Type 1 No. 130 used some of the same parts that were used on the Type 6 No. 120, and the Type 2 No. 130 The double end block plane was intended to serve two used some of the parts used on the Type 7 No. 120. (The functions: that of a standard block plane and the more spe- author’s type study on the Stanley No. 120 block plane was cialized task of a “bull-nose” plane: i.e. working very close published in The Gristmill, No. 124, Sept. 2006, pp. 14-19 to a vertical obstruction. Doing two jobs with a single tool and March 2007, pp. 18-19.) was important because it saved both the expense of buying a second plane, and the weight of second plane in the The No. 130 Type 1 Double End block plane was first pub- tool box. lically offered in Stanley’s January 1884 Price List. It had two cutter seats back to back: one was placed near the The Stanley No. 130 front of the plane for bullnose work and had less than a The No. 130 Double End non-adjustable block plane was quarter of an inch of bed in front of it. The other was po- offered from sometime in 1883 until 1955. It was invented sitioned more centrally for regular work and had two and by John Campbell of Sheffield, England, living at that time a half inches of bed in front of it. The top edges of the in Walden, New York. He applied for a patent August 9, planes high sidewalls follow a gentle flowing curve for the 1882, and was granted Patent No. 271,219 on January 30th full length of the plane, of 1883. It covered a plane with two cutter seats facing giving the plane a pro- in the same direction: one at the front end of the plane file consistent with de- for bull nose work, and a second one near the center of sign preferences of the time. The bed does not have identifying mak- ings for the maker or model number. The lever cap has a six point star with a 5/16 inch Figure 2: Cutter TM-P4 showing the diameter cylindrical original and reissued Patent dates for recess at the center the No. 130. of the star. The front knob is the same as FK-3 used on the Type 6 No. 120 block plane.1 It is fruitwood and has a bulbous upper section that gives it a “Rubenesque” look. The knob is 1¼ inches high, 1-5/32 of an inch in diameter, M-WTCA.ORGand has a thick waist,13/16th of an inch in diameter. The Figure 1: Stanley No. 130, top Type 1, 1883 – 1884; bottom Type 2, cutter (TM P-4) is stamped “Stanley Rule & Level Co.” in 1884 to 1888. a semicircle above the dates of the original and reissued the plane, for general work. Campbell sold his Patent to patents in four lines: “Pat’d / Jan. 30, 83 / Reis’d / Oct. 23, Stanley; they revised it and filed an application to have it 83”. (Figure 2) reissued on March 23, 1883, which was granted as reissued The No. 130 Type 2, (Figure 1) was offered from 1884 until Patent number “re10,394” dated October 23, 1883. The re- 1888.2 It is the same as the Type 1 plane except the bed has issued patent clarified and broadened its scope to cover “No. 130” and “STANLEY” cast in ¼ inch high letters in two two cutter seats: one behind the other, as on Stanley No’s. lines behind the front knob, corresponding to the mark- 78 and 78W rabbet planes; and two back to back as on ings cast in the bed of the No. 120 Type 7 block plane made No’s. 130 and 131 Double End block planes. at the same time. It is likely that Stanley made only one lot The first version of the No. 130 Double End Block Plane, of castings for the No. 130 in 1883 without markings on the Type 1, (Figure 1) was introduced shortly after the patent bed. When they ordered new castings in 1884 they ordered

June 2014 21 them with the markings. This is the last model to have a lever cap with a 6 point star. The front knob is now like FK-3 or FK-4 used on No. 120 block planes. FK-4 is the same height and diameter as FK-3 but the waist is much smaller, only 11/16th of an inch in diameter. The trade mark on the cutter is the same as on the Type 1 plane.

Figure 4:A. W. Campbell’s Figure 5: Justus Traut’s Patent No Patent No. 766,491. 766,473. drawing, and if the Patent was granted, they would buy it. Meanwhile, Justus Traut, who was making the No. 130 in his shop at Stanley — and may or may not have seen the Figure 3: top, No. 130 Type 3, 1888 – 1892, and bottom No. 130 prototype being made for Campbell — could have been Type 4 1892 and later. working on an adjustable version of the No. 130 himself.

The Type 3 No. 130 appeared in the Stanley January 1888 The more likely event is that on receipt of Campbell’s Price List. It had a redesigned lever cap, which was ½ inch rough sketches, Stanley immediately consulted Traut on longer and extended further down at the rear over the lever the feasibility of Campbell’s design. Campbell’s system of cap locking screw. (Figure 3) The top of the lever cap was a pivoting frog awakened design thoughts that may have completely smooth; it no longer had a star on top. The front been roaming around in Traut’s head. He had considered knob and cutter are the same as those on Type 2 planes. both a removable frog and a pivoting frog but now the so- lution became clear. Traut’s final design used a frog with In 1892 the body of the Stanley No. 130 was completely re- a double cutter seat mounted on the adjustment mecha- designed making it Type 4. It appeared for the first time in nism’s control rod; the control rod was threaded into a Stanley’s January 1892 Price List. (Figure 3) The top edg- yoke that pivoted on a cross rod mid way between the two es of the side boards are flat and at each end they swoop mouth openings. The bed had a supporting seat for each down in an “S” curve to a little above the sole. The body of two positions the frog parked in when being used with is 1/8th of an inch longer than previously, the toe end is a either the standard or bullnose mouth opening. Conceptu- flatter curve, and now “STANLEY” is in front of the front ally, Traut’s basic concept was very much like Campbell’s knob and “No. 130” is behind the knob. The front knobs but Traut’s operating mechanism was more refined. Traut were made of rosewood beginning in 1911.

The Stanley No. 131

The development of the adjustable version of the double end block plane is an interestingM-WTCA.ORG story. At first it appeared to have been invented by two people at the same time working thousands of miles apart: Albert William Camp- bell of Glastonbury, England and Justus A. Traut of New Brittain, Connecticut. Both inventors consigned their in- ventions to the Stanley Rule and Level Co, both used the same patent attorney, and both were granted Patents on the same day. But that sounded so unlikely that it deserved more attention, so I tried another scenario, it is really a surmise. Albert W. Campbell, who was living in England, sent rough sketches and a description of his design to Figure 6: Prototype of Albert W. Campbell’s design for an adjustable Stanley. They offered to make a prototype and a Patent double end block plane made by the Stanley Model Shop. Photo courtesy of Brown Auction Services.

22 The Gristmill had a Patent drawing made of his design and applied for a position, and the other for the regular block plane position. Patent on January 7, 1904. Campbell’s Patent application The Patent drawing clearly shows every detail of the plane was submitted a month later, on February 19, 1904; the and its pivoting mechanism. delay was caused by the time required to send the Pat- (Figure5) Although the mech- ent application to England for Campbell’s signature and anism is ingenious it is also its return to the United States. Traut was granted Patent fragile. The yoke threaded on No. 766,473 on August 2, 1904. (Figure 4) Campbell was to the lower end of the cutter granted Patent No. 766,491, on the same day. (Figure 5) adjustment screw is particu- This was a remarkable occurrence; it would have been larly prone to breakage. even more remarkable if Traut had had no knowledge of Campbell’s design. The No. 131 used Justus Traut’s Patented endwise The surmise is made even more likely by the emergence of screw cutter adjustment No. Figure 9: Nickel plated cast the prototype for Albert W. Campbell’s design which had 645,220 dated March 13, 1900. iron cutter adjustment knob undoubtedly been made in the Stanley Model Shop. (Fig- This adjustment was used on on No. 131. ure 6) It is actually a Stanley No. 130 Type 4 double end Stanley’s No. 60 – 65½ series of low angle block planes. It plane body with Campbell’s cutter adjustment mounted is an unusually sensitive and smooth acting adjustment, on a cross rod centered between the two mouth openings. which advances the cutter only 1/28th of an inch when the Campbell used a direct drive screw cutter adjustment adjustment screw is turned one full revolution. This ad- which would have required a very fine screw thread to justment is fully described in the authors type study “The equal the sensitivity of Traut’s adjustment. Traut’s design 60 Series of Low Angle Block Planes made by Stanley” provided better support for the center of the cutter which published in The Gristmill, No.101, December, 2000. would be helpful in controlling plane iron chatter. In the end, Stanley chose to use Traut’s design. It had several Type 1 No. 131 planes were made for a very short period, from 19053 to 19094. (Figure 7) They can be identified by the two Patent dates cast in the bed under the lever cap and cutter, “Pat 3-13-00.” and “Pat 8-2-04” (Figure 8 ) and by cutters with Roger K. Smith trade marks “J” or “T”5. The lever caps had “Pat’d. 10-12-87” cast around the pivot point for the lever cap locking cam. The cutter adjusting knob was cast iron and had five equally spaced holes cast in its face. (Figure 9)

Type 2 No. 131 planes were made from 1909 until approxi- mately 1929. They were the same as Type 1 planes but did not have the two Patent dates cast in the bed under the cutter. The 10-12-97 patent date was not cast in the lever cap after the patent expired in 1914. Figure 7: Stanley No. 131, Type 1, 1905 to 1909. Type 3 No. 131 planes were made from 19296 until 1941. advantages: it used the same adjustment mechanism, lever They were the same as Type 2 planes except the cutter cap and cutter that Stanley was using on its line of low adjusting knob was turned steel with a knurled edge. angle block planes, it would be made in Traut’s shop at Stanley, and although Stanley would pay Campbell for his Patent they would not haveM-WTCA.ORG to pay royalties to him. 1 John G. Wells: “Early Models of the Stanley No.120 Adjustable Block Plane: 1876 – 1947”, The Gristmill, No. 124, Sept. 2006, pp. 14-19 and The No. 131, adjustable double end block plane was of- Mach 2007, pp. 18-19. fered from1905 until 1941. As previously described it was 2 Ibid. made under Justus 3 Stanley’s 1905 Catalog No. 34, shows the No. 131 on page 70. Traut’s patent for 4 Smith trademark “T” was used 1907-1909 on No.4 planes. the very clever pivot- 5 Roger K. Smith, P-TAMPIA, Vol. I, pp. 280-282. ing mechanism that 6 Stanley dealers catalog No. 120 © 1925 shows the No. 131 with a cast moved the frog be- iron knob on the cutter adjustment, as does catalog No. 34 © 1927. Catalog No.129, ©1929, p.57 is the earliest illustration we found of a tween two frog seats: turned steel cutter adjustment knob on the No. 131. one for the bullnose Figure 8: Patent dates cast in the bed of Type 1, No. 131 planes.

June 2014 23 Please Join us... July 24, 25, & 26, 2014

a Tool Trading a Pig Roast a Open House a Auction

Annual Open House & Antique Auction Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 24, 25, & 26, 2014

Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools l 5223 County Route 8 l Avoca, New York www.mjdauctions.comM-WTCA.ORG l [email protected] l (800) 869-0695 lease plan to make a long weekend of it and bring the family for a great time in the country. It will be high Summer in the beautiful Finger Lakes Area. P (We have arranged for balmy, eighty degree weather beneath a nearly cloudless sky.) PLEASE COME PREPARED TO FILL YOUR VEHICLE WITH TOOLS

Martin J. Donnelly Auctions - A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools - (800) 869-0695 Fall 2014 Auction Schedule September 20 & 21: Nashua, New Hampshire l October 25 & 26, Indianapolis, Indiana Let's talk about Marketing Your Antique Tool Collection...... THREE DAYS OF DISCOVERY Auction of 3101 Lots · July 24, 25, & 26, 2014 in Avoca, NY MARTIN J. DONNELLY AUCTIONS Specialist Auctioneers of Nineteenth Century Antiques Sale Located at: 5223 County Route 8, Avoca NY 14809 Photographs, Secure Online Absentee Bidding & Hotel List at www.mjdauctions.com · Questions?: [email protected] · (800) 869-0695 A Genuine, Old-Fashioned Country Auction

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Antique Fair Each Day · FREE Admission Antique Show of 40 Dealers Beginning Thursday Auction Schedule: ur Summer sale has, July 24 600 Lots 2:01 p.m. Oover the past twelve July 25 1250 Lots 9:01 a.m. years, become a destination for July 26 1251 Lots 9:01 a.m. buyers from around the country Preview all day Wednesday and before and around the world. Please during and after the sale each day. plan to join us for High Summer Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner On Site in the beautiful Finger Lakes. Eighty Tons Sold in Two and One-Half Days! Questions: (800) 869-0695M-WTCA.ORG

www.mjdauctions.com Scan to View Auction Ivory Point Rule by David E. Heckel

In typography, a point is the smallest unit of Fonts originally consisted of a set of moveable type let- measure. It is a subdivision of the larger pica. ter punches purchased from a type foundry. Traditional point-size names for many of the historically popular fonts The point has been the unit for measuring font have become English language shorthand to refer to the size from the original era of foundry metal corresponding point sizes usually available for letterpress typesetting and letter press printing. printing. • 5 pt: Pearl • 9 pt: Bourgeois In metal type, the point size of the font described the height of the metal body on which the typeface’s charac- • 6 pt: Nonpareil • 10 pt: Long Primer ters were cast. The defined length of a point varied over • 7 pt: Minion • 11 pt: Small Pica time and location until the late 1980s. Then the traditional point was supplanted by the desktop point (DTP), which • 8 pt: Brevier • 12 pt: Pica was defined as 1⁄72 of an inch or 0.0138 inch. In either sys- The pictured ivory 12 inch four-fold rule has German silver tem, there are 12 points to the pica. Twelve points make up fittings, arch joint, middle plates, and no manufacturer’s a pica, and six picas make an inch. name. However, it appears to be of English manufacture The traditional typographic point was invented in France of the late 19th Century. This rule has eight type point size by a clergyman, Sébastien Truchet (1657–1729). The size scales on all four of its faces and edges. Pearl is one-half of he chose had 1728 of these points that made up one Pied Long Primer and Nonpariel is one-half of Pica, so these du Roi, or “Foot of the King.”1 Also in France, François- sizes share the same scales. The rule was probably utilized Ambroise Didot (1730–1801) used Truchet’s idea, but to check font sizes by hand or in laying out the type for a chose a point size that was twice as large. 864 of his points printed page. made up one Pied du Roi. The Didot point has been now replaced by the DTP system throughout the world. In the traditional American point system a typographic foot also 1 Nicholas Bion: Instrument Maker, The Gristmill, June, 2013, pp. 46-47 contains 72 picas or 864 points, just like the French Didot for more information on the Pied du Roi, or “Foot of the King.” point. The traditional American printer’s point was also replaced by the current DTP system.

M-WTCA.ORG

26 The Gristmill The 43rd Brown International Antique Tool Auction by John Wells

The Brown 43rd was another terrific auction with great The very rare sash fillet- diversity. It had several mint items and boxed lots from ster in Lot 611, by E. W. the Wirtenson collection, tools and miniatures from Bill Carpenter, had his pat- Baader, some of Hamler’s miniatures, and attractive plow ented arms (Patent No. planes from Western New York State. 954, Feb. 6, 1838), and was stamped “Yarnall & Prices quoted include the 13% buyer’s premium. A 3% McClure, Phila” dating discount was available for cash or a good check. Photos it to about 1840. It had a are courtesy of Brown Auction Services. rosewood body, boxwood fence and arms, and a brass depth stop on each side of the The Sparklers body. It was in Fine condition and brought $3,842. The Ohio No. 110 The handled Sandusky No. self regulating center 140, boxwood, three arm wheel plow plane in self regulating plow plane Lot 306, in beautifully in Lot 622, had eight cut- figured rosewood, was ters. It was in Fine condi- the star of the show. tion and sold for $3,616. Boxwood was used for the center threaded arm because it was less prone to chipping. It was in Fine condition and The 26-1/2 inch rosewood was awarded to a determined bidder for $7,684. An Ohio stuffed infill jointer in Lot Tool Co. center wheel plow plane was shown on the rear 317 was made by the well known, highly regarded, con- cover of a 1860s Ohio Tool Co. catalog and was credited temporary English maker Bill Carter. It was based on a with winning the First Premium Award at the 1853 New similar plane by Norris but had more decorative features York World’s Fair. This establishes that the Ohio Tool Co. including a “cupid’s bow” cut into the top edge at the cen- made center wheel plow planes well before the Sandusky ter and ends of each side board as well as on the front and Tool Co. was founded in 1869, and 16 years before Vanbus- rear ends of the bed. It is a thing of beauty that can make kirk’s Patent No. 97,328 for the Sandusky self regulating tissue paper thin shavings that float lazily in the air. This plow was granted on November 30, 1869. marvelous plane was in fine condition and was an excep- tionally good value at $3,107.50. The Leonard Bailey No. 3 size, series B-2 split frame plane in Lot.498 was made in Winchester, before Bai- ley moved his shop to Boston in 1858. It was in Fine condition, except for a small bump 18th Century American Wooden Planes on the end of the handle’s horn; it sold on a bid of $6,328. Lot 579 was a birch astragal plane stamped “F Nicholson Lot 618 was a reproduction by the talented Jim Leamy Living in Wrentham” (on the left). It was 9¾ inches long by of the only known exampleM-WTCA.ORG of the single arm plow plane 1-1/8 inches wide, was in fine condition and sold for $4,294. made by Z. J. McMaster & Co. It can be seen in a beautiful color plate in Roger K. Smith’s P-TAMPIA Vol. II, pp. 63-64. Lot 581, (on the right) the 10 inch long birch fluting plane The original was probably stamped “C. E. Chelor Living in Wrentham” had a small made of totally black Mada- gascar Ebony which was very dramatic. The reproduction was made of a heavy black wood with bold cream choc- olate streaks. It was in mint condition and sold on a bid of $4,746.

June 2014 27 crack in the back of the mouth. It was otherwise in Good+ The Stanley No. 57 core condition and sold for $4,520. box plane in Lot 526 was the rare black japanned Stanley and other Patented Metallic Planes model. It was totally complete with three sets Lot 201 was a display of extension beds, cross model of the Stanley No. rods and connecting 4 bench plane with the turnbuckles. It had 99% side cut-a-way to show of the japanning, was rated Fine, and sold for $1,073.50. how the bottom of the frog seats into the plane’s The 24 inch long Stanley Bedrock No. 608C in Lot 550 body. It was marked “Ex: came with its original box. The plane was near mint, the the Stanley Model Shop”; face paper on the box and was from Chuck Wirtenson’s collection. It had a nice exhibited some distress even mellow patina, was in Fine condition, and brought around the label end and $3,842. the label was a little fad- ed. It was otherwise in The Stanley No. 1 smooth Fine condition and sold plane in Lot 209, bore the on a bid of $3,616. sweetheart trademark, had 100% of a Stanley decal on The E. H. Morris scissor arm self regulating plow plane its handle and was in near in Lot 636 was made under Morris’ March 31, 1871 patent new condition. The original and was manufactured and marketed by Sandusky. There labeled box was in Fine con- were several versions of this plane and this was the best. dition making this one of the It had a wide socket for nicest pairs of a plane and its a nicker or vertical scrap- box that I have seen. It sold for $3,616. ing cutter and the fence had cast brackets to hold The Stanley No. 110 Block plane in Lot 505 is the very rare it upright. It came with Type 3b1 – only a few are known. The bottom of the front nine original cutters and knob is pressed into a cylindrical cast iron receiver and the nicker. The fence the lever cap has a six point had 65% of the japanning star having a small 3/16 inch and the plane was rated threaded hole in its center. Good+. It brought $1,808. 90% of the japanning was present; it earned a rating of Lot 650 was a rare Me- Fine for condition and sold tallic Plane Co. Auburn, on a bid of $734.50 New York filletster with the adjustable cutter and The Bailey Victor No. 1-1/2, 6 inch tailed block plane in Lot simple fence – four ver- 501 had 95% of the japanning and 98% of the nickel plating. sions of this plane were The finishes were so nice made. It was in remark- that it made the plane ex- able condition. It had 95% ceptional. It was a very of the japanning and the M-WTCA.ORGrare and beautiful plane wood was fine. It brought and sold for $6,102. $1,130. Lot 502 was a lovely little The rare C. S. Irwin, 20-1/2 inch Knowles type cast iron fore Bailey Victor No. 12-1/2 plane in Lot 626 was block plane. It was fully in Good+ condition; nickel plated; and the in- it sold for $1,695. This side of the bed was paint- interesting tool from ed gold rather than the Pittsburgh, PA. was more often seen vermil- featured in the fas- lion. It was in Fine condi- cinating book Plane tion and brought $6,102. Makers of Western

28 The Gristmill Pennsylvania and Environs, by Charles W. Prine, Jr. It late in 1921 or early in 1922 and are seldom seen with any was probably made in 1857, thirty years after the first pat- of the original tools. Having one with 60% of the tools is a ent for a cast iron plane was granted to Knowles.2 real prize. It was rated Good+ and sold to a lucky buyer for $1,017. Now the new buyer will have a lot of fun looking Other Items of Interest for the 14 missing tools.

Lot 729 was a set of very rare J. A. Rabone & Stanley No. 6 adjustable tram- Son ivory 2 foot mel points in the original box four fold extra with all of the points and cali- broad Iron Mon- per rods; they were all mount- gers Rule in Lot ed on the original wooden bar 466 had many ta- stamped “PAT. APP’D. FOR”. bles with useful information for iron merchants such as The tool was in un-used, near the weight per square or linear foot of various iron and mint condition; the box had copper shapes; even the thin edges of the rule had useful some minor water stain. It sold on a bid of $1,299.50. scales.4 It also had a 6 inch Gunter’s slide to calculate the cost of it all. It was in Fine condition, except for a very Lot 167 was a Stanley small chip at the end of the slide, and sold for $904. No. 210 set of nine No. 40 bevel edge Everlast- Lot 474 the boxwood two fold two foot rule by Hedge & ing Pocket Chisels with Co, New York had a Gunter’s slide as well as E, M, and 4-1/2 inch blades and inch scales. It was in Good+ condition and sold on a bid of hickory handles. The $2,373. Rules bearing Lemuel Hedge’s name are quite rare blades were 1/8th to 1-1/2 inches wide and the chisels even though he patented an unusual circular rule joint (not were in the original canvas roll. They had had light use, used on Lot 474) retained 65% of the Stanley decals and were rated Good+. called the “Car- They sold for $791 – almost $88 each. penter’s Rule Joint”5 which was used by S. Morton Lot 169 was a set of Clark. This rule joint turned on a pair thirteen Stanley bev- of brass discs with concentric circular eled edge No. 40 pock- ridges; they were mounted on the sur- et chisels with 4-1/2 face of the rule. Hedge also patented inch long blades that a dividing engine6 used by Clark and were 1/8 to 2 inch wide; plus a cut away chisel showing the Stanley Rule & Level Co. in their how they were made. They were in Fine condition and rule shop in New Britain, Connecticut. sold for $932.25 – $71.71 each. “Carpenter’s Rule It is said that Hedge’s original dividing Joint” used by S. Morton Clark. Lot 170 was a set of ten Stanley engine remained in use there as late 7 Photo Courtesy of No. 720 beveled edge Firmer as 1923 . Cliff Fales Chisels with 6 inch long blades. They were in Fine condition and brought $649.75 – almost 1 John Wells: Type Study on Stanley No. 110 early block planes, The $65 each. Gristmill of the M-WTCA, No.81, December 1995, p. 13. 2 Charles W, Prine, Jr. Plane makers of Western Pennsylvania and En- The Stanley Walnut ToolM-WTCA.ORG Cabinet No. 8513 in Lot 105 was virons, pp. 95-96. 19-1/2 inches wide and 26-5/8 inches tall. It had a pair of 3 The first edition of the catalog:Stanley Tool Assortments, May 1923 and paneled doors with a small drawer at the bottom, bore a the 1925 edition of Stanley’s Catalog No. 34 stated that the No. 851 Tool brass Sweetheart logo, Cabinet was made of oak and stained dark; they also listed the 35 in- and still had 21 of its cluded tools. John Walter in Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools, p.614: said the No. 851 Tool Cabinet was walnut in 1922 and oak in 1923.” original set of 35 tools. The tools were overall, 4 Philip E. Stanley: Source Book for Rule Collectors, p.204. in G+ to fine condition. 5 Patent No. 8783X, issued April 22, 1835. Stanley tool cabinets 6 Patent No. 4799X issued June 20, 1827. were made in walnut 7 Web site of Philip A. Cannon: Tools and Rule Collector. Also see Cliff for only about a year Fales: The Hedge/Clark Connection, an unusual Rule Joint, The Grist- when tool cabinets mill, M-WTCA, No. 47, June 1984. http://www.mwtca.org/the-gristmill/ were first introduced sample-articles/79-the-hedgeclark-connection-an-unusual-rule-joint.html

June 2014 29 M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership & Additional Gifts for 2014

BENEFACTORS Bob Nutt Peter Dordal J. Steve Land Roger Bourgeois Bruce Perry Dick Enstad Tom Landon Thomas R. Bruce John Robinson Johnathan Ericson Walter T. Lane J.B. Cox Gary Studebaker Guss Esham Dennis Larson Andrew D’Elia Roy Underhill Carlton K. Fahler Edward Laughlin Bob Fields Carl Underwood Glen Ferguson David Lawson Judy Gambrel Paul E. VanHorn James Ferrell Paul League Peter J. Hathaway Darrell Vogt Alan L. Fetty Mark Levanway Jared Isaacs Gene Walbridge Sally Fishburn Ted Lolly Thomas Kluwin Jon Whitney John Fite Howard Loomis Paul S. Matis Scott Wilson Jack Fites Leo Maack William J. Morgan Gary L. Wright Joe Franklin James Mau Joel Moskowitz Thomas Wyman Dennis Fuller Michael E. McGee Wayne Oestreich Lawrence E. Yopp Alvin Furrer Roselyn V. McKittrick Charles L. Pettett Rick Gayle Pat Medley Bill Youart Gene Gibson Mike Meunch CONTRIBUTING Colleen Gildea Patrick Meyer MEMBERS Robert Glazier Eileen M. Mikat SUSTAINING Jim Ackelson Ronnie Glover Rod Minter MEMBERS Bill Adsit Thomas A. Gott David Mischke David Alexander Ron Grabowski Scott Moffett Bob Austin Carl Hakala Ross R. Morcomb Eric Bernard Harry A. Audley William C. Auld George Hall Sanford Moss A. Dwayne Broddle George Harold Michael Mueller Larry E. Brown James Barbieur William Beardsley John M Harper David L. Murdoch Michael Christenson David Hegwood Steven W. Neale David Dell Joel Blasius Edward Blatnick Ed Hennessy Don Nicholson James F. Earnhardt Thomas A. Henry Pete Niederberger Roy Ebersole Don Boyer Alan W. Brown Timothy Hernly Bert E. Orcutt Steven Eckers Paul Honore Leeroy J. Osterbauer George Elsass Vince Brytus Walt Buie Ronald Howard Norman P. Otto John Fitzgerald Roy A. Hunter George Paiva Joseph Frendreiss Robert (Buz) Buskirk Glenn A. Campbell Dale Jamison John Parker Chalmers Gordon Michael Johns Robert L. Petrovic Steven Gretter Herbert G. Caudle Donald Cavner Bruce Johnson Daryl Petty Karl Gurcke Duane Johnson Greg Phillips Terry Haver Richard L. Chapman William Coffin Frank Johnson William Pickett Ronald Holwager M-WTCA.ORGPaul Jones Tom H. Pointer Bob Joers Bill Collins Jeff Conn Patrick Kelly Hans Porcher Patrick A. Leach Ashley Kennedy Michael Power Harold J. Liberty Dr. John Conrardy Jack Cope John W. Kinnemeyer Millard Price Lon Lindsey Randy L. Knudsen Paul P. Pyrcik Robert R. Llewellyn Nelson Coressel Bruce DeLong Bryan A. Konsler Glen Rabe Vernon F. Meyer James P. Kullmer O.Fred Ray Robert W. Mustain Jack Devitt Steven F. Dice Joe Kunz Clayton Ray John Nelson Richard Kurshan V. Leon Ridenour Herbert Nerge Henry Disston David Dodson David La Touche Robert C. Riese

30 The Gristmill Bill Roberts Eric Blease Ron Kaplan Tim Wamhoff David Rogers Paul Boldt Roger D. King John G. Wells Joseph Rossin Roger Bourgeois John King Sidney H. Whitaker William H. Rypka Richard Bradshaw Elroy A. Klug Charles N. Williams Howard Sands Robert A. Brown Ken Kranzusch Nathan Wolfenbarger Clifford Sapienza Dean Broyles Norm Lange Lon Woods Paul Schaffner Ralph D. Carlson Edward H Lebetkin Lynn Wooten-Bartee Frank J. Scheibert Henry L. Caudle James S. Mackey David Young Nanette Schulte John Cellucci William McMillen Ronald Sharko Robert Clarke Ed Meixner In Memory of B. Dwaine Simmons Don Craig Gerald L. Miels Frank “Pete” Tolford: Vaughn Simmons Dale Cubranich Scott Miller Olga Baron Irwin J. Sitkin John Davis Ben Mixon George Cella Vincent L. Soukup Larry DeWolf Robert W. Mustain Mary Conway Arnold F. Stalder Steven F. Dice Jim Obrien Dan and Nancy Engel Leo Stambaugh Richard D. Dickerson Wayne Oestreich Milena Hughes Robert Stidfole Gail Dieleman David J. Pangrac Phil and Mary Roden Bill Stone James Durochia Mack L. Peel Douglas and Martha Weber Robert Stoxen Philip Eberhard Roger Phillips Virginia Tolford John Stuart Mark Firley Philip L. Platt Bill and Jane Wilkin Judd Sulfridge Kirk Foeller John Porritt Tasia Young Don Taylor Kevin Foley Bruce Priebe Robert Terry Harry Fowler Glen Rabe Paul Terwqilliger Thomas Friedlander John Rauth PRESERVATION John Thoele Dennis Fuller John A. Reed AND EDUCATION Frederic S Thompson Thomas L. Gallerani Mel Ring CONTRIBUTORS Berry Thompson Michael Garlich Bret L. Rochotte David Paul Trueblood Jeff Grothaus Robert J. Sauer Doug Cox Richard Turpen Werner H. Gumpertz L. Samuel Scheiderer Paula Cox Jack Wagoner George Haberer Gerald C. Schmidt Judy Gambrel Franz Weckesser Thomas M. Haffner David Scholl Arthur B. White Gregory Ham Vaughn Simmons Edmund L Wilkins Harold E. Harden Eldon Simons MOUNT VERNON Oliver P. Williams Chuck Hartman Roger K. Smith CONTRIBUTORS Donald Wing Rudolph Hauss Fred Smith Don Riley LeRoy E. Witzel Robert M. Hawkins Harry Spoor Walter Wolters Michael Heaney Mike Stemple Donald E. Wood M-WTCA.ORGThomas A. Henry Elly Sullivan-Wood Alan Hochhalter Bill Tennant Robert T. Hogg Gene Terril ENDOWMENT FUND Lyle Hoofnagle Frederic S Thompson Brent Akerley Dana Horton Louis R. Tilton Glenn Anderson Ford Hudson Marsha Vander Heyden David Audette David Jeffers Darrell Vogt Harris V. Bartine Joe Jerkins Verne E. Vollrath Carl Bilderback Thomas Johanson J. Kurt Von Achen Jim Bindon Tom Jordens Jack Wagoner

June 2014 31 Early Totes… Some Variant Features by James Goodson

Once conceived, the evolution of the handle The front grip is also a frequent focal point for handle de- and its design on early European planes design in that the ‘peg’ and later the ‘horn’ must have seemed the perfect component for individual artistic expression. veloped from the pierced style of early Roman Dragons, dolphins, seal pups, etc. even human figures and Greek planes through a succession of became incorporated into an often not too comfortable ‘totes’ designed to facilitate and ease handling as well as to provide control.

Historically we find evidence of many occurring styles such as the leather strap, Roman, flatiron, shepherd’s crook, galley, slotted (both pierced, indent or otherwise) eventually evolving into the handle or ‘tote’ as we recog- nize it today. There were countless variations based on each of these styles and to the collector’s delight, many were inspired with an artistic element of design. It is easy though stylishly decorated to see that some of these design elements did not nec- grip. But a delight to the essarily lend themselves to better handling and control. user they were and the fashion of whimsy established a popular new plat- form on which to expand an artistic and expressive desire.

The handles on this 18th c. Dutch stair saw both fore and aft are depictions of acanthus foliage unfurling into fresh new growth. The design was restricted by necessary func- tional limitations since its intended purpose was to be a 17th c. Bavarian Cooper’s grip. The two holes seen through the stock would indicate jointer with an unusual Roman that additional ‘galley’ styled handles were deemed neces- style handle. This ‘monoxyle’ sary to add at some point. or single piece construction handle design tapers toward the top for comfort.This plane is dated 1653

But art in any form is an expression of an individual and nature, history and legend were all topical springboards for artistic expression found in the design of plane stocks and handles.

The early offset tote found on this small jointer sized plane (likely of Swiss origin) hasM-WTCA.ORG an obvious and captivating pierced heart style. It is immediately attractive but quietly of- fers a second design character- istic incorporated into it. The post and loop of the handle fits only a smaller hand but when grasped by a larger hand as you can see to the right, the heart shaped design functions as a comfortable and secure extended alternative grip.

32 The Gristmill Halfway between no handles and a substantial handle and grip lies this unlikely example of a small 18th c. French cormier smoothing plane. It has aesthetically pleasing designs incorporated fore and aft which could only (with a slight stretch of the imagination) be considered a cursory attempt at handle design. Part of the scalloped design includes a buildup behind the blade for its support (a frequent feature incorporated in the design of some 18th c .and earlier long planes). Perhaps the ‘roll’ of the handles both forward and aft are an effort to visu- ally balance the buildup supporting the iron.

Individual decorative design treatments applied to the handles and totes of wooden planes, readily give each of these tools an appeal and identity that through the centu- Here is a mid 19th century panel raising plane whose front ries has lost little of its ability to convey an artistic mes- grip resembles a food tin whose sage. This decoration of ancient tools is likely the primary top is peeled back to expose its reason they have survived… often for hundreds of years. contents.

Lest We Forget by Bob Roger

Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, each about a and to carry it. There were many patents for these straps tool or implement that was once a common household, and also for the very similar book straps used for carrying farm, or trade necessity, but whose use or existence may school books. When I see a shawl strap in a shop or show, soon be forgotten. it is usually labeled as a book strap which indicates we may have all but Shawl Straps forgotten shawl straps.

Today we have a proliferation of The two shawl straps shown here soft-sided luggage to select from were patented by Max Rubin of NYC when heading out of M-WTCA.ORGtown. Travel- and assigned to Marx & Son, also ers during the Victorian period also located in NYC. The bottom strap used soft-sided containers for their is Patent # 221,616 (Nov. 11, 1879) belongings, but those containers and the top strap is Patent # 228,942 were their shawls, overcoats, and (June 15, 1880). Let us not forget ponchos. The shawl was laid flat and them – they were useful and neces- the traveler’s other belongings were sary tools for the traveler. placed upon it, and then the shawl was folded or rolled up to make a tidy package. A shawl strap was then used to keep it securely wrapped

June 2014 33 Securing Saw Handles to Blades by Phil Baker

Several years ago I acquired a backsaw by Henry Disston From my observation at the time the Patent was enacted, & Sons. On the face side there were two common screws the stem of the screw was similar to those found on split and a label screw. A close up of the handle (photo #1) nuts (about 1/8”). The Patent drawings show the narrow shows a label screw ca 1875 and two common screws. stems. Note– the thickness of the stems found with split The heads of the common screws were slightly rounded nuts may vary slightly depending on who made them. The stamped “PATENT AUG 29 76. To this point conventional narrow stems--this is my guess--did not last more than a screws were split nuts with flat heads. The nuts were also year or two. The reason was the full slot in the nuts en- slightly rounded and the slot to receive a screwdriver was abled a mechanic to apply much more pressure when the same width as that used on split nuts. Note--Disston tightening them down. The narrow stems could not take continued the narrow slot up to the Glover Patent in 1887. the strain and broke. The fix was to add 1/16” diameter to Most other makers went to a wider slot in the mid 70s. the stems.

The “Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents” summarizes Patents. Information from their summary of Disston Patent 181648 appears below. Some material has #1 been edited out.

Heads of the screw and nut are slightly domed. Outer edges are beveled to flare outward toward the face. The screw is received by a nut having a blind threaded socket in the tubular projection of the nut. The Patent paper says the tubular projection may or may not, be long enough to engage the saw blade. Disston expresses a preference for those long enough to engage the blade making a firmer connection.

Writers Note– Those who have worked and repaired saw handles would find it too difficult to employ the accuracy necessary to have screw holes in the handle and blade line Recently a backsaw with the ca 1875 label screw found it’s up with the long tubular projection of the nut to fit neatly way into my shop. It had the narrow screwdriver slots that in the blade. I have not seen a screw with the longer pro- require thinning the blade of the screwdriver to enter the jection. Also the hole in the blade would require that it be slot. Any tool that comes in the shop must be dismantled enlarged along with the new heavier stem. Would the larg- and examined. The label screw was the same as saw #1 er hole be a good thing? Another purpose of the patent is but the common screws were unmarked. With the handle to allow the handle and screws to be finished and polished removed the under side of the nuts as seen in photo #2 had prior to assembly. After use if the handle became loose the “PAT AUG 76” cast when the nuts were made. screws may be tightened without it showing.

Photo #3 shows the mark in the steel back of the two saws that may be used in dating. M-WTCA.ORGAs always feedback is welcome. #3 #2

The markings of the Disston Patent No. 181,648 found on these two saws are rare. I have seen the underside of the nuts marked on a Disston # 43 handle. They are the only ones I know of. I gave the #43 screws and handle to Roy Ebersole for his collection. Roy had not seen screws of this type.

34 The Gristmill Cheesman, James L. by Phil Baker

Handsaw makers sprang up across America during the 19th Century. Early makers might assemble parts made from various sources into a finished product. Thus the “Cottage Industry” became a factor in the production of our early saws. A lack of provenance today was the result of this system.

The majority of makers were not destined to last for long. There were exceptions. The background behind Chees- man seems to give one an idea of how inter-related the saw industry was in this period of growth.

Saw makers Platt & Holroyd began saw making ca 1840. In 1855 the business was sold and James L. Cheesman became their successor. #2

There is a brass back Cheesman in the collection. At this time I know of no others. Records indicate he also made Hoyt, Wm, J.--Irv Schaffer and three models. Shotwell, Henderson, and Wm. J. Hoyt. the EAIA list Hoyt as one of Cheesman’s models with no other info. There were Hoyts listed as tool makers in the 1850s and 60s but nowhere else have I found a Hoyt saw maker with one exception.

Photo #4. Unlisted is a H. G. Hoyt in the collection. It has an 1867 patent date on the saw screws. That is 25 years plus or minus from the time of Cheesman’s start up. It has split nuts and looks to be ca 1870. Could there be a connection here?

So we have something to start with such as--did Cheesman make the saw with his name stamped in the brass back? Was he a saw maker or business man? #1 What if any, is the possible relationship between Cortland Wood and Shotwell? Their handles definitely were made Photos #1 & #1a show James L. by the same source. Cheesman in the brass back and the handle as found. A close look at the handle reveals a Is there a Henderson saw known? There are several saws 5/16” space around the cheek in the blade that indicates it in the collection that are in the Henderson class. They was covered by a heavier handle when new. The common seem to be made in this era with no provenance. They are wood screws that hold the existing blade use the same American, in my opinion and have been checked by Brit- holes in the 12” blade as original work. ish authorities.

Photos #2 & #2a shows the Shotwell saw with 12” blade and To sum it up--as information is gathered and shared, more steel back. The Cuban MahoganyM-WTCA.ORG handle with domed steel pieces of a puzzle are found increasing our knowledge of head screws is high quality. This handle is an exact copy of the history of American saw making. a Cortland wood brass back. Saw screws are the same except for the finish.

Photo #3. Henderson– at this time, we do not have an example. Yes, it would be real nice #4 to have one. #3

June 2014 35 Beneath the Wood by Phil Baker

This saw was a “give-a-way”, no character at all. So I paid Actually to my surprise, the blade looked like it could $10 to get the split nuts and ca 1854 H. Disston label screw. be salvaged. I could not resist taking fine sand paper to I was in no hurry to play with it. see the marks on the blade. There were no marks of any kind. Marks are usually found formed with a stamp on the blades of most makers of this period. There was nothing on the backside either.

The tool was straight and would make a good user. So I removed the screws and handle. There to my surprise were some letters that with cleaning could be deciphered. The rest of the photos tell the story.

My guess is Henry Disston is responsible for the-- H.D. mark. The larger single “g” and smaller letters “c.s.” at this time are a mystery.

Until proven wrong, I offer this explanation. Henry had guests one Sunday. To kill time, he took them over to the shop and gave a lesson on making a saw. All three of them It’s home was under the workbench, out of sight. Got on marked it. They put the handle back on and “g” or “cs” a tear to make the shop presentable and this saw was the went home with it. Sounds reasonable to me. Comments very last to get my attention. Before removing the screws welcome. I gave it the once over.

M-WTCA.ORG

36 The Gristmill Straw Press by Henry L. Caudle

All of the straw presses that I have seen are homemade Information obtained from: and of different sizes and designs. The staw press is made The Chronicle Early Tools and Equipment completely from wood. The rollers are designed to exert The fiftieth Anniversary By Elmer L. Smith firm pressure on the straw. The knob at the top, screws Publication 1983 Applied Arts Publishers 1973 down on a block of wood that applies firm pressure on Pages 711-713 Page 20 the two wooden rollers. Some straw presses I have seen have two tapered wedges that are used to put pressure on the wooden rollers.

The most common types of straw used after threshing were rye, oat, and wheat straw. The straw was passed between the wooden rollers to flatten and remove the moisture from the straw. The straw would then be used to make rye straw baskets, summer straw hats, or straw mats.

M-WTCA.ORG

Notice of upcoming auction Saturday, August 30, 2014 in Pilot Mound, Iowa. John Deere two cylinder tractors, Oliver tractors , Threshing machine, Large amount of smaller farm related antiques. Check dencklauauction.com after July 1 for complete listings. ~ Daryl Petty

June 2014 37 Auxiliary

Iowa Ink by Susan Witzel, Auxiliary President

As a wife, why should I attend M-WTCA Friday Evening Speaker: Women have a separate speak- Semi-Annual Meetings? er at the same time as the men’s program. We “meet up” again in the hospitality room provided for members each In the beginning of my husband Leroy’s fascination with night. Hostesses procure speakers who are fascinating and tools, I found I needed to find a “tool of some sort” so I give us new insights on various subjects. It is a fun way to could have fun in the trade room too. It was the start of learn new things and see something different. Come listen. my first tool collection - spill planes. “Necessary” antique stops on travels became more fun. Displays: Women also bring displays. Any item or collection may be shared – in or out of theme. Include a table There is “something for everyone” at the Semi-Annual M- cover, a name for your display, any pertinent information WTCA Meetings! Events are planned with the women in you wish to share, and stay by your display to visit with mind. Women are an auxiliary member if their husband is members during sharing time on Friday morning. Display a member of M-WTCA. To attend the women’s programs, desires need to be sent in at registration time. Check full they will have to pay on the registration form when it is or half table on the form. We ask that they stay in place sent in, as well as for the tours they wish to take and the until “Saturday Only” registrants have an opportunity to ladies’ luncheon. These programs and tours are planned see them. well ahead of time and are always a highlight of any meeting I have attended. You will go places, see things, and Trade Room: This is the “heartbeat” for the men. A M- hear speakers from all over the country that an ordinary WTCA registration name tag is necessary to gain access tourist would not be able to access on just a vacation. Our to this room. Women can stay in the trade room or visit group seems to command respect as an intelligent, recep- in the social room which is usually near by and stocked tive and polite audience. with magazines, puzzles, possible crafts – and goodies. It’s a good place to relax and “put your feet up.” Book sales: Specific women’s events planned watch for this event. Bring books you have read to sell for for every meeting include: $1/ hardcover and $.50/ paperback. It is in the trade room on Friday. Cards to sign: sympathy, get well, etc. are pro- Meet and Greet: This coincides with the men’s first vided to send to members. meeting on Thursday evening. Our first time attendees are honored and presented with a M-WTCA membership What’s It Session: Help yourself and others unlock the pin. Everyone attending is welcome to bring something mysteries of unidentified tools. along to share with the group. It can be a vacation picture, an item from a collection or an example of your hobby - Banquet: A delicious way to say farewell and enjoy time just something to help folks get to know you better. Who together while being entertained one last time. Tools are knows what you may have in common with someone else? packed, time to sit and relax. This has been a beginning place for many new friendships. We are a friendly, fun group. Come and share. Highlights @ Rockford, IL. Oct. 1-4, 2014, Hostess- Judy Gambrel Book Review: Reading is a hobby for many auxiliary members. There is a book M-WTCA.ORGchosen to read ahead of time Open house: Wednesday, October 1, 2014 for each meeting. Our discussion leader will guide us. Do at 1922 7th St. (warehouse site) not stay away if you have not read the book. You will have Judy is opening her 10,000 sq. ft home for members to fun and enjoy being one of these lively ladies. tour. Tours: Frank Lloyd Wright (Laurent) house, Midway Tours: These will need to be registered and paid for Village - Antique Textile Dept. Discussion Book: Loving ahead of time. This is prime visiting time. It is difficult to Frank by Horan. see our friends for any length of time once the tool room Auxiliary Display Theme: Perfect Picks. (1/2 or whole table) opens. Destinations are always special and tour guides are knowledgeable. It is hard to tell what may pique your interest. Many husbands prefer us on tours as they wander the parking lot to “do tools.”

38 The Gristmill Auxiliary A Is For Apple by Susan Witzel

When is a basket of apples so much more than just apples? in many general stores along the frontier. A fruit devil was Jim and Phyllis Moffet of Modesto, Illinois shared some required to loosen the fruit and “dig” it out so apples could early cast iron apple peelers with attendees on September be sold to a customer. 27th, 2013. Apples were the props to demonstrate how they were able to be harvested and preserved both for home use A RIBBON SLICER patented in June of 1876 fascinated the and as a commercial crop in New York State in the 1800s. crowd. It made one continuous “see through slice” out of Gov. Peter Stuyvesant planted an a whole apple. It may have been in- apple tree in New York City when he vented for potatoes but many times arrived in the colonies in 1647 from once the new “tool” was in the house, Holland. Colonists held “apple bees” a housewife found many more uses to prepare apples for drying in the for it. Jim also demonstrated a po- early 1700s. Hard cider made from tato chip maker with a later patent apples was one of the earliest forms date of 1929. It was made in Dayton, of currency – firewater was much Ohio and made a continuous curly desired. ribbon using the whole potato.

From an elevated frame, Jim pelted More apple parers, unusual kitchen unsuspecting members with fresh tools and other “mystery” items were apple slices from his ULTIMATE A program on apple peelers was displayed on tables nearby. They UNION machine which was first presented in an entertaining way provided members with some food for thought as we tried to guess their patented in 1870. It certainly made at the Springfield Semi-Annual apple slicing quick and easy. Laugh- uses. The Moffets fielded many ques- ter must have been heard in pio- meeting of M-WTCA. tions from a curious crowd that gath- neer homes as children helped their ered while they used the machines. mother in the kitchen. Many times apples were laid out on This was a program-style demonstration for a short time. roof tops to dry under netting. Apples were used all winter Other types of demonstrations are held throughout the long for cooking. They were taken as cargo on many ships meetings and can be viewed each day. All members will- packed away in barrels. They prevented scurvy on long ing to take time to share their skills and knowledge make ocean voyages. They were found tightly packed in barrels meetings very special. Thank you.

Pick Rockford For Your Fall Getaway - Oct 1-4, 2014 by Judy Gambrel

Please join us for the Fall meeting in Rockford, Illinois. Frank” by Nancy Horan. The book is about the relation- The theme for the AuxiliaryM-WTCA.ORG is “Perfect Picks.” Many of us ship between Wright and his mistress. Another tour option found a “perfect pick” that started a collection or searched is to Midway Village Museum where we plan to visit the An- for years to find that “perfect pick” that completed a col- tique Textile Department, one of the best in the Midwest. lection. Half the fun of collecting is gathering stories about Our program Friday night will be Judy Wilson-Sweet shar- our treasures and the people we meet and experiences we ing her business creating vintage and historical costumes have along the way. Please bring something to share at our for 18” dolls (American Girl). The guest speaker for Satur- Show and Tell/Meet and Greet event on Thursday night. day’s luncheon will be Jay Shaw. He has been a leader in Pick some great stuff to bring for a display. Please remem- mural projects including a 35 mural project along Lincoln ber to provide a title and a table cover for your display. Highway, the first transcontinental road in America. I hope you can come to the Wednesday Open House at my 10,000 One of the tours being planned is Frank Lloyd Wright’s sq. ft. apartment in a former hardware factory. Wishing you “Laurent House.” To tie in with that Rockford connec- good “picking” till we meet again. tion, on Friday our members will discuss the book “Loving

June 2014 39 Auxiliary

Member’s Choice Award Presented To Hooked On Fishing by Carolyn List

The ladies theme for the Meet in Springfield, MO was “Bill, the low serial number indicated that it was manufactured Bass and Bling”. Since I did not have anything about Wild in the ‘50s. The carved fish was purchased at a recent Ohio Bill Hickok or enough Bling to fill a Tool Meet. The small carved fish de- table, that only left Bass. Looking coy was found in the trade room at around our lake-side cottage at In- Springfield. The fishing pole plane dian Lake near Bellefountain, OH. was purchased from an Ohio Tool there was more than enough “stuff” and M-WTCA member several years to fill a display table. Once I got ago. The English fishing reel was started, there were lots of possibili- found at a boot sale in England. Sev- ties and a problem of elimination. eral items were found at Donnelly’s Auction in Avoca, NY. last summer. Most of the things we have col- The salt-glazed crock with the fish lected in our travels from antique was a rare find at a local auction. shops, flea markets, tailgating and auctions. We are always looking for things to decorate the As you can tell there is a story behind just about every- cottage and the screened porch but not really to use for thing, so there are other things to look for besides tools! fishing. This display was great fun to put together. Often you can The trolling motor was purchased at the Peach Meet in not tell how much you really have until you put together a Georgia. After contacting the company, I found out that display to share with others.

BLING by Karen Fulton

Bling… a slang term describing flashy, ostentatious or plastic. “Rock Beads” became a fad. The hats and gloves elaborate jewelry and ornamented accessories that are gave way to decorative scarves and flashy jewelry. Clip carried or worn. The word was added to the English Ox- earrings were replaced with pierced earrings. Earrings ford Dictionary in 2002 and Webster in 2006. The term was were very large rings and bracelets became rings called intended to evoke the “sound” of light hitting silver. The bangles. Charm bracelets were a reminder of friends and term did not become popular until 1999 with the use in a places visited. rap song by the Bee Gee’s. The term then began to emerge to represent any adornment of the styles. The Hip-Hop age encouraged large flashy jewelry. Mood rings were a fad. Each era has a Bling-style of jewelry and Before the 1950s adornment came in the form of feather today the word “Bling” is very popular in referring to eye- hats, wigs, fur neck pieces and gloves. Clip earrings and catching adornment. bracelets were made of colorfulM-WTCA.ORG stones. Those who could not afford jewelry made of precious stones, silver or gold, I chose this subject because as a child I was always fasci- found other imitations for pearls nated with the jewelry my aunt and and chains. The 50s pearls were mother wore. Style was important called chokers and were very short. to them even though the budget did not allow for very expensive things. In 1960 necklaces of a longer length As a young person I had stylish were made of bright plastic beads. clothing at the request of my moth- A type of necklace was made from er. They tried to teach me style but connecting beads that pop together. I was more concerned with comfort and being casual. I was glad when Beads of the 70s and 80s could have skirts were limited and slacks be- been made of seeds, rocks or bits of came popular for women.

40 The Gristmill Auxiliary

Bill, Bass and Bling, Jewels on Wheels by Annabel Ring

I have always had a fascination for collecting little cars, Several of my toy car collections have a bit of history. trucks and farm items along with collecting other things One is a Rural Electric Utility Truck I won in 1990. It has such as sewing items, Chickens, Mickey Mouse and other many tiny pieces of tools and equipment that are very re- comic characters. Since I was in the Navy during WW II, I alistic. Another is a little foreign car my daughter brought also collect military stories and pictures. My latest hobby is me from Sweden when she was an exchange student there drawing comic greeting cards to send in the 1960s. to family and friends. I always have to have something to keep my hands and My advice for those wishing to be col- mind active. lectors is to choose something that interests you and you would be proud When I was a little girl my father gave to display to others. I am hoping that me a toy dump truck. I was the son the women of the auxiliary enjoy my he never had and to this day, the truck display and I am sure some of the men is still being enjoyed by my grand chil- will look at it and remember some of dren and great grandchildren. the past cars they have had.

On The Other Side Of The Bed by Kathleen Holmes

Martha Washington had slipped into obscurity until author got me into “trouble.” But at least people knew where I stood. Patricia Brady brings her to life in the new biography, Martha Washington. Here is a lively look at the wife of George Wash- Oh, come now. Most of you know me as the humble, shy, ington as they fall in love, support each other as he pursues quiet spouse of antique tool collector Cecil Holmes. I ride a career as a strong political leader in service to his country, along, occupying the sidesaddle seat, grasping my bag of and is often away from home creating a new nation. “She books, and sharing whatever trip is on the day’s docket. I survives in the popular imagination as a kindly frump” until like what I do.... and so should you. Brady defines her as she becomes “an indomitable patriot A good many wives do not share the passion of their tool col- and her husband’s counselor and emotional mainstay.” I am lector husbands... and so do not travel the highways and by- enjoying the book. ways on the search for the treasure of the moment. Perhaps “Martha had a naturally calm and optimistic outlook on life” the hubby is glad she stays home...I do not know what Cecil and she worked at maintaining that approach. She wrote to a likes... I just know I AM going along. friend, “I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy I like the atmosphere and camaraderie that exists in the tool in whatever situation’ may be, for I have also learned from show of the moment. As I have said before, the chatter of experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery voices is the “sound of friendship.” Because of conflicts, we depends upon our dispositions,M-WTCA.ORG and not upon our circum- did not make the last National show and I understand that it stances; we carry the seeds of the one, or the other about was a good one from the reports of those who did make it. with us, in our minds, wherever we go.” I would urge the spouses to become an advocate for their What will history show you and me to be? Will we also carry husband’s quest for a filler for his collection. I get the biggest the seeds of happiness or misery wherever we go OR will we kick out of one of the wives who also find some knickknack be the frump that Martha was originally seen as? among all those planes and wrenches. Yikes, here comes Sue I know that at 82, I am more lazy than active. However, the with a treasure. She seems to have a “nose” for something past has shown that I have been opinionated, vocal, and a odd or old or valuable. It is fun to watch the enthusiasm that participant in the world about me. I have been, and still am, bubbles out of her. supportive of my husband, family, and community as I view Watch for the next opportunity to “seek and search” On The life’s opportunities or challenges. There have been times Other Side of The Bed. And... brag on what you found. when I know my mouth got ahead of my thoughts and that

June 2014 41 Obituaries Don Rosebrook

Don Rosebrook, a long time pillar of the umes, with Volumes 2 and 3 to cover the rest of the country. tool collecting community, passed away Don was well along on Volume 2, and had completed much of on March 31, 2014 at his home in Baton the research on Volume 3, at the time of his death. These vol- Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 77. Don umes are expected to be completed and published by his fel- was born in Green River, Wisconsin, and low level enthusiasts. In 2003, Don published Wooden Plow educated as a chemist, receiving his PhD Planes: A Celebration of the Planemakers’ Art, lavishly illus- in Analytical Chemistry from Kansas State trated with photos by fellow collector Dennis Fisher. He was University, where he met Pam, his wife of active in tool collecting organizations, serving as a member of 48 years. After working as a chemist in Kansas City, Syracuse, the Board of Directors of M-WTCA, and as President of both and Austin, Don and Pam settled in Baton Rouge, where he EAIA, and the Southwestern Tool Collectors for many years. formed his own environmental consulting business in 1984. He served as a consultant and expert witness on a number of About five years ago, Don retired from the environmental high profile toxic waste and environmental cases. consulting business to concentrate on world travel to all of the countries he and Pam had always wanted to visit. Their As an antique tool collector, Don was known primarily for his travel was financed in part by the sale of his extensive col- expertise in levels and plow planes. His book American Lev- lection, which in addition to levels and plow planes, also in- els and Their Makers - Volume 1 (New England), published cluded saws, gauges, and bevels. In recent years, Don and in 1999, was the first and so far, the only scholarly study of Pam have visited Antarctica, India, Africa and southeast Asia, levels. It was accompanied by American Level Patents Il- just to name a few. lustrated and Explained, a list of all of the New England level patents with a short biographical sketch of the inventor. Don was a fixture at tool meets and auctions across the coun- American Levels was projected to be the first of three Vol- try. He and Pam had many friends throughout the tool collecting community. He will be widely missed. John W. Kinnemeyer

John W. Kinnemeyer, loving husband of antique markets in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Florida, Babe Kinnemeyer of 60 years, passed where the hospitality was a little bit of home on the road.” peacefully on March 30, 2014, at the age of 82. John was the devoted father of Patri- George and Carolyn Elsass remembers Babe and John could cia (Don) Etter, Jackie (Tom) Lanter, John be counted on to be there-whether it was Madison, GA. in the (Rhonda) Kinnemeyer, Connie (Chris) mud, or Indianapolis at the Donnelley Auction, where they Lammers and Ken (Donna) Kinnemeyer, could be found outside tailgating or inside at the Dealer’s show, cherished grandfather of 13 and great- then bidding at the auction. Traveling to Avoca to the summer grandfather of 21, and a dear brother of Dorothy Malloy. auction to buy and sell. Or attending the semi-annual meetings, often bringing a display, or at Ohio Tool meets. They John, a custom homebuilder, and his wife Babe, were long- both loved antiques and tools and always seemed to enjoy time members and friends of the M-WTCA, among their affilia- being on the road. John will be sadly missed, not only by Babe tions, and have been a force in the tool collecting community but all of us that knew him. for many years and to many people. Martin and Kathy Donnel- ly reminisced that “More than 30 years ago, the Kinnemeyer’s The family requested memorials to the Midwest Tool Collec- booth was a regular stopping point for Martin J. Donnelly at tors Scholarship Fund, 14530 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Cambridge M-WTCA.ORGSpring, PA. 16403. Wendell D. ‘Woody’ Vandivier

Wendell D. ‘Woody’ Vandivier passed away Carpenters & Joiners of America. He retired in 1986 after in Indianapolis, In. on January 4, 2014. at 20 years as the Carpenter Apprenticeship Training Program the age of 90. He and his wife Juanita en- Coordinator. He served on the Board of Trustees of Ivy Tech joyed over 55 years of marriage. Community College. He served his country in the U.S. Army He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing cards and col- during WW II, serving in the South Pacific. lecting antique carpentry tools and was a longtime member of the Midwest Tool Collectors Association. Woody was a carpenter by trade and served the profession in various roles at the Local, Regional He is survived by wife, Juanita, two sons, one daughter, eight and National levels with the International Brotherhood of grand daughters and four great grandchildren.

42 The Gristmill What’s It

For more information, larger images, additional photos, more what’s its, and answers, please check out the What’s It page at the M-WTCA web site, go to http://www.mwtca. org/ and then in the Main Menu click on “What’s It”.

Fig. 155-4 8” long:

Answers from the last Gristmill issue:

Fig. 155-1 11 1/2” long

154-1 A grappling hook that was designed to remove objects that were dropped in a well, patent number 435,590.

Fig. 155-2 10” long 154-2. A Dixon leather splitter M-WTCA.ORGframe.

154-3. A piston expander, patent number 2,289,941.

Please email your photos, answers, and comments to: Fig. 155-3 [email protected] 9” long

June 2014 43 M-WTCA.ORG

44 The Gristmill Tool Family Trees Answers by Bob Roger

These tools are all members of a very large family of button-hole cutters. Once the buttons had been selected and their locations on the garment marked, the next step was to cut a slit/hole for the button. Some cutters made only a slit of appropriate length, while others added a small hole at the end of the slit. Buttons have been around for perhaps 5,000 years, so there are many cutters to collect and study. If you are interested in only patented versions, Figure 3. Combination Tool you also have a large assortment to look for. We will look at a just a few of the many styles that have been invented.

Many of the earlier cutters were in the form of a chisel that was either pushed or hammered through the fabric. This style is il- lustrated as the bottom tool in the family pho- to (Figure 1). Three of them are shown in Fig- ure 2. They are often Figure 4. Heavy Duty Cutters Figure 1. Family Photo unmarked and rather expensive. Figure 4 shows three heavy-duty scissor-style cutters. The top cutter is P. Bauer’s Patent # 129,309 issued on July 16, 1872 and manufactured by J. Wiss & Sons. It uses a rotating rest to adjust the cut length and also has the option of adding a hole at the end of the cut. The middle cutter is C. Cutter’s Patent # 60,700 issued on January 1, 1867 and made by him. It uses a screw stop to adjust the cut length. The bottom cutter is H. D. Walcott’s Patent # 9,158 issued on July 27, 1852 and made by Walcott Brothers, Boston. It uses a sliding rest to adjust the cut length. After the patent application was submitted they changed the sliding mechanism to the one shown here. On April 30, 1867 Wal- ter Fitzgerald, also of Boston, was issued Patent # 64,300 for a cutter identical to Walcott’s except that Fitzgerald Figure 2. Chisel-Style Cutters slid the blade instead of the rest.

A version of the chisel designed perhaps for manufactur- Figure 5 shows ing use is shown at top right in the family photo. This le- six scissor-style vered cutter is mounted on a wooden base and has a rotat- cutters, some pat- M-WTCA.ORGented and some ing brass gauge plate beneath the blade. The gauge plate allows the operator to select a plain ½ inch slit or a slit not. Some have plus hole at the end in lengths of ½, ¾, 1, and 1¼ inches. It stops to control is Patent # 43,707 issued on August 2, 1864. cut length, and some rely on man- Another interesting cutter is shown in Figure 3. This is Pat- ual dexterity for ent # 212,481 issued February 18, 1879 to Andrew J. Lytle getting the length and manufactured by P. Lowentraut of Newark, NJ. It is correct. The cut- a combination seam ripper, button-hole cutter, knife, ink ting blades on eraser, and letter opener. When closed it measures only 1½ these six range Figure 5. Scissor-Style Cutters x 1¼ x 1/8 inches. from ¾ to 1¼ inches long.

June 2014 45 M-W TCA Gristmill 1 col. x 5” June 2014

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It mayor may not be marked: AUTO-LITE 1918

Matt Switlik 38 E. Elm Ave Monroe, Michigan 48162 phone: 734-625-0377 email: [email protected]

46 The Gristmill Marketplace

WANTED: Original Hard Rubber or WANTED: Marking or Mortise Gauges Woodenshoe (Dutch) Rare Carving New Plastic Grips for 3/Screw produced by wooden plane makers Tools for Sale. Full set, plus. Marbles Hatchets. Contact: Gail Parks such as Greenfield Tool Co.,H. Chapin, From Americas last master carver 970-667-4359 etc. Jim Fox 407-460-7283, email (Age 88). 262-242-1571 or email [email protected] [email protected]

WANTED: Musical Saws manufactured by Disston with the “MS” letters Looking for Gabriel planes and clearly marked on the saw. Saw must Kenyon saws. Let me know what you be in good enough condition that the have. John Walkowiak 612- 824-0785 “MS” can be easily read. Also looking [email protected] for other Musical Saws made by other manufacturers. Please call Pete Cullum, 319-266-6984 or email me at Wanted: Any hand forged iron tool [email protected]. Mailing (except reaping hooks) marked address is 1027 Columbine Drive, I-CHRIST or D.Christ. Laurent Torno Cedar Falls, Iowa. 50613. 7111 Waterman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63130 [email protected] Tel/Fax 314-721-3911 Looking for a Seneca Falls “ACME” foot powered table saw, also would like drill and/or lathe attachments for Seneca Falls Victor, Empire and Challenge Treadle Jig Saws. Best time Advertising Information 7-9pm. 717-624-2618. ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit June April 10 Full page, 4-color, JUNE 14 IS FLAG DAY September July 10 (when available) $275 900 Join us as we celebrate. December October 10 Full page $180 900 Show your Red/White/Blue Half page $105 450 Kathy Donnelly, Marsha Smith, CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 John Metcalf $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4” wide.) 25 word limit.

NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, COMPUTER WORKER WANTED that will occur during the month of The Gristmill’s publication. For example, an ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue. I would like to find a Member who is very familiar with * For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2” wide X 4 7/8” tall. computer work and has Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be some time to helpM-WTCA.ORG the club charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your throughout the year. I would ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge. like this person to send out mass email notices of all For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and double-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly. our Area Meets. There are about 40 a year. If you have Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertis- the talent and time, please ing will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and contact me for more details. membership application, contact John Walkowiak or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication.

John Walkowiak, Send all ads to: Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding Street Omaha, NE 68164 Membership Chairman phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

June 2014 47 Brown Tool Auctions A Tradition of Excellence

Brown Tool Auctions and The Fine Tool Journal are once again under common ownership and management, and together represent the best way to sell your antique tools, from a few items to an entire collection. Ever since its founding in 1986, Brown Tool Auctions has been the premier auction service for antique tools, consistently realizing the highest prices for the best tools, including the world record set for a single tool at auction of $114,400. We hold three auctions every year at established times and locations that are regularly attended by the most knowledgeable and discriminating tool buyers. Each Brown auction is widely recognized as a major event in the tool collecting world. Our marketing includes a completely redesigned website with improved online bidding and extensive mailings as well as ads in major publications. Our relationship with The Fine Tool Journal, which holds four absentee auctions every year, gives us the capacity to handle entire collections efficiently. If you have antique tools to sell, give us a call. We will be happy to inspect your tools with no cost or obligation to you, and if you decide to consign them we will arrange the pickup M-WTCA.ORGor shipping, and will market them so that you realize the maximum value. Give me a call and let’s talk tools.

Jim Gehring Brown Tool Auctions President, 9325 Dwight Boyer Road Brown Tool Watervliet, MI 49098 Auctions 1-800-248-8114 Fax 269-463-3767 www.finetoolj.com The Tradition Continues

48 The Gristmill