Displays from Decatur .... Page 6 Heritage Canyon, Lost in the 1800s .... Page 8 Plumb Bobs of Leistner & Heimbach .... Page 16 Sargent & Co. Military Marked Planes .... Page 24 New S-WTCA Article Column .... Page 31 A Publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association Whataya Got, Whataya Got .... Page 32 Stanley No. 78/78W Type Study .... Page 34 Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools M-WTCA Auxiliary .... Page 42

M-WTCA.ORG

Paul Leistner N o.4 Plumb Bob and Original Box story begins on page 16

March 2009 No. 134 Chaff From The President, Ed Hobbs

To me, one of the great things about the You have been hearing a lot from us lately about "We Need beginning of the New Year is we are getting You" in relation to finding people who will help with our back in the swing of having our Area meet­ semi-annual national meetings. With our updated approach ings! There is something special about see­ of having a team of members assigned to handle various ing old friends, making new ones and yes, tasks, getting involved will be fun and rewarding. M-WTCA getting a chance to find a few goodies to members have a longstanding tradition of service to our fel­ add to the collection. I hope that everyone low members, so please take time to read the article in this will take advantage of this great benefit of issue and yes, get involved. Working together just makes our being a member and consider attending as meetings better and better. Bob Fields, Lynne McCalla and I many Area meetings as possible. And when you go, think have already signed up along with others. We guarantee that about finding someone that has an interest in what we stand if you try it, you will like it. for and invite them to come along. There is nothing like see­ If you have not renewed your membership for 2009, this will ing a room full of old tools, unique displays and demonstra­ be the last issue of The Gristmill that you will receive. I think tions and hearing interesting programs to get people to join. continued on page 14

The Gristmill No. 134 March, 2009

Copyright 2009 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Directors Committee Chairman Association, Inc. All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Area A AreaJ Elections ...... George Wanan1aker Eric Mattson, 2009 Joel Hodapp, 2009 Meeting Planning ...... Bob Fields Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm Hollis Feeser, 2010 Lloyd Henley, 2009 Membership ...... John Walkowiak 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623 Robert Nelson, 2011 Rick Kerns, 2011 Scholarship ...... George Elsass Contributing Editors: Nikki Borkovetz, Bob Roger AreaB AreaK Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm Graphic Design: Tracie Sis Gary Kane, 2009 David Howell, 2009 Special Publications ...... Vincent Soukup The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Pete Hartmann, 2010 Bill Youart, 2010 By-Laws and Policy ...... Vaughn Simmons Steve McNulty, 2011 Monte Harold, 2011 Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in What's It ...... Ron White March, June, September and December. The purpose of the association is to promote the preserva­ AreaC AreaL Directory ...... Larry Thorson tion, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements Jim Crammond, 2009 Dave Fessler, 2011 Preservation & Education ...... Phil Baker and devices of frum, home, industry and shop of the pio­ Del Galofaro, 2010 Marion Henley Award ...... Mel Ring neers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were Mike Stemple, 2011 AreaM Displays & Awards ...... Bob Valich used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share knowl­ Ronnie Glover, 2009 edge and understanding with others, especially where it may Family Assistance ...... Don Riley AreaD Richard Bradshaw, 2010 benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. Internet ...... Don Bosse Fred Leu, 2009 President William Rupert, 2010 AreaN Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla Ed Hobbs Ed Chahal, 2011 Vincent Soukup, 2009 Scrapbook ...... Barb & Mike Slasinski 4417 Inwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3315 William Morgan, 2010 [email protected] (919) 828-2754 AreaE Phil Baker, 2011 Russ Allen, 2009 Where to Send What Vice-President of Elections Gary Johnson, 2009 AreaO Please note where to send what so it will reach the George Wanamaker Ron Knorr, 2010 Bob Weaver, 2009 right person. 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 Robert Olesen, 2011 Bob Valich, 2010 [email protected] (309) 836-6872 Allan Foster, 2011 Send changes in your address, phone number or Vice-President of Meeting Planning AreaF E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, do Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, Bob Fields Carl Bilderback, 2009 AreaP E-Mail [email protected] 7835 Mount Holly Huntersville, Charlotte, NC 28216-8710 Bill Marlow, 2009 Richard Weymer II, 2009 [email protected] (704) 393-1282 Mark Johnson, 2011 Jack Zimmerman, 2010 Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 M-WTCA.ORGVaughn Simmons, 2011 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone (586) Vice-President of Membership AreaG Donald Stark, 2011 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] John Walkowiak Dennis Eckstein, 2009 Dues are $25 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 Pay membership dues for current year: Ray Myers, 2010 AreaQ for USA, $33 for Canada & $44 for Foreign members. [email protected] (612) 824-0785 Roy Ebersole, 2011 Robert Oehman, 2009 Send your check made out to M-WTCA to LeRoy Witzel, Vice-President of Scholarship Tom Konsler, 2010 Treasurer, P.O. Box 355 Hwnboldt, IA 50548-0535 phone George Elsass AreaH David Fliday, 2011 (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected]. Please 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893 Peter Habicht, 2010 write RENEW and your name and address on your [email protected] (614) 888-0591 Mark Hughes, 2011 AreaR check. Do not use a new member application to renew Walter Karsten, 2009 an existing membership. Treasurer Area I Jim Bode, 2010 Submit materials and advertising information to LeRoy Witzel James Goodson, 2010 The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 3105 Cottonwood P.O. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548-0355 Emory Goad, 2011 Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623, phone (402) 572-1238, [email protected] (515) 890-0262 E-Mail [email protected] Secretary Obtain scholarship information: Contact George Larry Thorson Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893, 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 Phone (614) 888-0591, E-Mail [email protected] [email protected] (608) 779-0966z

2 The Gristmill Coming Up M-WTCA National Meetings Spring 2009 ...... June 18-20, Lexington, KY. Bob Fields (704) 393-1282, [email protected] Fall 2009 ...... October 29-31, Indianapolis, IN. 2009 M-WTCA Area Meetings Area N ...... Meet ..... Jan. 14/17, Fort Mead, FL Area D ...... Meet ..... May 3, Humboldt, IA Vince Soukup (772) [email protected] LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] Area Q ...... Meet ..... Jan. 17, Hillsborough, NC Area H & R..Meet ..... May 17, Pittsfield, Mass. Tom Konsler (919) 967-9550, [email protected] Jim Bode (518) 537-8665 Area P ...... Meet ..... Jan. 24, York, PA Area D ...... Meet ..... July 18, Mt. Pleasant, IA Don Stark (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Ed Chahal (319) 385-4710, [email protected] Area I ...... Meet ..... Jan. 31, Bedford, TX Area C ...... Meet ..... July 18, Kalamazoo, MI Gregor Mszar (817) 937-5475, [email protected] Jim Crammond (734) 241-0549, [email protected] Area M&N .. Meet ..... Feb. 5-7, Madison, GA Area Q ...... Meet ..... July 25, Raleigh, NC Doug Fowler (706) 629-8604, none Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, [email protected] Area I,J,K .... Meet .. ... Feb. 7, Bentonville, AR Area E ...... Meet .... .Aug. 2, LaFox, IL Emery Goad (888) 889-3340, [email protected] George Cella (630) 377-3646, [email protected] AreaA...... Meet ..... Feb. 14, Medina, MN Area A ...... Meet .... Aug. 16, Rochester, MN Eric Mattson (651) 462-3955, [email protected] Hollis Feeser (507) 282-3175, [email protected] Area B ...... Meet ..... Feb. 22, St Francis, WI Area F ...... Meet .... .Aug. 22, La Porte, IN Gary Kane (608) 877-9290, [email protected] Carl Bilderback (219) 362-9869, none Area F ...... Meet .. ... Mar. 7/8, Spencer, IN Area B ...... Meet ..... Sept. 12, Genoa, WI Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected] Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Area D ...... Meet ..... Mar. 22, Omaha, NE Area C ...... Meet .... .Sept. 19, Dearborn, MI Fred Leu ( 402) 592-1907, [email protected] Del Galofaro (734) 676-0997, [email protected] Area E ...... Meet ..... Mar. 29, Loves Park, IL Area D ...... Meet ..... Oct. 11, Omaha, NE Gary Johnson (815) 636-1464, [email protected] Fred Leu ( 402) 592-1907, [email protected] Area P ...... Meet ..... Apr. 4, Broadway, VA Area Q ...... Meet ..... Nov. 7, Bethania, NC Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617, [email protected] Robert Oehn1an (919) 858-8506, [email protected] Area Q ...... Meet ... ..Apr . 11, Waxhaw, NC AreaP ...... Meet ..... Nov. 14, Broadway, VA David Fridy (704) 843-5024, [email protected] Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617, Area A ...... Meet ..... Apr. 18, Hastings, MN [email protected] Eric Mattson (651) 462-3955, [email protected] Area E ...... Meet ..... Nov. 15, Carlinville, IL Area C ...... Meet .... .Apr. 18, Chesaning, MI Bob Terry (618) 377-3421, [email protected] Jerry Henze (989) 793-0498, none Dates must be cleared with Jim Bramel (502) 863-1226 E-Mail: [email protected] Area E ...... Meet .. ...Apr. 26, Macomb, IL George Wanamaker (309) 836-6872, [email protected] We Invite You to Lexington, Kentucky on June 18-20, 2009. by Bob Fields

Kentucky is a beautiful place to visit, with many things to see new meeting format. Adequate time will be allowed in the and do. You can tour the many historical sites and museums, meeting schedule for eating and shifting between activities. enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, experience beautiful One new thing we will be trying, is asking for "helpers" that horse farms, check out the distilleries, dine at many fine will be willing to help those who need assistance moving restaurants and shop in wonderful stores and boutiques. On tools and displays around. Look for more details later. the same trip you can enjoy the tools, fellowship, programs Your registration package will be mailed to you in early May and demonstrations of a great M-WTCA national meeting. M-WTCA.ORGwith a comprehensive listing of things to see and do both com­ The newly redecorated Hyatt Regency (859-253-1234) will be ing into Lexington (www.KentuckyTourism.com) as well as our host hotel and the adjacent Lexington Convention center points of interest in the Lexington area (www.visitlex.com). will be the site of the meeting. Special features include adja­ Since Lexington and the surrounding area offers such a wide cent restaurants and shopping all under the same roof, and range of things to see and do, we have not scheduled a formal an inside unloading area for the trade room come rain or tour but instead will provide you with information so you can shine! Tailgating will be held in the large parking lot behind decide what you want to see, when and for how long. Call a the convention center. Conveniently located at the intersec­ fellow member today and begin planning now for your own tion of Interstates 64 and 75, Lexington is well within a one­ specialized tour. A message board will be placed in the regis­ day's drive of a very large percentage of our members, so tration area where you can post a note related to wanting to make plans to attend now! The men's theme is "Tools Related partner with others to see certain sites. Keep in mind that the to Horses" and the auxiliary theme is "Hors'n Around." special $99 per night room rate is good for three days before and after the meeting, so plan to come early and stay late and We will be building on a somewhat revised version of the make the meeting part of a memorable Kentucky vacation.

March 2009 3 Decatur and the Change at Mount Vernon by George Wanamaker

Some expressed concern that Decatur would Thursday evening was the barbeque dinner. We had so be the beginning of the end of tool meetings as many people attending that we ran out of food, however more food was brought in and everyone was served. That we know them. Some thought it would be a evening Phil Baker gave a talk on Saws and More. He had disaster attendance wise, or that there would examples of the saws he discussed with plenty of good be no time to buy, sell, or trade tools. Well, information about them. His presentation was well received and very well attended. Decatur is over and none of the above hap­ pened. We had a very good meeting. I am a lit­ tle prejudice, but I believe this was the best of the four national meetings I have put on. The Executive, Historic Preservation and Education, Long Range Planning Committees and the Board of Directors meetings were held on Wednesday and Thursday. They did not interfere with the main events, programs and trading. Hotel room trading started on Wednesday and continued on Thursday with sixteen rooms open.

The main event started early Friday with parking lot trad­ ing. Jim and Phyllis Moffet offered free coffee to chase away the chill. There may not have been as many dealers, but there were enough that everyone had plenty to look at and buy. I found several things, including a butter rule to measure sticks of butter, and a rule used to fit eye glasses to the face. Most people had left the lot by 1:00pm, though no one was forced to close or leave.

The trip to the Lincoln Museum was on Thursday. It was enjoyedM-WTCA.ORG At 1:00pm you could set up your by all who went. We could how­ display. There were 26 or 27 dis­ ever have used more time than plays, a very good number. The we allowed for the visit. 3:00pm session to discuss displays Meanwhile in the east parking lot was attended by many people. It of the Convention Center, was the biggest crowd I have ever demonstrations were given of seen for this type of event. This pre- Civil War shoe making, trea­ event ended just in time to get to dle powered metal lathe use, Bob Nelson's presentation 100 treadle powered jig saw use, grist Years of Diamond Tools. 2008 was grinding, straight line engraving, the 100th anniversary of the broom making, and refurbishing founding of the Diamond Tool of panther head saws.

4 The Gristmill Manufacturing Company. This talk covered the products Finally, we finished the day with discussion groups on and major milestones of the company. Almost 100 people Stanley Tools, folding rules and tape measures, treadle heard Bob discuss this interesting topic. powered tools, and saws. Dave Heckel had a lot of new information on Stanley. Ed Hobbs had a power point pres­ entation on treadle powered tools. There was a good dis­ cussion in the measuring tools group. The banquet wrapped up the day's activities. Roast beef, chicken, catfish, REAL mashed potatoes, salads, pecan pie and several different cakes for dessert were all served buf­ f et style. We have had many good meals in the past, but this one topped them all!

The trade room opened at 5:30pm for an hour and a half. There was a good crowd in attendance with setting up and buying going on hot and heavy. The trade room was open just long enough to get set up and get a taste of what was to come on Saturday. Then, on to the next event, the auc­ tion. There were about 100 good quality tools. Prices seemed to be pretty good for both buyer and seller.

The entertainment was Cambric Garden which took us on a musical trip along the Oregon Trail using such instru­ ments as the harp, the mountain dulcimer, the hammered dulcimer, and assorted horns and flutes. Throw in a great hospitality room, nice weather, good food, enjoyable comradery, and we had a very good meeting in Decatur. Also, thanks to ALL who helped, demon­ strated, presented, and Now for the big complaint of the day, we did too much! attended this meeting. Several people complained that there was no time for a It could not have been nap or for dinner. The day was so full of activities that you done without YOU; this could not do everything. This is a big change from some meeting was by you previous meetings where the complaint was dead time. and for you! We sure did not have muchM-WTCA.ORG dead time! Even with an early 6:30am Saturday start, the trade room filled with a good crowd and a lot of buying and selling ensued. There were 19 Saturday only attendees with two of these being Photos by newly signed members. Later in the Mike Slasin ki day, Bill Youart presented Stanley Rules by Number. This was a discussion of the Stanley Rule and Level Company's folding rules from 1854 until near the end of production. Bill discussed fea­ tures and uses of these rules.

March 2009 5 Displays, Decatur Illinois, Fall 2008 by John Walkowiak

Once again the Displays were worth the price of adinis­ sion at the Decatur meet. There were 27 interesting and varied examples of our members interests. The theme was Rules & Tools of Measurement. And by any measure the displays were a big hit with all those attending.

The new meeting format allowed for a viewing time of Ron Pearson, Best One Tool the displays without other distractions and it was very ''A Folk Art Brace" well received. If you did not attend, you really missed seeing some outstanding displays of unusual and rare tools as well as the educational material that accompa­ nied them. More than once I heard the comment, "In all my years of collecting I have never seen one of those, except in a book". We want to again thank Martin Donnelly and Clarence Blanchard for providing the door prizes for the People's Choice Award. Enjoy the photos and start making plans to attend the Spring meeting and surprise and amaze us with your tool display!

John Walkowiak, Most Unusual Display ''Breakfast Saws"

Laurent Torno Jr., Best In Theme Bob Green, Fred A. Curry Award "The Fritrich SchnidelM-WTCA.ORG Yardstick" ''Everlasting Chisels"

George Wanamaker, Best Out Of Theme Jack Devitt, Peoples Choice Award "Tool To Make and Serve Ice Cream" ''Livestock Tools"

6 The Gristmill Everett Sheffield Eric Peterson "The J.H. Williams Multisocket Wrench" ''A Tribute To Andre Milette"

Cecil Holmes "9 1/2 Planes"

Kerry McCalla Bob Nelson "I've Never Seen One of These" Judges ''Measures Of A Man" Choice Awards

Joel Hodapp Jim Gehring ''Lufkin Advertising Specialties" ''Rufus Porter Plumb & Level Indicator" M-WTCA.ORG

Dan Gaier ''Rule Stands"

J.B. Cox John Ferreira ''Anomalies On Framing Squares" ''Linograph System For Engraving Monograms"

March 2009 7 Heritage Canyon, Lost in the l 800s by Bob Olesen

After moving to Northwest There is a lot of work still to illinois nine years ago, Laura be done such as cleaning, and I discovered a delightful arranging, and most impor­ place that seems to be lost in tantly cataloging the collec­ time. Heritage Canyon has tion. A few members from become a must trip each time area E have been our fifteen year old grand­ approached about helping daughter Megan comes to in the future and they have visit. It is located on the site agreed. This will take con­ of an old stone quarry in siderable coordination Fulton, illinois. There are between M-WTCA and the thirteen buildings most of Early American Grafters them donated intact from the Association but we think it community. Several of the can be managed. buildings are filled with a On October 11th and 12th large array of period tools. Laura, myself, our grand- Our involvement began in daughter Megan, and one of early summer of 2008 with Megan and a visit to the "Canyon" her friends participated in the Heritage Canyon Fall Festival. and a stop at the Dutch Windmill by the Mississippi River. Everyone was in period costume and was busy doing every­ Laura mentioned to one of the volunteers that we would like day tasks of the 1800s. I was in the Wagon Shop where one to offer our help as members of M-WTCA in cataloging and of the displays had been set up with lots of curly shavings on organizing the tools at Heritage Canyon. The volunteer was the floor which were made by the various planes and other a member of the Early American Grafters Association, which tools. By Sunday morning the yellow pine boards were get­ does almost everything to maintain the Canyon. ting thin when I spied a nice piece of a downed elm. With a little difficulty, it was soon split and the entire process of log A September 6th meeting was finally arranged and an up to finished board was explained to the visitors. close walk through with lots of photos was done. The ques­ tion was raised if we could possibly put some sort of display The children were all sent away with wood curls from the together for their October Fall Festival. We said yes. A plan­ plane. There was a surprising amount of interest and many ning meeting was scheduled for the 14th of September to questions were asked .We had M-WTCA brochures avail­ which we were invited. We presented a few ideas and they able and a few possible new members had their questions were approved. We were answered. About 1200 peo­ asked to participate in the ple came through during the Fall Festival on October 11th two day event. and 12th and we agreed. We participated in the Storyboards were made up December 6th Holiday Walk explaining how various where I made 3 old time planes were used along with wooden sleds which were the hewing axe and adze. sold to benefit the Grafters. Small signs were also made We are looking forward to for other tools located M-WTCA.ORGin Dutch Days in early May. additional buildings. A work­ We will be at the Canyon day was arranged for the Friday, Saturday, and 27th of September. Tools Sunday. Friday will be the were cleaned, sharpened, day attended by school chil­ organized, and identified. dren on their end of year The planes were used and field trips. arranged on a nice piece of If you are ever in the area, yellow pine and the story- please make an effort to visit Heritage Canyon. Fulton, boards were put in place. It was a long but enjoyable day. illinois is located on the Mississippi River directly across The Canyon is closed from mid December till mid April so from Clinton, Iowa and about 40 miles north of the Quad a regular work schedule will have to wait until spring. Cities. The web site is www.cityoffulton.us

8 The Gristmill Committee Reports

Membership by John Walkowiak

I hope everyone's holidays were happy ones, and you are shy about approaching your Area Director and asking waiting with much anticipation for the M-WTCA tool where you can be of help. meets of 2009. I can give you the first year's returns on the new mem­ I would like to propose that all members make a New bers we have acquired by the efforts of those members Year's resolution to become more involved in Mid-West. who are promoting us on their eBay listings and those First and foremost, take part in who have put out a Silent your local meetings. Bring some '' I would like to propose that Salesmen at their antique shop tools to sell, bring a display to space or at their shows. We have show, and bring a friend that is all members make a New gained a total of 40 members not presently a member. Offer to Year's resolution to become through eBay contacts, and help your meeting host in some another 33 because of a Silent way. If you have a skill involving more involved in Mid-West. Salesman exposure. your collecting passion, demon- I want to extend a very hearty strate what you know and share Thank You to the members who have promoted Mid­ your knowledge with your fellow members. Belonging to West in these two ways this past year. You have helped Mid-West is much more fun and satisfying if you are us reach people who would not have otherwise known actively involved. about us. It is good for them and good for the organiza­ In the spirit of volunteering, I have some good news to tion. These are important ways for us to reach those tool report. With your renewal form was a blue slip of paper collectors who are not members. asking you if you would help at meetings in some way. If you are selling on eBay, please put a few words about To date LeRoy has sent me 45 that were returned with Mid-West and a link to our web site in you listing, then offers to lend a hand. The newest version of the mem­ contact me and I will send you some membership bership application has a line on it also asking if the brochures to put in the tools you send out. If you can use new member would be willing to lend a hand. I have a Silent Salesman, just let me know and I will get one to received 14 that indicated they would. I will be forward­ you as well. ing these names on to the various Area Directors. I want to thank everyone who so far responded. And Keep up the great work, and remember, YOU are the best even if you did not fill out the form, please do not be salesman we have for M-WTCA.

The Endowment Fund by Mel Ring M-WTCA.ORG The M-WTCA Endowment Fund continues ees, thereby doubling the employee's gift. Members may to grow. There have been gifts of all sizes need to remind their employers that M-WTCA is a 501c3 organization and gifts are deductible under the law. with many members making gifts with their Information on such plans is usually available from the annual M-WTCA dues payments. They are Human Resources Department. all important. Members can obtain additional information about giving and estate planning on the internet or by seeking counsel One thing that needs mentioning is employer-matching from their accountant. gifts. Some employers will match gifts by their employ-

March 2009 9 Area Meets

Area D Omaha, NE Meet by Lee Kallstrom

A Beautiful Day for a Tool Meet became part of a division of Newell Rubbermaid, Generally, our consistent extended family took tables at Inc. The plant was closed our meet. This fall however, there seemed to be more tools and production sent to to see, trade, and buy. I walked around as I do, for over an China. If you want to see a hour just looking. At a few tables I asked 'what is the best picture of the actual plant tool you brought today'? The guys would typically laugh, when Vice Grip was really but then would say well, this is an interesting piece. made in the USA, go to Larry Uehling who comes from Savannah, Missouri, showed off his really sweet Stanley Number 7 type 2 which was in http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe40s/machine great condition. This s_12.html. jointer was made You will see why it is going to become a classic collector's between 1869 and item before very long. Here is Alan holding this anniversary 1872 according to Jay edition. Sutherland's Classic Stanley's bench plane Seeking out these cool tools took most of my time before the activities began. At mid-morning we had an attempt at the page. It is complete and correct, really a "What's it" table. Hosting this session were Jim Shald and fun plane. Joel Blasius. Although the guys were not able to describe the functions of many of the items provided, they certainly were creative in the narrations about what these tools might have been. They kept us all interested and entertained.

rare Defiance bench plane drew a lot of attention. Bill Kolm brought this one in. The fun thing for me was being able to see a hand tool that is so rare that I did not know it exist­ ed. According to Clarence Blanchard in "Defiance Planes by Stanley - 1925 to 1934, Part 2", Stanley Tool Collector News, Vol. 5, Number 13, winter 1994, the number 5, type 5 Jim then moved to was created on NovemberM-WTCA.ORG 9, 1930. The addition of black the first of the display and yellow handles with flat sided totes made the differ­ tables. His table showed ence. This plane was replaced by type 6 less than a year an amazing grouping of later. A notably rare type of plane. coping saws. Jim described his extensive I approached Alan Fetty who said he did not have anything collection of frames, really old but he did have a chrome plated with gold inlayed blades, and measuring wrench. It turned out to be a seventy-fifth anniversary accessories, as just Collectors Series from Petersen's Vice Grip. You all know another example of that the Vice Grip was invented by William Petersen in "building a better Dewitt, Nebraska back in 1921. The company lasted until mousetrap". This is why early 2008 when, after a number of mergers, the company we call him the saw

10 The Gristmill man. The display turned into a nice workshop by Jim on cop­ At the age of sixteen, Jim became enthralled with his ing saws. He maintains that you can use about any one of these Grandpa's bit brace. He went to the library and did some saws to do the job. It is up to you to do it well. Thanks Jim. research finding that this was a really cool tool. As time went by, he started collecting woodworking tools including We then moved on to a great display presenting a fine more braces and a bunch of brace bits. His real love how­ example of quality craftsmanship. Peggy McBride from ever, became the simple hand saw. Collecting saws has LaPort City, Iowa, brought a template for quilters. This been his passion during the last ten years. Jim says he did wonderful set of templates in a beautifully designed box not really try but the numbers just seemed to keep adding demonstrates a useful addition to the quilting skill for sta­ up. At this point he claims to have about four to five hun­ bilizing pattern sizes. It is always great to see true crafts­ dred on display on his 'saw' wall. This does not count the manship created with love. Thanks Peggy saws that are boxed up and stored away. Jim began selling some tools on EBay four or five years ago. He had to make enough room in his home for his fam­ ily. Selling a couple of saws a week almost keeps his collec­ tion balanced. There are typically many tools available at all times. Jim's website can be found at jtallen83 As the market changes, Jim reaches back into his cabinets for toys he has stored for ages. Recently, he reports that many brace bits have been coveted by folks in Italy and other parts of Europe. Ah ha, it appears that even people in other countries are recognizing the value of these hand tools. Jim typically offers seven to twelve pic­ tures of each of his items. He says he would rather lose a sale than not Following more displays we had another great lunch. A spe­ describe his product cial thanks to Rose Fetty for again putting on a great buffet. as well as he can. Passion for collecting became even more evident during the Halloween lunch with talk of "crazy" trips across half the Here is Jim with a country to get tools, wood and other collectables. "Because Disston # 12, sixteen you just cannot get um." It was a great time for all. inch saw with split nuts. This one is not really listed but it Introducing our extendedM-WTCA.ORG family certainly is cool. People come from all over to our meets; to buy, sell, grow I left our meet with and ask questions. A friend from Iowa has become a con­ only two tools, but stant member of our Omaha family. Jim Allen from both were outstanding finds for me. They are from Omaha Denison, Iowa visits regularly. hardware stores, when Omaha was the Gate City for job­ bers, distributing hard goods and tools throughout the Jim and wife Nancy have two grown children and five grand­ western United States. My first purchase, a Rector and kids. They live in Denison, Iowa, which has a population of Wilhelmy Clean Clipper chisel. I did not know that the CC about 6500. Jim works around the country doing handicap logo started in Rectors time between 1876 and 1902. My access construction. He is sometimes out-of-town for long second purchase was a Lee, Glass, Andreesen Hdw Co. , periods of time, traveling to towns and cities from Texas to (1900 to 1914) 25" Wizard 'skew' back hand saw made by Arizona. He enjoys helping communities with their handicap Disston. Now what could be better than that? accessible needs but is always happy to get back to Iowa.

March 2009 11 Tenth Valley Collectors Meeting a Resounding Success by Vaughn Simmons

Forty-two tool guardians and spouses/guests (60 total) convened in Broadway, VA on November 15, 2008 for the 10th Shenandoah Valley Tool Collectors (SVTC) Meeting. The SVTC began in 2005 as a group of valley collec­ tors belonging to either M-WTCA or EAIA, and since then have had 110 different collectors in attendance. The meetings are now under the auspices of M-WTCA. These M-WTCA members and their EAIA guests spent the early hours buying, selling, and displaying tools and exchanging informa­ tion. Although most were repeat participants from Virginia and even some from North Carolina and West Virginia, fourteen were first­ time attendees. The eleven displays were spec­ tacular and included an oiling saw, mackerel slitters, an extensive assortment of gauging tools, hatchets, a huge collection of scythe anvils, an even Jim Conley of Troy, VA, reported on the September 2008 larger collection of axes, a brace with 29 pads, hair clip­ EAIA Germany Tool Tour. The program ended with an pers, and unusual combination tools. identification session for a table-full of 'what's it' items and an award for outstanding display. After a lunch of Turner sugar cured ham prepared and served by the Sunset Drive Methodist Men's Group, many attendees participated in either a tour of the Plains District Museum in Timberville, VA, or a visit to a near-by private tool collection/museum. Watch for the next meeting in Broadway in April, 2009.

M-WTCA.ORG Trading, Programs, Displays and Discussion

The twelve selling tables were busy until the program began at 10 am. The main presenta­ tion was on tinsmithing by Terry Winborne of Roanoke, VA. He kept all, including the spous­ es and guests, in awe as he illustrated with a complete assortment of tinkers tools what the Terry Winborne - Roanoke, VA - Tinsmith tinsmith trade is all about.

12 The Gristmill Book Reviews

The Woodwright's Guide Working Wood with Wedge & Edge The Woodwriyhts Guide Workin~ Wood with Wed1e & Ed~e by Roy Underhill h6h0 sbyE • rt, h

First Edition, 250 pages, 8 1/2" X 11", 2008 Available from The University of North Carolina Press, $35.00 Cloth, $22.50 Paper

Book Review by Dave Heckel

Roy Underhill is well known as the creator of The details. The last Woodwright's Shop, which is approaching its fourth chapter of the book decade of production, and for his previous six books on contains six plans the subject of hand woodworking. As the "master of tradi­ to build various tional woodcraft", Roy begins with the standing tree and wooden objects for takes the reader through chapters on the trades of wood­ woodworking such craft. In the introduction, Roy writes, "The book's journey as a bench, a shav­ begins in the forest and passes through each woodwork­ ing horse, taps and dies for wooden screws, and two ing trade as it moves farther from the tree." Each chapter lathes. covers these trades, the tools that are used in the trade, Roy has inspired many woodworkers to "just say no to and the different characters of the wood that is utilized. power tools" through his work as a historian, teacher These chapters are: Faller, Cleaver and Countryman, and researcher. This new book revisits many of the sub­ Hewer, Log Builder, Sawyer, Frame Carpenter, Joiner, jects that Roy has touched on in his previous books and Turner and Cabinetmaker. has now explained them in more clarity and detail. For The wedge is used to split the wood and the edge is used either the reader who has all of Roy's other six books or to shear the wood. Both tools are used together to show for the new reader, this book is a treasure trove of infor­ the strength and beauty of the wood. The book is illus­ mation on working wood with hand tools. It is like a tool­ trated with 307 drawings rendered by Roy's daughter box full of techniques and methods of work for the tool Eleanor Underhill. These illustrations show a flair for collector or woodworker.

The Art Of Joinery By Joseph Moxon with commentary by M-WTCA member Christopher Schwarz Book Review by John WalkowiakM-WTCA.ORG This is a re-publication of the 1703 version of Moxon's writes about with comments Mechanick Exercises, the earliest English Language text on the tools and practices. ~ on woodworking. This differs however from typical re­ This is a superb little book publications in that Chris approaches the book as a for anyone having an inter­ writer and a hand tool woodworker, making it easier to est in period woodworking read and understand. He cleaned up the odd period or tools. It is a sturdy little spelling and rearranged the text and drawings so the book that will withstand many readings. It has a sewn drawing of the tool is on the same page as the text that binding with hard covers and is available from the refers to it. He also added more than 40 photographs author's website (www.lostartpress.com) for only $17.00. which show the woodworking practices that Moxon

March 2009 13 Area E George F. Alton Swap-O-Rama by Bob Terry

The 28th annual George F. Alton Swap-O-Rama tool meet We had membership applications available for several took place on Nov. 9, 2008 in Carlinville, IL. Once again we guests and visitors that showed interest in joining M-WTCA. were blessed with good weather. Co-hosts Jim Ballinger One new member application was taken and sent in at the and Bob Terry were very pleased with a good turnout. The meeting. Make hall was filled to capacity with tables full of tools. plans to attend the Nov.15, 2009 Thanks to Cecil Holmes from Hudson, Iowa for a great dis­ meet. Hope to see play of his block planes with tail handles. We wish to thank you all there. Aaron Hoyle for calling a lively auction. There was a good variety of tools provided by members for the auction.

New M-WTCA Website is Unveiled! by Don Bosse

The M-WTCA Internet Committee recently introduced the visit frequently to catch all the latest updates as they hap­ latest edition of the association's website. The entire site pen and to stay on top of all the latest M-WTCA news and has been revamped to conform to the latest standards. events. To visit our site, please aim your browser at Along with a new look, many features have been added that www.mwtca.org. Our committee would like to extend a will make it a more useful resource for members and non­ special note of thanks to Russ Allen for providing the tech­ members alike. It is a work in progress and there are many nical knowledge and skills to make it all possible, and to great ideas yet to be hammered out. Our direction is to Randy Roeder for his involvement in updating the online look toward the future of tool collecting and to make our index of Gristmill articles. The Internet Committee relies site the go to place for information about our organization, solely on the talents and time of volunteer members. If you our activities, and what is going on in the world of tool col­ would like to contribute an article or offer some time to lecting. The only way to experience the changes that have assist with our website please email the Committee taken place is to visit the site and check it out! Be sure to Chairman Don Bosse at [email protected].

Chaff continued from page 2 everyone recognizes that timesM-WTCA.ORG could be better and perhaps sites we have had, I hope you plan now to attend! we will not be able to do everything that we want to this year. M-WTCA is always looking for new members. The best way But just take a minute and read this issue and think about all we have found to get new members is through our member­ the great information you are getting for your membership dol­ ship team, which is made up of all of you. Each one of you lar. And do not forget those informative special publications that personally tells someone about M-WTCA is the best that you get each year as another benefit that we all value. advertising that we could ever buy. Please keep membership Belonging to M-WTCA is a real deal for only $25 per year. brochures handy so you can give one to someone that is And speaking of the benefits of belonging, Bob Fields and his interested. Just think how you would feel if someone had not team are planning a great semi-annual meeting in Lexington, introduced you to what M-WTCA has to offer. Kentucky in June. The location of Lexington, the layout of the And as always, if you have any ideas, suggestions, questions hotel and convention center along with all the many things to or just want to "talk tools," please feel free to contact me at see and do in the area, makes this one of the best meeting (919) 828-2754 or [email protected] - east coast time.

14 The Gristmill M-WTCA Needs You! by Ed Hobbs

As you are probably aware, we are in the process of imple­ menu, ensures adequate supplies are purchased menting a more team based approach ( meeting planning and available, ensures the hospitality room is committee) to the planning and carrying out of our two, staffed and operated, maintains consumption and semi-annual national meetings. While this might appear to financial records, etc. be new, we are simply building on our current practice of • Program, Demonstrator & Special Interest Group using specific functions such as a contracted mailing serv­ Coordinators - Develops and maintains a list of ice to print and send out the meeting announcement, a both members and local talent that can provide registrar to handle registration, an Awards Committee to these services for the meeting manager. handle judging the displays and a What's It Committee to handle key parts of the meeting. • Auxiliary Coordinators - Responsible for coordi­ nating, managing and handling all "auxiliary spe­ This approach is being taken to spread the work over cific" items for the meeting in conjunction with multiple individuals who would agree to handle specific appropriate existing auxiliary committee chairs. meeting tasks over multiple meetings. This would allow M-WTCA to build on these people's experience and tal­ • Auction Coordinators - Responsible for handling ents. By having multiple individuals that specialize in spe­ all aspects of the member's auction. cific tasks following a standard plan, we will be able to • Internal Security Coordinators - Responsible for take advantage of meeting sites that more fully meet our providing a security team for the parking lot and needs and provide a more consistent and cost effective the trade room and coordinating with the local product for all. site security personnel. While we can use people to help in all areas related to our Serving others is a very special opportunity and a long­ semi-annual meetings, we are pa~icularly interested in standing tradition for many M-WTCA members, so please people for the following team positions. give this serious consideration. An updated detailed meet­ • Meeting Managers - In conjunction with the VP of ing planning manual (How To Guide) is available that pro­ Meeting Planning, develops specific plans for the vides specific duties for each position. The VP of Meeting meeting, interfaces with hotel, develops material Planning and others are always available to help. Some for meeting announcements and generally is compensation is available. responsible for managing all aspects of the meet­ If you are interested in any of these positions, please con­ ing through the various committee members. tact Lynne McCalla, Auxiliary President, for the Auxiliary • Hospitality Room Hosts - Develops and main­ Coordinator position and Bob Fields, VP of Meeting tains the standard snack, drink and supplies Planning, for all others.

M-WTCA Silent Salesman eBay by John Walkowiak by John Walkowiak

Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership promotion in We have available a Silent Salesman for you to dis­ your listing or on your web site. This will be good for M-WTCA play at these or any M-WTCA.ORGother venues. They are light­ by providing the thousands of eBayer's and online collectors weight and sturdy self-standing sign holders. They who are looking at old tools and do not know about us, an easy hold a small poster and a pocket that holds the tri­ means to make contact with our organization. This will also fold membership brochures and are available in two improve your credibility as a seller by showing your affiliation sizes. It is an effortless way for you to promote with M-WTCA. It will be a Wm-Win situation for everyone! Just membership in M-WTCA. You can contact me at go to http://mwtcaorg and click on the Selling on eBay bar on John [email protected] the left side of the homepage. Then simply copy and paste the promotion and add it to your listing where it best fits. It is sim­ ple and easy and will be a great help in exposing our great organization to the world. Also, do not forget to include a mem­ bership brochure in all the tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of membership brochures to you.

March 2009 15 The Plumb Bobs of Paul Gustave Leistner and Joseph Oscar Heimbach by Nelson Denny and Mike Urness

The German Art of Metalwork At the age 21 in 1879, he immigrated to the United States. St. Louis & St. Charles, Missouri After a period of time he found his way to St. Louis, Missouri, a destination well known in his homeland for its thriving German community. Martha joined him in 1881 PART2 and they were soon married. Over the course of 13 years, 1883 to 1896 they had four sons and two daughters. It is not hard to see from the examples illustrated in the last issue ·of The Gristmill the obvious similarities in the The sole reference uncovered to date of Leistner's employ­ plumb bobs of Joseph Heimbach and Paul Leistner. From ment in the first decade of his residence in St. Louis, is the viewpoint of the collector it is hard to accept the found in a business directory, "Pen and Sunlight Sketches" proposition that the similarities in these plumb bobs arose published c. 1892. Here, Paul G. Leistner is listed as having out of coincidence and that Heimbach and Leistner were operated a business, "Leistner Wire Works", at 112 unknown to each other. Washington Avenue, St. Louis. In this source it goes on to say, "He began business eight years ago in 1884 and attract­ Thanks to Mike Urness, records have been uncovered in ed attention by the thoroughness of his work, as well as by St. Charles and St. Louis that fill in some major gaps in the the novelty and beauty of his designs. Such useful manu­ understanding of Heimbach and Leistner. First and fore­ factures as office railings, wire elevators, etc., combine most, Heimbach and Leistner were very close to being the elegance with strength in a high degree, while in such orna­ same age and in the same place St. Louis, between 1880 mental productions as flower stands, wire vases, etc., Mr. and 1896. Both were of German heritage and participated Leistner exhibits some of the most delicate and exquisite in the immigration experience in Missouri at the tum of articles to be found in the city. All the work is done by the 19th to 20th Centuries. Neither of these men were hand, only the most skillful weavers and designers being "tool makers" per se but were known for their exquisitely employed." It is noted that he belonged to several "German detailed plumb bobs. Societies" in the area and had interest in the development of his adopted place of residence. In this period Paul Leistner is still in his twenties and early thirties. We know almost nothing about the details of Heimbach's life or family. He was born within a year or two of 1858 in Missouri, presumably in the general vicinity of St. Louis. As his name would imply, he was of second generation German descent. In the St. Louis City Directories from 1882 to 1903 (with the exception of two years) he is regularly listed at three different addresses. The 1900 Federal Census lists him as having been born in Missouri and being married to Elizabeth, who was born in France. Thus, Heimbach and Leistner were very close to being the same age and in the same place, St. Louis, between 1880 and 1896. In the 1886-1887 St. Louis Directory Heimbach was listed in a partnership called Heimbach & Co. with Thomas (jig. 12) Needle makers shop,M-WTCA.ORG Turmmuseum, Mengerskirchen, Stevenson. They call themselves, "model makers." This Germany. Note in particular the treadmill powered by a trained dog partnership was to last only one year. Alas, the federal in the left of the photo, that powers the bellows feeding air to the forge. census of 1900 and the St. Louis death index are the only What we now know is that Paul G. Leistner was born in two sources outside the St. Louis City Directories in Falkenstein in Sachsen, Germany in 1858. His father was which Heimbach appears. Unfortunately, the 1890 Federal a "needle maker." (fig. 12) Although the details of his train­ Census was destroyed by fire. To complicate matters, ing in Germany are not recorded, I believe it is fair to say there was a second Joseph Heimbach listed in St. Louis as that he was trained by his father and within his communi­ a machinist who was born within one year of Joseph ty to an advanced level in the German art of metal work Oscar Heimbach; that Joseph Heimbach lived until 1923. He had other more visceral aspirations. While still in For the brief period of four years, 1892 to 1896, Paul Germany, Paul met and courted in a neighboring village Leistner, still in St. Louis, worked out of a factory at 806 called Neustadt, also in Sachsen, one Martha Berger, a North 12th Street in two short-lived partnerships. The first woman a few years older than himself. and most important association in this story was a partner-

16 The Gristmill ship called "Heimbach and Leistner, model makers." The occupying property across the street. Martha was to out­ following year, Heimbach was gone, and the new business live her husband by six years. (fig. 14) was "Leistner & Helfert. This partnership was to last three Copyright St. Charles County Historical Society years. To put this into perspective, Paul's oldest son Oscar, ----4__...,__·- . (named after Martha's father, incidentally, and not after J. l Oscar Heimbach) was still only 12 years old in 1892, still too young to earn his keep in his father's business. Not until 1896 does the Leistner family and business move to St. Charles. It is also noteworthy that with the excep­ tion of one of the two "plumb bob anomalies" mentioned in the last issue of the Gristmill, all Leistner plumb bobs are labeled, St Charles. Fair to say, I would think, that his prolific contribution to the manufacture of plumb bobs falls in that year and the years after, a full 15 years after his arrival in Missouri..

The description of Paul Leistner's first work place in St. ifig. 14) Paul Leistner Foundry on Clay Street, St. Charles, Mo ., c. Charles, "a small shop at his residence at 127 South Fifth 1898- 1911. Street," seems to be a somewhat diminished operation As Paul Leistner's sons, Oscar, Paul J., and Theodore from the two story brick "factory" at his last St. Louis came of age they worked collectively close to 50 years for address on North 12th Street. It would seem that his last their father before the company name was changed to four years of partnering in St. Louis were unsettled and "Paul Leistner & Sons" in 1912. This was only four years perhaps not entirely successful. before Paul G. Leistner's death in 1916 at the age of 58. A very intriguing note about this new shop is that Leistner Erich, the fourth son, was not employed by his father; powered his machines, presumably a lathe or lathes, using rather he held a "remunerative" position as draftsman in dog power! As novel as this may seem to many readers, one of the car shops ( railroad cars) of St. Charles. "Paul the idea more than likely, came from his boyhood experi­ Leistner & Sons" and then Paul Leistner's Sons ence in his father's own needle making shop. Fredrick Manufacturing Company, continued as a family business Leistner, one of Paul G. Leistner's in St. Charles, at 600 Clay Street grandsons, remembered this "power (7th and Clay), in a new brick build­ plant" in this way: "He made a large ing constructed in 1918. The busi­ wheel, sixteen feet in diameter and ness continued until well into the two feet wide. This wheel was 1950's, maintained by two of Paul enclosed by wire. The large wheel Leistner's grandsons. was turned by dogs running in the Leistner may have referred to him­ wheel." It was not until 1911 that the self as a "machinist," but the enter­ dogs were replaced by a gasoline prise that he first established in St. engine. (fig. 13) Louis and then continued in St. With growing success in his St. Charles was much more than that Charles enterprise, c. 1898,M-WTCA.ORG Leistner moniker would imply. One local bought a large brick house at the end source described the output of the of West Clay Street and built an Leistner foundry in St. Charles as, enlarged foundry nearby. This was a "Beautiful costly bank fixtures, location he was to maintain until his heavy brass chandeliers, massive death in 1916. Until 1912, the busi­ cornices, nameplates of the richest ness was called, "Paul Leistner, Art appearance and ornaments of brass Metalworks." In 1914 two years after and bronze of variegated design: the "dog wheel" was replaced by a (fig. 13) Paul Leist:ner's 16 ft. diameter dog powered some plain, some fantastic, some gasoline engine, the foundry burned treadmill at 127 South 5th Street, St Chari.es, Mo. useful, some purely to please the to the ground and was immediately rebuilt on the same eye." From the same source, "The concern consists of a site. On the death of her husband, Martha Leistner sold brass foundry and machine shop, and is equipped with the the foundry property to Lindenwood College already most modern of devices including complicated and

March 2009 17 expensive machinery of all descriptions, both heavy and of us over the age of 50 remember train passenger coaches light but all designed for working in metal, and for perfect­ that had seats with backs that flipped from one side to the ing the many delicate processes required. Suffice it to say other depending on which end of the car was being dragged that old copper wire, old brass filings and other waste prod­ by the locomotive. That was another Leistner idea. ucts are taken to the foundry and by the time they pass He also patented, and surely manufactured two other items, through the machine shop and are ready for shipment, they a "Sash Fastener" under U.S. Patent No. 549,924 granted in have assumed the most beautiful shapes and finishes imag­ 1895 and a "Hot Water Bottle" or "Foot Warmer" made in inable. It is like the worm turning into the butterfly." copper on U.S. Patent No. 1,011,452 granted in 1911. Apart from Paul Leistner's day by day business enterpris­ I think we can assume that plumb bobs were another of es, by 1886, just three years into his marriage at age 28, he Leistner's many side lines. But I do not think that Paul had successfully filed a patent for a "Garden Table" (U.S. Leistner would make them casually; to some extent he Patent No. 338,986, St. Louis, Mo.). This is no less than a mass marketed his wares by mail by publishing a "Paul cast iron patio table with a crank-operated canvas umbrel­ Leistner Catalogue," a relatively new way of marketing for la. It looked similar to the one you may have in your own the times. An illustration of his plumb bobs graces the back yard. (fig. 15) cover page of Leistner's catalogue. Unfortunately to my knowledge, only one company catalogue, missing 6 of its original 12 pages, remains. (fig. 16) ~r;; j :: !J PAUL LEISTNER & SONS MANUFACTURING CO. SAINT CHARLES, MO., U.S. A.

LiAKUtN IAJ:SLr. REVERSIBLE CAR SEAT

TIDYHOLDER

HOT WATER BOTTLE SASH LOCK (FOOTWARMER)

(fig. 15) Paul LM-WTCA.ORGeistner's U. S. Patents. In 1891 at age 33, and a year before he partnered with MANUFACTURERS OF Heimbach, Leistner was successful in patenting a "Tidy Holder" (U.S. Patent No. 448,967, St. Louis, Mo.) This was a spring-type paperclip that looks as contemporary as some­ Real Bronze Plumb Bobs thing you would buy at one of today's office supply stores. Brass and Iron Grill Work One of the ongoing sidelines of Leistner's business was "spring bottoms for car seats." Presumably these seats were Wire Springs, Special Hardware for railroad passenger coaches. In 1904 he got his third patent (U.S. Patent No. 751,312) for a "Reversible Car Seat." and Brass Castings St. Charles was home to The St. Charles Car Co., one of the biggest railroad car manufacturing plants in the state. Most (fig. 16) Leistner Catalogue ( cover page)

18 The Gristmill His products were also sold through The interiors were nicely fitted out the T.B. Rayl Hardware Company of with an indent lined with felt to cup Detroit, Michigan. Their catalogue and align the cap in the box and a c.1905, listed 6 sizes of Leistner's two part sliding partition that fur­ "Millwrights Reversible" bobs. They ther helped to keep the bob in place. are illustrated with the distinguishing Paper labeling on the box end is features of the Leistner bobs, yet it marked with the company name, does not mention Leistner as manufac­ bob size and type, and of course, St. turer. They range in weight from 3/4 lb. Charles, Mo. (figs. 18, 19 & 20) up to 5 lbs. and sold for $2.40 for the smallest to $8.40 for the largest. The W. Bingham Co., Cleveland catalogue from 1902 shows the same range of Millwrights sizes and prices but also above (fig. 18) Leistner, includes four sizes of "Surveyors," 3/4, l lb. Millwrights 1, 2 and 3 lbs. We have yet to uncover a Reversibl£, paper l,abel definitive size range of the "common on box end. sense" type. Sightings of Leistner and Heimbach plumb bobs are by no means uncommon over a hundred years later. They do turn up in places that I might have thought unusual, such as a bob and box I received marked with an owner's name with a Johannesburg, South Africa address. Although produced in significant numbers, these bobs were not mass produced as we might think of mass production today. In my experience, the parts of any given size are not interchangeable. I would guess that each joint in each above (fig. 19) bob was hand fitted and trimmed from a relatively small Leistner, typi­ cal box. I do production run of castings. If one would study the group not believe illustrations carefully one will see quite a wide variation that the plumb in the proportions of the turnip bodies, variations in line on this length of the "necks" below the caps, differences in example has ever been threading of the caps and shafts and different tools being unwound from used to apply the knurled and beaded bands of decorative its keeper. trim. These were labor intensive tools made by highly skilled machinists. This is the German art of metal work Sadly, the last known entry in city directories for Heimbach's life: 1904, age 48 years, Joseph Oscar Heimbach dies of tuberculosis. One source shows above (fig. 20) Leistne1~ him buried in Sts. PeterM-WTCA.ORG & Paul 3-1/4 lb. Common Sense, Cemetery in South St. Louis bob, box, and paper label. County, Missouri. Heimbach's mother was listed as Henrietta Voerster in that death notice. If you are on the track of Leistner plumb bobs yourself, look for the cap. It will have "Paul Leistner or P. left (fig. 17) Leistner Leistner, St. Charles, Mo.," stamped Caps, Millwrights on it. (fig 17) The original boxes Rever ible, Cormnon were oak or ash with fine finger Sense and Surveyors jointed corners and a sliding lid.

March 2009 19 (fig. 21) Heimbach, typical inked stamp labeling on the underside of the sliding box lid.

As hidden as the evidence is of his life, Heimbach when on his own, took similar steps toward anonymity in the marking of his bobs. Clearly he used an inked stamp marking system on (fig. 23) Look to the cap to identify a Heimbach. the box lids, using boxes similar to Leistner. (fig. 21) And we have the "Leistner and Heimbach" inked label in that period of nifying glass, no wrenches or hammers please, to find the time. However, heavy pointed bobs, break light wooden Holy Grail, the "J. 0. Heimbach," on the shaft. boxes (rock, paper Even with this accumulation of evidence it is extremely scissors); few difficult to get a sense of the personal relationship boxes survive. To between Heimbach and Leistner. After doing the research add to the mystery and after fondling a fair number of these plumb bobs, of identification on some possibilities come to mind. some but not all bobs, the letters "J. I believe these men met in the 1880s when both were in St. 0. Heimbach" are Louis. They had the bond of similar interests in their pro­ inscribed in minis­ fessions and in their German heritage. Their meeting cule type, on the could have been through membership in one or more side of their steel "German Societies." (fig. 24) shafts. This signa­ ture is only discern­ able with a magni­ fying glass with the bob disassembled. (fig. 22) (fig. 22) Typical Heimbach signature on Millwright Reversible shafts ... some but not Now in the course all examples. of discovery of Heimbach bobs, this featureM-WTCA.ORG of identification can lend itself to one of those "tool experiences" we so yearn for. Imagine spotting a Heimbach cap on Ebay, "Nice Old Plumb Bob," is what the seller knows, then waiting for it to arrive by mail. Or (fig. 24) Paul Leistner and the company float, Centennial Parade, perhaps the bob is spied on a tailgater's table, frozen by cor­ St. Charles, Mo., 1914. rosion to the shaft, do not tip your hand. Anticipate rushing home, then the tantalizing wait for hours, perhaps days, while Since Leistner seems to be precocious in his thinking about the WD-40 seeps down through these tightly fitting parts. forming business enterprises, at age 26, "Paul Leistner Perhaps one of you, after reading this essay, will find that you Wireworks," for instance, perhaps Joseph 0. Heimbach have a bob like this in your collection! started as one of the skilled craftsmen in his employ. Even though the Leistner / Heimbach formal partnership was So when on the trail of a Heimbach, the distinct features short lived, it seems implausible that a man as bright, talent­ of the body and more particularly the cap may be the sole ed and calculating as Paul Leistner seems to be, would select identifying feature. (fig.23) Then get out the oil and mag- a partner that he did not hold in extremely high esteem.

20 The Gristmill I tend to think that since the plumb Leistner and Heimbach, St. Charles, a bobs we know as Leistner's clearly date business location for Paul Leistner that to a time after 1896 when he restarted was not reached until a full 4 years his business in St. Charles, that the idea after the end of his formal partnership to develop a side line out of making with Heimbach? Could it be that Paul plumb bobs might very well have been Leistner continued to help his friend, Heimbach's. Joseph Heimbach through his remain­ ing life? (fig. 25) I also tend to think that the short life of their formal business association may (fig. 25) Paul Leistner, 2008. Some readers may have Heimbach and have something to do with the tuberculosis that ultimately Leistner artifacts. We would be greatly interested in details killed Heimbach some twelve years later. As mentioned about those items. before, Heimbach is curiously missing from the St. Louis City Nelson Denny is an Architect from Hadlyme, Connecticut. Needless to Directory for only two years between 1882 and his death in say, he collects plumb bobs. 1904. Those two years 1892 and 1893 happen to fall in the two Mike Urness, is a tool dealer & patent researcher from Chesterfield, years immediately after the Heimbach and Leistner partner­ Missouri. His research uncovered some of the essential materialfrom St. ship disappears from the St. Louis City Directory. Louis and St Charles .. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease and was greatly A very special thanks to Wolfgang Ruecker of Germany, fellow plumb bob collector ( new member ofMWTCA) for his research into the Leistner fam­ feared at the time; diagnosis was just the beginning of a wait for ily in Germany (much more information that was included here) and the disease to ultimately take one's life. Initial treatment at that his skillful work in uncovering the Leistner patents and dog wheels used time was removal of the patient from the general population. by German "needlemakers. ". Could it be that Heimbach spent 1893 and 1894 in a sanitarium? This article is evidence of MWTCA cooperation in action. And, what of one plumb bob in its box, clearly marked See also in The Gristmill, June 2008 advertising for more information on plumb bobs: "PLUMB BOBS, The Most Ancient and Universal of Tools".

PLUMB BOBS The Most Ancient and Universal of all Tools Until recently, the only written source of information on the Plumb Bob was "The Plumb Line" published by Bruce Cynar in the early 1990s. Once out of print, but still "must reading" on this subject, the original newsletters were edited in 2005 by Nelson Denny. They appear under the title, "THE PLUMB LINE CONTINUUM." In 2007 the noted researcher in this field, Wolfgang Ruecker of Germany, organized and distributed his extensive files on Plumb Bob Patents, in the form of a weekly e-mail newsletter, "WR PATENT NEWS." For the new year Wolfgang presents: "W R PLUMB BOB NEWS" MONTHLY - 2008" Free Subscription Available on Request Topics for 2008 include: • Plumb Bob as ArtM-WTCA.ORG and Symbol • Known Manufacturers and Distributors of Plumb Bobs • The Physics of Plumb Bobs and Pendulums • The Construction of Plumb Bobs • Evolution of Plumb Bobs in the 19th and 20th Centuries • Comparison of Plumb Bobs from Around the World Contact Nelson Denny, [email protected] or Wolfgang Ruecker, [email protected] and share in the Great Collections of Plumb Bobs from around the World. Also available on disk in Adobe Format: • "PLUMB LINE CONTINUUM" • "2007 WR PATENT NEWS" (collected works) • "INTERNATIONAL PLUMB BOB PATENTS" All three, $25.00 (postage paid)

March 2009 21 Nickel Plated Backsaws?? by Phil Boker

Several years ago a Disston & Sons ca 1873 came my way. 2 - Wheeler, Madden & Clemson model "THE STAN­ At first glance it was not particularly in good condition, but DARD" 1869 patent on label screw, 14" blade. This saw is it was different. There were however blotches in abun­ the only one of the dance over both sides of the blade. Before putting it into group that had storage I told myself those blotches look like remnants of just the blade plat­ nickel plating. Then I thought who would bother to do that. ed. Original blu­ ing on the back Five years ago I found a Disston & Son halfback with a steel be found back All resources tell us it is supposed to be brass. Upon removing the handle, I discovered original nickel plating the wood had pro­ tected. These two saws at this time did not war­ rant an article.

3 - George Bishop, Cincinnati ca 1885, 8" blade. The label screw is also plated and of interest. The I continued to collect hacksaws as you all know, and at back is tapered from this point I amassed a collection of four other makers 11/16" at the handle besides Disston that nickel plated at least one hacksaw. to 13/16" at the tip. They are as follows: 1 - E.M. Boyton of New York, 1867 patent date on the label screw and a 12" blade. M-WTCA.ORG

22 The Gristmill 4 - C.E. Jennings of New York with the 1887 patent date The saws in this article have one thing in common. Their on label screw and a 10" blade. There appears to be a blades do not show the usual deterioration found on saws trace of plating on the label screw. of similar age. Even on the "STANDARD" blade where considerable plating has been lost. The basic steel blade and etching are in fine condition. So fell ow saw collectors, check out your inventory and see if you can come up with some nickel plating. The pho­ tographs show this little known treatment of the American backsaw. The Boynton saw is really in great condition. As I look back, I am sure I have seen evidence of nickel plating on more than one hand saw and have dis­ counted it as not being the case. Have fun going over your collection.

Name That Tool by Bob Roger

I like hooks, and when I saw this at an auction I wondered My clue arrived one winter day as I was browsing patents what it was used for. My routine is to buy it and then and came across Campbell's patent# 402,900 for a hose-car­ research it. But since it is only marked PAT APLD FOR, I rying strap. It was issued on May 7, 1889 (See Figure 3). Fire knew I would have some work to do. For over a year I hoses - 3 inches in diameter - ladders - all the clues I need­ showed it at tool meets and scoured patents looking for a ed to quickly find the right patent. Patent # 763,338 was clue, with no luck See Figures 1 & 2 for two views. issued on June 21, 1904 to J. W. Baker of Providence, RI for hose-carrying tongs - see Figure 4 for one of his drawings. The tool was used by firemen to grasp a charged hose and hoist it up a ladder, resting between steps by hooking M-WTCA.ORGthe handle hook over a ladder rung. There was no rope Fig. 1. Showing opening in hook shank Fig. 2. Tongs partly closed involved - the groove in the handle was The diameter of the tongs opening when closed is 3 inches. just to make it The coupling is an oval-shaped cam such that when the han­ lighter. And for you dle is twisted one way the tongs open, and when twisted the wrench collectors, other way they close and are held closed. The top of the han­ Fig. 4. TheAnswer ­ the opening between Patent 763,338 dle has a groove along it, leading me to think that a rope the hook and the somehow came through the opening in the hook shank and handle is a 'wrench' for turning the hose couplings. A year across the handle - but why? As sometimes happens, time of searching, another answer - and I do not think you will becomes your friend and you eventually find a clue. see many of these at the next tool meeting.

March 2009 23 Sargent & Company Military Marked Woodworking Planes by David E. Heckel

During the early 1940s, Sargent & Company of New Haven, tured finish that resembles Parkerizing. Both of these metal Connecticut supplied woodworking planes for military use. coatings would stand up to moisture and therefore, rust. Block, rabbet and combination planes were found with mil­ itary specification codes on the box labels. All of the large box labels are black and white in color. Having found seven planes with these markings, I thought that it would be inter­ esting to research what these codes might mean. The GGG is a notation for a Federal Standard that applies to building supplies and tools. SPEC. is an abbreviation for Specification. Since so many of the codes on the box labels have the number 436 and a letter P in them, I can assume that the 436 is for "Tool, Carpentry" and the P is for "Plane."

The third block plane is a Sargent # 307 and has a marking The first block plane is a # 306 block plane that is still sealed that denotes that it was manufactured for the Navy. The in its waxed paper carton, which has the Cosmoline coating additional small label is yellow in color and the marking is: that was presumably placed on the plane, bleeding through NAVY SPEC. 41-P-lB TYPE B the paper wrapping. The plane box has not been opened and I am sure that something about the weight of a block plane is inside the box, because it moves when the box is shaken. The label dates from the World War II era. The plane is marked with the number 306 G-E5 and has a series ofletters and num­ bers on the top of the label: W33-038-ac-10602-Class 17-B A.A.5 -Stock #7900-542150 Spec. E-GGG-P-436 Type 1 Also, on the box is the warning, "Do not open except for use or T.O. inspection." The only item that I was able to decipher out of all of those for sure is that "T.O." means, Training Officer. The plane was supplied to a branch of the military that had a Training Officer for a soldier carpenter or woodworker.

The fourth block plane is a Sargent# 307 that has a mark­ M-WTCA.ORGing Spec. GGG-P-436-Type I and Spec. E-GGG-P-436-Type I

The fifth plane is a Sargent # 196 1 inch rabbet plane The second block plane is a Sargent# 5206 with the military marked with the following: Med. Dept. Spec. 708 Federal number 5206-E4. This plane has the black nitrate finish on Spec. E-GGG-436 Why a Medical Department needed a the parts that looks a lot like gun bluing. The body has a tex- rabbet plane is a question that needs an answer.

24 The Gristmill None of these planes with the Military code markings on the box are any different from a regular production model of the World War II era, except that the boxes have the Military code markings on them. A scarce Limited War Line Catalog dated July 1, 1944 lists the planes and tools that Sargent was producing during the last years of World War II. They are the# 408, The sixth plane is a Sargent # 198 1 1/2 inch rabbet plane 409, 414, 418, 422 bench planes; the # 107, 5206, 5217, has the following: Spec. GGG-P-436-Type IX and Spec. 5306, 5307, 5607 block planes; the # 79 and 198 rabbet E-GGG-P-436-Type IX planes; and the# 1080-PB combination plane. The# 5217 block plane is interesting as it is a# 217 plane with a# 5306/5307 black nitrate finished knuckle joint lever cap on the plane. These caps replaced the # 217 cast iron lever caps which were probably out of stock and not being manufactured in 1944. 1 I am sure that there are other similar marked plane boxes waiting to be discovered. If you have any similarly marked plane boxes I would appreciate hearing from you.

Finally, the seventh plane is a Sargent# 1080-PB combina­ 1 p. 75, Sargent Planes Identif ication and Value Guide, Second Edition, Heckel, David E. Charleston IL, 2004 ( copies are still available tion plane with the following marking SPEC. GGG-P-436- from the author) Type IV and SPEC. E-GGG-P-436-Type IV

Tool Family Trees by Bob Roger

Shown to the right is a set of three tools that have a common connection to each other. Can you figure out what the con­ nection is for the three tools? I will keep my ears open and field any questions on this set since you have all the hints you need to yield record results. The answers to this mostM-WTCA.ORG unusual Tool Family Tree can be found on page 50.

March 2009 25 CD Rom Antique Tool Value Guide New 2009 Edition: 60.000 Pictures and Prices! ur searchable CD Rom Antique Tool Value Guide, a $29.95 value, will be sent to you free of charge when you subscribe to our 2009 auction catalogues. More than 60,000 Ophotos, descriptions and prices from our auctions over the past six years are included on the CD. Finding current prices is as easy as typing in a keyword of your choice or selecting a category to review. You will also receive four full color catalogues and five lists. In addition, a CD disk containing photographs and descriptions of all items in each of our auc­ tions for 2009 will be sent with each of the mailings of auction catalogues you will receive during the year. The application will run on any Windows computer.

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Nine Great Auctions in 2009 Open House Auction Martin J. Donnelly Listed Auction: Ramada Inn Hotel & Joint Tool Meeting: Avoca, New York Friday, March 27 Indianapolis, Indiana Thurs., Fri, & Sat., Auctioneer: Bill Baxter July 30 thru August 1 (3001 Lots Sold in Three Days!) Catalogue Auction: Ramada Inn Hotel Auctioneers: Bill Baxter & Paul Wilmott Saturday, March 28 Indianapolis, Indiana Listed Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Friday, September 18 Nashua, New Hampshire Listed Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Friday, April 24 Nashua, New Hampshire Catalogue Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Saturday, September 19 Nashua, New Hampshire Catalogue Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Saturday, April 25 Nashua, New Hampshire Listed Auction: Ramada Inn Hotel Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Friday, October 16 Indianapolis, Indiana Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Catalogue Auction: Ramada Inn Hotel Saturday, October 17 Indianapolis, Indiana Auctioneer: Bill Baxter

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Free Pil'kup and Trucking State of the Art Technolagy Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions Call Today: (800) 869-0695 An Auction of Collectable Tools to Please Every Taste by John G. Wells@November, 2008

The Brown 33rd Auction presented the best collec­ The Barnes lever action Tenoning tion of foot powered machines ever offered in a Machine (Lot 123) had three cast single sale. It also contained the finest, near mint, iron legs, a handle operated gear to drive the cutter that cuts the tenon, Sandusky Rosewood Center Wheel Plow plane and the seldom seen original hold known, as well as an excellent selection of Stanley down. It retained about 90% of the planes, and a wide variety of other collectable original gray paint and was in tools to please every taste and budget. Good+ condition. It sold for $3,190 [2500-3500]. (Lot 123) Prices quoted in this articl£ include the (Lot 113) 1 CJJ/o buyer's premium. Auction esti­ The Barnes Velocipede pedal oper­ ma"tes, without the premium, follow ated former or shaper (Lot128) had each it,em in square brackets. Photos are a tractor seat and an early round courtesy ofBrown Auction Services. belt drive. It had 95% of the original grey paint finish, and even though it Foot Powered Machines may have had a replaced table it The star of the foot powered tools show was rated Good+. It sold for $1,320 was the Barnes Company Clock that [2200-2600]. hung in the factory (Lot 113). It had a The rare Barnes hand crank operat­ pendulum clock movement by Sessions ed rip saw (Lot 118), with the sel­ that displayed the hour, minute, and day dom seen cast iron weighted power of the month. It was mounted in an ele­ feed rolls, and had 95% of the origi­ gant 37 inch tall oak case. "Barnes nal grey paint finish. It was rated Patented Foot and Steam Power Fine and was a good value at $2,090 Machinery, Rockford IL." was applied [2750-3250]. in gold leaf to the glass panel on the front of the case. It was in Fine con­ Stanley Planes dition and sold for $4,290 [3500-4500]. A very nice Stanley No.1 smooth A scarce Barnes No. 4 and 5 Scroll plane (Lot 356), ca. 1890 with fine wood and 93% japanning in Saw (Lot 116) was another winner. It Fine condition sold to an absentee bidder for $1,100 [1200- had intricately shaped castings in its 1400]. Early No.l planes in condition this nice are very scarce. base with great graphic form. It still A Sweetheart era No. 1 (Lot had 90% of the original painted finish 610), in super nice condition, and pin stripping. It was rated Fine, with 98% of the handle decal, and brought a high bid of $4,290 99% japanning, and fine wood [4000-5000]. (Lot 116) with much of the original fin­ ish, rated Fine+ sold for $2,090 A Barnes No.6 Amateur Scroll Saw (Lot (Lot 610) 119), with the drill attachment, great [1600-2200]. graphic form, and 95% of the original paint The Stanley No. 9 1/2 Type 3 and pin striping, was rated Good. It sold Excelsior block plane (Lot for $2,200M-WTCA.ORG [1500-1800]. 734), made 1875-1879, with a decorative Bailey logo etched The attractive Barns No.3 Velocipede (Lot 734) Wood Lathe (Lot 120), had a pedal drive, on the side, was in fine unused wood bed, three condition, and sold for $2,310 speed pulley, [2500-3500]. It was the same and tractor seat. plane that was shown in Part 1 of the Stanley 9 1/2 - 15 Type (Lot 119) It still had 85% of its original Study, published in the June paint, pin striping, and flower deco­ (Lot 61 5) 1996 issue of the Gristmill. ration. It was in Good condition, The beautiful Stanley No.18 experimental plane from the noting a few possible casting prob­ Stanley Model Shop (Lot 615), had a unique circular disc lems, and sold for $2,640 [2750- throat adjustment mechanism, and a rosewood palm pad at 3250].

28 The Gristmill the top of the lmuckle joint lever cap. The lever cap bore the unsigned cutter was in Fine con­ "Dec. 28, 1886" patent date of Samuel D. Sargent's lmuckle dition and brought $1,540 [1200- joint lever cap. It was in mint unused condition and sold for 1400]. $1,870 [1600-2200]. The circular disc throat adjustment used A unique Stanley experimental on this plane was shown on patent No. 515,063 dated Feb. 20, (Lot 705) Beading Plane (Lot 705), with a 1894 and issued to Justus Traut and Christian Bodmer. A removable nose piece and Traut's greatly simplified version was used on production planes. January 1884 patent improved lever cutter adjustment that A Stanley No. 42 Gunmetal Miller's patent combination plane was also used on the No. 120 and No.103 block planes, was (Lot 743), Type 3 ca. 187 4, with the filletster bed, gunmetal from the Stanley Model Shop. It was marked with a model wrap around fence, straight cast iron fence, and nine cutters shop number and it had 95% of the original nickel plating. It in the original wooden case, in Good+ condition brought was in Fine unused condition and sold on an absentee bid of $3,080 [2800-3400]. $880 [2200-2800]. It was similar to the Ohio No.O67 Car Beading Plane made for a short time by the Ohio Tool Co. A A No. 51/52 shoot board and plane (Lot 611), with a sweet­ No.O67 sold in Brown Auction No.24, April 2004 for $1,980. heart trademark, 100% handle decal, 98% japanning, original hold down and index pin, and wood, and rated Fine, brought A Stanley experimental Beading $1,870 [1400-1800]. and Boxing Router for carriage makers (Lot 714), patented (Lot 605) The No. 56, scarce small February 28, 1888 but never put Corebox Plane (Lot 598), with into production was in Fine 90% japanning, rated Good+, unused condition. It opened and went to an absentee bidder for sold on an absentee bid of $5, 775 $1,045 [800-1200]. [5500-8500]. See the Fine Tool The No. 72 1/2 Chamfer and Journal, Spring 2008, p. 2. Beading Plane (Lot 605), with A Stanley No 77 Dowell and Rod both front sections, seven bead­ Turning Machine (Lot 355), seldom offered with all nine cut­ ing cutters, fine wood, 95% japan­ ter heads and cutters, having the 'V' trademark ca. 1915, 97% ning, and rated Fine sold for $990 japanning, and rated Fine, sold for $962.50 [1000-1500]. [600-900]. Patented Planes A No. 85 Cabinet makers Scraper Plane (Lot 603), had the 'V' trade­ The lovely Morris patent mark ca. 1915, a rabbet mouth, November 8, 1870 (Lot 392), tilting handle and lmob, 99%+ metallic diamond grid sole japanning, and fine wood. It was smooth plane, had a 10 inch rated Fine + and sold for $1,320 elliptical bottom and an apple [750-950]. wood handle, wedge, and front lmob. It was fitted with a A scarcer No. 87 Scraper Plane Sandusky 2 1/4 inch double iron (Lot 604), marked "Patent and was in Fine condition. It Applied For", with 98%japar;ming sold for $2,310 [1730-2250] . and rated Fine +, was an excel­ lent value at $1,540 {2500-3000].M-WTCA.ORG A very hard to find Leonard Bailey Victor No. 1 1/4, 6 inch, A No 196 Circle 'Rabbet Plane tail handle block plane (Lot (Lot 595), ca, 1908, rarely seen 554), with 90% of the original with 97% bright shinny nickel black japanned finish, and rated plating, all stops and both cut­ Good + brought $4,180 [1800- ters, was rated Fine. It opened 2600]. An L. Bailey Victor No. 3 and closed on an absentee bid of (Lot 552) smooth plane (Lot 553), with $1,650 [1800-2400]. The elusive 90% japanning, and rated Good+ and always enticing No. 212 sold for $440 [450-650]. An early L. Bailey No. 51 1/2 Little Veneer Scraper (Lot 601), with Victor, toy size, non-adjustable block plane (Lot 552), with the 'Script' trademark ca. 1907, 85% of the nickel plating, and 75 % of the original red paint 96% japanning, and an original (Lot 595)

March 2009 29 used on the inside of early models, was rated Good+ and A beautiful E. W. Carpenter sold for $660 [800-1200]. The L. Bailey No. 50 1/2 Little handled plow plane (Lot Victor fully adjustable nickel plated block plane (Lot 545), 628), with improved and still had 80% of the original nickel plating, but only a small patented arms, a boxwood trace of the red paint originally used on the inside of the bed body with a lovely mellow remained. It was rated Good and sold for $522.50 [550-850]. patina, and a rosewood wedge and handle, had just A very rare Bailey Tool Co. a few small nicks in the Defiance block plane (Lot threads and a little rough­ 377) having a smooth con­ ness on the wedge. It was in vex lever cap locked by a Good+ condition and went curved lever under the cut­ for $8,525 [9,500-10,500]. ter, with 97% japanning, and in Fine condition sold for (Lot 377) Levels, Rules, and Miscellaneous $2,420 [2200-3200]. Little is An R. Porter pendulum type inclinometer (Lot 412), with an known about this plane but etching background for the dial that shows two men laying its form suggest it may have been associated with the side a brick wall using a Porter lever lock Defiance planes made under the March 14, 1871 inclinometer, having only light patent granted to Joseph R. Bailey. See P-TAMPIA Vol. I pg. foxing in one comer, other­ 68 figure 73 a. wise Fine, sold for $3,080 A scarce Bailey Tool Co Defiance "B" non-adjustable [6000-9000]. A 30 inch No. 14 block plane (Lot 379) with "Bailey Tool Comp" cast in the rosewood combination level sole, 75% japanning, and rated Good+, brought $1,540 and inclinometer made by the [1800-2400]. Davis Level & Tool Co. (Lot 416), in Good+ condition, A Holly non-adjustable boat shaped block plane (Lot 703), brought $495 [500-800]. (Lot 412) with a shoe buckle lever cap having a four spoke locking screw, and rated Good, opened and sold on an absentee An extra wide ivory, arch joint, two foot bid of $825 [1600-2400]. This is the plane Traut unabashed­ four fold Preston Architects rule (Lot ly copied when he designed the Stanley No.110 Type 1 475), unusual with both the inside and block plane. outside edges of the engineers and architects scales beveled, and having An 0. R. Chaplin No.4 size smooth plane (Lot 715), with only the very lightest yellowing was in nickel plated cast iron tote and front knob, 95% japanning, Fine+ condition and sold for $1,210 85% nickel plating, and rated Fine, brought a surprising [600-1000]. $1,870 [350-550]. An unusual and rarely seen Stanley reel The star of the auction was type plumb bob (Lot 359), not offered in (Lot 652) the stunning Sandusky No. any known Stanley catalog, the smallest 140 Rosewood Center Wheel of the three sizes known, had 93% of the Plow Plane (Lot 652). It lay decal and 95% of the original orange forgotten and unused, but paint, was in Fine condition and brought protected in a garage in (Lot 359) $2,310 [1500-2200]. M-WTCA.ORGSandusky, Ohio since it was purchased new. It had 99% Auction Recap of the original finish and Despite the deeply troubled economy and choppy financial only the slightest hint of tar­ markets, the market for top quality collectable tools in fine nish on the metal surfaces. It was without a doubt the finest condition remained very strong, and even established a few No. 140 ever offer in an auction. It was in Fine++ condition new highs. and sold in the room for $10,175 [8,500-11,500].

30 The Gristmill You Can't Hear It Coming if It Doesn't Make A Sound ... by Jomes Goodson

I remember muttering in interest). Also, the overall condition was very good and disgust to myself back in the patina untouched not to mention that a suitable spoon about 1972, "it will not be bit was being offered up along with it. long before a hamburger, "I tell ya' what" he mused ... "how about bringing me a fries and a Coke will cost hamburger and some fries for it?" It was about an hour more than a dollar!" The and a half past lunch time and I realized that he had been irony of that statement so busy that he had not had time to take a break. came back to me a few years ago when I happened upon an old relic of a brace ... Sometimes fast food is not fast enough! I crossed the with hand forged iron stock and crudely turned wooden street, ordered a hamburger, fries and a Coke for him handle. It was at an antique 'fair' in central Texas and and headed back. The archaic little brace changed the owner was involved most­ hands ... and the value of a hamburger, ly with large furniture pieces fries and a Coke once again captured me but had some small odds and by surprise though this time accompanied ends scattered around as by a wry smile. well .. .. this brace was among them. The shape was not ter­ ribly unusual at all and it was obviously Scandinavian by heritage. I had seen a few other early shaped pieces of similar style and composition in reference books and tool meets. What made this one jump out at me was its folksy wooden handle profile (in lieu of the typical mush­ room pad) which was decoratively turned and burnished smooth from use. It was quite unsymmetrical and 18th c. Swedish brace with obviously turned on an early primi­ owner inspired wooden handle tive lathe. Atop the profile of its design crowned with an acorn quaintly turned fruitwood handle shaped finial was a lovely acorn finial. The handle almost looks a bit out of place but fits snugly together with a heavy forged iron band (ferrule) which secures its somewhat imperfect shape to the flattened iron bit stock. The narrowly slotted nose piece accepted As edi tor of the SWTCA newsletter off and on for a spoon bit with a flattened end on it. Missing was a many years, I have (by request) been given the small 'latch' with which to secure the bit once it was opportunity to reprint some of m y editorials in a inserted into place thorough the narrow slot. There is a new column for the MWTCA Gristmill. I am very small hole through theM-WTCA.ORG stock for the rivet which would pleased and honored to offer these articles as their have secured this latch to the iron stock. This securing appeal is not only that of the business of tool col­ method for the bits was popular in the smaller lecting but also in part, an account of the very Scandinavian braces. Not a rare type here but this was nature and spirit of the adventure itself. Each certainly a distinctive and early example. article will slice a bit of the history of tool collect­ "How much do you want for it?" This question was asked ing over the past 25 years and expound on the with some apprehension as the item was not particularly character of circumstance as it affects that bit of rare, not exactly a 'thing of beauty' and missing the secur­ chance that places each of us ( on occasion) in the ing latch. There was no denying however that the irregu­ right place at the right time. larly turned handle was in itself rather attractive and a - James Goodson decorative example of early folk art (m y particular area of

March 2009 31 Whataya Got? Whataya Got? by Tom Lamond

Did you ever wonder what happened to all the tools that were not experienced by everybody but there are those that do were made since the beginning of the industrial revolu­ remember, some of whom seem to recall the experience in a tion? On a number of occasions I have related various variety of ways depending on where they were. memories of when I was a small boy to fell ow collectors My recollection goes back somewhere between 1943 and and toolies in general. Those occasions involved the rais­ 1945. Some might say; "How can you remember back that ing of questions that many tool collectors have. Frequently far? You were only a kid." They are absolutely right. I was a conversation may get to the point where somebody says only a kid, and a very young one at the time, but I can see "If the tool manufacturers made hundreds of thousands of my Dad rummaging around the basement or in the garage tools, where did they all go?" A variety of responses usual­ looking for metal items he was willing to part with. Some ly result. Then I ask "Don't you guys remember the scrap pieces of old pipe here, a box of metal "whats-its" there, a drives in the '40s?" That usually results in a few stares busted radiator, even a section of railroad track he occa­ and/or comments like "What are you talking about?" sionally used for what one may now call an anvil. I do not What I refer to is the concerted national effort to gather togeth­ recall any tools per se but I suspect some went with the er scrap metals so they could be reused for what was called other stuff. If they did, they were broken because my Dad THE WAR EFFORT. Apparently the circumstances I refer to was not one to throw away anything "really good."

YOU who read this can help end the war sooner, and save lives of American boys at the front. America is dangerously short of scrap iron and steel, vital ingredients for each batch of new steel.

Do these things: (1) Use your legs and arms and voice in your community's scrap collection drive. If one has not yet started, 'phone or write your Mayor to appoint a committee at once. (2) B.ansack your own cellar, attic and garage for metal you can turn in. (3) Get every other home to do likewise. ( 4) Enlist "spotters" to find and report metal elsewhere.

The Scrape Dealer needs your help, too. The government depends on his know-how in sorting, segregating, properly preparing, and shipping scrap to the steel mills in usable form. Give him M-WTCA.ORGyour cooperation. Sell him your scrap

NOTE: The three paragraphs above were printed as the caption under the otherwise full-page graphic .

.Junk Rain• Hell on Axl•

32 The Gristmill It did not go all at once of course: a few things one time and with others to drop the scrap somewhere. One guy said he some others at other times. I recall Dad climbing up to the often wondered what that was all about. Now he knows. top of the garage ( actually planks resting on the exposed Not long ago I was fortunate in being able to borrow a 1943 ceiling joists) and after some shifting and banging about he Supplee-Biddle catalog from a fellow collector, tool enthu­ would shout, "WATCH IT! HERE IT COMES." Then he siast and researcher; Carl Bopp. Supplee-Biddle was a would throw something down with a big clunk or the major hardware wholesaler/retailer in Philadelphia. While resounding clatter metal is so prone to make as it hits a con­ perusing the catalog I came across the accompanying crete slab. On more than one occasion part of what came graphic. It, along with the caption reinforced my childhood down later went back up. That was after Dad said some­ memory and certainly confirms that many of the artifacts of thing like "Maybe next time" or" ... on second thought." our past were put to a secondary use that was never intend­ All this was in preparation for the periodic arrival of the ed when those objects were first fabricated and distributed. JUNK MAN. I did not know he had a schedule but Dad knew (NOTE: Of course we had paper drives and there was when he was coming. He would drive down the street shout­ the rag collector and ash collector but they just were ing from his open window. "Here for the junk! Here for the not the same.) scrap! Whataya got? Whataya got?" (Wording reinforced and clarified by Dad some years later.) Some stuff was already When one looks at the graphic it becomes obvious that out by the side of the street. Other stuff required the Junk every type of tool is not depicted. A little bit of an analy­ Man to bust his butt dragging it out of a garage or out from sis, along with a stretch of the imagination, might suggest a backyard. Somehow he would get it into the back of the that a "plane" was involved somehow, somewhere. truck (Actually that guy may have been the first talking Actually it was many planes along with all kinds of other gorilla I ever saw.) Then, off he would go until the next time. things that were made of metal. Be that as it may, it should help to explain that a vast amount of metal was recycled On more than one occasion I have inquired about this activ­ and is now scattered across many continents and oceans. ity from other tool collectors who may have experienced something similar. Many have no recollection of such We should be thankful that there is so much that remains events while others certainly do. Some remember going so that we can now enjoy it in as many ways as we do.

Unusual What's-it by Bob Roger

Look carefully at the tool shown in Figure 1. It is a small for those of you with high-speed tool, only 1/4 inch thick, 11/4 inches wide, and 4 3/8 inches internet connections, but my slow long. The only mark on it is PAT'D JAN 2 1894. The two tips dial-up is doing great if I can get a each are flat with a protruding dimple in the center. 28k rate. Well, I finally found it after less than 200 tries. Charles F. Markley of Hopkins, Missouri apparently got tired of loosing his nail set through a hole M-WTCA.ORGin his pocket or by dropping it, so he came up with this solution. The hole in the center is for your mid­ dle finger when storing it, allow­ Figure 1. My Whats-it ing your thumb and index finger to grasp the nail to get it started. My brother gave me this tool and asked if I could identify it. See his patent drawing shown in "Sure", I said, knowing that my only hope was probably to Figure 2. Markleys Figure 2. find the patent. I tried several key work searches using Patent Drawing When setting a nail, the index fin­ Google and January, 1894 as the issue month with no luck ger goes through the hole. Why two legs? So that you can So my only path to identification lay with a brute-force jour­ have two different set sizes on the same tool for different ney through all of the patents issued on that date, and there nails. He was issued patent number 512,119 for his idea. were 518 of them. That may not sound like a difficult task

March 2009 33 Part 1 Stanley No. 78/78W Rabbet Plane Type Study Corrections by Everett A Sheffield

We are re-listing the illustrations from Part 1 of the Stanley #78/78W Type Study due to some layout errors and re-evaluation changes. Please refer to these corrected photos when referencing the Stanley #78/78W Type Study. Due to space limitations not all illustrations are reprinted.

Plane 'fype 1 1883-1885

Plane 'fype 2 1885-1887

Plane 'fype 3 1887-1891 illustration C

Style 1 Style 2 Plane 'fypes 1-7 Plane 'fype 8 1883-1906 1906-1910

Plane 'fype 4,5 and 6 Body Style 4 1891-1904

illustration H

Plane 'fype 7 and 8 Body Style 5 1904-1M-WTCA.ORG910

Style 1 Style 2 Style 3 Style 4 Style 5 on Plane 'fypes 1-5 on Plane 'fypes 6-8 on Plane 'fype 9 on Plane 'fypes 10-12 on Plane 'fypes 13-18 1883--1902 1902-1910 1910-1912 1912-1925 1925-1971 Plane 'fype 9-18 Body Style 6 1910-1971

illustration B illustration D

34 The Gristmill ?,.\JLE & ~\1LE&, l'-T'D. (j J AN. 30 83 ~ ' Z NOV.18 84 t1 st; REIS ' D t"' 4l RElSD. NOV. f-< () (/) OCT. 23 83 ~ OCT 2383 8 18,84

OA, Plane Type 1 OB, plane Types 2-4 RR, Plane Type 5 1883-1884 1884-1895 1895-1902

STANLEY ~\j.Y sTANLE~ NEW ORITAJN, '9a RULE & lCVEL CO. CONN. NEW BRITAIN CONN ~LEVEL~ U.S. A. ~SJ-

J, Plane Types 6-8 TI, Plane Type 9 V, Plane Type 10 1902-1910 1910-1912 1912-1920 - STANLEY - STANlEY --- s.w. s.w.

NEW BRITAIN. CONN . U .S.A. MADE IN U.S A. MADE IN U.S.A. D 1] X, Plane Type 11 Y, Plane Type 12 AA, Plane Types 0 1920-1921 1921-1925 13, 14 and 17 1925-1938

CSTANLEY:J

MADE IN U.S.A. Style 1 Style 2 Style 3 Plane Types 1-8 Plane Types 9-12 Plane Types 13-18 BB, Plane Types 1883-1910 1910-1925 1925-1971 14, 15, 16 and 18 1938-1971

illustration E illustration F

Style 1 Style 2 Style 3 Style 4 Plane Types 1-8 Plane Types 9-12 Plane Types 13, 14, 17, 18 Plane Types 15 and 16 1883-1910 1910-1925 1925-1960 1960-1971 M-WTCA.ORGillustration G

Style 1 Style 2 Style 3 Style 4 Style 5 Plane Types 1-5 Plane Types 6, 7 Plane Types 8-15, 17, 18 Plane Types 14 Plane Type 16 1883-1902 1902-1906 1906-1960 WWII Era 1970-1971

illustration I

March 2009 35 Stanley No. 78/78W Rabbet Plane Types - Part 2 by Everett A Sheffield

PART 1 of this article appeared in the December 2008 issue • Fence and depth stop set screws are cast wing nuts of the Gristmill and included information about patent his­ with special thread, .180 x 28 tpi tory, information sources, design change descriptions, pho­ • Depth stop has a ridge that recesses into a machined tographs and personal observations. This PART 2 is done grove on right front of plane body casting. Depth in a classic type style format with a step-by-step breakdown stop is unchanged in design, size and shape on all No. of the characteristics of each of the 18 types identified. 78 plane types. AUTHOR'S NOTE: My updates and corrections from • Handle is integral part of body casting and has horns PART 1 include the following items. top and bottom. Includes checkering and scroll dec­ a) Best evidence at this point indicates that No. 78 pro­ oration on both sides. duction started in 1883 instead of 1884. • Screw that holds blade and blade cap to plane body is oval head on all No. 78 types unfinished or blued. b) Re-issue of patent # 10,394 was done Oct. 23, 1883 instead of Oct. 10, 1883 as written. Thread is .184 x 24 tpi. c) The 1910 rabbet plane patent illustrated a Stanley • Fence contact surface is about 5 1/2 inches long and No. 289 instead of a No. 278 as I stated. unpainted. Ends have pronounced rounding on cor­ ners of both ends. There are two 2 inch long contact points that touch plane bottom. PLANE DESCRIPTION from STANLEY 1923 CATA- LOGUE NO. 120, p. 79: • Blade cap screw is cast, 13/16 inch in diameter and The duplex, filletster and rabbet plane has two seats for fluted like the style found on other Stanley plane the cutter, one for regular and the other for bull-nose work models of this vintage. All No. 78 blade cap screws have 1/4 x 18 special threads. It has a spur and a removable depth gauge. The adjustable fence can be used on either side and slides under the bot­ tom. To work as a rabbet plane, remove fence and arms.

APPLICABLE PLANE PATENTS: Convertible Blade with 2 Seats, Patents 271,219 and 10,394, Jan. 30, 1883 and Oct. 23, 1883 Rabbet Plane Fence and Depth Stop Improvements, Patent 308,332, Nov. 18, 1884

TYPE 1. 1883 - 1885 A. Plane is a two seat patented design for single move­ able cutting blade and new patented fence and depth stop arrangement. B. Five recessed panels on right side of main body cast­ ing. C. Blade cap has recess panels on bottom and smooth OA. ?--DLE & rounded top. It is 1 3/8 inches wide on front and 1 /J;~ PAT ' D -/;- inch wide on rear. C. ;j J AN. 3 0 83 ~ D. Blade is 11/2 inches wide and 4 1/8 inches long. The <4 REIS 'D ~ narrow rear part is 11/16 inches Plane body base is ~ OC T. 23 83 Q also 1 1/2 inches wide and 8 1/2 inches long. fj OA. --- "OA" --- unique No. M-WTCA.ORG78 plane trademark stamped on blade in 1883. The "OB" trademark is used starting in 1884. • All cast parts are painted black including screws. • Nicker is recessed and held in place by a flathead screw on lower right front of body. • Nicker is a three point and non-adjustable except for rotating out of cutting position. • Fence mounting rod screws into either side of main D. body. It extends 2 1/2 inches after mounting. Diameter is .281 (9/32) inch with a 1/4 x 28 thread. • Plane body has no trademarks or other markings.

36 The Gristmill TYPE 2. 1885 - 1887 All features of TYPE 1 except: E. New body casting with 4 recessed panels. F. New "Stanley plaque" trademark in 2 rear recessed body panels. OB. -- "OB" --- unique No. 78 trademark stamped on blade started in 1884 on late TYPE 1 planes

TYPE 3. 1887 - 1891 All features of TYPE 2 except: G. New body casting with 3 recessed panels. No 78 • Screws for fence and depth stop are now nickel plat- F. ed. (ST AN LEY] TYPE 4. 1891 - 1895 All features of TYPE 3 except: "£-.tJLE& H. New body casting with 2 recessed panels. A, PAT'D:-l¾ • "S" casting marks on later TYPE 4 plane bodies, ~ JAN.3083~ fences, blade caps and depth stops. Z NOV. .18 -84 ci 4l REISD OB. TYPE 5 1895 - 1902 All features of TYPE 4 except: ~ OCT23838 RR. --- "RR" --- unique rabbet plane trademark stamped on blade. I. Two patent dates are cast on left side of plane body in front of handle. • Plane body, fence, blade cap and depth stop have "S" casting marks. • Later TYPE 5 planes have "B" casting marks on parts.

TYPE 6. 1902 - 1904 All features of TYPE 5 except: K. New body trademark in same location as previous trademark. J. -- "J" --- trademark stamped on blade L. New blade cap design with added rib on bottom for strength, above center screw hole. • Blade caps do not have "B" casting marks. Plane bod­ ies, fences and depth stops retain "B" casting marks. • Plane bodies no longer bear patent dates. Dates con­ spicuously milled from foundry patterns. • New cast blade cap screw with the word STANLEY in a circular pattern on top. Plated. No.78 K. STANLEY ~~T'L>. M-WTCA.ORG~~T'D. NO~V. or NOV.18 L. 18,.84 18'84 RR.

PAT.JAN.30-83. PAT.OCT.23 -83 I.

March 2009 37 TYPE 7. 1904 - 1906 All features of TYPE 6 except: M. New body casting with arched-top design for increased strength.

TYPE 8. 1906 -1910 All features of TYPE 7 except: • New blade-cap screw is machined from bar stock M. Diameter is 5/8 inch with flat polished top and verti­ cal knurling on edges. Plated. • Old style homed handle now has "fish-scale" design on sides in place of checkering and scroll.

APPLICABLE PLANE PATENT: Strengthening of Rabbet Plane Bodies, Patent 960,256, June 7, 1910

TYPE 9. 1910 - 1912 (Major Change) All features of TYPE 8 except: N. New 1910 plane design. 0. New style of body casting based on Bodmer's 1910 patent, featuring a new wider and ribbed reinforced design on body top. Used until end of U.S. No. 78 plane production in 1971. P. New blade shape featuring a narrower 15/16 inch rear segment to accommodate the new wider plane body frame top. Slot in blade is a new shape. TT. --- "TT" --- trademark stamped on blade. Q. New Stanley No. 78 script trademark in a single pyra­ mid shaped recess on right side of plane body. R. Patent date is cast on left side of plane body in front P. of handle. S. New blade cap has narrower rear section to match blade change. Reinforcing rib on bottom side is longer and wider. Front width is 1 3/8 inches. Rear width is 7/8 inch. 0 • "B" casting marks eliminated. No foundry or casting marks on parts. • Sides of handle retain fish-scale embossing. • Handle redesigned with shorter horn on top and none on bottom. • Fence is a new design with 3 narrower contact points S. that touch bottom of plane body. Two end contact points are 3/4 inch wide;M-WTCA.ORG center point is 1/4 inch wide. sTANLE~ • Ends of fence are quite square compared to previous RULE & LEVEL CO. model. NEW BRITAIN CONN. U.S. A. TT. ~tanl@ G'i>Jto 78 Q. R. PAT'D.6-7-10.

38 The Gristmill TYPE 10. 1912 -1920 All features of TYPE 9 except: V. --- "V" --- trademark stamped on blade. U. New blade cap with raised reinforcing rib on upper side near right front. STANLEY TYPE 11. 1920 - 1921 All features of TYPE 10 except: NEW BRITAIN. X. --- "X" --- trademark stamped on blade. CC) N N. 0.5.f · v. TYPE 12. 1921-1925 All features of TYPE 11 except: Y --- "Y" --- trademark stamped on blade. u. • Body patent date now reads, U.S.PAT.6-7-10. in place of, PAT'D.6-7-10.

@ANlill X. ~ Y. NEW BRITAIN. MADE IN U.S.A. CONN. U.S.A.

TYPE 13. 1925 - 1935 (Major Change) All features of TYPE 12 except: STANLEY AA. --- "AA" --- trademark stamped on blade. AA. W. Blade cap is redesigned wider with material added on left front. Now 1 1/2 inches. Z. Blade now has notches on upper part of back side to MADE IN U.S.A. accommodate teeth on blade adjusting lever. CC. Blade adjusting lever added to body of plane. • --- "Y" --- trademark observed on some early blades. These may be re-machined, notched old stock • Guide fence now has a 1/4 inch diameter "hang hole" added in one corner. • Manufacturing and foundry marks on parts exist but are not studied or tabulated on this and later types. - Company trademarks on parts are noted. --- M-WTCA.ORGz. - w. TI

March 2009 39 TYPE 14. 1935 -1960 All features of TYPE 13 except: TYPE 17 1925 - 1935 ALUMINUM All features of DD. Body casting is marked with No. 78 MADE IN U.S.A. TYPE 13 except: on left side in front of handle. • Castings are aluminum for body, fence and depth EE. New--- "BB" --- Stanley body trademark with notched stop. Cast parts not painted. border. Replaces script trademark. • Script body trademark now reads STANLEY No A78 BB. - "BB" - trademark stamped on blade starting in about in place of STANLEY No 78 1938 after "AA" trademark blade inventory is used up. • Blade cap is cast iron. Plated. • WWII era and some later models of this type have unpolished top on blade cap screw. TYPE 18 1935 - 1942 No. 78W WEATHER-STRIP- • Later models of this type have off-the-shelf stamped PING plane. All features of TYPE 14 except: style fence locking wing nut screw in place of cast. • Removable guide runner, 3/4 inch wide, added to cen­ ter of plane bottom providing for 3/8 inch rabbet using left or right side of blade. No.78 FF. Captive thumb screw holds guide runner to plane MADE IN U.S.A. bottom DD. (STANLEY) EE. ~STANLEY~

BB. MADE IN U.S.A.

TYPE 15 1960 -1970 All features of TYPE 14 except: STUDY GOALS and LIMITATIONS: • Painted plane parts are now dark blue. This study is intended and designed to guide collectors of • Blade cap screw top may be polished or unpolished. U.S. made Stanley No. 78 planes to determine a specific type • Fence locking screw is smaller, stamped, off-the­ for the No. 78 planes in their collections. It will also help shelf stamped style wing nut in place of cast. determine and correct mis-matched parts on No. 78 planes • Guide fence now has 1/4 inch long center bed contact and help to secure correct missing parts. This study was point eliminated retaining two 3/4 inch long plane conducted over a relatively short period of time, less than 2 bottom contact points. years. It is believed that all plane types are represented and that dates are correct within 1 year. Foundry and manufac­ TYPE 16 1970 - Until End of U.S. Production in 1971. turing marks on planes produced after 1930 were not noted. All features of TYPE 15 except: Additional study of the later, post 1930, foundry and manu­ • Painted plane parts are now cordovan, may also be facturing marks is needed. Verification of study details such called reddish brown or maroon. as dates, types, plane characteristics or other anomalies is • Fence and depth stop locking screws now 1/2 inch in welcomed. Interested persons should contact the author: diameter with vertical edge knurling and machined Everett A Sheffield, PO. Box 371, Somers, MT 59932, 406- screw driver slot. Unpolished.M-WTCA.ORG Plated. 857-3327, [email protected] • Blade cap screw now 9/16 inch in diameter. Polished top, vertical edge knurling.

Excellent M-WTCA Value

Bob Roger writes and this editor agrees that the best value origin of the brace. A fantastic history of tools, especially ever distributed by M-WTCA is Eric Peterson's digital book boring tools, shipbuilding, culture, etc. It is a general easy "The Brace: The Why & How of Making Holes" Volume One reading world history. Members who are not interested in on CD. It is a 25 year study of early boring tools and the braces should read it, they will be amazed.

40 The Gristmill Obituaries

Ira J. Wilson by Nick Heatherly Ira J. Wilson a long time M-WTCA duties included stints on the St. James City Council, St. member, passed away at his home on James Utility Board, Missouri Veterans Home Assistance December 10, 2008, at the age of 88 League, James Foundation Advisory Committee, and the years 11 months 18 days. St. James Chamber of Commerce Board. He was an Except for a few years in the service of organizer and volunteer at such annual events as the Meramec Springs Trout Opening, Old Iron Works Days, his country, Ira lived in the area around St. James, Missouri and the Grape & Fall Festival. He also served as Mayor of his entire life. He met his wife of 62 years Margaret, and mar­ ried her in September of 1942, just prior to being shipped St. James from 1965 - 1967 and worked closely with The overseas as an Army medic with the 90th Wantry Division. James Foundation during the revitalization of the down­ Ira was involved in the Normandy Invasion (D+2) and the town business district and the re-forestation of St. James. Battle of the Bulge. His service took him across Europe with Ira joined M-WTCA in the early 80s along with his good General Patton1s Third Armored Division, ending up with the friends Bob Elgin, Past-M-WTCA President James E. Price occupation forces in Czechoslovakia on V-E Day. and Nick Heatherly. Bob and Ira have both left this world In addition to his service to the nation, Ira devoted his life a better place than they found it, and I am a better person to public service in his hometown of St. James. His civic for having known them both.

Edward Dunphy Edward John Dunphy, 94, of Sullivan Illinois passed away ture teacher for over forty years at Chester High School, Thursday December 4, 2008. He was born June 12, 1914 Sullivan High School and at Lakeland College in Mattoon. to Patrick and Rose (McCoy) Dunphy. Edward married He was the owner of Dunphy's Feed and Fertilizer from Marie Barlow June 26, 1937 with Marie preceding him in 1959 until 1967. death September 5, 2006. An avid antique tool collector, Edward was a member of Edward graduated from the University of Illinois with a Mid-West Tool Collectors Association for nearly 15 years. Bachelor of Science Degree in 1935. He was an agricul-

William K. Kurtz From Ken's friends William Kenneth Kurtz M-WTCA.ORGof New Paris, Kurtz's M-WTCA membership number was 587 which Indiana died Dec. 20, 2008 at the age of means he joined M-WTCA in June of 1984. 92. He was born April 24, 1916 in One of Mr. Kurtz's granddaughters writes "Poppa Great" Nappanee, IN. ana was married to (family nickname) was well known for his craftsmanship Eilein Leatherman on July 23, 1939. and has made many walking canes for friends. His teach­ They have one daughter, three grandchildren and five ing of the trade has been passed onto his grandson & great great grandchildren. grandchildren. The art of sanding was also taught by his Mr. Kurtz was a carpenter for Brown & Brown favorite saying "smooth as a baby's butt." If it was that Construction in Wakarusa an'ct retired in 1983. He was a smooth, then you could go on to the next step. Poppa member of the carpenters union, Local 413, an avid wood­ Great will continue to live in each and every one of us who worker and enjoyed collecting tools of his trade. Mr. knew him and we will miss him very much.

March 2009 41 M-WTCA Auxiliary

Lynne's Lines From The President, Lynne Mccalla

Happy New Year to All of You! in Decatur. You helped point out many little glitch­ es, and a few big ones which enabled me to have In December I had the privilege of meeting with Ed taken into consideration at the gathering in Hobbs, M-WTCA President and Bob Fields, M­ December. I think we have handled most of them WTCA Meeting Director and their wives, at the site and think you will be pleased with the second ver­ for our Lexington Semi-Annual meeting. I am so sion of the "New Format" we have developed. One change excited because I think you are going to love many of the that has taken place is the tour that we have enjoyed so much conveniences and the ability to move around downtown in over the years. With so many things to do and places to see, what I call "Gerbil Tubes!" Lexington is a town to fall in love it was very difficult to select just one to tour as a group. Also with and a place where you might plan to spend some extra with a shortened format, there is no time slot for a tour that days to see some of the sites and do some of the many things does not interfere with another official meeting event. The with your family. In the registration materials that will arrive board is looking at a women only excursion that might be of at your home in early May, there will be a list of "Things to interest to the Auxiliary members. This one is still in the Do" while you are there, so start planning your visit! infant stage and may not be possible for this meeting, we will The main topic of our meeting was to review the new format see. I would appreciate any feedback about a tour. If you for our semi-annual meetings. The men's organization has have a comment, please email me as Program Chair for the opened their arms to the Auxiliary and is including us in Auxiliary, at [email protected]. some of the major decisions being made to include our Our theme is "Hors'n Around - What Do You Do for Fun?" needs. I have thanked them on behalf of all of you, for recog­ Remember that a single item can be a display and can also be nizing the Auxiliary as an important partner in the organiza­ part of your show-and-tell in our Friday evening meeting. Our tion and including us in this major planning issue! Thanks to book discussion selection is TroublRsome Creek by Jan Watson. all of you who took the time to fill out one of the evaluation sheets with your comments regarding the first "New Format" I can not wait to see all of you again in Lexington!

Ways & Means Committee Decatur Book Sales by Miriam Seevers by Miriam Seevers

There was a good (fantastic!) supply of books for the sale at The Ways & Means table was quite busy during the opening the Decatur, IL. National meet. There were however, more hours of the trade room. Book sales reaped $131.30* and 6 books purchased at the Erie National meet. pins were sold. The remaining hard-backs were donated to the Windsor (IL) Township Library and the remaining I made an executive decision to give the remaining books to paperbacks were purchased by the Knorrs of Fowler IL. a township library located in Windsor, IL. An active mem­ ber from that area had told me of their "real need" since The Ladies Auxiliary appreciates your interest in books. township revenues were down drastically. Please contact me if you want pins to be available for your M-WTCA.ORGarea meets. Call 217-669-2290 and your request will be The M-WTCA pin sales need your help. I am sure the Area granted ASAP. Meets are reaching members that do not attend the Nationals. Contact me so I can ship some for you to sell. A * a 'new' nickel used instead of a quarter. pin on your cap or lapel may be just the opening for you to introduce M-WTCA to a potential member.

Auxiliary Officers All materials for The Women's Auxiliary Pages should be sent to: President Lynne McCalla Vice President Judi Heckel Bill Kolm, Editor, The Gristmill Secretary Jane Giese 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623 Treasurer Barb Slasinski [email protected]

42 The Gristmill Learning About Abraham Lincoln by Kathy Vogt

On Thursday October 2, 2008, two buses left Decatur for Springfield, Illinois to tour the Abraham Llncoln Presidential Library and Museum. There was a wealth of information about Llncoln, his times and life. Two state of the art theaters with the latest innovations and newest technology provided dramatic effects to help visualize and immerse us into the events of Lincoln's life. The special exhibit which changes periodically on Presidential Elections was timely because of the upcoming Presidential Election. This exhibit included many Presidential years including Lincoln's. Memorabilia was included as well as time. As the battles were showing the Electoral College and popular vote of all the shown on the map, the casu­ candidates each year. alties on each side were The museum is like walking on the streets in Lincoln's life noted throughout the years with different areas for family living, the night of the assas­ of the Civil War. sination, etc. A hands-on area for children is called "Mrs. There is so much to see and learn at this museum. I would Lincoln's Attic." highly recommend it to others and will most likely visit the Another room had a map that kept changing according to Museum again at a later date. whether the North or the South controlled the area at the

Meet the Auxiliary's Executive Board! by Lynne McCollo

I would like to introduce you to the members of your Officers: Executive Board. These women handle the business of the President ...... Lynne Mc Calla Auxiliary for a two year term. At each National Meeting, Vice-President - Publicity ...... Judi Heckel we hold an official board meeting where each of the offi­ Secretary ...... Jane Giese cers give their reports and each Standing Committee chair­ Treasurer ...... Barb Slasinsky person reports their committee'sM-WTCA.ORG activities and issues. Old business is handled and new business is discussed accord­ Standing Committees: ing to a prepared agenda. Our meetings usually last about Audit ...... Sue Bacheller Awards ...... Jan Dills, Pat Feezer, Kathy Vogt two hours. The minutes are distributed after the meeting to the members for corrections or additions before they Book Discussion ...... Jeanne McDonald are read to the organization at the next National Meeting's Advisors: Ann Boltz, Lorraine Lamond By-Laws ...... Kathy Hobbs Women's Luncheon. If you ever have any questions or con­ Membership ...... Susan Witzel structive suggestions, please feel free to contact the appro­ priate Committee Chair or myself. Preservation / Education ...... Harriot Baker Progran1 ...... Lynne Mc Calla We aim to serve you in the best way possible! Please give Social...... Doris Hardy us feedback as how we can better do that job. Ways & Means ...... Miriam Seevers Website ...... Rita Myers

March 2009 43 Highlights of the Ladies' Decatur Meeting by Judi Heckel

In the Make 'N' Take session, Hostess Ketra Wanamaker waved her magic wand and magically transformed all of the ladies into jewelry designers. Ketra and her sister had prepared kits with beads of assorted colors and the wire that would be needed to complete a bracelet. One look around the room revealed interested females there from age 5 to 95. Participants shopped the kits for the color of their choice and began the intricate work of stringing the beads in the pattern of one's choice. Ketra displayed her expertise by securing the finished product for each partic­ ipant. There were a few mishaps with members pushing the completed pattern off the other end of the wire, but with a little teamwork, all members left with a bracelet of which each could be proud.

where the hotel chef, Brian Tucker, appeared in our midst to answer questions about the food. Brian was a good sport and identified the "key lime glaze" on our scrump­ tious dessert. Together with the door prizes and spider rings, Ketra and the Decatur hotel made a special and memorable lunch for all the ladies. The guest luncheon speaker was a familiar face to all members, our host George Wanamaker. George displayed his ice cream tool collection and entertained, as well as instructed, members in the history of "ice cream." George shared facts that were surprising to most of the ladies. Ice Cream as a food dated to the 1400s, but then it was a The luncheon theme of spooky cream mixed with asparagus or witches was a perfect compli­ The luncheon theme of spooky green beans. He showed ment to the October meeting witches was a perlect compliment "penny licks" from the 1800s, but we all were grateful for the time. From black tablecloths to the October meeting time. From and orange napkins to the pop­ better sanitary methods of corn balls in the centerpieces, black tablecloths and orange today. Legend has it that in 1904 Ketra made the ladies giggle and napkins to the popcorn balls in the at the St. Louis World's Fair, sellers ran out of glass dishes laugh as they ate dressed in centerpieces, Ketra made the ladies their witches' hats. The lunch­ and rolled a waffle to hold the eon food was wonderful. We ate giggle and laugh as they ate dressed ice cream and the "cone" was an Asian Chicken salad and for in their witches' hats. ✓ invented. Ice cream scoops dessert we had passion fruit were labeled by number from 6 mousse in a ladyfinger shell,M-WTCA.ORG topped with lingonberries, to 40, based on the number of dips required to equal a wild blueberries, and raspberries. It was the first time quart of ice cream. People have enjoyed sodas, sundaes, shakes, and splits, and George's collection has a variety of the proper glassware for each delight. He even has some of the wooden spoons that were sold with a cup of ice cream. We were grateful that his presentation came after our lunch, as every­ one began craving the taste of this American favorite.

44 The Gristmill Book Review by Judi Heckel

The Auxiliary Ladies have been reading that was hinted in this first book Even if one had not read selected pieces of literature that have led to the book, Jeanne posed questions that made each of us reflect on current ideas and the development of medicine spicy discussions and deep philosophical and attitudes toward pregnancy. thinking. Led by Jeanne McDonald, probing At Decatur, members discussed My Sister's Keeper by questions challenged each woman to exam­ Jodi Picoult. Anna was genetically engineered to be a per­ ine the characters' decisions and relate it to fect match for her cancer-ridden older sister. Since birth, our own. Our appreciation is extended to the the 13-year-old has donated platelets, blood, her umbilical cord, and bone marrow as part of her family's struggle to selection committee which includes Ann lengthen Kate's life, and is now being considered as a kid­ Boltz and Lorraine Lamond. ney donor. Anna has now hired a lawyer to represent her in a medical At Erie, Jeanne guided the Auxiliary emancipation suit to allow her to have through A Place Called Trinity, by control over her own body. Jeanne Delia Parr, as they all followed Martha guided participants as they further Cade through Pennsylvania in the delved into the viewpoints of Anna, 1830s. Martha, the town midwife, Campbell, Julia, Kate, Sara, Brian, and courageously met hardships which Jesse. Participants struggled with ques­ included searching for her run-away tions of what is legal and ethical for this daughter Victoria, adapting profession­ family in turmoil. Though there were no ally to the new doctor in town, and easy answers, the ladies explored this solving the series of burglaries that complex subject with compassion and occurred in the community. Auxiliary sympathy. members struggled to make sense of teeming and groaning parties. Members were amused, Be sure to join us in June at Lexington when we consider angered, disappointed, disgusted, encouraged, and exhila­ our next book, Troublesome Creek by Jan Watson. It is rated by sections of the book Many promised to read the sure to be fun and valuable. second book in the series and to follow the "love interest"

Beach Glass Jewelry - Erie Revisited by Judi Heckel

Josie Minutolo, owner of a local practiced expertise, Josie can jewelry shop, shared with Auxiliary complete a bracelet in one hour. members the availability and devel­ Her passion about her craft was opment of Lake Erie beach glass. obvious to the entire audience. Josie walked the shores and col­ Josie confessed she loves the lected glass for over ten M-WTCA.ORGyears. Just glass, and even feels a loss when recently, that collection developed she sells a piece of jewelry. into an art by combining the glass The beach glass is an amazing pieces with sterling silver beads, recycling project. Years ago, Erie clasps, and Swarovski crystals to PA disposed of its waste bottles make elegant pendants, earrings, in Lake Erie. Today's glass finds and necklaces. are the remains of old Coca-Cola, Using tools like a Dremel with diamond tips, clippers, pli­ Noxzema, Clorox, and other brand name bottles. Tumbled ers and 20-gauge wire, Josie creates these works of art. by the water and polished by the rocks, that glass Cobalt blue has been the most desirable for her cus­ becomes the treasured collectibles of today. It has tomers, but white, brown, and green also appear. On rare become so desirable that Josie reported the amount she occasions she can harvest a red or yellow piece. With her can find presently is almost vanishing.

March 2009 45 Huge Tool Auction Extravaganza Roland "Rally'' Ambuehl * 1800 Lots April 16, 17 & 18, 2009 312 Clark St. * Ray Co. Veterans Bldg. * Richmond, MO Preview on Wed. April 15. Auctions start at 9 AM each day.

One of the largest tool auctions we've ever held. Just under 1800 lots sold over 3 daY-s, w/ 5000+ tools. Rolly was a long-time member of M-WTCA, and he simply LOVED tools ... every kind, all kinds. We've never had a collection of tools that was this clean & well tended. Full catalog listing & pictures of everY. lot is on our website. Free catalog w/ description of every lot & numerous pictures is available. Just cont~ct us. Also, Live Internet Bidding on Proxibid (www.P.roxibid.com). The only way you'll be able to really appreciate the full scope of this auction is to read the list and view the pictures for yourself. We can't begin to give any adequate representation here. You definitely will want to attend this auction. It will be a bonanza for collectors and dealers alike, as well as lots of great usable tools of every description. Featuring tool brands & companies such as Stanley, Keen Kutter, Diamond Edge, Winchester, Blue Grass, Buffum, OVB, HSB & Co., Van Camp, Rev-o-noc, Oak Leaf, Crusader, L.S. Starrett, Union Tool, Defiance, Sargent, Buck Bros.,Yankee, E.H. Sheldon, Startsburg, E.C. Stearns, Kramer Bros., Goldblait, Dunlap, Merit, Craftsman, Foster, Edwin Hahn, Parplus, Millers Falls, Fulton, Simmons, Shapleigh, Jordan, Utila, Ohio Tool, Victor, Gage, Siegley, Otis A Smith, Mohawk (Shelburn), Edgewood Tool, Sandusky, E.C. Adkins, Dikeman, SC Krebs, E.F Seybold, Metallic Plane Co. Ampco, Pexto, Proto, Berylco, Marsh, Solar Mfg. Co., Belmont, Ritter, Ward, Lakeside, Fowler, Bridge, Arrowsmith, Chipaway, Eclipse, Shelton, Hudson Forge, Firestone, Witherby, Richards & Conover, Chaplins, Perfect Handle, Goodall, Vaughn & Bushnell, Russell Jennings, D.R, Barton, Rockford, Buffalo & many, many others .. Hundreds & hundreds hand tools, wide variety w/ many rarities, scarce & hard-to-find items incl: Over 1000 Planes plus plumb bobs, calipers, dividers, trammel points, sliding t-bevels, tri & comb. squares, take­ down squares, levels & inclinometers (wood, metal, cast iron, alum, machinists), level bubbles, folding rules, concrete tools, braces & bits, breast drills, blow torches, saws, hammers, axes, hatchets, wrenches, grinders, brass tools, draw knives, spoke shaves, blacksmith-made tools, coopers tools, brass & glass oilers for "Hit & Miss" engines, brass pressure gauges & steam whistles, grease holders, carpenter tools, wood chisels, slicks, travelers, stair saws, bit augers, drills, snips, Auger boring machine, carriage makers planes, gauges, markers, scribes, gouges, reamers, vises, rope making machine, metal stamps, folding drill bit holders, folding hndl. screwdrivers, Eifel Plierwrench & many unusual, interesting tools & related items. Lots of Books, incl. 1990, 1996 Walters Stanley Tools A very lg. & comprehensive assortment of Stanley incl: Planes - #1, 2, 2C, 3, 3C, 4, 4C, 4 ½, 5, 5 ¼, 5 ¼, 6, 7, 7C, 8, 9 ¼, 9 ¼, 10 ¼, 11, 12, 20, 22,23,26,27,27 ¼, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39 ¼, 39 ¾, 39 ¾, 40, 40 ¾, 45, 46, 48, 50, 55, 60 ¾, 65, 66, 70, 71¾, 71, 75, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100 ¾, 102,103,110,112,113,118,120,127,129,130,132, 135,140,148,182,190,191, 192, 193A, 203, 220, 238, 239, 248, 278, 289, 378, 608C, Bedrock Planes: 603, 603C, 604, 604C, 605, 605C, 605 ¾, 606, 607C, 608. A-5 & A-6. Low angle & bull nose & alum. planes, Stanley Gage, Victor, Bailey Tool & Defiance Planes. ManyM-WTCA.ORG of these planes are in orig. boxes. Bits & braces, chisels, drills, squares, gauges, levels, rules, mortise & jointer gauges, cutter & chisel grinder, spoke shaves, scrapers, routers, pocket levels, tape measures, No. 1 Odd Jobs, sight levels, bit gauges, dowelling jig, #35 Mason's Adj. Plumb & Level, & many more Stanley items. 150 Yr. Anniv. Tools, etc. Simmons & Co. Auctioneers 40706 E. 144 th St. * Richmond, MO 64085 * 1-816-776-2936 www.simmonsauction.com Don't Miss the 14th Annual THCKK Auction & Tool Meet, Mar. 26, 27, 2sth, also in Richmond. Great Winchester, Keen Kutter, Diamond Edge, Simmons & Shapleigh & more!! Public Welcome. www.thckk.org

46 The Gristmill DAVID STANLEY AUCTIONS

53rd INTERNATIONAL AUCTION approx 800 Lots of Quality Antique Woodworking and Allied Trades Tools on SATURDAY, MARCH 28th 2009 At the Bretby Conference Centre, Nr Burton upon Trent, England

Also to include • A good selection of Stanley and Preston planes and tools. • The A.E. Horton collection of 30 early microscopes • Many planes by Spiers, NoITis, Mathieson, Marples, Holtzapffel etc. • Good selection of axes plus many French, Dutch and other European tools. • A selection of decorative levels and unusual plumb bobs, sets of • Early and important ivory and boxwood rules. carving tools, chisels and gouges. • Fine quality chariot and other metal planes. • Early dated planes and others by Wooding, Richard Elsmoor, • Many wide and complex moulders. Nicholson Lee etc. • Early miniature boxwood and brass planes.

The entire catalog of 800 lots available ON-LINE 3 weeks prior with full absentee bidding instructions at: www.the-saleroom.com In spite of this new digital ageM-WTCA.ORG we are still producing our great, full Now is the time to buy those fine quality color catalogs which include estimated prices, condition coding, postal bidding instructions & prices realised list after the sale. British tools with the dollar at only 1.45 to the £

$35 from The Mechanicks Workbench, P.O. Box 420, Marion, Mass. 02738 USA. USA Tel: (508) 748-1680 E-mail: [email protected] or Australia and New Zealand for £24 from David Stanley Auctions, Osgathorpe, Leics. LE12 9SR England from Australia Tel: 00-11-44-1530 222320 New Zealand Tel: 00-44-1530 222320 E-mail [email protected] quoting your mailing address and credit card details. Visit our web site at www.davidstanley.com Antique Tool Auction May 2, 2009, 9 AM Humboldt Fairgrounds Building (Events Center) 311 6th Ave. North, Humboldt, Iowa 50548 (Preview Friday from 3 to 7 PM. & Sat. 6 to 9 AM.) (The Bob Ahlrichs collection from Pocahontas, Iowa) STANLEY PLANES: #2 (5); 3 (3); 3C (2); 4; 4C (4); 4 ½ (2); 4 1/2C (2); 5 (2); 5C (3); 5 ½; (3); 5 1/4C; 5 1/2C; 6C; 7 (3); 7C (3); 8; 8C (3); 9 ½; 10 ½; 10 ½ Type I; 10 1/2C; 23 ; 26 (4); 27 (3); 27 1/2; 28 (2); 32; 33; 39 3/8; 39 5/8; 39 ½ (2); 40; 40 ½; 45 (6 inc. IOB); 46 (4); 48; 49; 50 (2); 55 (2); 60 ½ (2); 66 beader IOB; 71 (2); 71 ½ (2); 75; 78 (2); RARE 78W; 80 (3); 81; 82; 90; 95 (2); 98; 99 (2); 100 ½; 101; 101 ½; 102 (2); 103 (3); 110 (2); 112 (2); 113 (early & late); 118; 122; 127; 130; 135; 140 (2); 143; 148; 171 ; 190 (2); 192; 194; 220 (3); 278 (2); S4; S5 ; H104; H1203; H1204; OHS ; BEDROCK: 603C (3); 605 1/2C; 606; 606C (2); 607. OTHER PLANES: Rockford; Chaplin's; Keen Kutter; Metallic Plane Co. ; Zenith #2; Millers Falls (full range of bench planes inc. Buck Rogers & two #7 smoothers); Sargent; Union X8G; Ohio 04C; Bailey Defiance; Steers; Craftsman plow IOB; Seigley #2 IOB; Wardsmaster plow IOB; Fulton #2 size; Preston iron spill; LIE-NIELSEN #1 STCC93 commemorative IOB; ECLIPSE 7-in. smoother; Union #2, several more #2 size smoothers; etc. WOOD PLANES: Over 20 plow planes; 50+ planks; fillesters; complex profiles; dados; tongue & grooves; rabbets; hollow & rounds; spill; full range of wooden bench planes; etc. MISC. STANLEY: #44 bit & square level IOB; Triplet Wrench; angle dividers; bevels; try & miter squares; spoke shaves; beading tools; several #34 catalogs; vises; etc. LEVELS: Davis L&T 6-in. inclinometer; LSS Co. 6-in.; Stratton Bros. Goodell-Pratt 30-in. IOB; Davis & Cook; Peerless; Stanley 237-12 inch & 18; Stanley Nicholson Patent 13 ½-in. & 19 ½-in.; Stanley 36G 6-in & 9-in.; Stanley #98 12-in. rosewood; many more. BORING TOOLS: wooden braces, barn beam boring machine; auger & twist bits in wood boxes; center bits; breast & hand drills, ratchet braces, etc. TREADLE MACHINES: New Rogers treadle saw; Barnes No. 7 scroll saw; Rival by Seneca Falls saw; Champion? combo lathe & saw; Barnes mortising machine; Champion? jig saw, etc. MEASURING TOOLS: A.O. CALHOUN rafter & polygon bevel; Chapin Stephens #036 combo rule, bevel & level; H. Chapin presentation rule Sept. 10, 1853; Nichol's Ottumwa take-down squares; misc. folding & caliper rules. MISC.: axes, hatchets, many chisels & gouges; several slicks; assorted wrenches; hammers; oak & glass display cases; Marsh miter vise. Large tool chest for Chariton, IA, lots of tool books and magazines etc. Complete list with links to photos at: http://homen.age.mac.com/ratdaddy/index.htm Sale managed by: Great Planes Trading Co., Mike Urness, PO Box 6022, Chesterfield, MO 63006-6022, Phone: 314-497-7884, email: [email protected] Terms: Cash,_good check; or MCNisa for 3% fee. A 10 percent bu)'.'.er's premium will be in effect.

Lest We Forget by Bob Roger

Lest We Forget is a series of slwrt artides, each about a tool or This system of road-building was called macadamization implement that was once a common houselwld, farm, or trade after its inventor, and thus began the hard-surfaced road. necessity, but wlwse use or existence may soon be forgotten. The first macadamized road in North America was com­ pleted in 1830. The Macadamizing Hammer The macadamizing hammer was used to pulverize the rock John Loudon MacAdam (McAdam), 1756 - 1836, was a by hand. It is basically a heavy iron donut on a wood han­ Scottish engineer and road-builder. Circa 1815 he invented dle. Of the two examples shown here, the longer one is 16 a road-building process using 3 layers of decreasingly-sized inches long, and the smaller one has a 2 1/4 inch diameter crushed stone, pulverized so as to not exceed 2 inches in head. The smaller hammer was made by the ATHA TOOL size. Compaction resulted as traffic passed over the road, CO. of Newark, NJ sometime between 1875 and 1913. eventually resulting in a hardM-WTCA.ORG and fairly smooth surface.

Note: Tarmac, short for tar-penetration macadam, was invented in 1901 and used tar as a binding agent for macadam roads, thus reducing dust. However, true macadam roads have no tar binder.

48 The Gristmill What's It

The items and their pictures will be identified by the issue This has been identified from the 1909 Edition of the Wm. number of the Gristmill it first appeared in and their order Marples & Sons Catalogue as a Plier Rug needle. listed in that issue. Fig. 133-2 from Dec. 08 Everyone must have been involved with the holidays over has been identified. the September to January time frame as I did not get any new items needing identification, but I did get some identi­ fications of previous items. Items Identified: Item from Decatur fall show:

This is a clamp-on version of a clothes wringer.

Fig. 133-3 from Dec. 08 has been identified A. D. & L. D. BUFF. ~o 6l.940. ~a.ne~Stripper. Patented F b. 12. 1861,

This item from the Decatur show raised a lot of interest. Several members had them but no one lmew what it was. One such member e-mailed us with the info stamped on the Fig. 133-3 has been positively identified by an Indiana mem­ item that was illegible on the Decatur piece. The item was ber as a wooden insulator used in overhead interurban and found to be a Sorghum (cane) stripper. trolley line power wires. The photo shows one of many pos­ Fig 133-1 from Dec. 08M-WTCA.ORG has been identified. sible configurations. If you have any items needing identification or info on items appearing in the column needing to be identified, please send it in. I do not print the names of responders in either case, so no one will be embarrassed. Also, if you have any changes or recommendations for this column, please send them in. This column is for you, the readers. Thank you, and send your items, answers, and comments to: Virginia White, PO Box 1418, Angels Camp, CA 95222. Phone (209) 728-2142. E-mail: [email protected]

7015 -Plier Rug Needle.

March 2009 49 Surprise Christmas Tools ur ancestors kept their

my

r i11formo.tit.m. to find a dealer in , ra, or u, place an order. contact: JOHN T. KRAMER Dave & Judi Heckel's new grandson, Gage C. Hammond, P.O. Box 8715/Sugax Creek, MO 6405 received a special gift for his first Christmas, his name in (816) 252~9512 kramer~kramerize.com tools. The two special tools were a GAGE smooth plane and www .kramerlze.com a C.HAMMOND cobbler's hammer. Hopefully, the tools will lCrPtlOf.; BOOK OF 1NST1WC'110NS & USES start an interest for Gage to use and collect tools. 'PREE W1'11l PlJ.RCilASE.

Tool Family Trees Answers

These tools are all used with corn. The T-handled tool is marked UNIQUE and is a hard-to-find corn sheller patented by Houseman in 1860 (patent # 29,886). It was used to shell dried corn. The patent drawing is shown in Figure 17. The tool with a loop in the middle is a rare husking pin, used to remove the husks from corn cobs. It is Blair'sM-WTCA.ORG 1868 patent, # 82,915, shown in Figure 18. The tableware tool is a corn rake ( also called a slitter, shredder, or stripper) and was used to slit the grains of corn on the cob and squeeze out the nutritious kernels and juice for eating, while leaving the indi­ Figure 17. Houseman's 1860 Sheller Figure 18. Blair's 1868 Husking Pin gestible hull on the cob. It is a version of Wells' 1910 patent(# 961,825). The opposite side is shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19. Corn Rake

50 The Gristmill Marketplace Wanted Education Wanted WANTED: Winchester items, tools, Book For Sale-Stanley Tape Measures, WANTED: Spiral auger and broad axe sporting goods or advertising. No the First Forty Years, 2008 edition. Marked N. & B. MEAD CASTINE ME. firearms. Collections or pieces OK. Includes detailed description, years of N. MEAD CASTINE ME. L.J.Tomo Jr. Please advise price and condition. production, patents for all known tape 7111 Waterman Ave., St. Louis, MO. David McDonald, 14211 Kellywood measures of this period, and 70+ pic­ 63130. Home # 314-726-0407, Work # Lane, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 558- tures, 40 in color. $35 plus $5 shipping. 314-721-3911, telephone & fax. 5236 [email protected] George Wanamaker 309-836-6872, email [email protected]. WANTED: Reaping Hook or any other WANTED: Tools of any sort made by tool marked I. Christ. L.J. Torno, Jr. the Sandusky Tool Co. I don't have 7111 Waterman Ave., St. Louis, MO. them all yet! Also, catalogs, advertis­ Would you like to better be able to use 63130 Home # 314-726-0407, Work # ing and related material. John the tools you collect? To have your 314-721-3911 telephone & fax. Walkowiak, 3452 Humboldt Ave., hands follow the hands of previous Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 824- owners in using your tools for the tasks A-1 LEVEL REPAIR 0785. [email protected] they were created for? Check us out! Most brands repaired and restored MIKE SIEMSEN'S SCHOOL OF WOOD­ Bob and Diane Skogman WORKING www.schoolofwood.com, 18639 - 327th Ave. WINCHESTER collector wants: Isle, MN 56342-4784 Chisago City, MN, 651-257-9166 Phone: 1-320-684-2078 "Armax", "Barney & Berry", "Crusader", E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.a1levelrepair.com "Hendryx" items & shotshell boxes "WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!" with HARDWARE STORE name. Tim Melcher 918. 786.8500, email: [email protected] www.thewinchesterstore.com Advertising Information

ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit CASTICO June April 10 Full page, 4-color, September July 10 ( when available) $275 900 December October 10 Full page $180 900 Half page $105 450 CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 (,., 1?~~· $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4" wide.) Cast Iron Repairs 25 word limit. by David Belusko NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive Twenty years of experience providing the event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill's publication. For example, an finest in repairs to cast iron ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue. tools, es·pecially planes Color matching of weld to cast iron * For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2" wide X 4 7/ 811 tall. undetectable in most repairs. Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be Pricing information availableM-WTCA.ORG from charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your USA shipping agent: ad laid out. Can1era Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge.

Gale Garrett For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and dou­ 1718 Hampton Street ble-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly. Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 256-1718 Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertis­ [email protected] ing 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 No items lost in transit in 20 years in is shown on the inside front cover of this publication. business including six years of shipping to and from the Philippines. Send all ads to: Bill Kolm 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

March 2009 51 Brown Auction Services 34th TOOL SALE & INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION RADISSON INN APRIL J & 4, 2009 CAMP HILL, PA

THE TOOL SALE on Friday is a tradition that has been part of the Brown Auction for more than 20 years. The sale has grown over the years and this spring we anticipate about 60 dealers filling nearly 90 tables with fine tools. This being the first major show of the year, count on seeing a few gems that are fresh to the market.

THE AUCTION on Saturday features: A Stanley 50 years of service presentation No. 1 plane. Lew McDonald's Davis Level & Tool Co. Collection. Selected items from the Mike Armstrong Collection. The Davis items include several rare levels and a full set of planes. Plus, a Bailey split frame plane, Lee's chamfer plane and additional patented planes by Bailey, Holly, Rodier, Chaplin, Miller, Phillips, Davis, Hardt, Rust, Mayo, Bee, Meriden, Hahn, Standard Rule, Boston Metallic, Foster, Morris, and many others. An Ohio No. 1 plane. Stanley planes including Nos. 1, 2, 41, 42, 45, 55, 72, 85, 87,164, and many others. Stanley advertising. Stanley tool chests with the original tools. Four Square tools and bench. F. Nicholson plow plane plus 18 th-century wooden planes by Nicholson, Phillipson, Ionson, Briggs, Norcross, Wooding, and others. Large selection of complex molders and selected wooden planes. Gauges, squares, and special layout tools. Chamberlin patent inclinometer. Boxwood and ivory rules by A. Stanley, Stanley, Stearns, Rabone, and others. Surveying tools and equipment. Harmon sighting level. Good selection of hammers, axes, and adzes. Double-lid tool chest. Fancy tool chest. Two smaller chests. Log caliper. And, as always, a good selection of high-quality box lots. About 725 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves. LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #34 mails in early Catalog $28 for US and Canadian addresses. March. All tools fully described and fairly graded with estimates. $ US~ O A" •i 34 P nces· R ea1· 1ze d mail e d prompt1 ya f ter auction.· All•items ill ustrate d .or verseas. . irmai . in full color. Absentee bidding available. To reserve your copy, call, wnte, email, or fax us today at: Brown Auctions OR ORDER BOTH 2009 CATALOGS. The 27 Fickett Road 34th and 35 th InternationalM-WTCA.ORG Auctions. Just $50 US Pownal, ME 04069 & Canada, $60 USD for Overseas Airmail. Prices Email: [email protected] Realized promptly after auction. 1 (800) 248-8114 Fax (207) 688-4831

Order a catalog or view items online at www.FineToolJ.com/Browns Radisson Inn 1 (717) 763-7117. Be sure to ask for the special room rate.

It is plane to see who sells the best!