Bailey Tool Co

Home , Antique tool, Block plane, Razee plane

Unbelievable Collection Of Antique Tools from the “Collection Spotlight” Article on page 18 For Those Who Collect, Use and Appreciate Antique Tools

M-WTCA.ORGBAILEY TOOL CO.

Nice Assortment of Bailey Tool Co. Block Planes in the “Block Planes from the 1800s” Article on page 21

December 2016 No. 165 The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No. 165 December 2016

Copyright 2016 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. All rights reserved. THE GRISTMILL Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm | 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson, John Wells Graphic Design: Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. The purpose of the Association is to promote the preservation, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share knowledge and understanding with others, especially where it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions.

President Vice-President of Scholarship Kerry McCalla Mark Eastlick 104 Engle Court, Franklin, TN. 37069-6101 14530 Mount Pleasant Rd., Cambridge Spring, PA. [email protected] (615) 791-6198 16403-9776, [email protected] (814) 734-7818 DEPARTMENTS Vice-President of Elections Treasurer Randy Roeder Vaughn Simmons 536 Greenfield Street N.E., Cedar Rapids, IA. 3315 Clement Dr., Harrisonburg, VA. 22801-4723 Kerry’s Comments ...... 4 52402-1314 [email protected] (540) 432-0617 [email protected] (319) 395-7418 Committee Reports ...... 5 Secretary Vice-President of Meeting Planning Randy Knudsen Larry Thorson 8173 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL. 32221-6630 Area Meetings ...... 8 764 Stonebridge Ave., Onalaska, WI. 54650-8813 [email protected] (904) 781-5479 [email protected] (608) 779-0966 Tool Family Trees ...... 13 Vice-President of Membership John Walkowiak Lest We Forget ...... 17 3452 Humboldt Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN. 55408-3332 What’s It ...... 29 [email protected] (612) 824-0785 www.mwtca.org

Auxiliary ...... 32 Directors Area E Area J Area P Don Snyder, 2017 Jim Price, 2018 James Leamy, 2017 Area A William Cox, 2018 Patrick Renehan, 2018 Obituaries ...... 36 Area K Greg Vetsch, 2017 Robert Terry, 2018 Don Stark, 2019 John Hunziker, 2018 Frank Heinz, 2019 Area L Richard Weymer, 2019 Howard Mironov, 2019 Steve Gosselin, 2017 Area F Area Q Area B William Warner, 2017 Area M Bruce Bogust, 2017 Steve McNulty, 2017 Art Redinger, 2018 Dick Bradshaw, 2017 Area R Don Zoellner, 2018 Erik Horner, 2019 Stephen Edwards, 2018 Bill Gustafson, 2017 Doug Fowler, 2019 FEATURES Area C Area G Preston Sweeney 2018 Mike Stemple, 2017 George Elsass, 2018 Area N Area S Jim Charvat, 2018 Phil Baker, 2017 M-WTCA Distinguished Area H Wordell Davis, 2017 Jim Crammond, 2019 Mike Imel, 2019 Service Award Winner ...... 6 Peter Habicht, 2017 Henry Caudle, 2018 Area D Annette Habicht, 2018 Area O Bill Ruppert, 2017 Dwight Trahin, 2017 Area I A Neighborhood Meeting . . . . . 7 Fred Leu, 2018 Bob Valich, 2018 Emery Goad, 2017 Kelly Cruise, 2019 Steve Crow, 2019 Ken Lee, 2018 J. Flint Backsaws ...... 12 David Hegwood, 2019 Woodruff & McBride 22” Beech Plane Made in Louisville, KY. Committee Chairman Where to Send What Between 1846 and 1850 . . . . . 14 Elections...... Randy Roeder Send changes in your address, phone number Meeting Planning...... Larry Thorson or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone Collection Spotlight ...... 18 Membership...... John Walkowiak (615) 791-6198, E-Mail [email protected] M-WTCA.ORGScholarship...... Mark Eastlick Block Planes from the 1800s . . . . 22 Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone Special Publications...... MIke Urness (586) 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] Brown’s 48th International Antique By-Laws and Policy...... Steve Edwards Tool Auction, at the Abraham What’s It...... Rob Hartmann Pay membership dues for current year: Dues are $25 for USA, $40 for Canada & $60 for Foreign Directory...... Randy Knudsen Lincoln Hotel, Reading, PA . . . . 26 members. Send your check made out to M-WTCA to Preservation & Education..... Doug & Paula Cox Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, 3315 Clement Drive, American Tools Poem ...... 42 Marion Henley Award ...... George Wanamaker Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 phone (540) 432-0617 Displays & Awards ...... Dick Bradshaw E-Mail [email protected]. Please write Internet ...... Russ Allen RENEW and your name and address on your check. Do not use a new member application to renew an Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla existing membership. Scrapbook...... Aaron Hoyle Strategic Planning...... Ed Hobbs Submit materials and advertising information to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spauld- Endowment...... Bob Terry ing Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) is printed by Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark Elman Print, 6210 South 118th Street, Omaha, Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge NE 68137 phone 402.346.0888 Spring, Penn. 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818 2 The Gristmill 2017 M-WTCA Area Meetings Area P Jan. 28, York, PA. Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Area Q Jan. 28, Hillsborough, NC. Tom Konsler, (919) 967-9550, [email protected] Area F Jan. 28, Nappanee, IN. Bill Warner, (574) 773-3228, [email protected] M-WTCA Area K,M,N & Q Feb 3-4, Madison, GA. National Meetings Steve Edwards (205) 914-5760, [email protected] Area A Spring 2017 Feb. 11, Medina MN. June 14-17, 2017, Springfield, IL. Howard Mironov, (651) 698-9431, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Area B Fall 2017 Feb. 26, St Francis, WI. Sept. 27 - 30, 2017, Memphis, TN. Gary Kane (608) 516-1250, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Area F Spring 2018 March 11-12, McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer, IN. June 13-16, 2018 Causeway Bay Hotel, Lansing MI. Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Area D Fall 2018 April 2, Omaha, NE. Sept. 26-29 2018, Marriott, Cedar Rapids, IA. Fred Leu (402) 690-0402, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Area E April 9, Loves Park, IL. Gary Johnson (815) 494-3219 Area S April 22, Virgilina, VA. Henry Caudle, (434) 585-2573 or Vaughn Simmons, [email protected] Area E April 23, Macomb, IL. George Wanamaker (309) 836-6872, [email protected] Area D May 7, Humboldt, IA. LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] M-W Area A M-WTCA.ORGMay 20, Hastings, MN. For Those Who Collect, Use and Appreciate Antique Tools Greg Vetsch, (612) 743-3697, [email protected]\ Area E August 6, Garfield Farm Museum, LaFox, IL. George Cella (630) 377-3646, [email protected] Area D October 15, Omaha, NE. Fred Leu (402) 690-0402, [email protected]

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

December 2016 3 KERRY’S

COMMENTS learning about the tools. We would not spend the time and From President money and energy doing this if it were not fun. I do not Kerry McCalla want to preach to the choir, but if there are little irritations along the way, let us get over them and get on with the fun. A significant component to the fun, is forming friendships with fellow collectors. We look forward to gathering with We just got back from the Louisville meeting where we friends twice a year to catch up and swap stories. I often were treated to great weather for the tailgating in the park- tell my non-tool collecting friends that we started coming ing lot. There were interesting programs, some fantastic to Mid-West Tool meetings because of the tools, but we displays, a few irresistible tools that had to come home have been coming back for all these years because of the with us and a congenial gathering of old friends that we people. always look forward to being with. Thanks to Catherine Trahin and Larry Thorson, our hosts, and all of their help- The second thing I have learned over the years is that the ers that made this meeting happen. “life blood” of Mid-West Tool is new members. We lose about 400 members every year – people who, for one rea- As you can see from the letterhead there has been a few son or another, do not send in their renewal (even after changes in the leadership of M-WTCA. LeRoy Witzel, after several reminders). That is not shocking for an organiza- serving three years, has stepped down as your President. tion of our type and size, but it is significant. What allows He has left very large shoes to fill as he calmly guided our us to grow is that we are bringing in about 500 new mem- organization with grace and class. Thank you LeRoy. An- bers every year. That is why we are growing. Each of us other officer that has stepped down this year is Hollis Fees- is responsible for spreading the word, so carry an appli- er, our VP of Elections. Hollis has served this organization cation or two with you whenever you go out. You never in that capacity since 2011, rounding up and arm twisting know who you might run into. fellow collectors to represent their area as Director. Thank you Hollis. The new VP of Elections is Randy Roeder. The third thing I have learned is that we are a volunteer run organization. Except for the treasurer, the meeting For those of you who may not know me, I have been a planner and the Gristmill Editor (who could make more member of M-WTCA for over 40 years (just a kid when working at McDonalds), we are all volunteers, so join us. I joined) and surprisingly have personally known every When you see something that needs to be done or some- president the organization has ever had. We have seen one asks you to lend a hand, say “yes”. Many hands make some excellent examples of leadership. Here is some of light work and they also make for a great and dynamic what I have learned over the years. organization.

First and foremost, it has to be fun. This is a hobby for I am honored and humbled to be your 20th president, but most of us. We love the hunt, we love the find and we love I can not do it all. Let us work together. M-WTCA.ORG Thank You From Outgoing VP of Elections by Hollis Feeser

This will be my last article as the VP of Elections. To all candidates to open seats and looking ahead to the next the members of M-WTCA a big thank you for your patience, years openings and candidates. It has been a good run and support, encouragement, and understanding over these now you will have the privilege of Randy Roeder as the past few years. It has been a privilege to work in a rather VP of Elections, picking up where I have left off. A hearty behind the scene atmosphere in keeping track of Director thank you to all. openings, encouraging prospective candidates, appointing

4 The Gristmill COMMITTEE REPORTS New Members for 2016 by Vaughn Simmons

The M-WTCA membership count is calculated at the end with 18. Area meetings continue to bring in new members of the national fall meeting. On October 8, 2016, the total with the Medina meeting adding 18. Other new members membership was 3,776, up 131 or 3.6% from 2015. We had joined at St. Francis, Raleigh, the Peach Meet, Loves Park, 509 new members and 52 returning members who were Hastings, Milton, Omaha, Humboldt and Ottawa. not members in 2015. Joining through our website continues to be popular, with 59% of the new members using that There were 17 of our new members who received gift alternative. memberships from friends, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and in-laws. There were 106 members and seven business supporters listed as “Recommended By” on 168 of the new member Thanks to everyone on the list for your recruiting effort applications. There were 14 members who had two or and all the others who hand out membership applications more mentions with Chris Swartz being the lead recruiter and run Area meetings that result in new members.

Jameel Abraham Bill Cox Dennis Hiorns Gerald Miels Don Snyder Don Wilwol Dave Adcock Doug Cox Ed Hobbs Barton Moyers Don Stark Royce Winge Brian Agnew John Davis Atlee J. Hochstetler Fred Mueller Fred Steele Leroy Witzel Paul Aken Rob Delwiche Slav Jelesijevich Tim Nowicki John Stock Susan Witzel Bill Anderson James D. Dove Michael Jenkins Ken Ochs Tom Sweeney Steve Wood Marv Bales Richard Drake Kevin Kenny John Peterson Joe Tank Bob Wooten Rafael Barajas Cleo Dye Andy Kerr Hans Porcher Gary Taylor James Ziegler Rob Bernard Reg Eaton Roger & Shirley Mike Ra Marje Treff Carl Bilderback Stephen Edwards Kirchner Robert Reinbrecht Roy Underhill Anarchist Tool Chest Jim Bode Jim Escher Tom Konsler Pat Riley Carl Underwood Charlotte Woodworkers Randy Bohn Ray Fenley Matt Kujawa Russ Runge Catherine Underwood Assn. William Boltz Robbie Field Brian Lants Larry Saupe Greg Vetsch Killinger Blades Scott Bowman Doug Fowler Patrick Leach Chris Schwarz Bob Vila Mortise & Tenon Don Boyer Dan Gaier Ed Lebetkin Alan Schwabacher Lee Walker Magazine Larry Breweur Del Galofaro J. Kenneth Lee Jack Sciara John Walkowiak Sawmill Creek Steve Bruder Clarence Gibbs Frederick Leu Jim Shald Bill Warner Time Tested Tools David Cackowski Tom Graham Mark Lien Calvin Shewmaker Mark Webb Unplugged Woodworkers Jim Carpenter Lee Guyer Ralph Luck Mike Siemsen Darren WesterLund Jim Clausen Wayne Hammer Dan Ludwig, Sr. Vaughn Simmons Tim Williams Brian Coe Gerald Henze Jim Mastain Roger Smith Todd Wilson

Scholarship Applications Available by Mark Eastlick, VP of Scholarships

Applications for the Mid-West Tool Collector As- appreciate their help and we thank them for their kindness sociation scholarshipsM-WTCA.ORG are now available by con- in helping achieve our goal. tacting the committee chairman, Mark Eastlick, As our members will soon be renewing their memberships, either by email or calling him directly. please consider an additional gift designated for the scholarship fund. Each year we receive many outstanding appli- The scholarships are awarded to current high school seniors cations from highly talented students that do not receive or undergraduate students currently enrolled in college. awards by just missing out in the rankings. By donating to Specific information about the scholarships can be found in the scholarship fund, we might be able to help one or two your M-WTCA directory. We award six scholarships, how- more deserving students. If a direct donation is not possible ever through the generosity of our members, for the last two at this time, a gift to M-WTCA in your will can be made as a years we have awarded two additional scholarships. legacy endowment. Your generous help will go a long way for so many. At the recent Louisville meeting, the M-WTCA women’s auxiliary donated $1,500 to our scholarship fund. We deeply

December 2016 5 COMMITTEE REPORTS Submitting Articles to The Gristmill – Revised Process by Ed Hobbs, Chairman Strategic Planning

The Board of Directors at the Fall, 2016 semi-annual meet- Allowing M-WTCA to put your article or part of it on our ing has approved additional options for authors submitting website provides a broader readership, helps generate in- technical articles to The Gristmill relating to putting them terest in becoming a member and fosters the purpose of on our website. (Technical articles are those about tools M-WTCA. and related items that will be of interest to collectors, re- searchers and historians.) Since all of these options only grant M-WTCA a non-exclusive right to use your article, the copyright remains your Prior to these changes, the author could either allow a one- property and you may grant similar non-exclusive rights of time only use of an article in The Gristmill in hard copy use to other publishers. form or allow M-WTCA to put it on our website 12 months after it appeared in The Gristmill. Now authors have op- If you have submitted an article in the past and did not tions to allow M-WTCA to put it on our website immedi- allow M-WTCA to post it on our website or wanted a 12 ately or after four months. All other items still apply. We month delay, you can change that at any time by completing highly encourage this option. the Permission to Publish form.

M-WTCA Distinguished Award Winner by Kerry McCalla, Chairman Awards Committee

At the Saturday night banquet at our national meeting in Back in the early 1980s, Ed was a key player in the Mid At- Louisville, we recognized the outstanding contribution of lantic Tool Collectors Association, recruiting members up one of our members with a Distinguished Service Award. and down the east coast. He eventually became President of MATCA and set up the pattern of four annual area meet- Being President of any organization is such a pub- ings in the state of North Carolina that still exists today. He lic job that sometimes it overshadows the other and Kathy have hosted one of those area meetings at their accomplishments an individual has had leading farm near Raleigh for the last 29 years. By the early 1990s it became clear that it would be to everyone’s benefit if the up to this top position. Such is the case with our two organizations were combined and in 1994, MATCA was award winner, Ed Hobbs. Yes, Ed served as Presi- brought into M-WTCA as Area Q. dent of M-WTCA from 2008 to 2010, but there was much more before that and beyond. From that point on, Ed served as a Director of Area Q, he hosted a national meeting in Winston-Salem in 2002 and served as the first VP of Membership, focusing on how to continue to attract new members and grow the M-WTCA.ORGorganization. Ed has also been active in the Preservation and Education field, assisting with the restoration of Yates Mill, helping build an 1850s workbench for the Thomas Day House and setting up tool displays for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenley, NC.

Most recently, Ed has chaired the Strategic Planning Team that has looked at all aspects of M-WTCA, to make sure that we remain a strong and relevant organization going forward. Ed Hobbs cares passionately about this organization and has worked tirelessly to promote it. He was recognized for these efforts at the Louisville meeting.

6 The Gristmill A Neighborhood Meeting by Kerry McCalla

It all started when we were attending the Peach Meet in Madi- Colonial Williamsburg. Joe Tank won the “prize” for identifying son, GA. back in February. I was wandering around the room a metal spoon shaped device with a rosewood tipped handle in looking at tools and I ran into a guy from Franklin, TN. (my a custom leather case as a cheese plugger or cheese sampler. hometown) who I do not even know. He told me he came to this meeting with another member who is from Brentwood, the adjacent town. Right then and there I decided we needed to do something about that.

So I got all of the names and email addresses for Mid-West Tool members living within an hour of Franklin, TN. It turns out there are 28 members. I picked a Saturday in September and invited all of them to my house for an informal tool meeting. Bring tools to sell or trade, bring a “show and tell” and Bill Blandon (left) passes out another amazing hand Brian Bancroft “shows and tells” bring a “what’s it”. There were 15 members who responded, plane while Don Boyer (middle) shares some history about one of his early saws. 12 members showed up – we had coffee and donuts and con- of the manufacturer. Joe Tank (right) listens. versations galore. Several of them said they were planning to Before we left, we decided it was so much fun that we found do the same thing but I had just beat them to it. a host, a site and an approximate date for our next gathering after the holidays. After some buying and swapping, we adjourned to my tool room for a look at my collection. We then settled into the living room National meetings are great. Local meetings are the life blood for “show and tell” and “what’s it”. Bill Blandon brought some of the organization, but even an informal neighborhood gath- amazing planes to pass around the room and Don Boyer pro- ering can be lots of fun for the cost of a couple pots of coffee vided some background and history on these rare specimens. and a few donuts. I recommend you give it a try. Then Brian Bancroft (who claims he is not a collector) showed us a dozen eye popping handsaws and a brief primer on how If you need a list of the members in your state for just this to date them and how to restore them. I told the story of a gun- purpose, send me an email ([email protected]) and I smith plane from my collection that will eventually end up at will get them to you.

Stanlev Tool Collectors Exhibit "Celebrating over 170 years of Excellence"

Dear Fellow Tool Collectors,

My name is Preston Sweeney. I am coordinating a Stanley ruary 4th. Once I have a list of participants, I will be sending Tool Collectors Exhibit that will be hosted, in partnership, out an agenda and local hotel information for those who with the Northeastern Woodworking Association Show- will need accommodations. If you have any questions, please case. The event will be held on April 1st & 2nd, 2017 from do not hesitate to contact me. 10am-5pm, at the Saratoga Springs City Center located in Saratoga Springs, New York. ***Please note: The NWA Association has graciously donated the space for our displays. Items are shown as display only The Northeastern WoodworkingM-WTCA.ORG Showcase has been an and cannot be labeled “for sale”. area attraction for the past 25 years. The show highlights beautiful displays of furniture, turnings, woodcrafts and vendors. This year, one of the attractions will be a tribute Sincerely, to the Stanley Tool Company, highlighting over 170 years of excellence.

I am extending an invitation and asking you to consider dis- playing items from your collection that will showcase the Stanley Tool Company over the past 170 years. Preston Sweeney, Event Coordinator 95 Pruyn Hill Road If you are interested in participating in this event, please Mechanicville, NY. 12118 contact me by phone (518)269-8568 or email psweene9@ Phone: 518-269-8568 gmail.com. I would like to have a list of participants by Feb- Email: [email protected]

December 2016 7 AREA MEETINGS

Madison, Georgia 22nd Annual Peach Meet by Steve Edwards

The 22nd annual M-WTCA Peach Meet was held at the videos of the various tailgating activities and put them on Madison, Georgia Lions Club building from Thursday, Feb- YouTube. We got several inquiries as a result of these You- ruary 4th through Saturday, February 6th, 2016. The Peach Tube postings. Attendance by several first time attendees Meet is a combined M-WTCA Areas meeting of Areas K, M, and new members at tailgating added to the overall excite- N, and Q, which has been held in Madison, Georgia for the ment of the first day of the Peach Meet. The tables were past 22 years. Each year the Peach Meet is anticipated by delivered that morning and with the help of many volun- those who have attended in the past and is enjoyed by all teers, everything was set up in the Trade Room by 12:00 who attend. This was my second year to serve as the host PM. The Trade Room opened at 1:00 PM for set up and of the Peach Meet. trading, while tailgating continued in the parking lot. All Thursday activities ended at 5:00 PM. There was a larger attendance on Thursday for tailgating than there has been, as the weather cooperated with us Friday morning the trade room opened at 6:00 AM to allow this year. Tailgating started around daybreak and by 9:00 members to bring tools in to set up their trade table and/or AM activities were going full swing. Ed Hobbs made some set up a display. However, trading did not start until 7:00 AM. Later that morning at 10:30 AM, I held a short business meeting. The host welcomed everyone and recognized our 7Y:!\ current and past Presidents, and Area Directors who were in attendance. Announcements were made concerning upcoming meetings and events, and then comments were made by myself acknowledging the team effort needed to conduct a successful meeting. I recognized and thanked those who were assisting me in putting together the meeting. This year’s team assisting in the Peach Meet consisted of Doug Fowler, Dick Bradshaw, Marsha Smith, Susan Witzel, Doris Hardy, Harriet Baker, John Kesterson, Wayne Thompson, Jane and Jim Locklin, and Linda Christensen.

Each year at the Peach Meet there has been several excellent displays, and this year we had five outstanding displays. Kerry McCalla was awarded the first place prize of $50 for his display, “Edward Preston & Sons LTD, 1825 M-WTCA.ORG

8 The Gristmill AREA MEETINGS

Kerry McCalla Display

Phil Baker Display you, that one never knows what treasure will turn up at the Peach Meet. Phil’s presentation was well received and there was good participation from the members in attendance.

After the presentation ended, the catered lunch was set up and served at noon. Annette Eaton (a local Madison Jim Fox Display caterer) and her staff once again provided lots of good old home cooking, Southern style. The lunch was enjoyed by to 1932”. The second place prize of $25 was awarded to all, and there was enough food for second and third help- Jim Fox for his display, “Ohio Tool Company Prototype”, ings. Trading resumed at 1:00 PM and ended at 5:00 PM. and Phil Baker was awarded the third place prize of $15 for his display entitled, “Introduction to Backsaw Collect- The doors opened at 7:00 AM Saturday morning for the ing”. Recognition of the other displays certainly needs to final day of the Peach Meet. Total attendance for the meet- be given in grateful appreciation of the member’s efforts ing was 132 members and there was a total of 66 trade to share information and support continuing education. tables set up. The meet continues to be well received each Honorable mention goes to Chuck Hegedus – “The Lighter year and has been instrumental in attracting new mem- Side of Blacksmithing”, and to Dick Bradshaw - “Assorted bers. During the show this year, we were able to sign up Plumb Bobs”. Chuck Hegedus had a wonderful display of seven new members. The meet ended at 12:00 noon and a 13 small anvils featuring a Fisher “Southern Anvil” with great time was had by all that attended. no eagle. The Peach Meet continues to be a great way to start off the Phil Baker made a presentation on “Introduction to Back New Year. It is a Meet where new acquaintances are made Saw Collecting” at 11:00 AM. During the presentation as and old friendships are enjoyed. There has always been a Phil was commenting on a very rare back saw he had wide variety of tools at the Peach Meet to view and trade, brought, he mentioned that he had acquired another ex- and a wealth of knowledge from which to have a better ample during tailgating the day before. Just goes to show understanding of the early tools. .,~,~~ ~. ~~....- ]ht( ·~ ~ ,..,. . ,; ~ ,I ' :/_" i \ -<~11------, Notice to all members attending the Peach M-WTCA.ORG~ .... TC\ ( Meet next year. Next year’s Peach Meet will Srudyin!!. l'rcscrYin!!. 1111d Slu1rim: be held for two days on February 3rd - 4th, 2017. The meet will start on Friday with tailgating and the same schedule for the rest of the first day as we have had in the past on Thursday. Saturday’s schedule will be from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, similar to what we did on Friday previously. Ya’ll make plans and come to see us.

Phil Baker Presentation

December 2016 9 Response to June Gristmill Article THE STORY OF THE PLANE A block by Dave Heckel & The modern Plane is the product of Evolution. to vary the thickness of the shaving. In this short story you can follow the stages of connected to a threaded screw held in a square Bill Kolm improvement and realize what man has accom pocket was intended to regulate the shaving. plished through the centuries. We must go to the very beginning of civiliza tion, as our present day Plane has evolved from Past President and the Chisel. The Chisel in its earliest form was former Gristmill Editor nothing more than a stone sharpened at one end. Tools of this kind have been discovered in use Dave Heckel responded as far back as 4(X)() B.C. Figure 4. to this editors request It is probable that the Hebrews developed the ~ on page 32 of the first Plane as they have been credited with the A patent was awarded to L. Sanford in 1844 for a longitudinal adjustment of the Plane. Fig. 5. June Gristmill issue on placing of a sharp stone through a block of wood made smooth on the bottom. The stone was the Evolution of the held by a wedge. Fig. 1. Plane story taken from the 1925 issue of the Industrial Arts Magazine. I was looking for a copy of the ‘Story of the Plane’ Figure 6. from the Stanley Works. In 1854 a patent was issued to W. S. Lough Dave’s comments are: of fastening the known to the Hebrews borough for an improved method Later metal became first important departure from the which they substituted for the sharp stone. cutter. The Here are the scans for age old method of fastening the cutter by wedge. The Romans u ed a Plane about SO A.D., which Fig. 6. the Story of the Plane had an open mouth to allow shavings to come that you are looking out. This was the first Plane to have this feature. for. This was probably In the ruins of Pompeii (about 79 A.D.) a circa 1919 right before Plane of this type was discovered. Very little improvement was made in the Plane Figure 6. the Sweetheart Era. The until the early part of 1700, when an iron was To Leonard Bailey is due more credit than to story was printed on an placed in front of the cutter which served to any other person for improving the Plane to its onionskin like paper that break the chips or curl the shavings. This with present day usefulness. A out question was an important advancement. ed to him in 1858. was used by an Industrial handle was added. Fig. 2. The fi rst patent was award little later a convenient This invention was on a wooden bottom Plane Arts teacher to make having a cammed lever for fastening the cutter. copies from. Fig. 7.

This type of Plane was used for many years and we know of the manufacture of such a Plane in the United States in 1828. The first invention of importance occurred in 1827 and was made by H. Knowles. His patent was a Plane of cast iron. This Plane had the advantage of lightness, no warping, a true work Figure 7. ing M-WTCA.ORGsurface and less wear on the sole. It also In 1867 an important improvement was made used the old method of fastening the cutter by by Leonard Bailey in his invention of the longi the wooden wedge. Fig. 3. tudinal adjustment. Fig. 8.

In 1843 a patent was issued to W . Foster for an improvement on the Knowles cast iron Plane. This was an attempt to provide an adjustment Figure 8.

10 The Gristmill The adjusting nut was iu the vertical position A further improvement was made by J. A. Lut was soon changed to the horizontal position. Traut who was associated with the Stanley Rule Soon after he invented a Plane with an iron & Level Company. In 1888 he was awarded a body and an iron adjustable cutter seat or frog patent for the lateral adjustment of the Plane which supported the thin steel cutter. cutter. Fig. 11. At this time he was engaged in the manufacture of Planes on a small scale in Boston, Massa chusetts, but in 1869 sold out his business and practically all his inventions to the Stanley Rule & Level Company of New Britain, Connecticut. He was thereafter employed by them as the head of their Plane Department. A great number of inventions for new devices on Planes appeared the latter part of 1800 but although they are more or less important in showing the development of the Plane none were Another improvement was the invention of the of a permanent nature. two step paralleled seating of the frog in 1902, Bailey's claim to distinction was that he saw by H . Richards, also associated with the Stanley clearly the desirability of a thin steel cutter of Rule & Level Company. Fig. 12. uniform thickness, which could be kept in con dition by honing only and whose original bevel could therefore be more easily maintained. He was the first man to invent a Plane in which such a cutter could be used to advantage. His inven tions while few in number were of practical value and are still to be found in the Plane that bears his name. In 1871 a patent was issued to G. A. Warren for improvements of the Plane. The particular feature as stated in his patent was a lateral adjustment of the cutter by means of a circular knurled thumb nut and eccentric plate. Hii; patent was later acquired by the Stanley Rule & Level

~mpony, ~ ct; Figure 12. The last major progress in the construction of the Stanley Bailey Plane was made by an em ployee of the same company, E. A. Schade, in 1910. His patent was an improved bearing on the Figure 9. bottom end of the frog which gave added strength to the frog base and prevented the slightest The most important features of Mr. Warren's Plane were not even mentioned in the specifica movement. tions of his patent. This was the first Plane to The most recent improvement in the Plane was have correct balance, due to the proper placing the enlarging of the adjusting nut facilitating the of the cutter, and the knob, and the proper shap adjustment of the cutter. ing of the handle. How accurately he satisfied Another valuable addition is in having the knob the requirements of beauty and design and ease fitted into an embossed ring in the casting which in handling is shown by the fact that the general acts as a ferrule on the base of the Plane knob. design is followed today in the Stanley Bailey This is the story of the evolution of one of Plane. the most important tools for woodworking of our Another feature of Mr. Warren's Plane was present day, the Stanley Bailey Plane. the use of a separable frog. Fig. 10. It is not the invention of any one man but is a combination of the best features of many in ventions of many men. It is a good example of that great Universal Law that applies to the M-WTCA.ORGmechanical as well as the natural world and decrees that only what is best and fittest shall survive.

Figure 10.

tHE~5TANLEY,RUCE & l'EVEL_p,LANT. : THE STAN LEV' WORKS - . NEW BRITAIN • . CONN. U.S.A.

December 2016 11 J. Flint Backsaws (Follow-up to Phil Baker’s June 2016 Article) by Rob Paul

Phil Baker’s article on Joseph Flint backsaws (Gristmill Flint’s Canadian saw factory was established in 1855 in St Catherines, June 2016) asks if Flint stopped making backsaws after and also produced backsaws. When 1867. The answer is “no”. Flint sold this factory to his former manager R H Smith in 1870, Smith Evidence that he continued to pro- were all listed as being available in continued to produce these back- duce backsaws is shown in his 1873 six sizes, from 8” to 18”. The illustra- saws for several years, still stamping Illustrated Price List for his Roch- tions all show closed handles (with the backs with “J Flint” and using ester Saw Works, which lists three hooks and lamb’s tongues), but it Flint medallions, but adding a blade backsaw models available; extra is likely that Flint followed conven- etch stating “R H Smith, successor to spring steel with polished brass tion, and used open handles on small J Flint”. The R H Smith Co Limited back, extra cast steel with a pol- saws of 10” or less (as is shown in Illustrated Catalogue (estimated ished steel back, and cast steel with Phil’s saw collection). publishing date of late 1890-1900), a blued back. These three models still shows three backsaw models, and still shows handles with the ILLU TflATED l'IW,E L I 7: same hooks and lamb’s tongues on

No. 13. No. 16, both a brass back and a steel back model, with only the cheapest steel back model losing these design em- bellishments.

R. IJ. SJII TJI OQ., l,lmitcd. No. 1-1 . No. 17. Silver Steel Back Saws.

No. 16. ,,.••lll,\11.cll"··· • 10 1f. 11 it 18 m Pri...,r,ardo __ ,r30ll 13 0. 1100 ltOO !IIIO !100 .•oo

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IA•gtl1,lael, .. . 8 ID Ii 14 It 18 to Prioa.J>Hd<1HD IUM lll!IO 18M 9050 UIO •OO .,_.00 ILLUSTRATED PRIOE LIST. 41

NQ, 8 -'lf-•lod Eu,. II .._,_ l!l.lnr SIMI; U.U. llo.ek: l!uW: StJtct-ld DIMlft: iiHG.. 1 (lr,(l•llt J . FLINT'S EXTRA SPRING STEEL, J . FLINT'S CAST STEEL GRAFTING SAW, 8-,rt, RudM; r..tltliod: n,_ llrul &,ru-. 0.. ,._.....,. T"- n- IIKk So• ...i.. PATENT GROUND. IA.11Jllt,ill1rdQW11 .. • ..•• fl;QO 1100 HOO ~1)1) 2800 11'4 N o. 13. Brr.11 blck; I raised ~I ri•eia. lllf;hl1 ftoW.ed1 br&U b&ck-Warnmeft H US II 8 IO 11 14 18 M-WTCA.ORG18 inclL OD '"7 00 119 10 12$ 00 PG 00 f.28 00 '81 00 184 00 per duseo J . FLINT'S GENTS HALF BAOK SAW, SPRING STEEL. J, FLINT'S EXTRA CAST STEEL, PATENT GROUND. No 1'7. Poll,lltd &eel Bac.1c.-Warrutcd. The backsaw pictured above and to the right have No. 14, II 18 IO Inch. the back stamped “J Flint, St Catharines”, a “J Flint, Polidled Steel Bac•- Warrantad. til ?O pi &'I $2-7 '?ti per dona. ' 10 Jt 1'41 ioch Superior” medallion, and a faint partial “R H Smith, tt 75 18 00 ttl COMPASS SAW, FANCY HANDLE. successor to J Flint, No.8 “ etch. No. !l2. J. FLINTS CAST STEEL, PATENT 10 II II 18 1neh. GROUND. "hO t-5'15 .. 00 p,ar doun. No. ltt "'"° COMMON HANDLE. 18 incb. 10 L!I 18 locb. P9 00 p,udo~■ ~ 14 "'15 pe.r oien...

12 The Gristmill by Bob Roger TOOL FAMILY TREES

Answer on page 30

Shown here are seven members of a large family of tools that was very popular during the Victorian era. The functions they represent continueM-WTCA.ORG to be performed today. You should have no problem guessing the family to which they belong, but can you figure out why they all belong to a specific subset of the larger family? Also try putting them in order of their age, from oldest to youngest.

December 2016 13 Woodruff & McBride 22” Beech Plane Made in Louisville, KY. Between 1846 and 1850 by Todd Shingleton

I bought this nice, locally made 22” beech joint- Louisville, KY. is situated on the Ohio River at a place er plane along with other tools and an old chest known as the Falls of the Ohio, a major obstacle for early river navigators. Boats would often need to be unloaded from a fellow member. Locally made means it and ported around the falls. By 1779, a city was being was made right here in Louisville, KY. With the mapped out and settled to serve this choke point in the M-WTCA fall 2016 meeting being held in Lou- flow of commerce to points south. As the town grew, it isville, I thought I would share my research on became the next destination down river from Cincinnati, the plane, its makers, and sprinkle in some his- OH. for tradesmen migrating down river to find their for- tune. tory of our fair city. Many joiners, turners, carpenters, toolmakers, and other This plane has been well used showing beautiful signs tradesmen from the northeastern cities washed up on of wear and tear, even soft indentations from fingers and Louisville’s Ohio River shore. Our hero, A. McBride, was thumbs. I collect my tools to use and this plane cleaned born in Butler County, PA. (near Pittsburg) and migrated and sharpened up with just a wipe down and a hone. to Louisville around 1844 where he succeeded in busi- At first, I misread the maker’s mark, thinking it was ness, even passing it down to his sons. A. McBride as I have seen before. When my research Alexander S. Woodruff announced the opening of his showed that McBride was once in partnership with a Mr. hardware store in 1844 and advertised as Alex. S. or Al- Woodruff, I realized the mark was Woodruff & McBride exander Woodruff through December 1845. In January but Woodruff’s name had been beaten off by someone 1846, the first ad for Woodruff and McBride appeared. whacking the toe to loosen the wedge. Given that both Even though the ads read Woodruff & McBride, it took names are listed, the plane dates from January 1846 to more than a year to replace the classified ad artwork, July 1850. I like to fantasize that this was A. McBride’s showing a large wooden plane with the initials A.S.W., personal plane and that he took pleasure from beating to just a large plane without Woodruff’s initials or no art- Woodruff’s name into oblivion. work at all.

I can be fairly sure of the dates, even down to the month, A classified ad for Woodruff &McBride in the Novem- as my research material comes from Louisville Free Pub- ber 17, 1847 Louisville Morning Courier reads “Louisville lic Library’s online newspaper collection of the Louis- Plane Factory - We have a fine assortment of planes on ville Courier Journal (1830-1922). Tensions between the partners are strangely evident even in their classified ads from that time.

M-WTCA.ORG

14 The Gristmill hand of our own make, warranted as good and cheap as made of box wood, mounted with silver, and finished in any to be had in the West, wholesale and retail. No. 53 the most elegant substantial style. The plane had been Third St near Main, Sign of the Big Plane”. You read that made for the collection of Mr. E. E. Williams. How I right, at that time, Louisville was still the West. would love to run across that plane at a flea market.

In December, 1847, an editorial article in the Louisville Louisville has always had a rough and tumble reputation. Morning Courier told how Woodruff & McBride had been Thomas Ashe wrote in 1806 that Louisville “inhabitants for some time extensively engaged in the manufacture of are universally addicted to gambling and drinking. The mechanics’ tools. The writer spoke of a carpenters plow, billiard rooms are crowded from morning to night, and often all night through.”

Something came to a head between the partners in July of 1850 with A. McBride coming out on top. A notice in the July 6th edi- tion of Louisville Morning Courier announces the “dissolution of the co-partnership here-to-fore existing under the firm of oodruffW & McBride by mutual consent. A. McBride is authorized to settle the business of the concern.”

It is interesting how Woodruff’s fall into oblivion is documented through the classifieds. Six months after the dissolution in January 1851, he runs ads for a hardware business at his old address on Pearl Street. In February of that year, he announces a clearance as he is moving east. He continues to advertise through October but an October 8 notice for an assignee’s sale is the last we hear of Alexan- der S. Woodruff. I speculate that gambling debts or alcohol or poor health or all three got the better of him. Alexander McBride ended up with the spoils and continued the very successful business under the name of A. McBride.

A classified ad on July 17, 1850 M-WTCA.ORGannounces succession of Wood- ruff & McBride to A. McBride still doing business at “No. 53 Third Street, sign of the Big Plane, Deal- er in Hardware, Cutlery, Mechan- ics’ and Farmers’ tools of every description and Manufacturer of superior Planes”.

The Daily Courier mentions A. McBride a few times outside of the classified ads. On October 10,

December 2016 15 1855 they report him entering and receiving awards for a the doctor who was still away so he went to the bar- set of edge tools and a set of planes in The Southwestern ber shop and called for a bath. He was in the bath for a Fair. On September 16, 1857 he is mentioned as having couple of hours. They checked on him once and it looked won a silver medal for his carpenter tools from the Ken- like he was just sitting there. Another worker happened tucky Mechanics’ Institute. to notice through a skylight that he was face down in the bath water dead. The Daily Courier took care of their advertiser as well, writing in September 1859 that “Those ‘Gyroscope Tops’, The story ends telling that Mr. McBride was born in But- for sale by A. McBride, are really great curiosities, every ler County, Pennsylvania, and came to this city over 30 boy in town ought to have one,” and in 1866 that “Ev- years ago. For 29 years he had been a hardware merchant ery housekeeper should call A. McBride’s, No. 73 Third in this city, and was known as a thrifty, well to do busi- Street to see Cram’s Washing Machine, which washes ness man; temperate in his habits and upright in his deal- clothes perfectly clean without injury to the fabric.” ings, well known and well respected in the community.

Also in September 1859, the Daily Courier did a feature A. McBride’s hardware business continued under his of some kind titled Louisville Manufacturers - Edge Tools sons who advertised frequently as A. McBride’s Sons. and Planes. In this article, three Louisville plane makers Under the large banner HARDWARE they mention locks, were profiled that do an annual business of $15,000 em- knobs, hinges, files, vises, & c. ploying about 20 hands. The story also brags about the quantity and quality of beech in forests adjacent to Lou- Finally in October 1881, an ad appears for an Assignee’s isville which is a material they lack and must import in Sale and Auction of A. McBride’s Sons’ large and well- the East. assorted stock of hardware. A good assortment of mechanics’ tools and other fresh goods having recently been Manufactured are all sizes and superior quality carpen- purchased for the Louisville and Southern trade. ters’ and coopers’ planes. Mentioned is competition from Eastern prison manufactured work which has been, and From the last mention of the plane factory in 1859 to his is still, largely imported here and for sale by large hard- death in 1874, it is hard to tell how many planes A. Mc- ware houses. Local carpenters and coopers prefer the Bride must have turned out. However, the competition city manufactured product on account of the superior mentioned in the 1859 article from tools manufactured wood of which planes are made. by prisoners in eastern cities, the demand that the three Louisville manufacturers could never hope to meet, and Louisville products exceed in quality but can not meet the impact of the Industrial Revolution in general would the unfailing and immense quantity needs. Two factories, have made manufacturing less profitable than just sell- W. L. Epperson and T.H. Atkinson are on a small scale. ing gyroscope tops, washing machines, and probably im- The large hydraulic foundry of A. McBride, though turn- ported tools. ing out numberless planes still can not meet the demand.

The factory of A. McBride is about ten miles from the city, where, upon a large tract of beech timber lands, he saws the wood which his tract produces, and makes the About the author: Todd Shingleton is a researcher and splendid planes which he sells to the city trade. practitioner of traditional woodcraft in Louisville, KY. PROBABLY DROWNED: Sudden and Singular Death of His interest in the use and collection of antique tools be- Mr. Alexander McBride Courier-Journal July 19, 1874; gan at an early age and keeps getting stronger with each M-WTCA.ORGpassing year. A story with this singular title, reminding me of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, tells how Mr. Alexander McBride, an old and respectable citizen and prominent hardware merchant on Third Street, died suddenly in a bathroom at Spradling’s barber shop. It told in detail how Mr. McBride had gone to his store as normal but com- plained to one of his sons that he was suffering slightly with gravel (kidney stones), with which he has for some time been afflicted. It goes on to say he went to his doctor who was away, came back to the store then back to

16 The Gristmill The H. Goldblatt Tool Company has been in business since 1885, making ma- Lest We sonry, cement, tile, and wallboard tools. Goldblatt began advertising in the monthly journal of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers’ International Union of America at least as early as 1910, and continued advertising there through Forget 1917. From January 1914 thru January 1916, they ran a large ad that showed several of their tools including this Plasterers Tile Marker for imitation tile work. by Bob Roger But in February 1916 they changed the ad and did not show the tool anymore. This would indicate that the tool probably dates to the 1914 – 1916 time frame. B Lest We Forget is a v series of short articles, I found two patents for replaceable-blade tile markers (959,269 on May 24, 1910 each about a tool and 1,062,945 on May 27, 1913) but none for this fixed-blade marker. Because or implement that of its similarity to the blades used on race knives and turpentine hacks (which were in common use then), there probably is no specific patent for this marker. was once a common household, farm, or Many walls in early homes were finished with plaster-of-Paris, a fast-setting trade necessity, but compound consisting mostly of gypsum rock combined with several additives. whose use or existence However, when a really hard and highly polished surface was desired, the finish coat was Keene’s cement. Keene’s cement is similar to plaster-of-Paris without may soon be forgotten. additives, but is soaked in an alum solution and then recalcined, resulting in a slow-drying plaster that is very hard, glossy, and can be washed or painted without injury. It is especially suited for the lower part of bath room walls. It was in use as early as 1842.

Plasterer’s Tile Marker Well-to-do folks often had their bathrooms tiled but that was too expensive for most people. Another approach at only a fraction of the cost of tile was to You will not see this little hand tool apply Keene’s cement, wait 12 to 14 hours after completing the plastering, and very often unless you are in the then cut sharply defined lines into the plaster to resemble the edges of tile. This home restoration business. It is quite faux tile approach for lower cost walls in bathrooms was quite popular during similar in size to several of my race the early 1900s. knives/timber scribes, but it is a plasterer’s tile marker. The ‘blade’ is 2 3/8 The tile marker was used to cut the ‘tile’ lines in the Keene’s cement. Some inches long and cuts a groove 1/8 inch older homes still have these faux tile bathrooms, so let us not forget the tool wide. The shank is stamped “GOLDB- that created them. LATT TOOL CO. KANSAS CITY MO.”

M-WTCA.ORG

Email or mailing address change? Please send changes to Kerry McCalla at [email protected].

December 2016 17 Collection Spotlight by David E. Heckel

Dan and Myrna Coleman have been collecting tools and other collectables since 1996, and have recently added a special building to house their collections. They purchased their first tool at an auction in Wisconsin. It was a 28” Stanley level and they thought that it was so pretty that they cleaned it with Pledge and hung it on the wall in their apartment.

That implemented the $500 rule, which required prior discussion. They went to the Garfield Farm Tool Show in Illinois and Myrna got hooked on collecting hammers. She bought a hammer like the one on the cover of Stanley Tools for $18 and was very excited. Myrna also started Later they moved to Elgin, Illinois and met Ray and Marge collecting rulers then, which were easier to carry. She Fredrich. They were invited to the Fredrich home to look then found the Boxwood and Ivory Stanley rule book and at their collections. The Colemans were both impressed she had much interesting history to learn about rules. She with the friendliness and opening up of the Fredrich’s remembered, “George Cella had a celluloid Stanley Rule home to someone whom they had just met. Dan and for $450, and I could not imagine spending that much for Myrna joined M-WTCA in 1996. Every time they worked a rule, so I walked around a little and went back to try for on another project around the United States, they would a cheaper price, and found out that it had been sold.” An go to local area meetings of M-WTCA. important lesson was learned.

Their first interests in tool collecting were Stanley tools in The first barn/museum was built in November, 2009. The general. In Illinois, Dan startedM-WTCA.ORG going to the Kane County Colemans decided to put up a building to enable them Fairgrounds each Saturday and met Bill Cox and started to unpack every box that had been stored all the years buying tools. Then some other collectors like Tom Jetel, that they had moved around the country to finally get a Dan Otto, George Cella, and Red Barnes suggested he go good look at everything. The first museum was a 30’ x to an auction in Joliet, and “the collecting really started.” 36’ two story building, and they tried to build it on the Dan noticed that the items selling the most were Stanley cheap. They hired some folks from Craig’s List and that products, so he started buying anything with a “Stanley” turned out poorly. They then got some Illinois tool col- mark. “The first auction that Dan went to, I waited up lecting friends who were carpenters as well as collectors until 10 pm, then went to bed,” related Myrna. “When to help finish the building. They turned the building into he came in, he woke me up and said, Honey, I just spent a useable and efficient place for storage and display. But $1,000 at a tool auction.” Still half asleep, I answered, it proved to be too small to unpack every box and put up “You did not.” But indeed, he had. every tool.

18 The Gristmill So they then had a Coleman vote and opted to put up a second museum building. The construction started in February, 2013. It was built by local craftsmen. First quality tongue-in-groove pine was used. It is a beautiful 30’ x 50’ two story building that shows off the tools and their other collectables. They learned their lesson and went M-WTCA.ORGfirst class this time. There are 12 Barnes foot powered tools displayed in the museum that took Dan Otto over 40 years to make each machine “proper”. Myrna related that, “At an earlier time and before we had any idea of purchasing the Barnes Col- lection, we purchased the checkbook from W.F. and John Barnes Company dated from 1880 forward. It contained a full record of cancelled checks, showing Payer and Pay- ee. Also purchased was a book of W.F. and John Barnes Company Stock Certificates issued with the end of the book being blank certificates.” Those items are displayed near the collection of foot powered tools.

December 2016 19 M-WTCA.ORG

20 The Gristmill They are also interested in ice cream parlor and Pepsi collecting. Myrna related that, “A good friend was highly into Pepsi collecting and was getting ready to retire to Florida, but her husband said Pepsi was not in his future. So, it was decided we would be the new owners of her collection. No more decision making, but it involved calling our carpenter to close in one of our 12’ x 50’ pine porches, and it is now called the ‘Pepsi Room’. Not a Tool Room, but a very fun and comfortable place for lunches.”

Their main collecting focus today is either a rare or unique tool which can stand alone by itself, or a tool that would fit into a collection they have already started. They are also concentrating more on collections that have already been assembled. They enjoy buying anvils and bells, which has given the name for their museums, “Coleman’s BELL Acres.”

“ Collecting tools has been fun for both Dan and I, and we have met so many good people, and made some great M-WTCA.ORGfriends,” Myrna said. “We would love to have you come and visit Coleman’s BELL Acres, just remember to call ahead to make sure that we will be around. We may be out somewhere buying… ”

December 2016 21 Block Planes from the 1800s by Cecil Holmes

First, a little of my tool history. I have been involved in case, it could have been a level, a Sargent plane or a Miller the welding and fabrication and machine business for over Patent combination plane. But most of all, it has been a lit- 50 years. I have been a member of my trade group and tle tool that can fit in your pocket or into your apron. THE AWS for the same length of time. In the moves from “Vil- BLOCK PLANE. That Type 1 Stanley 9 -3/4 with it’s neat little lage Blacksmith” to the design and building of industrial tail handle, a Type 6 - 9 1/2 (because I had the rest) or an Up- and construction equipment, the need to collect tools has son Nut - 9 3/4 (I only know of two). These little planes (5” been a major undertaking .. .involving the purchase of all to 7” long) are easy to handle and light to transport to shows useful tools from first $5.00 ... then $50.00 ... then $500.00 and displays. Having acquired over three hundred different followed by $5000.00 up to $50,000.00. My greatest joy has types and models, I have been lucky enough to be able to been being able to work with really skilled and talented display some of my favorites. Note the short time many of people with the ability to think “outside the box.” A great these companies were in business. Yet, almost 150 years lat- asset when designing and building R&D units is to do a job er, there are still a fair number of examples out there. Sharp- that has never been done. Our motto at Holmes Welding is en the blade and adjust and these little jewels will perform “Impossible is just an opinion.” like new. The challenge is there so, “Good Hunting”.

A display of block planes from the 1800s that Cecil has collected over the many years of his interest in antique tools.

My wife and I have been members of M-WTCA for over 20 Bailey Tool Company 1872-1880 years. We also belong to PAST, PNWTC, & SWTC. We have had the opportunity to travel over much of the country During the early 1870s Seldon Bailey was involved in the and have tool collecting friends nationwide. manufacture of wringing washing machines. In 1872, he M-WTCA.ORGformed an independent tool company called the Bailey Tool My favorite part of all this is sharing my “stuff” with fellow Company. This company was formed to make spokeshaves, collectors. To me, a display gives us all a chance to see scrapers and planes using a patent by Joseph Bailey who “and handle” tools we may never have seen or never will was Superintendent of the Bailey Wringing Machine Com- see. My collection contains many tools that may not rate pany, and assigned his patent for a eccentric rod to clamp “Fine” or “Good”, but many are the only ones I have seen the cutting iron to Seldon Bailey, who was President of the for sale in my travels. So I share “the only one I have seen” company. As the company started making planes in Woon- with fellow collectors until I can find a better one. socket, R.I., many new patents and changes were quickly adapted to improve their planes workability. One of the As a tool collector, we all can relate to that heart stopping early planes this company produced is the graphic block joy of that rare find. That one piece of wood, iron or steel plane with the corrugated bottom forming the company formed and shaped by the tool craftsman that fills the void name. This design was said to be suggested by Leonard in the tool box or display case. Over the years in my own Bailey to help with the marketing of these block planes.

22 The Gristmill Leonard Bailey had left the Stanley company after a patent block planes. Many of dispute and was making his own planes in a shared space of their block planes fea- the Bailey Tool Company Factory. In fact, in 1878 Leonard ture an elaborately cast Bailey formed a partnership with Seldon Bailey’s company lever cap screw featur- to oversee all production of the companies tools. But this ing symmetrical flower partnership only lasted a year and by 1879, Selden Bailey designs. Some of these was offering the sale of his company to Stanley which pur- block planes also have chased them in 1880. Thus this company only lasted eight adjustable frog sections years and any of their tools found are rare indeed. to open or close the mouth opening.

Meriden Malleable Iron Company - 1883-1888

The Meriden Malleable Iron Company of Meriden, Conn. started making planes in 1883 based on patents by Solon R. Rust and William Tidgewell. The iron is adjustable by rotating the back knob that moves the slideable frog sec- tion back and forth in a slot, keeping the cutter securely captive between the frog and the lever cap.

1.::.. ~ "--.; I ~ ,,,- t -...~ ~ - ' \ I ' .. ... ' ~ ,.._ ..

I l~i 1'(\1 1 : {j'~ .. , . I MER IDEN MALLEABLE IRON CO. Brattleboro Tool Company - 1883-1887

The Brattleboro Tool Co. of Brattleboro, Vermont was formed in 1883 to manufacture planes patented by William Steers. His planes are well known for the dovetailed rosewood strips on the bottom of the planes to reduce friction. His patent that relates to his block is his January 6, 1885 patent utilizing a cam action adjustable disk under the cutter. The lever cap also acts as a chip breaker on these M-WTCA.ORG

Metallic Plane Company - 1867-1880 BRATTLEBORO TOOL CO. The Metallic Plane Company of Auburn, New York was a plane business, making planes based on patents grant-

December 2016 23 ed to Nelsen & Sidney Palmer and Elliot Storke, usually ventures and settled in Boston MA. where in 1878 he pat- known as the Palmer & Storke patent. They used many de- ented a unique combination tool handle plane. There are signs from other makers, probably with purchased rights some versions made with a wood body and others with a or they would have been brought to court. Some of their metallic cast iron body. planes include wood palm grips or a wood “pusher” attached to the rear of the cutter iron. Below is one of the Standard Rule & Level Company -1883-1888 rarer planes made by this company with brass cap and an The Standard Rule & Level Co. of New Britain, Conn. adjustable throat. It also features rack and pinion type cut- had manufactured rules, levels, try squares and other ter adjustment. tools since its formation in 1872. In 1883 it added a line of planes based on the patents of Solon Rust & Arthur Rust. Of course you may recognize the name of Solon Rust as he had plane patents being manufactured by the Mer- iden Malleable Iron Co. as well just before this time. This company merged with the Upson Nut Co. in 1888, making wood bottom planes of Rust’s design as well as metallic planes based on Stanley’s Bailey’s patents.

Planes made by the Standard Rule Co. including the wood base block at top.

The many block planes by The Standard Rule Co. & Upson Nut Co. included types with adjustable cutters and also non adjustable models. As the Rust patent declares their Rare Metallic Plane Co. block plane. Photo from PTMPIA - 1827-1927 by Roger Smith patent for planes “consists in the special arrangement and combination of the parts for adjusting the cutting iron and P.A. Galdwin (Planemaker) -1857-1882 clamping the same, and in changing the character of the Porter A. Gladwin was a M-WTCA.ORGplanemaker with associations plane from a single to a double iron”. during the 1850s with Thomas Worrall and the Multiform Boston Metallic Plane Company -1872-1874 Moulding Plane Company. After this business closed in 1858, Gladwin became involved in different plane making The block planes manufactured by the Boston Metal- lic Plane Co. used the patent design by Joseph Baldwin in 1873 and another patent by Cyeus Haedy also in 1873. They featured adjustable and fixed cutters. They included some planes with a rosewood wedge to hold the cutter in place with a patented metal curved palm rest. Some included nickel plated caps with a patriotic shield design.

24 The Gristmill Victor - Leonard Bailey Company - 1857-1880

Leonard Bailey is well known as the father of modem day plane development. He was a cabinetmaker in Ipswich, Mass. when he first began formulating designs to improve the tools he worked with daily. In 1855 he patented his first design for a scraper plane and the following years patented designs for his metallic bench planes. By 1861 he had moved his plane making business to Boston as he worked to perfect his plane design.

By 1867 he had patented the design close to what is known today as the Bailey bench plane. In 1870 he sold his patent rights and business to the Stanley Rule & Level Co. and con- ,~ ·~ , tracted to manufacture all the planes Stanley offers. In 1874 .I .I Stanley introduced Traut’s Patent No. 110 block plane and 8 - ,' ~45-lt- Bailey in 1875 left Stanley due to his dissatisfaction with • l, Stanley’s royalty agreements. He patents many plane designs /~./ to compete with Stanley including many block plane designs. He introduces the “Victor” line of planes and forms a partner- a\-~ ship with Seldon Bailey’s plane making business. These Vic- tor planes were fine planes both in workability and artistic S.-k.... #r.L,.·" ~c.~ design. The large graphic cast iron palm grip is one of the 71., s~ .... ~ distinctive features of these early planes. Bailey continued ~ his line of Victor planes until Stanley again purchased all the Patent drawing of Rust’s plane patent. rights to his patents in 1884. But by this time, Bailey was dis- enchanted with Stanley and did not go back to work with them, nor did he pursue any further plane making ventures. l~I ~ _ :_ ~"

· --- ' ~ - ::_,.I I •,.•l j I • I

M-WTCA.ORG There were many more small block planes made during the 1800s that were favored by woodworkers. Makers such as Chaplin, Sargent, Gage, and others complimented their line of bench planes with block planes. Of course there were many maker’s of wooden planes who also offered small wooden block planes for the woodworker. These planes are also fine users and are as well collectible Above is a disassembled Boston Metallic Plane Co. plane showing rosewood wedge planes. Some makers used fine woods like rosewood and and metallic palm rest. Photo from PTMPIA -1827-1927 by Roger K. Smith boxwood for these little block planes. This is what makes the hunt and collecting these little planes so enjoyable.

December 2016 25 Brown’s 48th International Antique Tool Auction, at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Reading, PA. by John G Wells

Prices realized in this article, and on Good+ for condition, its rarity justi- the official prices realized list, include fied a higher value. [200-400] It opened a 13% buyer’s premium. A 3% discount at $75 and sold on a hammer price of is available for cash or a good check. $165.00, or $186.45 with the 13% buy- Prices enclosed in square brackets are er’s premium. That is slightly lower pre-auction estimates taken from the than the previous lot and the pre-auc- auction catalog, and do not include tion estimate. Also see Lot 269, an Ulti- non-military aid and show solidarity the 13% buyer’s premium. Hammer matum brace infilled with Rosewood, with the citizens of Britain during the prices do not include the 13% buyer’s and rated Good for condition. dark years and blitzes of World War premium. The condition of all items II. [125-250] It was rated Good+ for was taken from the same auction cat- condition. It opened at $120 and sold alog and does not reflect the author’s in the room for $160 hammer price, or opinion. All photographs are courtesy $180.80 including the buyer’s premium. of Brown Auction Services. Photogra- phy was by Cami Foley.

Selected Auction Items

The Stanley No. 212 veneer scraper in Lot 173 was undamaged but had significant rust in the threads of the ad- The superb 9 ½ x 15 inch Try Square in justment mechanism. It needed a good Lot 206 having an Ebony handle with cleaning. Having the original unsigned very decorative German silver trim, a cutter with the script trade mark, level vial and a beautiful escutcheon Lot 117, a William Marple’s Ultimatum 1910-1914, was a big plus that brought at the junction of the blade and han- brace with Ebony infill, having a very it up in value. [400-800] It opened at dle was rated Good+ for condition. clean brass frame and a Hibernia Works $565.00 and closed on $638.45 includ- The large photograph of this tool on medallion with the original ivory ring, ing the buyer’s premium. There were catalog pages 40-41 was incorrectly was rated Good+ for condition despite no intervening bids from the room. labeled as Lot 675. Bidding on this a slight crack. [250-350] It sold for $170 beautiful tool opened on an absentee hammer price, or $192.10 including the bid of [400-800] $610.00 and closed at 13% buyers premium. See Lots 268 and $689.30 (including the buyer’s premi- 486, both are Ultimatum braces infilled um). There were no intervening bids with Ebony and rated Good+. from the room.

The J. Buck, ca. 1850, boxwood four fold 24 inch, 7/16 inches square, Watt- age rod with brass tips in Lot 193, was M-WTCA.ORGa little gem. It was marked in firkins (one quarter of a barrel) and kilder- kins (one eighth of a barrel or18 gal- lons). It was rated Good+ for condition. [250-500] It opened at $160 and sold to an absentee bidder for $180.80 Lot 121 was a William Marple’s Ulti- including the buyer’s premium. matum brace with a Beech infill. Since most of the Ultimatum braces were Lot 195, a small pocket steel tape, in a made with Ebony infill, this brace die formed bronze case marked “Bun- having a Beech infill was significant- dles for Britain, No.7366” was pro- An extremely rare Millers Falls 4 inch ly scarcer and although it was rated duced by Stanley in 1939-41 to provide triangular collectable level, Lot 248,

26 The Gristmill having the original level vial and near- was sold in Browns 21st auction, Nov. ly all of the original japanning was 2, 2002. David Russell flew over from rated Good+ for condition. [300-600] France to buy it. When James Silcock Bidding opened at $350.00. After sev- returned to England he made and pat- eral bids from the room, it closed on ented both rare metallic plow planes a hammer price of $475.00, or $536.75 and extremely rare metallic filletster including the buyer’s premium. planes. This example came with a set of nine original cutters and several Lot 432, the very rare 9 inch Challenge nickers in a reproduction wooden box. plane without the word “Challenge” It was in Fine condition. [2500-5000] It cast in its body (which was proper for opened and sold for $800.00 without the 9 inch model), was patented for its any bids from the room, or $904.00 in- basic design by Arthur Goldsborough, cluding the buyer’s premium. Patent No. 284,732, Sept 11, 1883, and manufactured by Tower & Lyon. It was rated Good for condition because Lot 430 was a Miller’s patent Stan- of the very light pitting on the metal ley No.43 Type 1 plow plane, with a parts and the typical poorly touched curled up hook at the top of the body up worn finish on the wooden handle casting where it entered the handle. and front knob. It was a very rare It had a wrap around cast iron fence, plane and may have been an accept- which properly did not have open able stand in until a better example slots for the unincluded filletster bed. became available. [1500-2500] Bid- It had a complete set of original cut- ding opened at $550 and it sold on a ters, almost all of the original japan- hammer bid of $1,400, or $1,582 in- ning and was rated Fine for condition. cluding the buyers premium. [5000-8000] Bidding on this attractive plane opened at $3,100 and closed on a hammer price of $3500.00, or $3,955 including the buyer’s premium.

Lot 434, was a Walker patented plow plane (Patent No. 318,331, May 19, 1885) consisting of a series of thin metallic plates beveled on the lower edge, arranged for height and clamped together to create the desired side to side profile. The cutter was made up of several of the 14 original cutters The Stanley No. 42, Type 4, in Lot 431 The rare bronze plow plane, Lot 433, English Patent No. 10,033, January 31, (originally there were 15) clamped had the correct bronze body, bronze side by side to provide the required wrap around fence, straight cast iron 1844 granted to James Silcock, was M-WTCA.ORGan overlooked treasure. (See John overall shape. All of this was in the outer fence (which was missing its two “Jock” Moody: The American Cabinet original wooden box. The plane was locking screws) and a cast iron fillet- from the Walker family and went ster bed. It came with a complete set of maker’s Plow Plane, p.21, and Roger K Smith, P-TAMPIA I p. 82.) It lacked the through several generations of own- eight plow plane cutters and a tonguing ers finally being consigned by a great- cutter. The tote had a couple of cracks usually attached metal plate identifying it as a British patented plane made grandson, Aaron Hower. It was rated and a small chip; there were a few too Good+ for condition. [3000-6000] Bid- many fastening pins but otherwise it by James Silcock and manufactured by Silcock & Lowe. Silcock was the ding in the room was brisk opening at was rated Good+ for condition. [1500- $1,700 and finally selling for $4,800.00 2500] Bidding opened at $175.00; after premier craftsman working in Israel White’s shop who made the first three hammer price, or $5,424 including the several bids from the room it was ham- buyer’s premium. mered down for $750.00 or $847.50 in- arm self regulating plow plane in the cluding the buyers premium. United States ca. September 1835. It

December 2016 27 P-TAMPIA II, p.203, fig. 315.) It was indeed a beautiful plane; it came with one original cutter and was rated Fine for condition. [8000-15000] It opened at $4,100 and sold for $7,732.00 including the buyer’s premium.

The Henry B. Price smooth plane Lot 435, Patent No, 216,698, June 17, 1879, was for a plane having an adjustable pitch of the frog that could be set at The 22 inch long Henry G. Stilley There were two of Robert Baker’s su- one of four pitches: Common pitch razee jointer in Rosewood, Lot 494, perlative full size reproduction planes 45 degrees for soft wood; York pitch, was a knock out. Stilley started his in this auction: Lot 526, a Falconers 50 degrees for hard wood; Middle career as a carpenter and shipwright plow plane in Ebony, and Lot 533, and pitch, 55 degrees; and Half pitch, 60 in Cincinnati in 1834 and was noted an H. Chapin No. 239¼ Bridle plow degrees for hard wood with knurly in the 1850 census as moving to San plane in apple wood with lignum vita grain. The plane was previously of- Francisco. He returned to Cincinnati arms; both planes were in Fine con- fered in Brown’s 21st auction Nov. briefly in 1860-61. He started work- dition. Most antique tool collectors 2, 2002 where it sold for $3,960. The ing as a shipwright in San Francisco consider Bob Baker as being the fin- example offered in this auction had a and appeared in the directory in 1864. est toolsmith practicing that trade. laminated front grip as shown in the He worked there until 1877 when he Unfortunately, he passed away in patent drawing rather than a turned moved across the Bay to Oakland 2010; much too young for such a tal- front knob as seen on the plane of- where they were still making and re- ented man. The Falconers plow plane, fered in Brown 21st. This plane had a pairing wooden boats for the fishing Lot 526, [1000-2000] opened at $1,650 small ½ inch long piece broken off of trade. He worked there until 1900. and sold for $2,712.00. The Chaplin the end of the left side board, but was Most of the planes he made were Bridle plow plane, Lot 533, [1500- otherwise rated Good+ for condition. molders or bench planes made of a 2500] opened at $1.650.00 and sold for [3000-6000] At the time of this auction heavy exotic hardwood such as rose- $2,034.00. Both selling prices include there were only three or four known wood. This plane was rated Fine for the buyer’s premium. examples of this plane. It opened on condition, and had a good clear mark an absentee bid of $1,200 and closed used for the first time “H. G. Stilley, to the same bidder without any addi- Maker”. [200-400] Bidding opened at tional bids from the floor at $1,356.00 $450.00 and closed without further including the buyer’s premium, bids at $508.50 including the buyer’s premium.

The L. L. Davis No. 45, 15 inch jack- plane, Lot 590, with the patented throat adjustment mechanism cov- M-WTCA.ORGered by Patent No.167, 311 dated Au- gust 31, 1875 (see page 135 of Roger K. Smith: P-TAMPIA II) was in Good+ condition. You will need a magnifying Lot 436, one of the most attractive of glass to see the scallops in the cross all of the Millers patent planes. It was rib above the screws that hold the frog offered in the Russell & Erwin, 1875, down. [1000-2000] It opened at $350, catalogue as a No. 50, in cast iron. rose to $400 on bids in the room and This model had the cross “bridge” sold for $452.00 including the buyer’s above the two slide brackets for the premium. fence arms and about 50% of the original copper wash. (see Roger K Smith

28 The Gristmill Please email your photos, answers, and comments to: [email protected]

For more information, larger images, and answers, 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”.

The What’s Its from the Louisville meeting have been posted on the web site.

9” long

Around 20” long

, , , , , ''I' 'I' 'I',,, '1''1'1'1' 'l'l"T1'1' 1'\'1'1' 1'P''' 1'1" 1'""~" 'o, \ , ,I fT'''''T'''''T'T''\'i:fT''''''''''''''''''''''\tl''T"l''T'''''T'''"Tc'''I',, ':JiJ •.k \i!! i i "' a_ \lI!l 8” long, text on it reads “CS-2M-WTCA.ORG Universal, Voss Mfg & Dist Co, Downs Kans” 5-1/2” long Answers from previous Gristmill issues:

Left: A holder and handle for the cylinder of an acetylene lamp. To see one in use, please take a look at the What’s It page on the M-WTCA site.

Right: A wick cutter for use on oil lamps.

December 2016 29 These tools are all members of the family of gardening tools. During the Victo- TOOL rian era the popularity of gardens grew quickly in America and they became not only valuable food producers but also status symbols. Gardening included the FAMILY care of vegetables, fruits, and lawns and a wide range of gardening tools were TREES invented, manufactured and used.

ANSWER by Bob Roger

Gardening Tools

These seven belong to a large subset containing gardening tools that were patented before 1900. The oldest tool here is C, followed by G, D, E, F, A, and B. Let us look at each one.

Tool A, in my opinion, is a perfect example of a mad scientist in search of money. I am guessing he was not successful because I have not seen very many of them. It is Leggett’s Insect Powder Duster patented on March 17, 1896 (No. 556508). It is an improved version of Turner’s duster which was patented on May 14, 1895 (No. 539102). A strap over your shoulder supports the tool and your left hand on the projecting handle (behind the large gear) steers it while your right hand turns the crank handle on the large gear. The gears drive fan M-WTCA.ORGblades in the housing which blow air past the bottom of the powder bin (next to letter A) and out the tube on the right. A linkage also drives paddles in the powder bin which keeps it loose so that it can drop through holes in the bottom of the bin into the air stream. There is an adjustable regulator for control- ling the size of the powder holes. It is well-made and appears to function properly, but it must have been expensive to make. A slightly different version was listed as the Little Giant Powder Gun on page 66 of the 1898 Peter Henderson & Company Catalog1.

30 The Gristmill Tool B is McNulty’s pruning and grafting knife patented on June 15, 1897 (No. 584396). It is also called a grafting froe or grafting chisel and is illustrated on page 38 of Hender- Tool E is Turner’s hand hoe patented on April 13, 1880 son’s catalog. The bottom blade edge is sharp, as is the top (No. 226573). This tool is often misidentified or listed as of the small blade next to “B”. The top of the main blade is a “what’s it”. It is shown as Hazeltine’s Weeder on page 41 flat, intended to take hammer blows if needed. of Henderson’s catalog. The blade is sharp on both edges.

Tool F is Levin’s pruning implement (shears) patented on Tool C is a hand weeder patented on September 7, 1869 June 7, 1892 (No. 476279). It is shown on page 40 of Hen- by Noyes & Beecroft, patent (No. 94504). Before you look derson’s catalog. up the patent and see that C does not look exactly like the patent, remember that manufactured tools often vary from the patent drawings. C is fully marked with both Noy- es’ name and the patent date. The blade is flat and narrow and sharp on both edges for its entire length.

Tool G is Secor and Shumway’s weeding hook patented on November 9, 1869 (No. 96625). It is marked with the patent date and is also shown as the Excelsior Weeder on page 41 of Henderson’s catalog.

Collecting old gardening tools is quite popular today and their prices are strong. Go out to your shed and uncover them, clean them up, and display them or use them. I find that many of my old gardening tools perform much better than their new versions, so enjoy them. They earned their Tool D is Snow’s grape & flower picker patented on March keep. 2, 1875 (No. 160360). TheM-WTCA.ORG two bands (one on each jaw) come together as the item is cut and grab the cut stem and hold it until released into the picking basket. It allows Notes: flowers and grapes to be cut using only one hand so that the other hand can hold leaves and other stems out of the 1. Turn-of-the-Century Farm Tools and Implements, Peter Henderson & Co., Dover Publications, 2002. It is an unabridged republication of Hen- way. It is used with the bands up for most flowers and derson’s 1898 catalog. down for grapes.

December 2016 31 Lynne’s Lines AUXILIARY by Lynne McCalla, President

Here we are, back from Louis- ness. We all wanted to be together. Mid-West was family ville, KY. and another wonder- to all of us during that time. Kerry and I started coming ful fall tool meeting. Kerry and for the tools and made lifelong friends, now we come to I joined M-WTCA in 1974 while be with our friends and hopes to finding a few good tools. living in Nashville TN. We attended our first National meet- It is all about community. I hope that all the first ing in 1976 in Rockton, Wiscon- timers at this convention felt welcomed into our sin, eager to learn about tools tool community. and pick up some good ones as we were starting our collection. For those of you who have never been to a national con- We were the kids of the group. vention or who have never attended an auxiliary event, I in- vite you to come. The auxiliary is a special organization for Over the years, we collected many fine tools during these all females in the organization. We sell and trade, we have meetings. We also learned a lot from many knowledge- displays like the men do, and we have a place to hang out if able, fine collectors who became dear friends. We looked you are not “into” tools. Our programs are educational and forward to the educational programs and social times. fun. Our book discussions are always interesting, and our Mid-West became like family. In 2001, Kerry and I hosted breakfasts/luncheons are delightful. We just gave another the Fall Convention in Franklin, TN., two weeks after 9/11. $1500 Scholarship to the Mid-West Scholarship Fund. We were afraid no one would come. There were two can- cellations, one from overseas and another due to an ill- Do not let the men have all the fun. Come join us.

On The Other Side Of The Bed by Kathleen Holmes

We drove up to the door of the building where the tool the reverence between Native Americans and the earth... meet would be held. The door was blocked by those trying something we need to be aware of. Greg asked if the book to haul in both their displays or their sale tables. Cecil got was from the library. “No, I said, I bought it.” “Might I bor- out of the car and wandered over to a guy at the door and row it when you are finished.” “Of course” I said. I often visited for a while. He came back to the car and told me share what I read. The book is not a fast read... as I often the where, what, and how to get in the door. need to stop and reflect on what I had just read.

The parking lot was once again full of cars from around The show at Humboldt in late April is a combination auc- the area… Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Ohio, Minnesota, tion (two days) and a M-WTCA meeting. So it draws a wide Missouri, and of course, Iowa. There were of course, a few audience of collectors. Many bring their wives. LeRoy and furinners from... California, New York, Florida, who came Susan Witzel do such a terrific job of managing the three for the best show in the nationM-WTCA.ORG at Humboldt, Iowa. The day affair. (The 4-H group that worked there did a fantastic auction began with men straggling in, grabbing a seat after job of feeding us and doing other tasks to keep the days picking up their bid number at the door. organized.)

I sat back in a corner of the room and enjoyed watching Sunday after dinner we drove home, glad to go and glad to both the auction and reading my book. I never travel far be home. Is that not the way it is? from home without a book or two tucked in my traveling bag. Greg Strayer (another Hudsonite) wandered over to Plan to be a participant in any tool show in your area as say “hello.” He noted the title of my book and wondered you will both enjoy and learn, resting easy On The Other about it. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Side of the Bed. member of the Potawatomi Nation shares the native Amer- ican Indian philosophy on the environment, capturing

32 The Gristmill DES MOINES NATIONAL MEETING REPORTS AND DISPLAYS

AUXILIARY Luncheon and Raggedy Ann Program by Judi Heckel

Lisa Rasmussen shared her collection and love of Raggedy It did not surprise any of the members that Lisa might have Ann dolls. Having celebrated the doll’s 100th birthday in “collecting” in her blood. She is the daughter of Susan and 2015, Raggedy was the invention of Johnny Gruelle (1880- Leroy Witzel. Lisa brought many of the dolls in her collec- 1938) from Arcola IL. He was a writer and cartoonist, but tion and admitted Raggedy Ann is an icon of stability and it was his desire to make a doll for his daughter Marcella love. Her red hair, smile, and embroidered “I love you” heart that led to the birth of Raggedy Ann. This led to the writing on her chest made Raggedy Ann a favorite of many little and illustrating of many children’s books that had Raggedy girls over the 100 years. as the main character. He ap- plied for a design patent in 1915 for both the name and the doll pattern. From her humble beginnings, Raggedy Ann can claim 50 different licensed products and over twenty million books sold. Raggedy Ann was even honored with a 1997 postage stamp and photos with Caro- lyn Kennedy.

Perfumes with Thelma Roberts by Judi Heckel

Thelma really is the Queen of Perfumes, and she has a Thelma began her collection in 1994 at a rummage sale with sign to prove it. Thelma Roberts entertained and informed a $1 price tag on Bottle #1. Bottle #477 was nearly 900 times the group of the history and beauty of perfume bottles. that price. We all enjoyed her latest acquisition of an original The examples that she displayed were a small sampling green sample of the perfume “Thelma” from 1917. She was of the 679 bottles that grace her collec- secretive on the price she paid for this tion. She shared evidence of the use of latest find, and she is not sure she wants perfumes that range from medicinal to open the bottle and smell the sample. uses by the Greeks to religious uses The lovely bottles adorn her living room by the Romans. Some of her oldest shelves and tables, and bring style and bottles with silver overlays date from class to her home and life. the Victorian Period. It was interesting to learn about the doubleM-WTCA.ORG ended vari- eties, where one side held the scent and the other held smelling salts. For a 20 year period after WWI, Czechoslo- vakia ruled the market of hand blown and hand polished bottles, with mas- ters like Moser and Huffman. During WWII and the Ger- man invasion, geopolitical borders led to the formation of the Czech Republic, and bottle making re-emerged with modifications. France has the current claim to the title of Master of Perfumery. Lalique and Sabino support that title with marvelous bottle creations.

December 2016 33 Playing to Learn AUXILIARY by Carolyn List

In bygone days, toys were mostly miniatures of adult items tools of interest to boys, so they could learn just like dad. that were used every day. This encouraged children to learn This belongs to George Elsass. Collect what you like and about adult endeavors like cooking, cleaning, laundry and share it with others. child care. Boys were encouraged to use tools.

There are several laundry items, including irons, ironing board, washboard and small clothes pins, as well as many toy sized pots, pans, kettles, pie and cake tins including a child sized cupboard. Children could pretend to cook, just like mother. Some of these items were “on loan.”

The junior sized Handy Andy Carpenter’s Tool Chest contains hammers, pliers, mallet, saw ruler and other small

Corn Trinkets, Toys, and Tales by Beverly Egbers

Collecting corn related items is my hobby and I admit I like to show off my items and share them. My favorite item is the pig arm puppet. The puppet is named “Big Blue” from the movie “State Fair.” I found this item at an M- WTCA meet in Green Bay, WI. There was a book display outside the tool room and I asked if they had any books on corn. I found a book called “Maize,” bought it, and someone mentioned they had a puppet eating corn. They did not have it with them, but would call when they got back to the store. My husband and I went to the store and the puppet was a Hampshire pig, which we used to raise. We bought the puppet and a “Huckabuck” book. My advice for collectors is, be sure you write down where you got the items, as sometimes I find it hard to remember. I started collecting at the M-WTCA Winterset, Iowa tool Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is all meet in 1981. All of the items were found in special and it takes, as shown in my puppet story. Use common sense unusual places. My family and my tool collector friends when caring for items. Plastic bags and page protectors have been very helpful. are helpful.

Tools that Teach and Tales by Their Owners by Leslie Ireland M-WTCA.ORG I was inspired to do this display when I got a good deal on a kid’s tool set at an auction. I like handmade items that were made by everyday folks. The tool set for kids was for teach- ing them how to do basic woodworking. Many are the memories of my friends who had tool sets. I find items at flea markets, auctions, and second hand stores. Items like tools are cared for with light oil and stored in a cool dry place.

I am not really a collector of anything, but my advice is to buy what you like and then find someone who has knowledge about it. I have been a member of M-WTCA since the1980s but other collector members can be a very good source of information.

34 The Gristmill Toys From the 40s and 50s AUXILIARY by Pat Schmidt

These toys bring back memories of my childhood, playing with cousins and friends. My husband had a kid’s tool chest for years, but after the fifth hand-me-down, there was not much left. The trucks were played with by our boys. All these toys and books are like what we had when we were younger. As for the care of these items, be sure to dust the items you have displayed at home.

I am a collector and have been collecting glass for 40 years, but toys for just a few years. When I see what I like, I collect it. My advice to other collectors is to collect what interests you.

Tea Parties – Fun and Festive Times Together by Susan Witzel

Included in my display are examples of Moss Rose style dish- in “dime stores” and grocery stores. In the 1960s, the Lefton es of various shapes, sizes, and origin. The last to join my China Company began importing some kitchen and decora- collection is a full size Moss Rose set with a teapot, creamer tor pieces for the home. At the same time, Wedgewood, Al- and sugar and matching cups and saucers. It is from the 50s fred Mekin, Rosenthal, Haviland and other companies began era and was earned by an ambitious housewife for selling making fine Moss Rose china. There is a wide variety of avail- World Book encyclopedias. I picked it up at a neighbor’s ga- able pieces as well as a broad range of quality. rage sale because I thought it matched some doll dishes I had at home. It is displayed in my parlor along with two other Other Moss Rose type pieces in my display are a cup, sau- sizes of the doll dishes, one set on a child’s size ice cream cer, and luncheon plate by Hammersley called Grandmother’s table and chairs. Adults frequently have tea in the parlor as Rose; a hand painted Lefton three footed cup and saucer; a a special treat. Tea parties encourage “together times” and three footed cup and saucer by Hinoda of Japan, a simple “just making time” to sit down and rose cup and saucer labeled Japan visit with friends. Fancy goodies are that you can see through, and a single not a necessity, store bought cookies Haviland saucer with a Moss Rose are just fine. Fancy teacups tend to border from Limoges, France. make any time together festive and From early on, as a child “takes care” memorable. of her baby dolls by feeding them Moss Rose pattern dishes have been with a child’s tea set, to using a larger made since the early 1800s in Europe one where she can share a real tea where they were made of fine china. party or lemonade with friends, and By the turn of the century, Moss Rose hopefully learn how to share and use fell out of favor and few pieces were “good manners,” to the delightful tra- made until the Japanese began to produce them after World dition of “English High Tea” as an adult, the sharing of tea and War II. These pieces areM-WTCA.ORG of a lesser quality and were sold time is a joy. Try it soon with one of your treasured friends. Family by Barbara Bauer

My display items all belong to my family. They have been in my family for many years. The Teddy Bear is my sisters. It was made for her by my mother from an old winter coat. The three books were written by Desmond Bittinger. Desmond was my mother’s first cousin. He and his family were mission- aries in Africa from 1930-1938. The trinkets were made by me antique tools. I am not really a collector as such, but I do en- while working at Colonial Williamsburg. I made them using joy old items that have been passed down through my family.

December 2016 35 Raymond “Ray” Andrew Nissen OBITUARIES Raymond “Ray” Andrew Nissen, 88 Ray and I visited a lot. The last eight or ten years we of Foxfire Village, North Carolina, talked on the phone at least several times a month. We passed away Tuesday August 16, talked about tools, M-WTCA, my work, what he was do- 2016. He is survived by two sons, ing, his house, just about anything. Besides tools, we David and Dana both of Macomb, Il- both attended M-WTCA meetings, local and national, just linois, and longtime companion, Pa- to visit with each other. tricia Grady of Foxfire Village. After graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, Ray He loved to work the registration table to visit with all became Personnel Director at Western Illinois University the incoming members. He had the knack to be able to in Macomb, Illinois. talk with anyone about anything. He also loved to do the swearing in of new officers at the Fall meetings. In 1978, Ray took the position of Human Resource Direc- tor at Marshall University. His special interest was Stanley Four Square tools. Whenever I found one that was different or in real good Ray retired to Foxfire Village, North Carolina in 1984. He shape, I would check with him to see if he needed it. He then joined the Moore County Homebuilders Association was still looking for these tools in Des Moines last June. and was appointed Executive Officer. He held this position One of his greatest searches, which was never fulfilled, for 20 years, until retiring from the Association in 2004. was to find a pair of Four Square pliers with the four squares label on them. The last tool I know he bought was In addition to his career in education, Ray was very active a Master Moniter tape measure he purchased and gave in The Boy Scouts of America. He was recognized for his me in Des Moines. contributions to scouting with the Silver Beaver Award. To summarize, he loved to talk to anybody about any- Ray was also a member of the Freemasons where he thing. He would help anyone in their quest for tools. He achieved the level of “Master Mason”. He was a faithful loved Mid West Tool Collectors Association and its mem- member of West End United Methodist Church. bers, and he loved to visit over food. He was the slowest eater I ever knew. The above was the newspaper version of Ray’s obitu- ary. Read on for a more personal accounting of his Mid West meetings will not be the same without him. life by George Wanamaker. A Few Memories of Ray Nissen by Richard Bradshaw: I have known Ray since 1968. He joined the Mid West Tool Collectors Association in 1972 and we started com- Not long after I became a member of Mid-West, my first peting for tools at local auctions in 1974. I joined M- memories of Ray was while attending area meetings in WTCA in 1976 and we became “tool collecting buddies” North and South Carolina. Ray was a regular attendee of at that time. these meetings and enjoyed looking at the tools for sale and on display, but most of all he enjoyed socializing Ray was a Director in the late 70s and early 80s and with old friends. Ray was easy to spot, because some President of M-WTCA from 1986 to1988. He served as years before I first knew him, an accident had made it Chairman of the Marion Henley Award Committee and necessary for him to use a motorized cart to be mobile. the Scholarship Committee, in fact, he proposed starting Although he had some restrictions, he was not one to sit both of those committees and got them up and function- at home, especially when it came to attending Mid-West ing. He was also on the Display and Awards Commit- meetings. tee for many years. He loved to help with registration, and rarely missed attendingM-WTCA.ORG Directors meetings from Sometime later, a chance meeting in the Philadelphia the time he was President through the recent Spring Na- airport in 2008 provided the opportunity for us to be- tional meeting in Des Moines. Besides the more than 80 come better acquainted. We were waiting for a flight to national meetings he attended, he was host for at least Erie, PA. to attend the spring national meeting. I im- three of them, Macomb, Huntington, and Asheville. mediately recognized him and he recognized me, but he was not sure where he had seen me before. After intro- Our first “clash” was in 1976 at an auction that had a ductions, we had some time before the flight to get better Stanley #1 plane. I won the bidding for $37.50. He al- acquainted. ways claimed he let me have it. He invoked that every time thereafter, when we both wanted the same tool. I Not long after that meeting, Ray asked me if I was in- usually let him win the contested item, or at least did not terested in helping to drive his van to local and national bid until he quit bidding. meetings. He was becoming more concerned about driv-

36 The Gristmill OBITUARIES ing long distances alone and would feel more secure hav- he would search for was a pair of Four Square pliers. ing someone to help with the driving as well as finding He asked me as well as others to help him find them. Ev- handicap friendly restaurants and motels. I was more ery time that we talked or met, he would ask about those than glad to help and to have company while traveling pliers. In spite of much searching, unfortunately none to meetings. We were joined by Bob Fields on many trips could be found. I am sure that there is a mint pair some- which made for some interesting and friendly travels. where out there with Ray’s name on them.

After a few years, Ray became concerned about staying When I became chairman of the Display and Awards in a motel room alone because with the limited use of Committee, Ray agreed to become a member of the com- his legs, he was afraid that he would fall or become sick mittee. His assistance helped me to tackle a job for which and not be able to obtain help. Since we often traveled I had no experience. His common sense and good judg- together, the solution was for me to share a room with ment contributed much to the judging of the displays Ray. This proved to be a good decision because later Ray and his involvement made my job as chairman much fell requiring assistance. easier. His participation and expertise will be missed and replacing him will be difficult. He threatened to re- It became more of an effort for Ray to travel, especially sign from the committee several times when the displays to fly as the years passed. I do not know anyone who were particularly competitive and judging would be dif- was more determined to attend Mid-West meetings. He ficult, but he was always there. would often call me well before the meeting date, to start travel planning so as to assure that we did not miss Ray was a past president of Mid-West. He was presented the meeting. He attended over 70 consecutive national with the Marion Henley Award in 2003. This award is meetings before missing a meeting due to health prob- presented to recognize members who have contributed lems. He was very disappointed to miss that meeting not in very significant ways to Mid-West. Although Ray re- only because his attendance record ended, but because ceived this award before I became a member, I am sure he enjoyed attending the meetings and visiting with his that it was well deserved because he continued to be ac- many friends. tive and continued to contribute to the well being of Mid- West. I do not ever remember Ray buying a tool. He had collected Four Square as well as other tools but had sold Having Ray as a friend, a fellow tool collector and a com- the other tools before I had met him. The only tool that mittee member will be missed.

Junior L. McBride Junior L. McBride 91, of La Porte Tool Collectors Association and Missouri Valley Wrench City, Iowa died October 21, 2016. Club. Born April 18, 1925 in Waterloo, IA. he was the son of Clifford and Eva He is survived by his wife Peggy, four daughters, two McBride. He married Oma Jean Catt grandchildren, five step grandchildren, five step great on April 2, 1950, Oma died February grandchildren and six step great-great grandchildren. 28, 1979. Junior then married Peggy Susan and LeRoy Witzel remembers Junior: Halbfass on May 24, 1985M-WTCA.ORG at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Junior was a lover of tools, especially hammers. His scooter, decked out Texas style - complete with real long- Junior graduated from Brandon High School in 1943 and horns on the front and a squeaky horn, got him quickly served two years in the U.S. Army. He became a carpenter through the crowds at auctions and tool meets. He knew starting his own business is 1953. He built and remodeled his tools and loved what’s-its. His two favorite tools were many homes in and around La Porte City. He also remod- his Panther saw purchased at a local auction and an eled many buildings including La Porte City Hall, Farm- engraved Stanley hammer, fitted with an ebony handle ers State Bank, La Porte City Veterinary Office, and the La made to fit his hand and embellished with mother of Porte City Post Office. pearl which was customized by two talented craftsmen He was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church, La Porte from the area. He will be missed. City American Legion USS San Diego Post 207, Mid-West

December 2016 37 OBITUARIES Hilary Klein Hillary Klein, 94, of Granville, IA. Knights of Columbus as well as a Board member of Mid- died Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the West Tool Collectors Association and a Board Member of Happy Siesta Health Care Center, Western Cherokee Mutual (Smith Insurance). He was an Remsen, Ia. He was born March 13, avid tool collector & miniature wrench maker. He liked to 1922, at Granville, IA., the son of Pe- hunt, fish, golf and travel. ter & Catherine (Hodapp) Klein. He was raised in the Granville area and Memories of Hilary by LeRoy & Susan Witzel: received his education at St. Joseph Catholic School. He Hilary made miniature wrenches which were exact repli- then entered the US Air Force, serving in Florida. After cas and only made the number that were ordered for each he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, Hilary year ahead of time. We are lucky enough to have one in our attended Lincoln Aeronautical School in Lincoln, NE. collection. We visited with Hilary and Polly this spring and On Jan. 23, 1950 he married Pauline (Polly) Schneider at had lunch with them. So glad we were able to get together St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granville, IA. The couple that noon hour and so glad I have photos. Please keep Polly made their home in the Granville area where Hilary was a and their family in your prayers. Hilary was a quiet, self ef- mechanic early on and then farmed for many years. facing man with a tremendous talent and a great love for wrenches. We will miss him. Hilary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and

Loren Parks by Angela Tesar Loren D. Parks, 89, of Cedar Rap- Loren worked at Collins Radio for 14 years and later re- ids, Iowa, passed away, Friday, June tired from LeFebure Corp. as a draftsman in 1992 after 10, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital sur- many years of service. rounded by his loving family. He proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean He was born September 20, 1926, in War and was a member of Marion American Legion Post 298. Salem, Iowa, and was the son of Ver- non and Lela Watts Parks. He married Dolores M. Vegalius His greatest joy however was the time spent with his be- on March 3, 1951, in Rapid City, South Dakota. loved family and many friends. His memory will be cher- ished by all who knew and loved him. Loren was a member of the Mid-West Tool Collectors As- sociation and shared his tool collecting passion with his Survivors include his wife Delores, four daughters and brothers Leland and Gail Parks. Loren was a skilled wood- two brothers. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, worker and also enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening and seven great-grandchildren and another due in November. restoring his father’s John Deere H tractor.

Annabel Ring Annabel (Scher) Ring, 93 of Hun- nabel was a member of the M-WTCA auxiliary and loved the tingtonM-WTCA.ORG passed away on Wednesday, meetings. She always looked forward to having a display. September 21, 2016 at the Parkview Regional Medical Center. Annabel She was united in marriage to Fredrick William Scher. He had worked at the Huntington Hos- preceded her in death on May 1, 1987. She later married pital and Myers Funeral Home over Robert Flora. He preceded her in death on September 17, the years. She was a 1941 graduate of 1999. She then married Mel Ring on December 26, 2004. Andrews High school and had attended Huntington College. Annabel is survived by her husband Mel, four daughters, She served her country in the US Navy during World War II, four sons, one sister, 24 grandchildren and 31 great grand- three years as a Hospital Corpsman and Dental Technician. children, one step daughter and one step son. She was an active leader and supporter of the Huntington County 4-H and was a member of Forever Friends. Anna- Memorial donations can be made to either the Honor Flight bel enjoyed sewing and crafts. One of her hobbies was a or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Fund, sent in care to Myers cartoonist and she had an extensive cartoon collection. An- Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN. 46750.

38 The Gristmill MARTIN J. DONNELLY AUCTIONS The World’s Largest Specialist Auctioneers of Antique Hand Tools A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, Avoca, New York PO Box 281 · Bath NY 14810 · (800) 869-0695 · [email protected] ·www.mjdauctions.com

$44,850 $28,600 $40,250 $6,100 $46,200 $7,700 We are Now Accepting Consignments for our 2017 Auctions

$5,060 $91,300 $5,980 $4,255 $3,565 $4,510

$17,600 $5,390 Our Auction Subscription Makes a Great Gift Gift Cards available upon request

Subscribe to our Tool Auction Catalogues for 2017 and Save!  Four Full Color Auction Catalogues  Five ListedM-WTCA.ORG Auctions of 1001 to 3201 Lots Each  Sent Priority Mail 3 Weeks before each auction. Three Ways to Order Mail: Send Name, Address, and $75 in the United States or Canada $125 for other International Orders Send to: Martin J. Donnelly Autions · PO Box 281 · Bath, NY 14810 Telephone: Just call (800) 869-0695 with your credit card number. Online: Log on to www.mjdauctions.com December 2016 39 Eli Troyer, Auctioneer/Manager ·Antique Tool· 330.317.9259 [email protected] AUCTION AirWorksAuction.com 28th Annual Air Works Consignment Auction FEB 16 | FEB 17 | FEB 18

Air Works Consignment Auction, Ltd. @ Mt. Hope Auction Grounds, Mt. Hope Ohio GPS Location: 8076 SR 241, Millersburg, OH 44654

Auction Schedule FEB THURSDAY | 10am – 12pm Uncataloged | 12pm – 6pm Cataloged W/Online Bidding FEB FRIDAY | 9am – 12pm Uncataloged | 12pm to 8pm Cataloged W/Online Bidding FEB SATURDAY | 9:00am — Complete | 1-Ring Antiques, 1- Ring Collectible Toys Note: we will be featuring a very large high quality antique tool collection from Ervin Hershberger on Friday @ 12:00 Noon 600 + lots. For a full listing and complete catalog, visit AirWorksAuction.com. (Online Bidding Available for this Collection through AuctionZip.com ID 40052.)

Ervin Hershberger Private Collection

Stanley Planes; 1, 2, 3C, S4, 4, 41/2, 41/2C, S5, 5, 5C, 51/4, 51/4C, 51/2, 6, 7, 7C, 8, 8C, lots of sweetheart planes. Stanley Planes; 10, 11, 15-1/2, 18, 19, 39, 43, 46, 48, 49, 19, 62, 71, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 104, 112, 113, 140, 141, 180, 190, 200, 278, 378, 444. Combination Planes; 45, 46, 50, 54, 55. Stanley Bedrock Planes #602, 603, 603C, 604, 604C, 6041/2, 6041/2C, 605, 605C, 606C, 607, 607C, 608C flat top and round top planes. Planes vary from good condition to NIB mint condition. Planes from Shelton, Miller Falls, Sargent, Craftsman and others as well. Plow Planes; Ivory Tipped Rosewoods, Sandusky Tool, Ohio Tool, Chapin Union, Stanley. Lots of wooden molding planes of all sizes and makers. M-WTCA.ORG Approx. 100+ Striking Tools ranging in the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, timber framers goose-wing axes, Indian traders axes, carpenters adze’s, broad axes, goose- wing axes, lathing hatchet, barrel makers adzes, small bowl makers adzes, double bitted axes, hatchets of all shapes & sizes, railroad spike driver, mortising axes, double bitted axes, ice axe, rare shipwright’s lipped adze, shipwright’s mast axe, log end marking hammer, Bluegrass; Winchester; Keen Kutter; Collins; Wards; OVB; Bridgeport; and many others.

# Conestoga Wagon Jack 1801; with the wagon axe & wagon grease bucket, Stanley 150th anniversary commemorative tool collection new in box. 77 Stanley dowel making machine, Barn beam framers boring machines by Miller Falls, Ajax, Boss. Irwin Auger Bit sets, breast drills, corner braces, hand drills. Stanley & Marbles Marking Gauges, Rules by Stanley, Lufkin, Johnson’s including ivory carpenter’s rules, draw knifes, spoke shaves, brass plumb bobs, calibers, saws, levels, trammel points, etc.

(Partial listing and does not do justice to the collection that we will have) Auction~

TERMS: Full payment day of auction by cash, check w/proper ID, or credit card. A bank letter is requested for out- of-town buyers. AUCTION COLLECTS A 5% BUYER’S PREMIUM FROM BUYER, WHICH IS IN ADDITION TO THE STATE AIR WORKS COMMISSION RATES. You are to pay for all purchased items before you leave the auction area. ,,_,,, 40 The Gristmill --- Quiet Corner Antiques Michael Rouillard

We purchase antique tool collections small or large.

We will pay above market value for your collection or single item.

We have clients actively looking for the rare and fine tool items.

M-WTCA.ORG All inquiries will be kept confidential. Call us before you take a risk of putting your collection up for auction. www.quietcornerantiques.com Michael Rouillard (860) 377-6258 [email protected] eBay sales under mandm991 always with 100’s of items.

December 2016 41 M-W TCA Gristmill 1 col. x 5" September 2016

American Tools by Cain Pence

The tale of American tools inspired this poem Timeless Tools They cut the trees that built the log home Swung the ax that provided the lumber and Treasures.com Carved the bed that allowed the worker slumber Authentic tools for traditional trades Pounded the spikes of the railroad Helped build schools for youth and hospitals for old and related curiosities: woodworking, machining, leather, watchmaking, etc. Drilled the hole where dynamite was set Determination and grit, toil and sweat Visit our store in Bennington, NH, by appt. Split the rail and cleared the field [email protected] • 603-588-2603 Cut the wire and brought forth the yield Hammer and vice, ax and crowbar, jackhammer and drill Held in the hand of pioneers who never stood still The American worker had a trusty companion by his side Worked through rain, winter, snow and sun with pride Planted the crop, paved the road and plowed the snow Rarely rested, rose early, long sleep he did not know We pay cash Stanley, Craftsman, Plumb, Caterpillar, John Deere for old tools in Day, week, month, all through the long year the New England area Cleared the rugged wilderness and built Hoover Dam Brought forth wheat for bread and cans for berry jam Connected sea to shining sea with highways and the Interstate Farmers prospered, merchants profited, America made great A Bowie knife, a Colt revolver, a Kentucky rifle, an iron axe, a carpenter’s saw A strong settler woman, a proud pioneer man, glint in eye and steel in jaw For Those Who Collect, Use and Appreciate Antique Tools Pitchfork, plow, plane, planter, painter, piston, pin, pine, pipe, pistol Wrecking ball, wrecker, welder, wrench, wedge, waiter, This is window I\\' - T ~,, our Silent The American Dream needed to be built; molded, shaped, IUI JO! concrete and wood H\M-WTCA.ORG Salesman The American worker needed help to build it, with good .. _,.1~ ...... lnlt!T\tnl In \nllijut& l .. 1101TIM1·-· " •,.l'ft' tools the worker could fnaditional Use it on a counter Tool~'? or table at your shop 111a.11,...... ,,...-~ ,. Tlkn Many said a democracy of immigrants and outcasts was a \(,\\ff\ or event. It is 9”x11”. ,.... ,.. 1,-,...... dream of fools 1... , .. It is self-standing, Yet faith and freedom created America, hard work aided and it has a pocket by American tools for a supply of Membership Brochures. Cain Pence is a Minneapolis, Minnesota based writer. If you can use one, please contact me at Mr. Pence is a graduate of Georgetown University and [email protected]. has traveled extensively throughout all 50 states. His poems have appeared in numerous publications. He can be reached at [email protected]. 42 The Gristmill MARKETPLACE

WANTED: Blacksmith and farrier hand Looking for the following ratchet Wanted: Pre-1900 A.J. Wilkinson and shop tools. Father, son, & grandson screwdrivers. Must be in very good combination hand and power metal enjoy restoring & using them. John physical and working condition. Can planer. Good usable condition. See Tinker 269-674-8453 use multiple copies of each. North “American Foot Power and Hand Bros. Yankee #20-1, Enderes #13, Power Machinery” by Kenneth Cope Stanley Yankee # 133H (gray painted for illustration. Best Offer. Bob Shields WANTED: Stanley Handyman Putty handle), Craftsman version of Millers 775-323-8491 Reno, NV. Knife in good shape or in original box. Falls #29 - has Craftsman stamped on Also H1211 Nail Sets, H38 Cold Chisel, handle. Jeff Schultz, 3111 Coral Lane H8 Center Punch, H5 Hand Punch & S.W., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 53404. 319- Wanted: Nicholson hand saws, also H6 Pin Punch. Bill Kolm 402-572-1238, 390-7820 information on where they were made. [email protected]. Will Buy or Trade for good saws. 803- 273-3148 WANTED: Carrying case for full size Looking for Gabriel planes and Buff & Buff Transit. Larry Cohen 516- Kenyon saws. Let me know what you 825-8689 have. John Walkowiak 612-824-0785 [email protected]

Wanted: Any hand forged iron tool ADVERTISING INFORMATION (except reaping hooks) marked I-CHRIST or D.Christ. Laurent Torno 7111 Waterman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit 63130 [email protected] Tel/Fax June April 10 Full page, 4-color, 314-721-3911 September July 10 (when available) $275 900 December October 10 Full page $180 900 Half page $105 450 CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch Always buying Always Selling $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4” wide.) Pete Niederberger 25 word limit. Uled and Antique Tools and Parts for Same Mail Order Call Me and Come to the Shop 415-9U-8403 [email protected] NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill’s publication. For example, an ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue.

A-1 LEVEL REPAIR * For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2” wide X 4 7/8” tall. Most brands repaired and restored

Bob and Diane Skogman Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be 18639 • 327th Ave. lste, MN 56342-4784 charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your Phone, 1M-WTCA.ORG-320-684-2078 ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge. E-mail: a1level@yahoo .com Website: www.a1levelrepair.com "WE 'RE ON THE LEVEL!" For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and double-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly.

Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertising will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and membership application, contact John Walkowiak or one of the officers whose address is ’ shown on the inside front cover of this publication. YOU VE Send all ads to: Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding Street Omaha, NE 68164 GOT phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected] TOOLS YOU’VE GOT TOOLS December 2016 43

YOU’VE GOT TOOLS

YOU’VE GOT

YOU’VE TOOLS GOT TOOLS

YOU’VE GOT TOOLS MWTCA Area P and Brown Tool Auctions are pleased to jointly sponsor: York Tool Sale & Brown Auction January 28, 2017, Holiday Inn, York, PA TOOL SALE is on Saturday morning. Show time from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. About 60 tables of tools for your review and purchase. Show managed by the MWTCA Area P. For Tool Sale Information or Table Rental: Don Stark (717) 367-5207 [email protected]

THE AUCTION starts at 1:00 p.m. and includes a wide selection of boxed and rare Stanley planes including mint condition No. 444 in original box and many others. Many rare planes from the Bob Whitacre collection including a Doyle shoot board. Rare plow and wooden planes. Early decorated axes. Saws by Disston, including rare square hole, Simonds, Bishop, and rare makers. Levels, inclinometers, gauges, and layout tools. Framed and metal braces. English infill planes. Plumb bobs, rare rules, and pretty tools of all types and sizes. And, as always, a good selection of high- quality box lots. Approximately 450 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves. Preview 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Catalog mailed and available online on December 14, 2016. Online and mail bidding available. Catalog mailed upon request or free with purchase of Brown International Antique Tool Auction Catalog. Other Brown Auctions for 2017 include: 50th International Antique Tool Sale & Auction March 24-25, 2017. Camp Hill, PA 51st International Antique Tool Sale & Auction October 28-29, 2017. Camp Hill, PA

___ Please send Catalog(s) for the 50th International Antique Tool Auction on March 25, 2017 $28 US & Canada. $38 USD for Overseas Air. Includes Prices Realized. Includes January 23 list, no prices realized. ___ Please send both 2017 Auction Catalogs. $50 US & Canada. $70 USD for Overseas Air. Prices Realized. Includes York booklet, no prices realized. M-WTCA.ORGVisa/Mastercard No. ______Exp. Date: Signature: Phone: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Date Brown Tool Auctions P.O. Box 737, Watervliet, MI 49098 PHONE: (800) 248-8114 FAX: (269) 463-3767 Order catalogs now. View items online on December 14, 2016, at www.FineToolJ.com. 44 The Gristmill