M-WTCA 45Th Year

M-WTCA 45th Year

Opening a Window on the Trades of Yesterday Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools Story begins on page 34

M-WTCA.ORG

New York City Makers of Pianomaker’s Planes: 1842 – 1920s Story begins on page 10

September 2012 No. 148 The Gristmill Index

Features Departments New York City Makers of Pianomaker’s Planes: Chaff...... 4 1842-1920s: Part 2...... 10 Committee Reports...... 5 Wilkinson Sword Co. Axes...... 28 National Spring Meeting Asheville, NC...... 6 Another Poignant piece from the ‘X pencil pusher’ National Meeting, Displays at Asheville, NC...... 8 in Muncie, IN...... 33 Lest We Forget...... 32 A Few Thoughts to Ponder...... 33 Area Meetings...... 42 Opening A Window On The Trades of Yesterday...Part II....34 Book Reviews...... 46, 47 Demo Charge Computing Tape...... 53 Tool Family Trees...... 47 M-WTCA Auxiliary...... 48 What’s-It...... 52

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No. 148 September, 2012

Copyright 2012 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Directors Committee Chairman Association, Inc. All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Area A Area J Elections...... Hollis Feeser Richard Rayburn, 2012 Jim Dills, 2012 Meeting Planning...... Bob Fields Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm Matthew Kujawa, 2013 Membership...... John Walkowiak 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Allen Snyder, 2014 Area K Gary Coleman, 2013 Scholarship...... Mark Eastlick Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson, Area B Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm John Wells Darrell Vogt, 2012 Area L Special Publications...... Peter Taran Graphic Design: Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads Gary Kane, 2013 Steve Gosselin, 2014 By-Laws and Policy...... Vaughn Simmons Steve McNulty, 2014 The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West What’s It...... Jim Dills Area M Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in Area C Ronnie Glover, 2012 Directory...... Larry Thorson March, June, September and December. Preservation & Education...... Phil Baker The purpose of the Association is to promote the preserva- Jim Crammond, 2012 Richard Bradshaw, 2013 tion, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements Zachary Dillinger, 2013 Marion Henley Award ...... Mel Ring and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the Mike Stemple, 2014 Area N Displays & Awards ...... Dick Bradshaw pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects Randy Knudsen, 2012 Family Assistance ...... Don Riley were used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share Area D William Morgan, 2014 Internet ...... Russ Allen knowledge and understanding with others, especially where Lee Kallstrom, 2012 it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. David Christen, 2013 Area O Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla Ed Chabal, 2014 Bob Weaver, 2012 Scrapbook ...... Barb & Mike Slasinski President Bill Racine, 2013 George Wanamaker Area E 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 Rus Allen, 2012 Area P [email protected] cell (309) 255-2406 Gary Johnson, 2012 Richard Weymer II, 2012 Where to Send What Ron Knorr, 2013 Jason Miller, 2013 Vice-President of Elections Please note where to send what so it will reach the Don Snyder, 2014 James Leamy, 2014 Hollis Feeser right person. 1606 28th Street N.W., Rochester, Minnesota 55901-7614 (507) 282-3175 Area F Area Q Send changes in your address, phone number Randy Brown, 2012 Rob Zaccardi, 2012 or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry Vice-President of Meeting Planning Bill Marlowe, 2012 Tom Konsler, 2013 McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone Bob Fields Mark Johnson, 2014 Bruce Bogust, 2014 (615) 791-6198, E-Mail [email protected] 7835 Mount Holly Huntersville, Charlotte, NC 28216-8710 Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, [email protected] (704) 393-1282 Area G Area R Wayne Michael, 2012 Frank Flynn, 2013 17140 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone Vice-President of MembershipM-WTCA.ORG Ray Myers, 2013 (586) 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] John Walkowiak Roy Ebersole, 2014 Area S Pay membership dues for current year: Dues 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 Neil Bohnert, 2013 are $25 for USA, $40 for Canada & $60 for Foreign [email protected] (612) 824-0785 Area H Wordell Davis, 2014 members. Send your check made out to M-WTCA to Peter Habicht, 2013 Vice-President of Scholarship Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, 3315 Clement Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 phone (540) 432-0617 Mark Eastlick Area I E-Mail [email protected]. Please write 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge Spring, James C Goodson, 2013 RENEW and your name and address on your check. Penn. 16403-9776 [email protected] (814) 734-7818 Emory Goad, 2014 Do not use a new member application to renew an Treasurer existing membership. Vaughn Simmons Submit materials and advertising information 3315 Clement Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spauld- [email protected] (540) 432-0617 ing Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, Secretary E-Mail [email protected] Larry Thorson The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) is printed by Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 Elman Print, 6210 South 118th Street, Omaha, Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge [email protected] (608) 779-0966 NE 68137 phone 402.346.0888 Spring, Penn. 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818

2 The Gristmill Financial Statement Coming Up

Balance Sheet M-WTCA National Meetings ASSETS Checking Account ...... $ 137,696 Fall 2012 Restricted Funds Sept 26-29, Davenport, IA. Scholarship ...... 1,455 Endowment ...... 42,247 Bob Fields (704) 393-1282, [email protected], Meeting Reserve ...... 26,268 & Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected] Mt. Vernon tools ...... 231 Pres. and Ed. Comm ...... 1,326 Life Membership Fund ...... 75,712 2012 M-WTCA Area Meetings Unrestricted Reserves Board Reserve ...... 104,929 Advance level Contributions ...... 57,767 Area Q Other September 15, Raleigh, NC. Advance for Nat’l Meeting ...... 3,000 Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, [email protected] Assets held by Areas and Aux...... 38,807 TOTAL ASSETS ...... $ 489,437 Area H September 16, Barnet, VT. LIABILITIES Deferred Revenue Dues Peter Habicht 413-229-7745, [email protected] 2012 ...... 55,785 2013 ...... 2,908 Area D Advance Level Donation Oct. 14, Omaha, NE. 2012 ...... 5,069 Lee Kallstrom (402) 981-0500, [email protected] TOTAL LIABILITIES ...... $ 63,762 EQUITY Area C Retained Earnings ...... 415,763 Oct. 20, Dearborn, MI. Net Current Income ...... 9,913 Mike Stemple (517) 443-5853, [email protected] TOTAL EQUITY ...... $ 425,676 Area S TOTAL LIABILITY AND EQUITY ...... $. 489,437 Nov. 3, Broadway, VA. Vaughn Simmons, (540) 432-0617, [email protected] Income and Expense Statement INCOME Membership Dues ...... $ 80,877 Area E Gristmill Advertising ...... 6,128 Nov. 4, Carlinville, IL. Semi-Annual Meetings ...... 712 Bob Terry (618)377-3421, [email protected] Auctions ...... 521 Interest Income ...... 7,180 Donations (non-restricted) ...... 4,739 Area Q Donations (restricted) ...... 6,058 Nov. 10, Bethania, NC. Label Sales ...... 371 Robert Oehman (919) 858-8506, [email protected] Directory Advertising ...... 2,043 TOTAL INCOME ...... $ 108,629 Area N EXPENSE Nov. 17, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL. Scholarship ...... 9,076 Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] Mt. Vernon ...... 3,300 Meeting Expenses ...... 1,351 Gristmill ...... 41,191 Membership Directory ...... 10,611 2013 M-WTCA Area Meetings Director’ Q’rtly Report M-WTCA.ORG...... 234 New Members Back Copies ...... 2,574 What’s It Comm ...... 115 Area B Other Comm Exp...... 999 Feb. 24, St Francis, WI. Membership Development ...... 1,256 Gary Kane (608) 516-1250, [email protected] Advertising ...... 422 Area Mailing Costs ...... 595 Administrative-Printing, software, postage. . . . 2,683 Area E Special Publication ...... 12,317 March 24, Loves Park, IL. Membership Dbase Service ...... 4,293 Gary Johnson (815) 636-1464 CPA Service ...... 605 Treasurer ...... 5,699 Insurance ...... 1,385 Area D Misc. Fees ...... 10 May 5, Humboldt, IA. TOTAL EXPENSES ...... $ 98,716 LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] NET INCOME ...... $ 9,913

September 2012 3 Chaff From The President, George Wanamaker

I was very pleased with the National Semi- tion. These meetings are not designed as a fundraiser, Annual Spring Meeting in Asheville, North they are designed as a gathering of those attending to meet, learn, socialize, buy, sell, and trade tools. Carolina. The attendance was up as 350 were registered. There was a great selec- Finally, a word about the Local meetings your Direc- tors plan for you to attend. I know of at least two Local tion of tools available. The programs were meetings that have been discontinued because of lack of good. The hospitality room attendance. I realize it is not always possible to attend was super and well attend- these meetings for whatever reason, but all possible effort ed. The banquet program should be made to attend. of blue grass music, was The Director has a fair amount of expense tied up in these excellent. Bob Fields and meetings with postage, printing, and meeting place rental which can not be reduced when a low number of attendees Judy Gambrel, the host and turn out. For the Macomb meeting this amounts to about hostess, did a super job of $350.00. Other expenses can be reduced if pre-registration planning and execution. is poor. Things such as refreshments and any cash prizes for awards can be reduced at the last minute, but these While talking with Larry Thorson and Susan Witzel, the are much smaller. In the case of the Macomb meeting, host and hostess for Davenport, I believe you can count on these are about $100. If a meal is provided, this increases a meeting every bit as good, and big, as Asheville for this expenditures considerably. In Macomb, we discontinued Fall. The largest National Meeting M-WTCA ever had was the meal because of the expense. Also, if there is a cost in Davenport, Iowa. There were 630 attendees in 1996. I overrun it is out of the Directors pocket. look for the Fall meeting in Davenport to possibly break the 400 mark in attendance. We have a wonderful meet- The Director also has time invested in planning, organiz- ing facility, good programs, and hospitality room planned. ing, preparing a mailing, making name tags, running the Of course, great tools will be there too. I also understand meeting, and filing a meeting report. that there may be a very reasonable registration fee. Pre-registration is a very important part of a meeting, but In other news, there were a couple of things that were so are the walk-ins. Most meetings need every possible passed by the Board of Directors at Asheville that are attendee. For the Macomb meeting there are 300 M-WT- worth mentioning. In light that we are trying to encour- CA members within 150 miles, which is about a two hour age younger people to attend and get drive. We mail to these members and interested in MWTCA , it was passed Every local meeting needs to some others outside of this radius. that non members under the age of With 400 notices sent, we had 60-65 you as a member to attend attendees. Our break even point is 16 could attend Local and National “ these local meetings. It meetings for free when accompanied about 55. by a paying adult member. There defrays expenses, makes the Now for the point of the last four could be a charge for banquet or effort to put on a meeting paragraphs: Every local meeting meal options however. It is felt that worth while, encourages needs you as a member to attend if you can build an interest in young others to attend, encourages these local meetings. It defrays ex- people, either as users or collectors the spread of information, penses, makes the effort to put on of tools, in the future theyM-WTCA.ORG would a meeting worth while, encourages most likely become full members of and allows the buying, others to attend, encourages the our organization. selling, and trading of tools. spread of information, and allows A second provision in the Three P’s, ” the buying, selling, and trading of Section 2, item 5, “All reasonable effort should be made tools. to ensure that Semi-Annual meetings make a reasonable YOU, AS A M-WTCA MEMBER, ARE THE KEY TO A SUC- profit” was changed to “All reasonable effort should be CESSFUL LOCAL MEETING. made to ensure that Semi-Annual meetings be self supporting.” It is felt that those attending the National Semi- Plan to attend YOUR local meetings. Annual Meetings should pay the cost of the meetings, but should not be expected to raise money for the Organiza- I hope to see you all at Davenport!

4 The Gristmill 2012 M-WTCA Scholarship Award Winners

The Mid-West Tool Collectors Association TYLER KISSINGER Scholarship Committee received a number Tyler is from North Webster, Indiana where he is a recent graduate of Wa- of applications for the 2012-2013 school year. wasee High School. Tyler will be trav- The Selection Committee members reviewed the appli- eling to Burlington College in Vermont cations and reported that the applicants were very well where he will be pursuing a degree in qualified and well deserving. This group of young men is fine woodworking and furniture de- an outstanding representation of the youth of America and sign. are to be commended for their efforts. CHRISTOPHER IRWIN Applications for the next school year will be available Christopher is from Fishers, Indiana from the Committee Chairman after November 1 , 2012. where he will be a Business Major at Indiana University. His goal is to attend SETH GOTTLEIB the Kelly School of Business and then Seth is from Bethesda, Maryland become an entrepreneur in the busi- where he will be attending Rochester ness world. Institute of Technology as a Mechani- cal Engineering Major. Seth was an honors student in High School. He en- SAM SCOTT joys woodworking and collecting Star- Sam is from Fort Steele, British Colum- rett tools. bia, Canada where he will be working towards a degree in Civil Engineering COLTON lAUGHLIN Technology at Southern Alberta Insti- Colton, who is from Ferndale, Washing- tute of Technology. ton, is currently attending Bellingham Technical College where he is working BRANDON OAKLEY towards a degree in Welding Technol- Brandon, comes from Lakeview, Ohio ogy. Colton was an outstanding high and is a recent graduate of Indian Lake school student who has a strong inter- High School. He will be attending Hock- est in metals technology. ing Technical College where he will be a part of the Wildlife Management Pro- gram. Brandon has held a love for the outdoors throughout his life and has a goal of becoming a wildlife researcher.

Elections Report by Hollis Feeser, Vice President Elections

Directors are an integral part of the M-WTCA Organiza- within the area membership, volunteer members for local tion. I encourage all members to read the bylaws article V, events such as a history center activity. There are no re- page 162 and article IX,M-WTCA.ORG page 165 of the 2012 membership strictions as to what and how the area membership can directory to understand the duties and responsibilities of learn and promote tool collecting as long as it stays within the Directors. Being a Director is not an overwhelming the membership,( ie. selling to the public is not allowed as task, but it is important. Directors are the link between a M-WTCA sponsored activity). the Membership and the Officers and Committees. The Di- rectors are the ones who take the pulse of the members, Being a Director also provides an opportunity to get better listening to their thoughts, suggestions, complaints and acquainted with the your area membership and to partici- recommendations. In turn passing on the information to pate in the semi-annual membership meetings as a voting the Officers and Committees for action. member.

Directors have the ability to work within their area’s, pro- Directors are the glue that holds the membership together moting the purpose of M-WTCA in their own unique style. and the grease that keeps the wheels turning. It is an im- For example, the Directors may set up a seminar on spe- portant position and I encourage all area members to con- cific tools, host an event at a local site, host a swap meet sider the opportunity to place their name on a ballot.

September 2012 5 Asheville, NC. National Spring Meeting June 13-16, 2012 by Kathy Hobbs

Many of us can remember the euphoric Lyle Wheeler, a well-known local ladder-back chair build- feeling we experienced when we attended er, gave us our program on Friday. As Lyle sat on his shaving horse with his drawknife in hand, he showed us our first National Mid-West Tool Meeting. firsthand how he goes about this process. Forgoing the Well, so did Bob Fields. Bob attended his first National modern way of cutting and sanding, Lyle adopts the old Meeting in June of 1988 when it was held in Asheville, NC. traditional way of working with the wood and the grain of and hosted by one of our North Carolina members, Ray the wood. His sharp draw Nissen. Ever since then, Bob has wanted to go back to knife produces such a Asheville and have another National Meeting. So after the clean cut that there is no hotel expanded with a new Convention Center, Bob start- need to sand rough edges, ed planning a way to make that happen. His goal was to as there are none. Using plan a good meeting so that everyone would enjoy a week- his traditional method, end in the mountains of North Carolina and have as much he can produce a chair fun as he did at his first meeting. And as our good friend, in less time than current Phil Baker would say, Bob succeeded “mah-velously!” methods using modern machinery.

Our meeting began with what many of us look forward to: Tailgating on Thursday morning. Before the sun rose, people were found digging around the trucks, tarps, and tables of tools with flashlights in hand. A little later that morning, as we heard a horn sounding, we looked up in the sky and saw someone zipping down the zip line holding a banner Before the sun rose, people Joe Graves, another fellow member of M-WTCA, brought us our welcoming M-WTCA to Asheville. were found digging around That was the beginning of a per- “ third program. Joe is a teacher of fectly fun day with friends. the trucks, tarps, and tables of history and his love of history be- tools with flashlights in hand. came apparent as he took us back Judy Gambrel had arranged a bus to the period of time when Thom- tour for the ladies and the M-WTCA.ORGmen to ” as Day was living. As a free black visit the famous Biltmore House in Asheville. Many oohs man, Thomas Day was something of an enigma in the mid and aahs were exclaimed as we walked through the dif- 1800s. He was a well respected, prominent leader in the ferent rooms within the house and through the beautiful, community and he made his living building elaborate fur- immaculate gardens of Biltmore. niture for well-to-do people in North Carolina and Virginia. Today his furniture is spread across the country by collec- Bob set up three great educational and entertaining pro- tors and heirs of the original buyers. Joe also shared with grams for us. Beginning with our fellow member, Paul us how members of Area Q in M-WTCA came together to Hamler as he explained to us about how he goes about support the Thomas Day Museum and Workshop. Just building Miniature Kentucky Long Rifles. Paul is an ex- within the past six months, several North Carolina mem- tremely talented craftsman and it was fascinating to listen bers met and collaborated together on the construction of as he took us step by step through this process. a period working tool bench for the Thomas Day House in Milton, NC. As I listened to Joe, I was filled with pride in

6 The Gristmill knowing the local members that worked together to build this period bench. And best of all, they had a blast doing it.

Our auction was lively on Friday night as was the What’s It on Saturday morning. We want to express our many thanks to all our members who take responsibility and manage these vital parts of every National Meeting.

Our meeting ended on Saturday night with the Banquet dinner and fabulous entertainment from Bobby and the Blue Ridge Tradition. Their unique style of blending blue- grass music with other types of music and creating their own style of what they call their “Blue Ridge Tradition” music was entertaining to say the least. There was much singing along and toe tapping, as all of us thoroughly enjoyed this unique blend of music.

So now we all want to say, “Thank You, Bob!” “Thank you for your vision and for your work in planning such a great, fun time for all of us. We all had a real good time!”

M-WTCA.ORG

September 2012 7 Displays at the Asheville, NC. National Spring Meeting by Kathy Hobbs

A good selection of interesting displays were exhibited at lots. You cannot win if you do not vote for the People’s the Asheville meeting in June. The theme for this meeting Choice Award. The winners drawn were Carl Mathias and was “Log Cabin Raising Tools”, since log cabin homes still Rob Hartmann. exist in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. A total of 22 were exhibited and attracted a lot of interest The theme for the displays at the Davenport, IA. meeting from attendees. It is this interest from the attendees that has not been determined at this time. encourages those that take the time to create displays for the enjoyment of all. The displays also provide an insight into the collecting interest of the exhibitor. Although some members who exhibited at this meeting have a long history of providing displays at the National Meetings, I would like to encourage those of you who have never provided a display or have not exhibited one for some time to consider doing so at the next National Meeting you attend. I know that there are fabulous collections out there. Share these collection or parts of them with your fellow tool collectors.

I would like to thank all who provided displays as well as the many attendees who visited the displays. Congratula- tions to all of the award winners. I would also like to thank Martin Donnelly and Jim Gehring, the new publisher of the Best One Tool: Dick Dickerson, Fine Tool journal for providing the door prizes which are “The Arnold Adjustable Try Square” selected by a drawing from the People’s Choice Award bal-

Best of Show in Theme: Herbert Caudle, “Pennsylvania Blacksmith Edge Tool Makers” Most Unusual Tool: Bob Roger, “Ice Reducing Tools” M-WTCA.ORG

Best of Show Out of Theme: Monte Harold, “Design Pat- Fred Curry Award: Jim Fox, “Stanley Rule & Level ents and Evolution of Hollow Augers” Company Gauge Evolution”

8 The Gristmill Judges Choice Awards

Phil Baker, “Boston Made Saws”

George Wanamaker, “Stanley Four Square Tools”

George Elsass, “Cage Head and Post Head Braces”

Gerry Shaw, “Sandusky No. 143 Center Wheel Plow Plane

People’s Choice Award M-WTCA.ORG Tom Lamond, “Hardware Concerns in the Southeast”

Pat Medley, “Stanley Tool Boxes for Boys”

September 2012 9 New York City Makers of Pianomaker’s Planes: 1842 – 1920s: Part II by John G. Wells ©August 2011

Part I was published in the June issue of The Gristmill. planes with a wood wedge do not have a wood pad on their cutters. Part II: The Planes They Made 7. All of the miter planes have an adjustable mouth ― ex- The planes made by Brandt, Thorested and the two Er- cept a few of Brandt’s earliest miter planes with a wood landsens shared a subtile but noticeable similarity. They wedge and some of his less expensive standard models were all machinists and were all of Scandinavian decent; which may have fixed mouths. their shops were in the East Village neighborhood of Man- hattan within a few blocks of each other. They probably Common characteristics of miter planes made in shared problems and solutions related to tool making, as England and Scotland well as the usual social and political issues. It is very like- 1. The front body closure on the miter planes imported ly they were all members of the Scandinavian Society, and from England and Scotland is usually a flat piece of enjoyed socializing with each other at meetings. metal dovetailed into the sides of the plane. On New The planes made by Popping had a very sophisticated York City miter planes this plate is curved out slightly. but different appearance. Their design was disciplined, 2. Screw lock lever caps on imported miter planes have a consistent, and quite striking, but totally unlike any of the more sculptured look than those on the N. Y. City miter planes made by the other four makers. planes. The lever cap neck on imported planes becomes Common Characteristics narrower and thicker just below the enlarged circular socket for the locking screw. The lever cap on New Characteristics common to the miter planes made by the York City miter planes has a wide neck that does not five New York City makers of pianomaker’s planes include become narrower below the locking screw. The neck the following: of the lever cap does not become thicker at that point; however Erlandsen’s lever caps have an added piece on 1. The sole extends beyond the body at the front and rear the underside of the lever cap to increase the thickness of the plane but is flush on both sides. of metal threaded for the lever cap locking screw. 2. The front body closure is a gentle curve, rather than be- Lauritz Brandt’s Planes ing flat as it is on most European miter planes. It inter- sects with the side of the body at a sharp edge or arris. Lauritz Brandt is listed in New York City Directories as operating a machine shop in the Manhattan borough of 3. The rear body closure is also curved; its intersection New York City from 1842 until 1880, a period of 38 years. with the body may be an arris or a tangent. A tangent Brandt began operating his machine shop, making miter intersection occurs naturally when a single strip of planes, rabbet planes and bow drills for pianomakers in metal is bent into a “U” shape to form both sides as 1842. It was 12 years before George Thorested arrived on well as the rear of the plane. the scene, and 22 years before Napoleon Erlandsen was set 4. The front infill is made of Rosewood or a similar exotic up in business. This explains why so many of the unique hardwood and is removable. It is sometimes held in functional and visual characteristics of New York City pi- place by a screw through the front of the plane or in anomaker’s planes and bow drills were invented, designed the case of Popping’s planes by the round head screw and made first by Brandt. To add to the time line of Ameri- that also locks the sliding sole. The rear infill is a hard can metallic woodworking tools, Leonard Bailey’s earliest serviceable wood and isM-WTCA.ORG held in place by a strike pin or patent for a scraper plane, was granted August 7, 1855, just screw through the rear of the plane. a little after Thorested opened his own machine shop in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. 5. The lever cap is free to pivot but is held captive on a single steel cross rod. It is locked in position by a screw When Brandt began making miter planes in 1842 he made lock lever cap holding the plane iron tight against the them very much like the dovetailed infill miter planes that rear infill. The locking screw usually has a threaded were being imported from England and Scotland. He used steel shaft and a turned brass or steel tightening knob. a wrought iron plate for the sides and bent it into a “U” shape at the back of the plane; he dovetailed the planes 6. The top end of the plane iron has a wood pad on its sides to a heavy sole like the imported planes. From the face to make the plane more comfortable to hold. The beginning he gave his planes a unique appearance by bend- wood pad is attached to the plane iron with three of ing the small plate for the front of the plane to a gentle four small flat head wood screws through the back of curve. This gentle curve became a distinguishing feature the plane iron into the wood pad. Brandt’s early miter of New York City miter planes, and identified them as be-

10 The Gristmill ing American rather than European. Brandt solved this problem by making the front part of the body and the front infill a little longer. He also made All of Brandt’s miter and rabbet planes were made using the lowest part of the infill a separate piece in the shape iron and steel plates joined with dovetails or pins. To my of a receding cove, which moved it away from the mouth. knowledge Brandt did not make any planes using cast This left plenty of room for shavings to curl up. It also iron. Cast iron was used later by the other four New York created the narrow recessed band at the rear of the front City makers. Brandt’s miter planes were usually furnished infill which became one of Brandt’s hallmarks. (Figure 9b) with plane irons made by Buck Brothers, Moulson Broth- ers, S. S. Brittain & Co. or Ward. Later, Brandt worked out an even better solution which he used on some of his latest planes. He made the front infill Brandt was the most imaginative and adventuresome of in two pieces: the top was a beautiful piece of rosewood the five makers. He was fond of experimenting with design with a piece of serviceable hardwood glued to its bottom. changes. He used Rosewood for the front infill and for the The bottom piece was recessed from the top piece form- pad on the cutter. He enjoyed enhancing his planes with ing an offset or rabbet. He attached a little metal plate to distinctive touches such as adding carved embellishments the face of the rabbet allowing the bottom of the plate to to the front infill, using attractively shaped lever caps and extend down to the top of the sliding sole. (Figure 9c) The lever cap screws, and engraving or stamping his name and metal plate solved two problems: first it was a lot easier to address on the lever caps with beautifully shaped letters make than cutting a big notch in the infill and then trying and numbers. to fit the concealed surfaces to the top of the upper sole; and second, it avoided any chance of trapping shavings The Adjustable Mouth in the space above the mouth. Brandt invented the use Brandt’s first major change in of a metal plate on the rear of the front infill; Thorested the miter planes he made was adopted it and used it on all of his planes. the introduction of an adjust- The adjustable mouth was something that the piano mak- able mouth, which took place ers needed and wanted, but it increased the cost of making sometime between 1842 and the planes. At first Brandt treated them as an add option, 1844.1 He made the portion later they became a standard feature on all of the New of the sole that was in front of York City miter planes. the mouth opening a separate sliding sole the full width of Figure 8: Brandt miter plane Brandt’s Miter Planes with a Wood Wedge the plane, and attached it so with front infill removed show- it could slide back and forth ing the upper sole, the rear The earliest examples of Brandt’s miter planes, like their edge of the sliding sole, the to change the width of mouth mouth opening and the bridge. imported counterparts, used a wood wedge behind an iron opening. Its two rear corners bridge to hold the plane iron in place. The plane irons in were notched a short distance, 5/16th to 3/8th of an inch, these planes did not have a wood pad attached to its upper to fit between the plane’s sidewalls at the mouth opening face. Brandt made these planes with a fixed mouth; later and assure alignment. A “U” shaped upper sole, riveted to he offered them with an optional adjustable mouth. the plane’s sidewalls, served as the bed for the sliding sole. (Figure 8) Three cheese head screws, in elongated holes in Brandt’s Miter Plane with a Wood Wedge and an the upper sole, locked the sliding sole in place. (The ad- Adjustable Mouth justable mouth, on the block planes made later by Bailey, Brandt’s miter plane had a sliding sole that slide between the planes sidewalls.) M-WTCA.ORGshown in Figure 10 The lower portion of the wood infill that covered the three has an adjustable screws was notched out making it “L” shaped, so it would fit mouth and a rose- over and on top of the screw heads. This left a thin piece of wood wedge with the wood infill projecting down in front of the planes mouth a cushion top. The that could trap shavings. (Figure 9a) planes body is made of wrought iron plates joined with dovetails to an iron sole. The sole is 7-5/16 inches long Figure 10: Brandt’s dovetailed iron plate and 2-1/16 inches miter plane with a wood wedge and an adjustable mouth. Note Brandt’s stamp Figures 9a, 9b& 9c: L to R earliest to latest. Brand’s front infills on wide; the body is 6-1/8 on the bridge. miter planes with an adjustable mouth.

September 2012 11 inches long. The 1¾ inch wide Moulson Brothers plane This plane has all of the characteristics of Brandt’s earliest iron does not have a wood pad. The interior of the body miter planes having a wood wedge and a fixed mouth; it is is painted red. The front body closure is gently bowed out very likely that it was made by Brandt. Since it has a wood and meets the sidewalls of the plane at a sharp angle or wedge and a fixed mouth it was probably made between arris. The rear body closure is curved like the front clo- 1842 and 1844. There are several examples of New York sure; it also meets the sidewalls of the plane at an arris or City miter planes that have very strong characteristics of sharp angle which is very unusual for planes of this con- a known maker, but are stamped with the name of an un- struction type. No joints or dovetails are visible suggest- known company or the name of the company that was not ing that the two sidewalls of the plane and the rear body involved in the manufacture or sale of metallic planes. I closure were made with a single, continuous piece of iron. have not found any information on Seckelsmith & Co, nor It would have required advanced blacksmithing skills to on Seckel, Smith & Co. Although I have found information produce an arris or sharp corner at the juncture with the on the name Seckel, I have not found anything on Seckel- sidewalls. Fortunately Brandt’s father-in-law was a blacksmith, suggesting that the stamp on the plane may have been smith and trained Brandt to become a master blacksmith. SECKEL, SMITH & CO. But that is not the case because the The front body infill is rosewood, and has Brandt’s distinc- stamp does not show any indication of a comma or added tive narrow recessed band along its rear edge. The face space between the two words SECKEL and SMITH. of the bridge is marked in two lines: “L. Brandt, No 220½ 5th St N. Y.” in Brandt’s beautifully shaped fancy letters. Brandt’s screw lock Lever cap (Figure 14) It was probably about 1844 or a little later that Brandt be- A Miter Plane with a Wood Wedge and a fixed gan using a new innovation to hold the plane iron in place mouth stamped Seckelsmith & Co. a screw lock lever cap. We do not know who the first person to use a screw lock lever cap was; Brandt either The plane shown in Figure 11 was stamped with a one thought of the idea independently, or was an early adopter. piece stamp “SECKELSMITH & CO, NEW YORK” (and the He may have known of the screw lock lever cap used on a number) “6” on the bridge. The size and location of the plane patented in France in 1844 by Chardoillet, or the one stamp suggests that the bridge was either stamped before registered (patented) in England by Fenn also in 1844, or it was installed in the plane, or the bridge was adequately of the infill planes made by Stewart Spiers of Ayre, in Scot- land at about that same time.2 Brandt’s lever cap was pivoted on a small steel rod that passed through the lever cap and the two sidewalls of the plane. The rod was threaded on one end and had a screw driver slot in the other end.

An early miter plane with a screw lock lever cap stamped C. Tollner.

The miter plane shown in Figure 12 has definite Brandt characteristics and may have been one of his earliest M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 11: A miter plane with a wedge and a fixed mouth stamped “Seckelsmith & Co. New York”. It was most likely made by Brandt between 1842 and 1844. Brandt began using screw lock lever caps in 1844. backed up to take the pressure of stamping it afterwards. The plane’s body is made of iron plates joined with dovetails. The sole is 9 inches long and 2-1/8 inches wide; the body is 7¼ inches long. The plane iron is 1-13/16 inches wide and is stamped with the Moulson Brothers mark. It Figure 12: A miter plane with an early removable screw lock lever does not have a wood pad. cap. The lever cap is not captive; it slides in behind a steel cross bar. This plane was undoubtedly made by Brandt even though it is stamped C. Tollner, 209 Bowery, N. Y.

12 The Gristmill planes to have a screw lock lever cap. It is stamped “C Brandt’s name stamp Tollner, 209 Bowery N.Y.” That establishes its earliest date of sale by Tollner as 1853.3 As previously pointed out Toll- Brandt’s miter planes often have his name and address ner discouraged his suppliers from stamping their names stamped on the bridge or on the face of the lever cap; his on the planes they made; he preferred to stamp them with name is in a Roman typeface with serifs but his address his stores name and address. This plane is made with is in a series of beautifully shaped fancy letters and num- metal plates joined together with dovetails. The sole bers. According to the N. is 9-1/8 inches long, 2-1/16 inches wide, and the body is Y. City Directories, he had 7-1/8 inches long. The mouth is not adjustable, support- his machine shop at 220½ ing the notion that it is very early. The plane iron is 1¾ 5th Street, from approxi- 5 inches wide, is stamped with the Moulson Brothers trade mately 1842 until 1860. mark, and has a rosewood pad on its upper face. The pad (Figure 14) It is interest- has a slot cut up the center to allow the lever cap locking that tools bearing a ing screw to tighten against the plane iron as the cutter is Brandt stamp with a differ- worn down. The rosewood infill on the font of the plane ent address have not been is carved in a very attractive design of swags with hollows reported; and that it was in and rounds which Brandt would have loved doing. One of 1859 that Brandt sold his its most unusual features is the loose screw lock lever cap; business in Demark for a it just slips in behind a circular steel cross bar threaded substantial sum. Could into the left side of the plane. The lever cap has Brandt’s Brandt have decided to typical sloping shoulders. The head of the lever cap lock- invest some of his gains in ing screw is turned brass rather than iron which Brandt property in Manhattan and used later. added additional buildings to his holdings, moving his Figure 14: Brandt’s finest lever Brandt’s lever caps & locking screws shop to the most recent cap with his name stamp and a acquisition while he im- very fine mushroom head lever cap The lever caps on most of Brandt’s miter planes had sim- proved it, making it into a screw. This lever cap has a very ple sloping shoulders on both sides of a narrow neck with high-level rental. attractive cove and fillet with cham- parallel sides. A few exceptional planes have varied from fering on each side of its neck. that theme as seen later in Figure 17. Brandt liked to make Brandt’s standard miter plane the heads of his lever cap locking screws look different than the brass ones that were used on imported planes. One of Brandt’s standard miter planes is shown in Figure He usually made them in iron. His most often seen design 15. It is dovetailed plate construction with a thick sole. is his standard mushroom shaped lever cap locking screw, The sole is 9-1/16 inches long and 2¼ inches wide. The which has a domed top with a knurled brim. (Figure 13a) body is 7-1/8 inches long. The plane iron is 1¾ inches wide M-WTCA.ORG

Figures 13a: Brandt’s standard mushroom shaped lever cap locking screw. 13b: Brandt’s deluxe locking screw has an additional row of attractive upstanding knurling.

It almost resembles a man’s Bowler hat, which has a dome top and a small brim.4 These screw heads were all indi- Figure 15: Brandt’s standard miter plane. It has a fixed mouth and vidually turned and both the design and size varied a little Brandt’s hallmark mushroom head lever cap locking screw; the edges of from plane to plane. A more elaborate version of his lever the lever cap are not chamfered. cap locking screw is shown in Figure 13b.

September 2012 13 and is stamped with the S. S. Brittain & Co. trade mark; it Brandt’s finest miter plane has a rosewood pad. The plane’s fixed mouth indicates it is an early, less expensive model. Brandt made both fixed One of Brandt’s last and finest miter planes (Figure 17) mouth and adjustable mouth versions. It has Brandt’s typi- has a different and exceptionally attractive lever cap. It cal screw lock lever cap, which has sloping shoulders join- has a cove and fillet at the transition point from the narrow ing a narrow neck with parallel sides. The edges of the neck and shoulders of the lever cap are not chamfered as would be expected on this less expensive model. The lever cap locking screw has Brandt’s hallmark mushroom shaped head. All of Brandt’s planes are scarce but when they are seen in collections or auctions they are often the standard model and frequently have a fixed mouth.

Brandt’s deluxe miter plane

The miter plane shown in Figure 16 is one of Brandt’s deluxe miter planes. (The names standard, deluxe, and finest are used in this article to identify the different types;

Figure 17: Brandt’s finest miter plane. It has an adjustable mouth, Brandt’s finest lever cap with a cove and fillet transition to the neck, all beautifully chamfered, and an extra fine version of Brandt’s favorite mushroom head lever cap locking screw. This model is the rarest and most elegant. neck to the broad shoulders of the lever cap; the edges of the cove and neck are beautifully chamfered. (Figure 14) This plane has another very interesting and important feature that we discussed earlier: a brass plate is attached to the rear of the front infill. (Figure 18) The front infill on Figure 16: Brandt’s deluxe miter plane. It has an adjustable mouth, this plane has a cushion Brandt’s deluxe lever cap locking screw, and the edges of the lever cap shaped top; it no longer are nicely chamfered. has need of Brandt’s distinctive narrow re- they were not used by Brandt.) It is dovetailed plate con- cessed band. It also struction with an adjustable mouth. The sole is 8-11/16 has a slightly larger inches long and 2-1/8 inches wide. The body is 7-1/16 inch- and very fine exam- es long. The plane iron is a little over 1-13/16 inches wide ple of one of Brandt’s and is stamped Ward Cast Steel;M-WTCA.ORG it does have a rosewood hallmark mushroom pad. The plane has Brandt’s typical lever cap with sloped head lever cap locking shoulders joining a narrow neck with parallel sides; the screws. The plane is plus feature is that the edges of the neck and shoulders are made with iron plates Figure 18: Brandt was the first beautifully chamfered. He used a very attractive turned to use a brass plate on the rear of the dovetailed together. front infill. steel head on the locking screw. (Figure 13b) It has a dou- The sole is 8¾ inches ble row of knurling on the rim, and a smaller concentric long and 2-3/16th inches wide. The body is 7-1/16th inches upstanding ridge with delicate knurling on its top edge. long. The plane iron is 1-7/8th inches wide, is stamped There is a small mushroom bulge in the center of the face with the Buck Brothers trade mark, and has a rosewood where the squared head of the steel shaft is peened tight. pad. It is clearly an example of Brandt’s superior design and workmanship. These planes are quite scarce.

14 The Gristmill his cast iron miter planes the adjustable mouths are quite different. The body casting of the plane has an upper sole that is parallel to and above the plane’s sole; the top of the sliding sole slides on the bottom of the upper sole. These two sliding surfaces are machined flat and have matching semi-circular grooves that hold a small steel rod to keep the sliding sole in alignment with the plane’s body. The sole extension in front of the body is thinner than the sole of the plane to make room for the steel rod. The end of the steel alignment rod and the small step along the edge of the curved front body enclosure are visible on the front of all of Thorested’s Figure 19: Brandt’s rabbet plane. Brandt’s mark is on the rosewood cast iron miter planes, infill. Note the heavy steel sole, Brand’s innovative design of the and are a good way to Figure 21: Left: The bottom of the body mouth opening shaped to improve shaving discharge, and the nice quickly identify them box on a Thorested’s cast iron miter chamfering at the top and ends. as being cast iron and plane showing the round alignment rod made by Thorested. in a semi circular groove. Right: The Lauritz Brandt’s matching groove for the alignment rod (Figures 21 and 25) rabbet planes in the sliding sole.

Brandt’s rabbet planes On his iron plate miter planes the two rear corners of the were made with iron plates sliding sole were notched 3/8th of an inch to fit between pinned together over a the planes sidewalls for alignment, on his cast iron miter wood infill. The openings planes the notches were reduced to 1/4th of an inch be- in the sides of the plane at cause alignment was maintained by the alignment rod. the mouth have a unique (Figure 21) The front rosewood infill sits on top of three Figure 20: Brandt’s iron plated cheese head screws that lock the sliding sole in place. shape. (Figure 19) They rabbet plane showing steel com- ponents and wood infill. Frank have a heavy steel sole Thorested’s Lever Caps and Locking Screws and a sloped steel cutter Kosmerl drawing. seat. (Figure 20) Thorested’s lever caps are shaped like an inverted “T”. The narrow neck emerges from the broad shoulders of the low- George Thorested’s Planes er part of the lever cap at a 90 degree angle. The edges of the neck and shoulders were often nicely chamfered. George6 Thorested is listed in New York City Directories as operating a machine shop in the Manhattan borough of The lever cap locking screw New York City from 1854 until 1859, a period of 5 years. has a steel shaft with a brass He probably made metallic planes for piano and musical circular head. The brass instrument makers in offM-WTCA.ORG hours while working in local ma- head has a flat face and a chine shops beginning as early as 1850 or 1851. Thorested double row of fine vertical made miter planes and rabbet planes, including rabbet knurling on its edge. It is planes with an adjustable throat and skew cutter. I have typically stamped in a circu- not seen nor heard of any bow drills made by him. His ear- lar pattern with “G. Thorest- ly miter planes were made using dovetailed iron plate con- ed 5 Hamersley St. N.Y.” us- struction; his later planes were made with cast iron. His ing individual letter stamps. miter planes had adjustable mouths, screw lock lever caps (Figure 22) and a small metal plate closing the rear of the front infill. Figure 22: Thorested’s stamp on his lever cap locking screw. It was apparently hand stamped Thorested was very consis- Thorested’s Adjustable Mouth Miter Planes with individual letter stamps. tent in using a small brass plate, identical to those used The adjustable mouths on his iron plate miter planes are by Brandt, to close off the made along the same lines as those made by Brandt. On

September 2012 15 opening below the front infill on his miter planes. The screwed into the left side of the plane. Interestingly this metal plate was attached in a rabbet in the lower rear one has an exceptionally narrow neck; it is only one third edge of the front infill with two small round head screws the width of the whole lever cap. The head of the lever cap like those on Brandt’s planes. His miter planes were usu- locking screw is a small circular brass disc only 15/16th ally supplied with plane irons made by Buck Brothers, W. of an inch in diameter and 3/16th of an inch thick; it has a Greaves & Sons, W. Butcher or Moulson Brothers. double row of fine vertical knurling on its edge. The face of the disc is stamped “G. Thorested 5 Hamersley St. N.Y.” Thorested’s Dovetailed Plate Miter Planes

There are two interesting examples in this category. They are both made of iron plates joined together with dovetails. The plane shown in Figure 23, which is the earlier of the two, is very delicate in appearance. It shows a little copper based brazing material in the joints and on the left side of the plane. The front infill is rosewood; its top surface is flat, unlike the more commonly seen cushion top. The rear of the front infill is covered by Thorested’s typical brass plate. The sole is 9-3/16 inches long, 2-1/16 inches wide and ¼ inch thick; the body is 7-3/8 inches long.

Figure 24: Thorested Iron Plate Miter Plane with a 1-7/8 inch cutter. The neck of the lever cap is wider in proportion to the lower part of the lever cap and the lever cap locking screw is larger in diameter on this more robust plane. The lack of a step down in the thickness of the sliding sole indicates that this plane is dovetailed plate construction.

The second plane, Figure 24, shares many of the same characteristics as those described for the previous example except it was made for heavier work. It is from Rubin Morrison’s collection and is shown in Roger K Smith’s P- TAMPIA Vol. II, page 196, Figure 304b. (A correct rosewood pad has been provided for the cutter.) The sole is Figure 23: Thorested Iron Plate Miter Plane with a 1¾ inch cutter. 8-3/8 inches long, 2-1/8 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. The Note the exceptionally narrow neck on the lever cap, the adjustable body is 7-5/16 inches long. The plane iron is 1-7/8 inch- mouth, and the lack of a step down in the sliding sole plate which im- es wide and is stamped W. Greaves & Sons. The planes mediately identifies the plane as having been made by Thorested and sides and rear closure are made from a single piece of iron of dovetailed plate construction. bent in a “U” shape creating tangent intersections at the two rear corners. This is a simpler more straight forward The plane iron is 1¾ inches wide, is stamped with the W. method of construction and the plane is more comfort- Butcher trade mark, and hasM-WTCA.ORG a rosewood pad at the top of able in the hand. The front rosewood infill has a modestly its face. The plane’s sides and rear closure appear to be cushioned top. The lever cap is a lot more robust than made from a single piece of iron that was bent hot to make the one on the previous plane; it is thicker and the neck sharp arises at the two rear corners. The rear striking pin is 13/16 inches wide, half of the overall width of the lever has a round head and a screwdriver slot. The front closure cap. The brass wheel on the lever cap locking screw is is curved gently and joined to the two sides with dovetails. 1-1/16th of an inch in diameter, 7/32 of an inch thick and it The sliding sole plate, which forms the adjustable mouth, has a double row of fine 90 degree knurling on its edge. It is the same thickness as the rest of the sole and is made in is stamped “G. Thorested 5 Hamersley St. N.Y.”. the same way that Brandt made them for his planes. The ends of the rivets that hold the “U” shaped upper sole in Thorested’s Cast Iron Miter Planes place can be seen in the sides of the plane under some lighting conditions. The lever cap is Thorested’s typical The end of the steel alignment rod and the small 1/16 inch inverted “T” shape and is pivoted on a cross rod that is step along the curved front body enclosure are both vis-

16 The Gristmill ible on the front of with his own name I Thorested’s cast iron am confidant that this miter planes. (Figure plane was made by 25) Since all of these Thorested. The sole planes are cast iron, is only 6-7/16 inches the intersection belong and 1-3/4 inches tween the planes front wide. The body is and rear body closures 5-1/8 inches long and and the planes sides may be the small- were made on esthetic est size offered. The rather than construc- Figure 25: The end of alignment rod plane iron is tapered, tion basis and were and small step in sliding bed on a is 1-13/32 inches wide, Figure 27: A cast iron miter plane Thorested cast iron miter plane. always sharp arises. and has a rosewood stamped C. Tollner, but made by Thor- ested, in the Jim Clausen collection. The pad on the upper part shape of the lever cap and the step down The sole on the little cast iron miter plane shown in Fig- of its face. The neck in thickness of the sliding sole indicate ure 26 is 7-11/16 inches long and 2-1/16 inches wide. The and shoulders of the it is a Thorested cast iron miter plane. body is 6-3/16 inches long. The part of the sliding sole that lever cap are heavily is under the body is 9/32 of an inch thick and the front chamfered which gives the plane a very elegant appearance. The brass lever cap locking screw head is 15/16 of an inch in diameter, it has two rows of fine knurling on the edge, and its face is turned in a decorative fashion. The plane has the type of adjustable mouth that Thorested typically used on cast iron miter planes.

Figure 26: Thorested cast iron miter plane 7-5/8 inches long, the plane iron 1-19/32 inches wide. The step down in thickness of the sliding sole and the end of the round alignment rod indicate that it is a Thorested cast iron miter plane. extension is 7/32 of an inch thick, leaving the typical 1/16 Figure 28: Thorested’s cast iron miter plane with a 2 inch cutter. The shape of the lever cap, the step down in the thickness of the sliding inch step. The plane iron is 1-9/32 inches wide and has a sole and the end of the small round alignment rod indicate that it is a rosewood pad on the upperM-WTCA.ORG part of its face. The lever cap Thorested cast iron miter plane. is Thorested’s hallmark inverted “T” shape; its neck and shoulders are beautifully chamfered. The brass lever cap The cast iron plane shown in Figure 28 is a little larger. locking screw is only 29/32 of an inch in diameter. It has The sole is 9 1/8 inches long and 2-3/8 of an inch wide. The a double row of fine knurling of its edge and a concen- body is 7-9/16 inches long. The plane iron is two inches tric embellishment line on its face close to its perimeter. wide, is stamped “W. Butcher”, and has a rosewood pad The maker’s identification is stamped on the lever cap: “G. on its upper face. Both ends of the plane meet the side- Thorested 5 Hamersley St. N. Y”. The top of the front rose- walls in arises but since the ends of the body have a more wood infill is modestly cushioned. pronounced convex curve the result is visually quite different and comfortable to use. It has Thorested’s typical An even smaller cast iron miter plane stamped “C. Tollner, inverted “T” shaped lever cap, lever cap locking screw, 2_ _ N. Y.” on the face of the lever cap is shown in Fig- and adjustable mouth. The shoulders of the lever cap are ure 27. It has very strong Thorested characteristics. Con- nicely chamfered; the lever cap locking screw may have sidering Tollner’s policy on stamping locally made tools been stamped with Thorested’s name at one time.

September 2012 17 Thorested’s Rabbet Planes matching semicircular grooves that contained a steel rod to keep the two parts in alignment. (Figure 31) Thorested’s rabbet planes were offered with fixed or adjustable mouths, and with cutters set square or skew to the length of the plane. The premium model had an adjustable mouth and a skew cutter. It was made with a pair of cast iron half bodies joined along an offset line parallel to the length of the plane. The offset joint made it easy to machine the sloping cutter seat in the right hand body half of the body. The two halves were held together with steel pins, Figure 31: Thorested’s rabbet plane with a skew cutter and an peened and ma- adjustable mouth disassembled. Note the groove and round chined flush with alignment rod. the surface of the casting. This method of constructing The Transition a rabbet plane us- From 1842 until 1881 Brandt practiced his trade in New ing two cast iron Figure 29: Thorested’s cast iron York City. He was happy individually designing and hand body halves was a Rabbet Plane with a skew cutter, showing crafting planes and other tools that he believed would suit huge advance, and the offset joint between the two cast the piano and instrument makers working all around him. iron half bodies. was one of Thor- Many of these craftsmen visited his shop to talk about ested’s important their work, the problems they encountered, and the tools accomplishments. (Figure 29) Notice the neat chamfer they needed to solve them. It was a very personal service. along the top edge of the body and half way down each end. The openings for shavings to exit in the sides of the In 1865, shortly after Napoleon Erlandsen opened his ma- plane had the same shape as those used by Brandt. chine shop, Brandt invited him to share his shop. Perhaps Erlandsen had fewer orders than expected, or perhaps Thorested’s Adjustable Mouth Rabbet Planes it was Brandt’s generous offer of shop space and use of The adjustable mouth in his rabbet planes consisted of a equipment, as well as Brant’s gentle tutelage and guidance that caused them to become close friends; for whatever reason they spent the next ten years working very close to each other.

Thorested left the scene in 1859; at least that is what the available data tells us. He was probably still around; the number of planes bearing his design signature suggests it. Perhaps he was working in Brandt’s shop instead of under M-WTCA.ORGhis own name. What is clear is that when Napoleon Erlandsen opened his shop in 1864 production of pianomakers tools entered a new phase: there was a transition from the individual custom service offered by Brandt and Thorested to the more Figure 30: Thorested’s rabbet plane with a skew cutter and an adjustable mouth, in the James Claussen collection. Note the chamfer- structured, standardized design and manufacturing meth- ing along the top and down the two ends. odology offered by Erlandsen. The design of Erlandsen’s miter planes remained unchanged until 1893 when moving sliding sole in front of the plane’s mouth; they were held to a new shop provided space to add a vertical end milling in place with two cheese head screws accessible through machine. It brought about a change in the design of the two deep holes in the top of the plane. (Figures 30 & 31) sliding sole and adjustable mouth resulting in a higher step The sliding sole and the part of the plane body above it had with a triangular shape.

18 The Gristmill Napoleon Erlandsen’s Planes 4. On N. Erlandsen’s miter planes the vertical surface of the front infill that faces the mouth has a convex shape from Napoleon Erlandsen is listed in New York City Directories top to bottom. It is a separate piece of rosewood, glued as operating a machine shop in the Manhattan borough of or screwed, to the edge of the piece of backing under New York City from 1864 until he died in 1900, 36 years lat- the rosewood front infill; see Figure 32. This produces a er. Erlandsen made miter planes, rabbet planes, bow drills7, distinctly different appearance than the ogee or concave tuning hammers, pianomaker’s braces, and several other pi- shaped piece of rosewood used by Brandt shown in Fig- ano and instrument makers’ tools― most likely including the ures 9a and 9b or the metal plate invented by Brandt and cast iron “T” rabbet planes ― that were sold by H. S. & Co.8 used by Thorested shown in Figure 9c. But it is basically the same general construction that Brandt used to attach Napoleon Erlandsen’s Miter Planes the metal plate to the front infill in his latest miter planes.

Most of Napoleon Erlandsen’s miter planes are made of 5. Erlandsen’s screw lock lever caps are mounted on a rod cast iron; although we know of at least one that was made that slips into holes in the sidewalls of the plane; the 9 with dovetailed iron plates. His miter planes are usually ends of the rods may have been lightly peened but they fitted with plane irons made by Moulson Brothers, Sorby, were not screwed into one of the planes sidewalls as or Buck Brothers. was done by the two earlier makers.

The adjustable mouths on Erlandsen’s miter planes are 6. The shape of the lever cap on Erlandsen’s miter planes is similar to those used by Brandt and Thorested with the a little simpler and more following differences: robust than those used 1. Erlandsen relied on the overlap of the plane’s sidewalls by either Brandt or Thor- on the notched sides of the sliding sole, which he in- ested. The neck of the le- creased to 5/8th of an inch long, and on the elongated ver cap is wider, and the holes in the upper sole to retain the alignment between transition between the the sliding sole and the plane’s body. On both Thorested neck and the wide shoul- and Brand’s miter planes the notches in the corners of the der portion of the lever sliding sole are only ¼ to 3/8th of an inch long. Erlandsen cap is a concave curve did not use an alignment rod in the adjustable mouth on with a large enough radi- his miter planes like the one used by Thorested. us so it almost becomes tangent to a horizon- 2. On N. Erlandsen’s miter planes the curved step that tal when it reaches the runs along the top of the front bed extension following shoulder of the lever cap. the curve of the body is 3/32 of an inch high rather than (Figure 33) 1/16 of an inch high as it is on Thorested’s cast iron miter Figure 33: N. Erlandsen lever cap. The larger radius of the curved planes. The end of the round alignment rod on Thorest- 7. The head of the steel lever cap locking screw transition to the neck of the lever ed’s cast iron miter planes is readily visible and is a nice cap and the increased width of the way to distinguish his planes from Erlandsen’s. Thorest- on Erlandsen’s miter neck make the lever cap stronger ed’s dovetailed plate miter planes do not have a change in planes is a brass disc and capable of applying more force to the leading edge of the cut- thickness of the sliding sole so they do not have a step. with a simple but attractive design turned on its ter to control plane iron chatter. 3. N. Erlandsen’s used face. It is about 1-3/32nd round head screws of an inch in diameter, in lieu of cheese headM-WTCA.ORG 5/16th of an inch thick screws to lock the at the center and 3/16th sliding sole in place. of an inch thick at the A few gouge cuts in edge; it has a double the underside of the row of easily gripped wood infill for the robust diagonal knurling screw heads allowed Figure 32: N. Erlandsen (clockwise) on the edge. The brass the flat bottom sur- upper sole, sliding sole and front wheel is securely fixed face of the infill to infill. Note the round head screws, the to the steel shaft using a sit neatly on top of longer 5/8 inch notches in the sliding die that produces a dis- Figure 34: N. Erlandsen lever sole, and the convex shape of the tinctive convex button cap locking screw. The top end of the upper sole. (Fig- front infill facing back to the mouth. the threaded steel screw is peened ure 32) This made it shape on the end of the with a concave die that leaves a more stable and easier to fit to the cavity in the plane. shaft. (Figure 34) smooth convex button.

September 2012 19 8. Lever caps on Erlandsen’s miter planes have a projec- rosewood pad on the upper part of its face. The notches tion on their under surface centered on the hole for the in the two rear corners of the sliding sole are 5/8 of an inch lever cap locking screw; nothing of this type was used long and the curved step where the thickness of sliding by the two earlier makers. The projection is a truncat- sole steps down is 3/32 of an inch high, all as previously ed cone 3/16th of an inch thick and 9/16th of an inch in described. The lever cap, lever cap locking screw, the pro- diameter at its widest point. Its purpose is to increases jection on the back of the lever cap, the convex surface on the thickness of metal that is threaded for the lever cap the rear of the front infill are all as described earlier. locking screw. The added thickness keeps the screw straight and improves its effectiveness in clamping the The plane shown in Figure 36 is the same size and has all cutter tightly in place. (It is also very helpful in identify- of the same N. Erlandsen characteristics as the previous ing planes made by Erlandsen?) example. It is stamped “145” on top of the sliding sole.

9. Almost all of N. Erlandsen’s miter planes are cast iron. Both ends of the plane meet the sidewalls in sharp ar- rises. Since the ends of the body have a generous convex curve the visual effect is very satisfactory.

The Step-up Becomes Higher and Triangular

Sometime in 1893, the step up in the thickness of the sliding sole on Erlandsen’s miter planes became significantly higher and took on a triangular shape with a pointed vertex at the front. It is likely the Erlandsens made this change to make it easier to machine the mating surfaces of the upper sole and the sliding sole without leaving a little area to be finished by hand. Their move to a new shop at 172 Center Street in Figure 36: Unsigned miter plane, stamped 145, made by N. 1893 made it possible to add a new vertical milling, machine Erlandsen. This plane has all of the same characteristics as the to their shop that could do this type of work. Could these previous plane so although it is not stamped with Erlandsen’s changes have reflected the thinking and increased influence name we know it was made by him. of a younger mind, such as Julius Erlandsen.

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Figure 37: Unsigned miter plane probably made by Erlandsen. It has an interesting easy grip feature on its sides. It is not stamped Figure 35: N. Erlandsen miter plane. Note the slightly higher, 3/32 with Erlandsens name but we know it was made by him because it inch step in the sliding sole, the more robust lever cap and the projec- has all of his characteristics. tion on the bottom of the lever cap at locking screw. The rod the lever cap is mounted on is not threaded into the side of the plane. Although it is not stamped with the maker’s name it was undoubtedly made by N. Erlandsen. The plane iron is The miter plane in Figure 35 is stamped “N. Erlandsen” stamped Buck Brothers and has a rosewood pad. and “104”. Its sole is 8-13/16 inches long and 2¼ inches The plane in Figure 37 is the same size and has all of wide. The body is 7-7/16 inches long. The plane iron is the same characteristics as the two previous examples. 1-15/16 inches wide, it is stamped “H. Sorby”, and has a It is not stamped with Erlandsen’s name, but was prob-

20 The Gristmill ably made by him. It has a very interesting feature that I changed the firm’s name to Tollner and Hammacher. It have not seen or heard of before. Both sides of the plane would also have been at a time when Erlandsen was work- have 12 tiny half round grooves machined in them. The ing in other people’s machine shops, and may have had grooves form a band 1-1/8th inches wide, running fore and time after work to do a little dovetailing on tiny planes to aft, which makes the make a little extra money. plane very easy to pick up and handle. It was more than a decade before Leonard Bailey made (Figure 38) It is a line of “Little Victor” toy size block planes in 1877, and a shame that this Stanley, not to be outdone, rushed to market with the very plane is not stamped popular toy sized No. 101 block plane, soon to be followed with a maker’s name by several toy sized block planes by other makers. or model identifica- Napoleon Erlandsen’s rabbet planes tion; it would have been very interest- N. Erlandsen made traditional rabbet planes with fixed ing to find out more Figure 38: Easy grip feature on the miter mouths and cutters set square or at a skew (Figure 40), as about this unusual plane with N. Erlandsen characteristics. well as rabbet planes with an adjustable mouth and square feature. (I remember bidding on it at the Brown auction in October of 1996. Dominic Micalizzi was the underbidder; apparently he was interested in the easy grip feature as well.)

A small “toy size” Miter Plane

A few small, super rare “toy size” miter planes stamped on the rear sole extension “C. Tollner, 209 Bowery, N. Y.” have settled into collections. (Figure 39) They are 3-3/8 inches long, 1-3/32 inches wide, and the body is 3 inches long. The plane iron is 29/32 of an inch wide; it is not tapered, and not marked. Figure 40: N. Erlandsen rabbet plane with a cutter set square with the long axis of the plane; in the James Claussen collection The sole of the plane projects be- or skew cutters. Apparently the rabbet plane with a skew yond the body at cutter and an adjustable mouth was the tool of choice. the rear but not at The example shown in Figures 41a and 41b is 7½ inches the front. These long, 11/16th of an inch wide and 2½ inches high. The out- planes have a side of the body does not reveal a joint between the two screw lock lever sides, nor any pins, dovetails, or tenons, indicating that cap that slips in it was cast in one piece with internal voids to reduce its Figure 39: A toy size miter plane, 3 1/2 inch- behind a steel rod es long, stamped C. Tollner, 209 Bowery, N. Y, weight and improve its balance. The approximate extent crossbar; the cut- possibly made by N Erlandsen, ca 1862-63. of the internal voids can be seen by removing the sliding ter locking screw sole, the wedge, and cutter. The cavity above the sliding is a round head machine screw. The rear wood infill serves sole is approximately 3/8 of an inch deep, 1 inch long and 1 as the cutter seat and a small rosewood infill in the front inch high. The cavity at the rear of the plane is triangularly makes a comfortable fingerM-WTCA.ORG rest. The mouth opening is very small and is not adjustable. The two sides of the plane and the rear closure are a single piece of iron bent in a “U” shape and dovetailed into the sole. The front closure is a flat piece of iron dovetailed into the two sides of the plane. These little planes were meticulously made and must have been considered something very special when they were made; they certainly are very special today.

It is a reasonable surmise that they were made by N. Er- landsen, ca. 1862. That would have been shortly before Erlandsen set up his own machine shop; and about the Figure 41a: N. Erlandsen’s rabbet plane with an adjustable mouth same time that Tollner made Hammacher a partner and and a skew cutter, in the Neil Nichols collection.

September 2012 21 part of the planes body.12 (Figure 42) The toe hole made the plane easier to pick up, and since the front of the plane was lighter, it gave it better balance. This design is shown in H. S. & Co’s 1894 Catalog of Piano and Organ, Materials and Tools. Three sizes and models were offered in the catalog and are repeated in Part I of this article. They all had a nickel plated finish and were a little more expen-

Figure 41b: N. Erlandsen’s rabbet plane with an adjustable mouth and a skew cutter. Note the raised trapezoidal alignment rail, matching groove and the head of the adjustment screw; they are visible on the front of the plane and identify the maker. shaped in profile view and about 3/8th of an inch deep. It extends from the top of the slot for the wedge to the top of the heavy sole, and from the rear of the cutter seat at the front of the plane to the inside of the thick vertical closure at the rear of the plane. Equally spaced within this void there are two pyramid shaped spacers each providing a ½ Figure 42: An N. Erlandsen rabbet plane with a “Toe” hole, 6-1/2 inch long flat sloping surface to support the cutter. This inches long and 9/16 inches wide. This plane is in the Patrick & casting required core boxes, sand cores, and extra casting Lisa Leach collection. The toe hole lightened the front end of the plane flasks plus the skills of a master pattern maker and a mas- making it feasible to cast the plane solid, thereby avoiding the added ter moulder to create the cavities. The subjects of pattern cost of making cores needed for a hollow casting. making and molding are fully discussed in The Pattern Makers Assistant, by Joshua Rose, 1877.10 Erlandsen was sive than the previous traditional and now discontinued fortunate in having skilled pattern makers and molders to models. The shiny nickel plated finish and the bright red work with. paint inside the toe hole and mouth made the planes very attractive to both professional and amateur craftsmen. To make the adjustable mouth work properly Erlandsen Erlandsen’s Rabbet planes sold through H. S. & Co. were used a raised trapezoidal rail on the upper surface of the stamped with “H S & Co” and/or “209 Bowery”. Those that sliding sole and a matching groove in the bottom of the were sold direct were stamped “N. Erlandsen” until 1900; body to keep the sliding sole in alignment with the body. after that they were stamped “J. Erlandsen”. He also provided a fine screw adjustment for the adjustable mouth using a cheese head screw in the body that Napoleon Erlandsen’s Pianomakers Brace acts on the sliding sole. The head of the cheese head Dominic Micalizzi owned a wonderful example of an N. screw as well as the end of the trapezoidal rail are visible Erlandsen piano maker’s brace in rosewood.13 As I recall on the front of Erlandsen’s rabbet planes clearly indicating it had a 6 inch sweep, a brass neck and several pads, some who the maker was. of which were stamped N. Erlandsen. A New Design, a Rabbet Plane with a Toe Hole M-WTCA.ORGJulius Erlandsen’s Planes Between 1860 and 1890 the wages of machinists, patter makers and molders advanced almost 50%. The wages of The planes and other tools that Julius made were the same patternmakers and molders, being higher than those of ma- as those they made when his father was alive. They were chinist in 1860, became a significant problem in 1890. 11 The made in the same shop using the same jigs, fixtures and hollow one piece cast iron rabbet planes, shown in Figures machines, and were made by the same people. He contin- 41a and 41b, which required the services of highly skilled ued to operate the business until sometime in the 1920s. master pattern makers and molders, could no longer be Julius did not stamp his name on the tools until a respect- manufactured and sold for a reasonable price. Sometime ful period after his father passed away in 1890. Tools in 1893, Napoleon Erlandsen and his son Julius designed stamped J. Erlandsen are quite a bit scarcer than those a new solid one piece cast iron rabbet plane to take their stamped N. Erlandsen. place. To reduce the weight of the front of the plane they Julius was heavily involved in the design of both the higher cast it with a 7/8 inch diameter toe hole through the front triangular step on the front of the miter planes and in the

22 The Gristmill Popping’s miter planes have screw lock lever caps. The face of the lever cap is similar to those on Erlandsen’s planes except the curved transition from the neck to the lower full width shoulder of the lever cap has a slightly larger radius, giving the lever cap an even stronger appearance. The head of the lever cap locking screws on early models are identical to those used on early Stanley No. 113 circle planes and were probably purchased from Stanley; on later Figure 44a: early lever cap locking Figure 43: J. Erlandsen miter plane with triangular step on front. screw made by Stanley. This design was introduced in 1893 and may be stamped either N. models they are identical Erlandsen or J. Erlandsen. to those used on Leon- ard Bailey’s Victor block new rabbet planes with a toe hole. The reasons for these and bench planes, and changes were discussed earlier. A miter plane stamped J were purchased from Erlandsen with a higher step and having a triangular front him. (Figures 44a & 44b) is shown in Figure 43. Popping’s miter planes were usually supplied Joseph Popping’s Planes with plane irons made by Ward or Buck Brothers. Joseph Popping operated a machine shop in the Manhat- They were sometimes tan borough of New York City from 1873 until 1903, a pe- stamped “J. Popping N. riod of 30 years. He opened his machine shop nine years Y.” on the face, right be- after N. Erlandsen opened his shop. Popping’s planes low the rosewood pad. Figure 44b: later lever cap locking were elegant, sophisticated, and disciplined in design; screw made by Leonard Bailey. they were just plain beautiful. They were all made of cast The miter plane shown iron, cast bell metal, or cast bell metal with a steel sole. in Figure 45 is the larger of the two sizes offered by Pop- Table 1 in Part I lists the sizes, materials and finishes of ping; it is 7-13/16th inches long, 2-1/8th inches wide, and Popping’s miter and rabbet planes that were offered in the body is 7 inches long. The plane iron is 1¾ of an inch Hammacher Schlemmer & Co., 1894 Catalog. Joseph Pop- wide, has a rosewood pad on the top of its face, and is ping employed three craftsmen making miter and rabbet stamped “Buck Brothers”. The sliding sole has a 5/8th planes for pianomakers in 1879, which was the peak of inch long notch in each of its two rear corners to maintain piano manufacturing in New York City.

Popping’s Miter Planes Popping’s miter planesM-WTCA.ORG had adjustable mouths; rosewood infills and rosewood pads on their cutters. They were made in two sizes, and in polished iron or a nickel plated finish. (Apparently they were not offered in the larger 9 inch size, made by the other three makers.) The adjustable mouths are locked or unlocked by a single round head screw with a washer exposed on the top center of the front infill. The locking screw is threaded into a standard square nut held loose in an open cage cast on the top surface of the sliding sole. This arrangement assures alignment and smooth operation of the locking screw. It is a lot easier to unlock, adjust, and relock the sliding sole on a Popping miter plane than it is on the miter planes made Figure 45: Popping 7-13/16 inch miter plane. This is the earlier model and has the lever cap locking screw made by Stanley. by Brandt, Thorested, or either of the Erlandsens.

September 2012 23 alignment with the sole of the plane. The lever cap is as bet planes are a study in simplicity: the castings were made, previously described; the plane and its lever cap locking ground and polished, a small amount of wood infilling was screw are the early type, and are identical to those used on added, the wedge was made and the cutter fitted. The cut- Stanley No. 113 circle planes, see Figure 44a. ters in his rabbet planes are stamped J. Popping N. Y.

The sole on the next miter plane, Figure 46, which is the A Bullnose Rabbet Plane with a Popping Iron smaller of the two sizes, is 7¼ of an inch long, 1-7/8 of an inch wide, and the body is 6¼ inches long. The plane A number of bullnose rabbet planes with Popping irons iron is 1½ inches wide, has a rosewood pad on the top of find their way to auctions and collections. They have its face, and is stamped “Buck Brothers”. Note the more profiles like their English counterparts, are 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. (Figure 48) The plane iron is stamped “J Popping N Y”. On some examples the tail of the plane is stamped with the number “0” and “209 Bowery N Y”, which was the address of C. Tollner’s hardware store. Dominic Mi- calizzi had one of these planes in his Figure 48: A Bullnose Rabbet plane with a Popping iron. Photo courtesy collection. of Brown Auction Services. The absence of Popping’s design characteristics on these rabbet planes, puts doubt on the notion that they were Figure 46: Popping 7 ¼ inch miter plane. This is the later model and made by Popping. If Popping added a bullnose rabbet has the lever cap locking screw made By Leonard Bailey. plane to his line it probably would have some similarities to his regular rabbet planes; at least in the shape of the squarish shape of the rosewood pad. All of its other char- wedge and the opening in the sides at the mouth. acteristics match those of the previous example, except this plane is a later model; and the lever cap locking screw A Bronze shoulder plane. is identical to those used by Leonard Bailey on his Victor planes. (see Figure 44b) One cast bell metal shoulder plane with a steel sole and a lever cap is known. It is 7-13/16 inches long, 1¼ inch- Popping’s Rabbet Planes es wide, and it has two highly arched sides with cut outs at the mouth. A cutter seat and metal lever cap with a Popping’s rabbet planes have a symmetrical shape: the Stanley locking screw, like those that Popping used on his wedge is shaped to match the front infill and when the miter planes, is mounted wedge is in place the profile view of the rear of the plane is a between the two sides. It mirror image of the front of the plane. (Figure 47) The rab- is an attractive plane, but it does not have any of the M-WTCA.ORGdesign elements that Pop- ping used on his rabbet planes. The only known example was in Dominic Micalizzi’s collection, and it could have been made by him. It was sold in the CRAFT’s auction of his tools. (Figure 49) The photograph is from Roger Figure 49: Bronze shoulder plane, K. Smith’s P-TAMPIA Vol. from Dominic Micalizzi’s col- II, page 195, Plate 30b. Figure 47: Popping iron rabbet plane, 5-9/16 inches long. lection. Photograph courtesy of Note the very disciplined symmetrical design: the front and rear Roger K. Smith. halves of the plane match.

24 The Gristmill Miter Planes made by Other Makers usual feature: there is a small steel plate with a “T” shaped cross section screwed to the face of the cutter. The wood Miter planes that are not stamped by the maker but have pad has a matching recess cut into its back so it can be characteristics of a known New York City maker fre- slid onto the cutter and locked in place with a single wood quently turn up. Some are stamped “C. Tollner” and/or screw. Presumably this allowed the wood pad to be easily “209 Bowery, N. Y.” Occasionally one shows up that is removed from the cutter for sharpening. I have a miter also stamped with a company name. Examples include: plane with Thorested characteristics that has the same “Meyer & Eiffler, 209 Bowery, N.Y.”; “Knorr & Mantz, N.Y.”; feature. Apparently it was not a big success. and “Seckelsmith & Co., New York”. The plane bearing the stamp “Seckelsmith & Co., New A plane stamped “Meyer & Eiffler, 209 Bowery, N. Y,”, is York,” was discussed in an earlier part of this article under made of cast iron and has an adjustable mouth. (Figure 50) the heading: A Brandt Miter Plane with a wood wedge and It definitely has Thorested characteristics: a lever cap that a fixed mouth. has square shoulders and a neck with parallel sides, both of which are heavily chamfered. It also has the Thorested A little bullnose rabbet plane with “Williams & Ham, Troy, hallmark metal plate on the rear of the front infill. These N.Y,” stamped on the iron is shown in Roger K. Smith: “P- characteristics tell us that the maker was Thorested. The TAMPIA Vol, II” on page 196, figure 305b. William & Ham, plane has some non typical features and may have been Troy New York were plane iron makers14 who stamped their ordered that way: it has an extra long cutter with a wood mark in a curved line. Other examples of this plane can be pad that has a long slot up its center to allow the lever seen on the website of Cameron Miller, in Australia15 , the cap locking screw website of the “No Williams River Collection”16, and re- to tighten against cently on Martin J. Donnelly’s tools for sale list. The shape the cutter as the of the plane is similar to the bullnose rabbet planes made cutter wears down. in England. I was not able to find any information on the The two holes in the firm of Williams and Ham. front infill give easy access to the slid- Planes that are not marked with a makers name, a re- ing forebed locking searchable company name, or a known vendors name are screws, and were very difficult to research and less interesting. probably added by a Interesting problems occasionally encountered with user. We know that NYC Miter Planes it was sold by Ham- macher, Schlemmer We have seen a number of miter planes with replaced le- & Co, or one of their ver cap locking screws having bolder notches cut around predecessors be- the edge. Apparently some of the users had difficulty cause it is stamped tightening the screw sufficiently to keep the plane iron 209 Bowery. Since from chattering. We have also seen oversized replacement H. S. & Co. did not screw heads, like the large cast iron screw head on a miter Figure 50: A plane, stamped Meyer allow local suppli- plane stamped “C Tollner, N.Y.”, in Micalizzi’s collection. & Eiffler and 209 Bowery, N. Y., in ers to stamp their the Rob Kolp collection; undoubtedly tools, the Meyer & Some planes provide more force to clamp the cutter down made by Thorested. Eiffler stamp must on the plane iron by making the length of the lever cap M-WTCA.ORGhave been added af- above the cross bar longer than the distance between the ter the plane was sold. The letters used for the 209 Bowery cross bar and the cutting edge. All of these modifications stamp and the Meyer & Eiffler stamp do not match, further are interesting because they tell us something about the supporting the contention that it was stamped after it was planes and the users. sold. Although we know of two other items, a padlock and a circular wire gauge that are stamped Meyer & Eiffler, no The plane in figure 51 is a good example. It employs the other information has been found on that company. previously discussed principle of increasing the mechanical advantage of the lever cap by lengthening the part of The cast iron miter plane stamped “Knorr & Mantz, N.Y.”, the lever cap above the pivot point to 2 inches compared was sold on eBay; it has an adjustable mouth and a wood to 1.25 inches between the cross bar and the cutting edge. pad on the cutter. The lever cap is reminiscent of those This applies 1.6 times more clamping force to the plane made by N. Erlandsen. The unusual and interesting aspect iron than if the two distances were equal. At first glance of this plane is that the wood pad on the cutter has an un- this plane appeared to have been an experiment by N. Er-

September 2012 25 great inventor, but apparently lacked the personality to sell himself and his work. These two men were the innovators. Napoleon Erlandsen had the manual ability, the judgment to pursue a good market and continue satisfying custom- ers, and the skill and personality to successfully manage his business. Napoleon and Julius Erlandsen were the men who created most of the pianomakers tools that we see today. Joseph Popping made beautiful tools that served their own- ers very well. But he didn’t create any great advancement in function or design, nor were his tools the best sellers.

The two goals stated in the second paragraph of this article were (a) in Part I of the article, give the reader a close up view of the five men who worked from 1842 through the 1920s in the Manhattan borough of New York City making metallic miter and rabbet planes for pianomakers, and (b) in Figure 51: An unsigned miter plane with a lever cap having an im- proved mechanical advantage, making it easy to apply more pressure Part II of the article, provide illustrations and descriptions to the cutting edge of the plane iron to control chatter. of the distinguishing characteristics of each maker’s planes so the reader will be able to identify the maker of unsigned landsen, but for a number of reasons it is not: it does not examples. I hope we have accomplished those two tasks have the projection on the back of the lever cap, the cross and have managed to add a little more to the pool of infor- rod that the lever cap is mounted on is threaded into one mation available on one of the most interesting and exciting of the planes sidewalls, there is a small screw through the stories in the world of antique tools: the New York City Mak- left side of the plane to assist holding the front infill in ers of Pianomaker’s Tools. As you can see there is much place, the sliding sole is only notched ¼ of an inch and the more to be discovered; so continue collecting, learning, and lever cap is brass. It also has an inappropriate replaced documenting everything you can about antique tools. plane iron which lacks a wood pad. But, it is a handsome Acknowledgements and Thanks plane and the plane iron and wood pad could be replaced. I am deeply indebted to Daniel Semel for his friendship Relative Rarity and kindness, and for graciously giving me copies of his Planes by Brandt are probably the rarest; they are seldom early correspondence with Dominic Micalizzi, Ruben Mor- offered in the major tool auctions or tool sales. Planes by rison, and Roger K. Smith on the subject of the New York Thorested are also quite rare; he practiced his art in Man- City makers of pianomakers tools. I feel very privileged hattan for a very short time, probably not more than nine to have known Dominic Micalizzi and to have been able to years. Napoleon Erlandsen was by far the most prolific learn from the three articles that he wrote. Talking to him maker and had a very long productive period, 36 years. about the N. Y. City pianomaker’s planes was a pleasure. I His planes are beautiful and very well made. Because of similarly enjoyed my friendship with Ruben Morrison, and the large number made surviving examples of his planes enjoyed the many discussions we had about his tools. I are a little more available. Julius Erlandsen’s planes were am proud to consider Roger K Smith and Marsha Smith just like his fathers. Unfortunately he took over the busi- as very close personal friends; I thank them for their sup- ness just after the demand for pianos and pianomakers port, and for the tremendous wealth of information that tool began to decline; planesM-WTCA.ORG bearing his stamp are a bit Roger has shared with all tool collectors through his two scarcer than those with his fathers stamp. Joseph Pop- fine books, and many articles. ping was also very productive and his miter planes, espe- I am very grateful for Frank Kosmerl’s generosity in send- cially those that are nickel plated, are very attractive and ing me photograps and detailed information about the in high demand by collectors. many New York City miter and rabbet planes in his per- Summing Up sonal collection, and for the drawing he made showing the internal construction of an early Brandt rabbet plane. Spe- Lauritz Brandt combined an unusual set of personal at- cial thanks go to to Jim Claussen for loaning me all of the tributes: he was an imaginative inventor, had exceptional relevant planes in his amazing collection and for consulting manual skills, had the business acumen to succeed, and on many fine points. Many thanks to Neil Nichools for re- had the personality to sell himself and his ideas. George membering me and shipping his N. Erlandsen rabbet plane Thorested had the imagination and the manual skills to be a with an adjustable mouth and skew cutter to me for study

26 The Gristmill and photography. Thanks to Rob Kolp for sending me his found in the Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co. catalogs in his Meyer & Eiffler miter plane and another very interesting collection. I cannot thank Patty MacLeish, editor of the unsigned miter plane to study and photograph, as well as Chronicle enough. It was her tremodous patience, help- for information on other items stamped Meyer & Eiffler. ful suggestions, and willingness to make repeated changes that made it possible. An abundance of thanks goes to Torben Bentsen for trans- lating Lauritz Brandt’s obituary from Danish; it contained I urge readers who have found additional information on much useful information. And a special thanks to Paul this subject to call me or send me an email about their dis- Van Pernis for reading drafts of this article and for making covery. I welcome corrections, criticism, or discussions useful suggestions and corrections. Many thanks to Bill about the contents of this article. My email address is: Wilkins for sending me copies of much relevant material [email protected].

Footnotes: 1 Brandt opened his machine shop in 1842 and by 1844 he began using screw lock 8 Roger K. Smith, Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes in America, Vol. I, p. lever caps. He made planes with a wood wedge during that two year period, and he 209, figures 266 and 267. provided adjustable mouths on some of those planes. 9 Ibid, Vol. II, p. 197, fig. 308b. This plane belonged to Dominick Micalizzi and was 2 Chardoillet’s October 10, 1844 patent may or may not have been the earliest use of sold at the Crafts auction after his death. a metal screw lock lever cap. See also Niegel Lampert, Through Much Tribulation: Stewart Spiers and the Planemakers of Ayre, pp.22-29. Spiers planes with a screw 10 Joshua Rose: The Patternmakers Assistant, pp. 73-98, 132-135, copyrighted 1877 lock lever cap are shown in his No. 12 Garden Street brochure, ca. 1851 – 1858, but by D. Van Nostrand, published in 1885 in New York by D. Van Nostrand and in Lon- he may have begun using them in about 1844 when his father died and he took over don by E. & F. N. Spon. A reprinted is available from Astragal Press. his fathers shop on River Street. Holly’s U. S. patent, No. 9,094, dated July 6, 1852, showing a plane with a screw lock lever cap was a little later. 11 Wages and Earnings in the U S, by Clarence Dickenson Long, a Google book.

3 It may have been made earlier and consigned to Tollner to test its marketability. 12 Spelled “toe” because it is in the toe of the plane.

4 The bowler hat was also known as a derby hat. It was first designed and made in 1849 13 The pianomaker’s brace owned by Dominic Micalizzi is shown in his article: “New in London. The bowler hat postdated Brandt’s mushroom shaped lever cap screw. York Machinist-Made Planes and Pianomakers Tools,” The Tool Shed, CRAFTS of New Jersey, September 1994, p.10. 5 It is thought that N. Y. City changed the street address along 5th street at that time making 222 into 220½ 5th street in 1851. I have not seen any other address marked 14 EAIA Directory of American Toolmakers p.863. on tools by Brandt. 15 http://www.infill-planes.com/69/williams-ham-bullnose-rabbet-plane/ 6 The occasional reference to John Thorested instead of George Thorested was probably due to misunderstanding a heavily accented response to people updating 16 http://nowilliamsriver.blogspot.com/2009/06/rare-williams-ham-troy-ny-nickel-iron. City Directories. html

7 Erlandsen’s later bow drills were almost identical to those shown in Louis Eicke’s patent No. 283,473 dated Aug. 21, 893. Knowledgeable people have speculated that Eicke may have sold or given the rights to use his patented to Erlandsen.

eBay Editor’s Note by John Walkowiak by Bill Kolm

Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership promo- I want to thank all the authors who have been sending in tion in your listing or on your web site. This will be good articles. As you can see, with this issue of The Gristmill for M-WTCA by providingM-WTCA.ORG the thousands of eBayer’s and we have set a new record for the number of pages. 60 pag- online collectors who are looking at old tools and do not es is 8 pages more than any previous issue, which proves know about us, an easy means to make contact with our the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association is fulfilling it’s organization. This will also improve your credibility as a purpose of Studying, Preserving and Sharing Knowledge seller by showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be a of Tools. Win-Win situation for everyone! Just go to http://mwtca.org and click on the Selling on eBay bar on the left side of the The articles have been varied, informative and interesting. homepage. Then simply copy and paste the promotion and You do not even have to write the article. If you have a add it to your listing where it best fits. It is simple and easy few thoughts for an article, send them in and we will put it and will be a great help in exposing our great organization together and get it published. to the world. Also, do not forget to include a membership brochure in all the tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of membership brochures to you.

September 2012 27 Wilkinson Sword Co. Axes by Tom Lammond ©

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28 The Gristmill M-WTCA.ORG

September 2012 29 Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions The World’s Largest Specialist Auctioneers of Antique Hand Tools A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, Avoca, New York www.mjdtools.com (800) 869-0695 [email protected]

Two Great Auction Weekends Featuring the Plumb Bob Collection of the late Nelson Denny, Hadlyme, Connecticut Nashua, New Hampshire September 21 & 22, 2012 Indianapolis, Indiana October 26 & 27, 2012

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Photos, Catalogue & Secure Bidding at www.mjdtools.com September 21st & 22nd Holiday Inn, Nashua New Hampshire All lots photographed in full color and available for viewing and online bidding at www.mjdtools.com Featuring Great Patented Planes

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The Legendary Tool Chest and Family Archives of George Hovey, Marietta, Ohio Lest We Forget by Bob Roger

Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, each about a the finger-mounted one shown here. This example fits a 12 tool or implement that was once a common household, gauge casing, and the patented improvement allowed the farm, or trade necessity, but whose use or existence may prongs to be adjusted so that it would work with several soon be forgotten. gauges. Patent number 197,291 (issued 11/20/1877) added a variable-gauge puller to the end of a fixed-gauge one. Cartridge Casing Extractors Even earlier (4/14/1874) patent # 149,806 was issued incor-

For a period of about 15 years beginning around 1868, the small tool shown in the middle of Fig- ure 1 was important. And then it became an unimportant acces- sory, although it is still made today as part of some combination knives.

Beginning shortly after the Civil War, the use of brass gun cartridge casings came into popular use. By the mid-1880s casing ejectors were being implement- ed on most new guns, eliminat- ing the necessity for a separate extractor. During that 15-year period a separate extractor or puller was needed, but because it is such a simple tool Figure 2. Ejector on Casing there were only a few patents issued for them. Number porating a different form of puller on a combination knife. 259,172 was issued on June 6, 1882 for an improvement to The two knives in Figure 1 illustrate two pullers each. The top knife fits 12 and 16 gauge casings, while the bottom knife (marked TONERINI SCARPERIA) fits 24 and 32 gauge casings. Figure 2 shows how the extractor fits on the casing.

You probably will not see too many of these cartridge casing extractors on the tool tables, especially if I get there before you. But do not for- M-WTCA.ORGget this tool that was briefly important in the evolution of guns.

Figure 1. Cartridge Extractors or Pullers

32 The Gristmill Another Poignant Piece from the ‘X Pencil Pusher’ in Muncie, IN. by Gerry Miels

I have a 1915 Disston Silver Jubilee (1840 – 1915) ‘The No. 9 Compass Saw with adjusting lever, No. 5 Key Hole Saw’ catalog/manual. I thought I would let you know what Saw and Pad, No. 95 Key Hole Saw and Pad, No. 15 Key they were selling almost 100 years ago. I will first list the Hole Saw, No. 10 Key Hole Saw and Pad, No. 60 Nest of commons saws sought by most collectors, then the uncol- Saws, No. 3 Nest of Saws, No. 5 Square-Hole Nest of Saws, lected saws, and finally all the other items in this 40 page No. 7 Nest of Saws, (the following did not have No.’s listed) booklet. Stair Builders’ Saw, Joiner Saw, Pattern Makers’ Saw, No. 10 Coping Saw, No. 36 ½ Hack Saw Frame, No. 110 Hack Please note – in this booklet there is no mention of length Saw Frame, No. 10 Plumbers Saw, Hand Hack Saws: No. or tpi (teeth per inch). 340 for Iron and Steel, No. 341 for Copper and Brass, No. 342 for Metal Trim, and No. 343 for Kalomine (soft metal Collector’s Saws: No. D115 Skewback (I believe this to drawn over a wooden or composite body). be their Diamond Jubilee Saw), No. D15 Straight Back, No. 120 Skewback without set, No. 112 Skewback, No. 12 Other tools made and/or sold by Disston: “Triumph Saw Straight Back, No. 16 Straight Back, (these D’s show the Set, “D3” Filing Guide and Clamp, Hand Saw Jointer, No.6 number inside of the D), No. D100 Skewback, No. D20 Handy Saw Clamp, Oriole Cross-Cut Saw, Great American Skewback, No. D8 Skewback, No. 8 Straight Back, No. 7 Cross-Cut Saw, Champion Cross-Cut Saw, One-Man Cham- Straight Back, No. D100 Ship Carpenter’s Saw Skewback, pion Crosscut Saw, Tenon Tooth Cross-Cut Saw, Triumph No. 77 Straight back, “Compact – 1874” (first made in Great American, Disston Saw Files, Telegraph Screw- 1874), No. 43 Combination Saw comes equipped with a 24 driver, Electric Screwdriver (name only – not powered inch square and rule, scratch awl and independent Apple by), No. 16 Adjustable Plumb and Level, No. 25, Adjustable Wood handle with plumb and level attachment, No.42 is Plumb and level, No. 55 Adjustable Plumb and Level, No. same as No. 43 but without plumb and level attachment, 93 Mortise Gage, No. 80 ½ Mortise Gage (for Manual Train- No. D19 Flooring Saw is adjustable to various positions, ing Schools), No. 2 Bevel, No. 15 Try Square, No. 5 ½ Try No. 4 Mitre-Box Saw, No. 14 Back Saw, No. 4 Back Saw, Square, No. 41 Peerless Brick Trowel, No. 10 Brick Trowel, No. 70 Dovetail Saw,. No. 8 Plastering Trowel and lastly No. 1 Plastering Trowel.

Other Saws: No. 101 Six Blade Kit, No. 2 Compass Saw, There is no mention of prices or any sizes with any of No. 70 Compass Saw with Interchangeable blades and re- these tools. There are quite a few stylized drawings of the versible handle, No. 4 Compass Saw, No. 77 Compass Saw, tools and the saws especially show nice etchings.

A Few Thoughts To Ponder by Kathleen Holmes

I have been sorting “stuff” trying to get some order in to 3. If you do attend, find fault with the work of everyone else. the boxes of odds and ends that seem to have grown expo- 4. Never accept an office as it easier to criticize than to do nentially in the basement office. I do not suppose any of things. the collectors of other “stuff” have that problem. 5. And get sore if you are not appointed to a committee… One of the books had some clippings, plus a few odds and and, if you are, don’t attend the meetings. ends. One of them ratherM-WTCA.ORG struck home to me as I consid- 6. If asked for an opinion, you don’t share your thoughts… ered the operation of the M-WTCA group. and, then, complain to everyone else about what ought I understand that attendance at some of shows has to be done. slipped. I thought some of the advice found in one of the 7. Complain that cliques run everything, but decline to serve clippings might reflect the attitude of membership. Do you (or help) when others are working to get things done. find yourself anywhere in this list? 8. Don’t pay your dues…or pledge…or do anything at all. The article is entitled HOW TO RUIN AN ORGANIZATION 9. Don’t ask another to join…let someone else do it. IN THESE EASY MOVES! 10. Get everything you can from the group but don’t give 1. Do not come to meetings. anything back. 2. And if you do come…come late. 11. Expect everyone else to cooperate. 12. When everything fails, blame the executive committee.

September 2012 33 Opening A Window On The Trades of Yesterday… Part II by James Goodson

The complexity of establishing a vineyard has not been propriate volumes as well. Barrels, Hogshead, Firkins, an obstacle here in the Texas Hill Country. They sprout Kilderkins, Tuns et al. were all specific volumes of which up with an increasing frequency, each challenging the the container construction methods must rigidly adhere to next with their particular contribution to the local winer- upon completion. (Throughout history there was some ies. Through good years heralding plenty of moisture and variance to this terminology). Much of the reasoning be- sunshine to the parched conditions of drought as was suf- hind this had to do with strict taxing laws which histori- fered last year, you work with what nature brings you and cally have found a prolific source of revenue in the taxing regardless of the conditions….there is plenty to do. of alcoholic beverages. In the image posted, a product sampling location is featured. To the left, a sample from The production of wine, ale and spirits of all kinds from the large container is being drawn through a pipette or the ground to the point of service is extremely labor inten- hollow glass tube capable of extracting small amounts of sive. Pushing beyond the agricultural aspects of coaxing the contents of a barrel or other similar container. The fig- grapes and hops out of the ground however, leads to the ure taking the sample is holding his thumb over the open additionally complex methodology of transporting, stor- end of the pipette to keep the liquid securely within the ing and ageing a delicate product whose very finicky na- tube. His other hand holds a wine glass. Both the figure ture can be altered considerably if not pampered in the second from right and the one to the far right are each correct confines of containment and storage. holding a wine glass. Both he and the figure to the far right are dressed very well and likely are proprietors or perhaps How this was carried out a hundred or so years ago is the distinguished guests. On the top of the upright barrel (ta- objective presented here. In a pictorial display of images ble surface) is another wine glass, a lit candle and what presented here from the early 1900s through the 1910s, appears to be a wine bottle. The date 1907 is painted on can be found various images that can help define a number the barrel head to the far right above the content label. of the steps required in the production of staved containers, the mannerisms of product collection and storage of the products themselves.

The production of staved containers itself is a process in- volving an incredible number of steps and specific tools. This trade fulfilled by the Cooper was often highly regu- lated by guilds and taxing authorities. A little known fact about the Coopers trade was that they were responsible for not only the construction of their containers but also for the contents within. When a container was not sealed correctly and the contents lost or damaged, the Cooper

The fellow in this image is ‘broaching’ a barrel using a bung auger to cut the entry opening. A cork or wooden ‘bung’ will seal the opening once his work is through. On the lower lip of the huge storage container on the upper right M-WTCA.ORGis a bung start or mallet, a spigot and a few other tools fastened to the front of the vessel. There is also a tool tote and basket sitting just forward of the vessel as well.

The infamous and loveable court jester ‘Bung’ in the com- ic strip ‘Wizard of Id’ written by Brant Parker and Johnny was responsible. The stamp or mark on the barrel was Hart derives his name from applied as advertising but also was a way to keep track this term. Always associated of whose container were whose….and where it could be with an air of inebriation, few returned due to damage or to be cleaned or repaired. The probably realize the immedi- containers also were held legally accountable for their ap- ate connection.

34 The Gristmill involves installing the heads and the fitting of hoops once the contents have been packed within. Again, the Coo- per is responsible for the contents within his product and special teams were sent out to the docks to seal herring barrels and to the breweries to seal wine, liquor, champagne & etc.

The art of cooperage is demonstrated within this image where many of the individual functions of construction may be studied. The large volume of production taking place here is testament to the shear necessity of the product and its usefulness. Workers may be viewed: Shaving staves on a ‘horse’, using a Coopers stave jointer, sawing a barrel head, shaving a barrel head, setting hoops with setters, bending hoop steel into hoops, ‘standing the bar- Here a small group of Coopers work together making barrels’ (erecting the staves to form and securing), sizing and rel heads and bottoms. The Coopers knife is being ap- fastening the hoops, transporting finished barrels on carts plied to the rough barrel heads to round and size them to to be stacked, and a team of ‘stackers’. The barrels being a predetermined diameter. A Coopers ‘bruzz’ may also be made here are considered ‘tight’ cooperage in that they seen being used to shape the barrel heads as well. What were constructed so as not to leak fluids. This type of each woman is holding is undetermined. Probably enough cooperage (wet cooperage) was the most exacting and heads and bottoms here to comfortably supply all the bar- difficult to construct. Other cooperage types were dry or rels in one of the previous post card images! ‘slack’ cooperage for simple containment such as nails, parts or sometimes produce. These often had narrow gaps between the thin staves as there was no need for a solid container. Another type was ‘white’ cooperage which pro- duced containers such as pails, buckets and etc. This was more demanding than slack cooperage but not nearly so demanding as tight cooperage. M-WTCA.ORG

A team of Coopers in Holland sealing the barrels of herring packed fresh on the dock once the fishing boats come in. Herring brought ashore are cleaned then carefully packed tightly in salt by packers (known as fisher girls in Ireland). They are not allowed to seal the barrels however as that specialized process is bestowed on the Coopers who were This view shows an entire room full of Coopers assem- ultimately responsible for the contents. bled for the single purpose of sealing filled barrels. This

September 2012 35 A manufactory of slack cooperage gathers for a photo of A rare view of ‘servant a faire les paniers its employees in front of their workshop. Half a dozen a champagne’. Basket makers of Cham- barrels in various stages of completion are visible. On pagne France. the reverse is the notation….”This is the shop where I am working. The boss on the right – sitting on keg. Can you Rows of gathered straw are selected, pick me out?” Huge load of barrels loaded onto a large dried and ultimately used in the making wagon with modified sides. A young boy sits high among of baskets for collecting the harvest. In the barrels in the front holding the horses reins. Next to some countries they also would be used the wagon is a large warehouse which appears to be stor- to cover decorative wine bottles. This ing barrels. would typically be a common but mundane trade in this industry but here we are given a peek inside its workings

Grape pressing by foot apparently dates back to at least Egyp- tian times. This image is from the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

Cooperage employees gather outside their M-WTCA.ORGshop in celebration of the completion of 31¼ Hogshead containers. I suppose the partially completed hogshead accounts for the pieces shown in the forefront.

A hogshead lid in seg- ments is held by one em- ployee. To the far right held together by wires Torchio per vino or cords is a selection of Ancient windlass beam design used for crushing grapes. staves. Pompeii AD 79

36 The Gristmill Eliciting a sense of peaceful tranquility, this contemporary a banner crop, many variables must all come together … postcard depicts a distinguished looking gentleman oper- only a few can be helped along. So the picking and gath- ating an ancient pole lathe. The reciprocal turning motion ering of the fruit must be carried out with extreme care. applied to the work piece by the overhead spring pole is an accurate depiction of ‘turning’ when today’s conven- tional power was not available. He is producing wooden bungs and tiny decorative wooden barrels possibly as sou- venirs as the bungs are not hollow. There is also a mortar and pestle set to one side. On the back wall is a large bow saw and various other tools and implements leading me to believe that he shares his shop space with other necessary proprietary functions.

The importance of beer in Germany is represented here in the Glockenspiel/Caril- lon Munich, Germany The fruit must be kept from being compressed or damaged (constructed 1908). during delivery which of course, releases the precious The tower in the town juices within. hall contains a world famous ‘carillon’ which through animated mechanical movement, relates parts of Mu- nich’s history during each day. This com- prises the upper half of the fixture. The lower half shows a famous dance of Munich…the ‘Schaefflertanz’. This was arranged coinciding with the end of the plague (1515 – 1517) and was in celebration of the resurrection of the brewing industry which was halted nec- essarily during the onset of the plague. The dance is tradi- tionally performed every seven years in Munich.

Handling grapes or ‘raisins’ is a heavy and burdensome task redundantly occurring every time their containers are moved through the various processing steps of winemak- ing. This certainly would include the cases of bottles they M-WTCA.ORGultimately end up in. Here a huge basket of grapes is lifted up to be loaded amongst others on a large and heavily constructed cart. This gathering process follows the strenu- ous procedure of hand picking the grapes. As the carts fill up, they carry their loads to the central processing facility where all the necessary equipment is to be found.

This next photo shows a huge amount of picked fruit in large baskets awaiting the journey to become the seasonal The Production of Wine is Great on Procedure… vintage. From the looks of the collection thus far, it would appear to have been a rather successful year. The fruit The harvesting of grapes pays tribute to the complexities must yet be weighed before processing so as to determine of seasonal growing. Not just the pampering of the vines payment for those workers both picking and hauling. themselves, but the instability of the elements as well. For

September 2012 37 There is another more celebratory manner of pressing the grapes which bears out a certain unequivo- cal historic distinc- tion. The crushing of the grapes using bare feet must have been the cata- lyst for many a local celebration. Add some raucous music and an accordion…. a little dancing…..throw in some crooning and the job becomes rather pleasant. (Is that guy with the bucket really selling peanuts??). Vast amounts of grapes in huge baskets are weighed, then introduced into the large wine press shown. The juice is then extracted under pressure generally by the application of a large wooden threaded ‘screw’.

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The process of crushing the grapes as carried out in Ma- From the wine press, the wine is transferred for storage deira Spain a hundred years ago. A large hopper holds the where it literally sleeps its way to birth. From small pro- grapes which may be seen beneath the men’s feet. Col- cessing facilities to the mammoth major producers, quan- lected grapes piled high in baskets are placed in near prox- tities of barrels and kegs are dutifully introduced to a fa- imity. Overhead is a monstrous beam through which the vorable environment specifically chosen for its stability pressing screw is threaded. This scenario would likely be of temperature and humidity. Underground is a common a family operation with limited production. A frequent oc- location for the aging of wine as it naturally has many of currence in Spain, Portugal and parts of France. the most desirable features already in place.

38 The Gristmill Interesting view of the loading of filled barrels. Up a long Le Dégorgement ramp and onto the back of a delivery vehicle….all by hand. When the aging is complete, the wine is dispensed into bottles and corks are applied. Filled bottles are inverted The freshly squeezed juice from the presses is packed in and placed once again into wicker containers for transport. barrels and relocated to a selected facility for storage. The growing season has come to an end but the evolution of the fruit is just now beginning.

‘Le repas de vignerons’….pickers at rest Next stop would be for applying the bottle labels. Here Break time for the laborers offers a chance to rest. Here may be seen champagne bottles awaiting labels and the many are doing just that but one is spending his time mend- decorative foil wrap and wire cinch applied to the tops. ing a basket and two others share a bottle of wine. Oth- The bottles are inspected and then wrapped for shipment. ers sip a cup of tea, indulge a smoke or nibble on snacks. In the background are very young boys who appear to be Work breaks seem to share similarities worldwide. crating the champagne bottles for distribution. Each station serves its own task and the final product ironically The residue created by pressing grapes is termed ‘must’ leaves the facility ‘bottoms up’ when packed. and contains skins, seeds, stems etc. This residueM-WTCA.ORG is used in different ways for making a grape juice product or sweeten- ers of different types. When the pressed grapes move on to further processing steps, the must takes on a life of its own and is processed according to the outcome desired. Here they appear to have added water to the must. It is then pressed but itself is controlled in accordance When the bottling process is skipped altogether, the prod- with regulations. La mise au pressoir du moút uct may well be dispensed from its container straight to

September 2012 39 the customer. Here a local vendor sets up to serve the customer who brings their own favored container. White and red wines are offered and the gentleman in the front holds a bung mallet ready in hand.

Some Parting Shots…

The gathering of hops for beer and ale has similar steps involved to those of wine gathering. Here is an image of the collection of hops once they are picked. How young the pickers are shown here! Child labor was popular then and a way for kids to earn a little money for themselves or more likely, to help out around the family household.

Benedictine distillery

An herb, root and sugar mixture with a Cognac base, this elixir was originally used to revive tired Benedictine Monks! Here is shown the distillery / laboratory used to produce this enduring liqueur whose origins date back to 1510. How complex and different the distilling process is for liquor as opposed to wine and beer with its maze of piping and copper vessels. Notice the huge and incredibly detailed wooden clock facing the interior of the lab from just below the window level.

The young pickers are gathered around the ‘tallyman’ who oversees the picking operation.

The payment records for the laborers were kept by the tallyman on a wooden tally stick strung on a belt and slung over his Laiterie – Beurrerie d’Issé shoulder. Each stick Making butter casks. The different steps in producing butter casks was split into two including standing a cask. The finished containers line the back wall. pieces which were then held side by side while filing marks or M-WTCA.ORG notches registering how many bushels of hops had been picked by each la- borer. The tallyman retained one half and the picker the other. At the end of the day, additional file marks were added for the day’s tally of hops and payment could Italian Swiss Colony… Showing the various stages of barrel making. be made. Card dates to 1918

40 The Gristmill Almeria, Taller de Barrileria Lots of young children working here. A coopers shop in Spain.

Original wine press used at Torres Estates, XVII c.

Tool Shop Auctions, Unit 105 Bentwaters Industrial Park, Rendlesham, Suffolk, IP12 2TW Tel: 01394 323 421 www.antiquetools.co.uk -‐ [email protected]

Tony Murland is proud to announce one of his best auctions of recent years. A fantastic selection of good collectable and usable woodworking tools. Dozens of Norris planes, rare tools by Stanley, Mathieson, Spiers, Preston and Holtzapffel. A stunning collection of tools that qualify as ‘Tools are Art’. A great collection of decorative European tools including tools from the fantastic Nessi collection. Lovely plumb bobs, exotic spirit levels and much much more!

October 10 th 2012 M-WTCA.ORG The sale will take place at the Hotel Elizabeth Orwell, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 7DX (Tel: 01394 285511) at 9:30am sharp.

Viewing: Tuesday 9th October 2:00pm-6:00pm and from 7:00am on the morning of sale.

Free car parking available. Please note NO CARPARK TRADING. Tables are available inside. Catalogues are $20.00

September 2012 41 Area M Meeting by Dick Bradshaw

On March 24, 2012 M-WTCA members from the Southeast gathered in a jail in Charles- ton, SC. to attend an Area M tool meeting. The jail is the old city jail which is now occupied by the American College of Building Arts. It is America’s only four year Liberal Arts College focused on developing the minds and hands of traditional building artisans in the areas of architectural ironwork, architectural stone carving, carpentry, timber framing, preservation masonry and plaster working and molding. The old jail building, the construction of which started in 1802, has had a number of additions and modifications over the years until it was finally abandoned in the early 1950s. It stood empty until 2004 when it was occupied by the college. The college has steadily made improvements to the building and is restor- ing the old building. Display Provided by Paul League

doughnuts, soft drinks and coffee brewed by Phil Baker, the attendees including college students and faculty members, reviewed tool displays, bought and sold tools and toured the old jail building. Displays were provided by Phil Baker, Dick Bradshaw and Paul League. Tables full of tools for sale were provided by Phil Baker, Paul League, Doug Cox, Gordon Brewer, and Ron Campbell. Affordable, usable tools were available for purchase by the students.

Two interesting and informative programs were presented at the meeting. The first was by Ron Campbell, a Mid-West member and a master cabinet maker from Columbia, SC. who demonstrated the carving and repair of plane totes and knobs. The second was by Chris Schleier, from Ken-

M-WTCA.ORG

Jail House

The meeting was held at the college to introduce the faculty and students to M-WTCA and to introduce M-WTCA members to the college. It is believed that this was the first area meeting to be held in Charleston.

College President Colby Broadwater welcomed M-WTCA members and discussed the mission and goals of the college. Meeting activities were held in jail cells with heavy wooden doors still in place. In addition to consuming Tools for Sale

42 The Gristmill nesaw, Ga. Master of the New Windsor Cabinet Shop at the selection, green woodworking, joinery, wood bending and Living History Park located in North Augusta, SC. Chris is a tool usage. He also spoke about the Living History Park master colonial furniture maker who presents his program as well as the New Windsor Cabinet Shop. The programs dressed in traditional colonial craftsman clothes. Chris were followed by a catered lunch provided by a Charles- spoke on Windsor chair con- ton restaurant. struction techniques and the process utilized in reproduc- If you plan to visit Charles- ing the register chair, which ton, include the college and is one of Georgia’s oldest the old jail on your agenda to known Windsor chairs and is get a first hand view of what part of the permanent collec- is happening there. Tell tion of the Georgia Museum them that you are a Mid-West of Art. The reproduction member. chair as well as prototype Will the person leaving a models and templates that gray hooded sweat jacket at were utilized during the re- the meeting, please contact production process were Dick Bradshaw so that it can displayed. Chris discussed be returned to the owner. Windsor chair styles, wood Chris Schleier and His Windsor Chairs

Area D Spring Meeting by Susan Witzel

It was TEA AND TOOLS in Area D, May 5th & 6th, 2012. Peoples’ Choice awards for first place went to Jack Holmes 15 women enjoyed a teacup exchange and a dessert tea at who shared his knowledge on Rope Making. Bill Roberts the home of Susan Witzel while their husbands “did tools.” placed second with a display of Horse Brass. Other mem- Katherine Trahin from Woodland, Washington explained bers sharing tool displays were: Steve McNulty, Bob Nel- various tea customs and led the ladies in “tea tasting.” Pat son, George Wanamaker, Frank Breka, Dave Christen, Dick Feeser from Rochester, Mn. shared her collection of sugar Kates, Gerald Bockenstedt, Earl Drehmel, John Walkowiak, sifters which were used in England at tea time. An open Cecil Holmes and David Schepers. Karen May of Humboldt, house was held in LeRoy’s barn Saturday evening where shared her story of coming home to an empty house after members gathered to “talk tools” and enjoy visiting to- being robbed. She urged everyone present to make a pho- gether before the actual tool meet began Sunday morning. to identification of their home and collections. What’s-Its Over 85 members attended the Meet. Three new members made for a lively discussion. Homemade rolls were served were welcomed: Merle and Janelle Ayers, Lynn Stoutner, in the morning. Lunch was served later, followed by the 4-H and Craig Boylan. 13 displaysM-WTCA.ORG were shared by members. Club’s well known delicious homemade pies. Area H Meeting

Area H will hold its meeting at Bens Mill in Barnet Vermont be available for those wishing to display and sell tools. A on Sunday September 16th, 2012. Bens Mill is located just nearby convenience store will have coffee and doughnuts 2.5 miles west of Interstate 91 at Exit 18. Ben Thresher’s as well as lunch sandwiches. Inside space is available for mill is one of the few water powered, woodworking mills the setup of tool displays. left in this country. It has operated in rural Vermont since 1848. Although the Hydo-Dam has been washed away, the Area attractions include the Fairbanks Museum and Plan- machinery in the mill is operated by a gas powered tractor etarium, American Precision Museum, and other histori- engine. In the event of bad weather a nearby school will cal sites. Numerous Hotels and B & B’s are nearby.

September 2012 43 Area A Spring Meet Canon Falls MN. April 21, 2012 by Bob Nelson

This year our Spring Meet was held again at Steve Bauer’s and Revolution”, gave an interesting talk about his book Cannon Valley Auction Center in Cannon Falls, MN. and what prompted him to write it. It is a good read. Con- tact Michael for a copy.

Director Rick Rayburn ran our “What’s It?” Session. Most but not all of the 20 plus curiosities were successfully identified.

Displays:

Cecil Holmes displayed about 40 of his “Favorite Patented Tools”. This was an amazing collection of unusual squares from carpentry, machinists, and specialty trades.

Sales Floor

Group of Auxiliary Members in Discussion Solon Rust Chisels Display by John Walkowiak Rose Rayburn and Judy Nelson registered over 125 mem- John Walkowiak displayed two of Solon Rust’s chisels. bers, guests, and demonstrators. Trading began at 8:00 AM. These chisels were made by Solon when he apprenticed Most of the 40 plus sellers reported lots of interest and brisk under Hermon Chapin at the Pine Meadow Conn. Union sales (especially on good quality medium priced items). Factory. By 1864, Solon was the head of plow plane production at this facility and went on to become a rather pro- Special Events: lific inventor. Mike Siemsen’s School of Woodworking once again provided us with some interesting demonstrations of woodworking skills on multiple projects. Mike encouraged attendees to take part in the activities. He also took the younger members and guests on “shopping trips” in the trading areas to locate the tools that they will need in order to get started on their own woodworking projects. Michael Hanley, author of theM-WTCA.ORG book “Motorcycles, Planes,

Ray Schmidt with His Stanley Bedrock 605 Planes Ray Schmidt presented his wonderful collection of Types 1 thru 12 Stanley Bedrock #605 planes. Ray reported that this collection has taken him over 15 years to put together. Cecil Holmes Display on Favorite Patented Tools

44 The Gristmill Director Allen Snyder displayed his Model 550 Ebony and Ivory Greenfield handled plow plane. Planes like this fantastic piece represent less than 1% of all plow plane productions.

Closing:

Thanks to all who helped make this Meet a success. Next year’s Spring Meet may have to move to a new location and time. We will publish this information as soon as it becomes available. Greenfield Plane

M-WTCA (Area K) Pegasus Tool Meeting by Gary R. Coleman, Area K Director

The horses were out of the gate at 9:00 a.m., and they were off and running. M-WTCA (Area K) had its local meeting Saturday April 28 in Eastwood, Kentucky. Eastwood is near Louis- ville, and the meeting was one week before the Kentucky Derby.

Inlaid Music Box made by John Turbec

It is often said that the Kentucky Derby is the fastest two minutes in sports. The Pegasus Tool Meeting was the fastest three hours in the tool world. Next year’s meeting will be on Saturday April 27, 2013. All are invited to attend.

Area K Meeting

There was a crispness in the air. The buyers and sellers were chomping at the M-WTCA.ORGbit. The buying was at a high level. For more than three hours, the order of the day was laughs, food, new friends, and renewing old friendships.

There were 39 sellers, buyers, and spouses. Members and guests were from Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. There Tools For Sale were 12 tables of tools and three display tables. A display of a beautiful inlaid music box made by John Turbec won the first place prize.

September 2012 45 Book Review: “Early European Decorated Tools, from the woodworking and allied trades”, by Jonathan Green-Plumb Reviewed by John G. Wells

Early European Decorated Tools, from the woodwork- jects covered include: Qualities (rarity, antiquity, patina, ing and allied trades, was written by Jonathan Green- materials, and so forth); Context (religious, social, eco- Plumb and published in 2012 by nomic and trade guilds...); Dates, Stobart Davies Ltd, Stobart House, Symbols and Images; decorative- Ammanford, UK. Available in the ly carved and decorated wooden U.S. from The publisher’s agent: planes, metal planes and axes; David Brown Book Company Box and decoratively made armorer’s 511 (28 Main Street) Oakville, CT. saws, braces, compasses and 06779, as well as from Amazon. hammers. com and barnesandnoble.com. Traditional books on the history This handsome book contains 174 of woodworking tools explore the pages, measures 8⅝ x 12¾ inches, various qualities and characteris- and is printed in full color on heavy tics of these tools; but Jonathan coated paper. It is hardbound in Green-Plumb shows the relation- cloth covered boards, and has a ships between them and relates dust jacket protected by a heavy their characteristics to time pe- clear plastic cover. The beauti- riods and locations. The carved ful photograph on the front cover wooden planes in the sections ti- continues around the back to the tled Qualities and Scrolled Joint- rear cover, which is an unusual er Plane come alive compared and very nice feature. The book is to their treatment in traditional illustrated with a great many won- histories. The Section titled Aus- derful line drawings, washes and trian ‘Langebeil’ presents an ar- paintings prepared by the author, ray of long bladed, goosewing and together with photographs by the double bearded axes with sur- author and others. In many cases face decoration and explains the the author’s drawings and tonal meaning of the symbols found on washes convey more information about a tool and its dec- them. The sections Lion Head Jointer, Carved Wooden oration than could be shown by a photograph. Brace – 1642, and Green Men show wooden tools with sculpturally carved imagery. The sections Scie de Serru- The text is divided into 37 sections in addition to a Pref- rier [locksmith’s saw], London Pattern Glazers’ Ham- ace, Introduction, Bibliography, and Index. The Bibliog- mer, Other Hammers, Compasses and 1636 Plane ex- raphy contains 93 very useful references, making it a very plore decoratively made metallic tools. valuable resource for further research. A few of the old favorites are: Walther Bernt, Altes Werkzwug; J. M. Gre- Jonathan Green-Plumbs book Early European Decorated ber, Die Geschichte des Hobels, with translation by S. W. Tools is a fresh approach to the history of woodworking Burchard; and W. L. Goodman, The History of Woodwork- tools. You will enjoy reading it the first time, and every ing Tools. time you go back to it to resolve a question or as a source for further research. It finishes with a section titledTall The major thrust of this bookM-WTCA.ORG is the discussion of a wide Tool Tales, which is a very enjoyable and delightful way to range of 16th to 19th Century European woodworking end an excellent book. tools, either made decoratively or that have surface applied decoration, which transforms them into folk art. Early European Decorated Tools is a ‘must have’ for all These highly functional tools were created with the extra tool collectors, as well as for everyone interested in early love and pride of craftsmanship that makes them a joy to trades, people’s art, or folk art. use and sets them apart as a testimony of their creator’s skill and dedication. They are perfect examples of the people’s art, or folk art. The Section titles give a good sense of the depth and breadth of the author’s research and of the tools discussed. A few examples of the sub-

46 The Gristmill Book Review: “The Tool Chest of Benjamin Seaton, 2nd Edition” Reviewed by Bill Kolm

The Tools and Trades History Society TATHS members and the staff of the Colo- (TATHS) along with Colonial Williamsburg nial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia. has recently published the Second Edition The Second Edition includes a consider- of The Tool Chest of Benjamin Seaton. able amount of new information discovered during further extensive research on the The Benjamin Seaton Tool Chest now in the chest and the tools. Chapter 11 includes a Guildhall Museum, Rochester, Kent is the description of the making of a replica chest finest and most complete surviving exam- for Colonial Williamsburg. Chapter 12 lists ple of an 18th Century cabinet-makers kit the construction drawings for the replica in Britain, if not in the world. It is of huge chest. Many more pleasant surprises await significance to anyone interested in the his- the reader in this 179 page 8 1/4 x 10 1/2 inch tory of tools and the woodworking trades. interesting book. The tools which are generally in little used condition, were bought in 1796 by Joseph The Tool Chest of Benjamin Seaton was re- Seaton, cabinet-maker of Chatham, Kent for his 21 year old leased in March 2012 and is available for purchase through son Benjamin. They were supplied by Christopher Gabriel Astragal Press by visiting the web at www.astragalpress.com and Sons, a leading tool dealer and plane-maker of Banner or by calling (866) 543-3045. Al Krysan, President of Finney Street, London. Benjamin made a fine tool chest for his new Company, shared: “We are excited to be the North American tools and recorded their cost in an inventory which survives seller of the Second Edition of The Tool Chest of Benjamin with the chest. Seaton. Astragal Press collaborated with the late Roy Arnold, Jane Rees, and Mark Rees in 1997 to publish and distribute Originally published in 1994, the book is an in depth study Christopher Gabriel and the Tool Trade in 18th Century of the chest and its tools. The First Edition was written by London. This much anticipated new book will now offer a a group of members of TATHS. This Second Edition with companion title to Christopher Gabriel and help complete more than twice the number of pages was written by both the story of The Tool Chest ... “

Tool Family Trees by Bob Roger “Answers on page 58”

Figure 1 shows four members of a family of pliers. Two of pointing to the family to which they belong. The other two the members are common and should give you a good clue members are not as common. Can you guess the family?

M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 1. Four Members of a Plier Family

September 2012 47 M-WTCA Auxiliary Judi’s Jottings by Judi Heckel

Asheville, NC. provided the tool group with a great fa- am already looking forward to the Davenport, IA. Meeting cility and wonderful weather. The Fields and the Hobbs and hopefully some cool Fall weather. Susan Witzel and should be congratulated on their outstanding choice. The her Iowa crew have some neat surprises for all of us. Plan banquet music was some of the best we have had in en- to bring something to share at the Meet & Greet Program. tertainment. Judy Gambrel satisfied the ladies’ needs for It could be a new antique shop find, a whatsit, or your lat- a fun-filled week of activities. The programs were interest craft creation. Plan to jot this down on your calendar: esting and informative in Appalachian History. Special September 26-29, read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and thanks go to Lynne McCalla for leading us in the book dis- Sweet, and bring a “Hidden Treasure” display. Hope to see cussion. We came back home to lots more June heat, but I you all there.

A Heavenly Time Was Had in Asheville by Judy Gambrel

Our Spring 2012 theme was Heavenly Handiwork and it by a short written story that describes the essence of the was appropriate because we had a heavenly experience doll, relevant to the particular doll style. She has published at a great hotel in a beautiful city. And of course, we in- a book: “Making Colorful Corn Shuck Dolls.” You can see cluded a visit to the incredible Biltmore Estate, built by Anne’s work at: http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/pag- George Vanderbilt. It is currently the largest private home es/members/member-detail.php?id=118 in America. It is also special when we have one of our own members It is our tradition to have Meet & Greet on Thursday night present a program, so we heartily welcomed Pam Howard to welcome first time attendees at a National Meet. We at our Saturday breakfast. Some 40 years ago, Pam was also have Show & Tell, which is a great way to get to know given her first loom and became a master weaver. She is each other. For some reason, this meeting was more Tell the Resident Weaver at the John C. Campbell Folk School and not as much Show. But we ladies are good at talk- in Brasstown, North Carolina. Pam is a former staff mem- ing and the room was filled with laughter. We celebrated ber of Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot magazine. She is also landmark anniversaries and births of grandchildren and an active member of the Southern Highlands Handicraft great grandchildren. Several members shared wonderful Guild, the Complex Weavers International Guild, Early travel adventures. Books and Manuscripts Study Group and the Nonah Weav- ers of Franklin, North Carolina. The Friday night program was presented Pam presented a wonderful program on the history of the by Anne Freels who settlement schools. She created a special class at the has made unique corn John C. Campbell Folk School called, The Weavings of shuck dolls since 1975. the Settlement Schools. She uses the same This class educates weav- methods to build a doll ers about the settlement as did early Americans. M-WTCA.ORGschools (1900-1950s) and What makes Anne’s their impact on Southern dolls unique is the use Appalachia. These strong of her own dyes and willed women were natural materials such taught crafts that enabled as dried herbs, shells, them to create a better feathers, charms, moss, social and economic envi- leather, twigs, seed ronment for many Appa- pods as well as old lachian families. We were pieces of fabric and fortunate to see the many handmade tatting or samples of weavings and lace. Each of Anne’s some of the tools used to dolls is accompanied Anne Freels and Her Corn Husk Dolls create them. Pam Howard

48 The Gristmill Auxilliary Displays

I’m In Heaven When I’m… By Helen Devitt first Christmas ornament---and was I ever proud of it.

I’m In Heaven When …was the approach Helen Devitt of Everything I have ever made was a “labor of love,” a learn- Ohio took when planning her display for Asheville. She ing experience, and a satisfying sense of achievement. In enjoys many types of needlework and so chose to share 1974, we were preparing to move into a new house. My some of her handiwork. Candle wicking was shown on a decorating budget was limited, and to have a needlepoint cream lace edged pillow. Cutting scherenshnitte and cross pillow meant I would have to make it myself. And so that stitching were evident in the framed wall hanging which started me down a wonderful and winding path. read “A child is a handful sometimes, a heart full at all times.” Counted cross stitch was found in her framed OSU My favorite projects are baskets created from local ma- Brutus which reads: “Thank God I’m a BUCKEYE (and not terials (oyster shells, long-needle pine, spartina, artificial some nut.)” A fair workshop and 4-H activity of creating sinew, and beeswax), watercolor paintings of places im- knit hats for cancer gals was a philanthropic project of portant to me, and quilts. My white on white whole cloth Helen’s. The futon in the family recreation room has navy quilt was a retirement project. The hand embroidered and wine decorator pillows, which Helen designed and “Old World Santa” quilt adds a nice touch at Christmas. sewed. The old needlecraft of chicken scratch was dis- “My Flower Garden” was so much fun to make because played with a navy and white gingham nativity wall hang- it is composed of scraps from my own stash as well as ing, which were gifts to her four children’s families last my friends’ stashes. I quilt because I love quilting the lay- Christmas. Up until she died, each year of Helen’s mar- ers together by hand. I am careful to refold my quilts in riage, her mom sewed sequin calendar kits for her. Helen’s different configurations every six months so they do not sister then gave Helen a kit each year to complete, so she develop “creases.” now has a collection of 54 sequin calendars. Helen’s most I use and enjoy everything I have---if only to display it at recent project is a dress that she constructed this spring. sometime during the year. Each has its own story and a Her current project, is stitching plastic craft tissue covers special memory. Many of my quilts are family pieces dat- with Ohio’s red cardinals. It will be her children’s family ing to 1893. My care suggestions are to store quilts out gift for 2012. This display truly showed lots of stitches, lots of light, refold them twice a year, and enjoy them. “Your of hours and Helen’s love of needlework. items are a mirror of your thoughts and dreams—always interesting to others.”

From Baskets to Quilts to Watercolors – A Lifetime of Arts and Crafts By Peg Davis M-WTCA.ORG The Asheville meeting in NC. reminded me of the arts and crafts that I have been creating for many years. Since both of my grandmothers and my mother enjoyed needlework and other arts, I am not surprised that this is important to Heavenly Handiwork for the Holidays me. My first memory of a craft project was when I was in By Kathy Vogt kindergarten. We collected the inside of wrappers of gum- Judi Heckel’s display showed off that she was once a --the piece that was lined with a silver foil. We made a ball teacher. Judi always has a neat, well-marked, balanced ap- of paper mache (newspaper and flour paste) and let it dry. pearance to any display she creates. She brought us right Then we removed the silver from the wrapper and covered up to the mantel by her fireplace using a picture of how the the ball. A tiny piece of red cellophane became a bow. My

September 2012 49 items presented were displayed in her home. Some plain challenges of life. One look at someone’s face and you and patterned fabric in a shade of red, green and yellow often know how they feel, and hopefully you can make beige tied everything she had made together. “There is a their day better. These sketches – by my hands- portray a stocking hung and filled for every member of my family,” range of emotions. Hope you enjoy them. Judi stated. Using gold glittery letters for the names, four of the eight stockings were displayed. A quilted wreath wall hanging, which hangs above her mantel at home, had coordinating colors and fabrics like the stockings. Those colors and fabrics were repeated in the tree skirt under- neath a small Christmas tree decorated with Santa orna- ments. We could see her love of quilting, scrap booking lettering, and showing off her grandsons, Gage and Axel. Judi has an eye for working with fabrics and colors to make them all come together marvelously.

A Picture of Pretty Pillows By Kathy Vogt

Annabel Ring brought her fourth display to our Asheville Meet. She has been sewing all her life making clothing, quilts, and pillows. Sewing 4-H projects and selling at craft sales. She found fabrics at garage sales. The key items of her display were “the beautiful birds on the fabric.” Anna- bel says “the colorful and unusual panels are hard to find at fabric shops.” Annabel had pillows of various shapes with some matching bags and wall hangings and framed Judges Choice Award pictures too. There were chickens, birds, flowers, straw- berries, a farm scene and nature scenes on her sewing EXPRESSIONS OF EMOTION projects. Annabel advises new collectors to “show and by the Hands of Judy Gambrel enjoy” your collections. She spent a great deal of time ar- By Judy Gambrel ranging her pillows when she set up her display for all of us to enjoy and to look at the beautiful scene she created The originals of these sketches were done in 1978 in with her pillows. charcoal on inexpensive sketch paper. I never had them framed and they moved from home to home in a box with my hobby supplies. I live in an 880,000 sq. ft. former hardware factory with lots of storerooms and my “stuff.” Since I moved there in 1987,M-WTCA.ORG our employees would work on different areas and moved my boxes many times. The sketches disappeared around 1990 and I found them in 2010 when I was cleaning storerooms after my husband passed away. Now they are framed and hanging on a wall in my apartment.

My late mother instilled in me a love for art in many forms. She was an amateur artist with an interest in Oriental art. Throughout my life, my main interest has been people. I have been blessed with a happy personality but understand the emotions people experience as they deal with

50 The Gristmill Heavenly Handiwork fixes the “holey” sock years, my Mom did embroidery but it was probably in her By Kathy Vogt late 1950s when she started doing crewel. When it became too hard for her to get the yarn through the cloth she Using the proper tools, Miriam Seevers can fix the “hol- changed to counted cross stitch. The birch tree piece is ey” sock pretty darn quick. This display was special to called trapunto, which is a combination of printed canvas, her because it shows off a lost skill that she still utilizes stuffed tree trunks and needle work. The English village in her frugal way. Miriam’s display featured a variety of and the Victorian house were among the later ones Mom darning eggs from her 40 plus year collection of over 100 did. She was halfway through a canvas when she died at eggs. They ranged from homemade to hand-blown, plastic 87 years old.” to silver-handled and were found mostly at antique shops. Also on her display table were the tools to use in the pro- “Dad began carving when he retired. He did a lot of cari- cess – thread, needles and a variety of scissors. Miriam cature pieces. He carved enough Santa Claus heads to showed a layout of three socks illustrating the process of decorate a Christmas tree display in the museum in my darning, easily seeing the white stitches detailed on the hometown. Dad did many plates with several different black socks. She advises new collectors to “concentrate flower motifs, several with a horse motif, and various on what you really like – it will soon take over!” Miriam others, including one with a clock face. Dad died when had two framed pictures with the sayings: “Said the shoe he was 97 years old. Up until eight years before that, he to the stocking - “I’ll put a hole in you.” and “Said the carved until arthritis made it too difficult. He matted and stocking to the shoe – “I’ll be darned if you do.” We are framed all the pieces of needlework Mom did. Together familiar with the pretty quilted jackets Miriam makes and they made quite a team. The work they did, gives me and sells at Meets. She says if she can do it on a machine she my children many good memories of them when we see will. Darning is the only handwork she does. Thanks for their work around our homes. sharing this lost skill with us.

M-WTCA Silent Salesman M-WTCA.ORGby John Walkowiak

Judges Choice Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? We have available a Silent Salesman for you to display Mom’s Handiwork and Dad’s Handicrafts at these or any other venues. They are lightweight and By Pat Feeser sturdy self-standing sign holders. They hold a small poster and a pocket that holds the tri-fold member- My display showed off my parents many talents and cre- ship brochures and are available in two sizes. It is ations. “Mom did many canvases of birds, such as the an effortless way for you to promote membership in chickadees, hummingbird, wrens and cardinals. My three M-WTCA. You can contact me at JohnWalkowiak@ children received many bird pieces as Christmas pres- comcast.net ents.” The “Backdoor Friends” counted cross stitch hangs by my back door in the enclosed porch. “In her younger

September 2012 51 What’s It by Rob Hartmann

The tools from the Asheville National Meet What’s It Pro- gram can be seen on the M-WTCA site, in the Main Menu. Click on “What’s It” then Asheville Meet What’s Its.

For more information, larger images, additional photos, more what’s its, and answers, please check out the new

Fig. 148-1 8” long

Fig. 148-2 5” long M-WTCA.ORG

What’s It page at the M-WTCA web site, go to http://www. mwtca.org/ and then in the Main Menu click on “What’s It”.

Please send your items, answers, and comments to: Rob Hartmann 55 Heffron Ct. #9 Fairfield, Ohio 45014. E-mail: [email protected]

Fig. 148-3 10” long: turning the wood handle causes the business end to rotate back and forth

Fig. 148-4

52 The Gristmill Demo Charge Computing Tape by Henry Lokke

As a M-WTCA member I came upon an interesting measur- The demo charge computing tape is used in conjunction ing tape marked Walsco 380 US. It is two push pull tapes with an engineer demolition card or the old Field Manual fastened together and marked with many strange markings 5-34 (Engineer Field Data). As the user pulls out one of inside and out. I was able to locate information about the the two steel tape measures from the tool body you notice tape which was made for military use. markings in strange increments that do not make sense to the civilian user. A military engineer would convert the A military form FM 5-25 dated May 1967 in Chapter 1 under measurements into the data needed to calculate exactly Demolition accessories and Firing Devices how much explosives to use to do the I found the following entry: Computing task: cut a tree, cut a steel bridge girder Tape. The demolition charge computing or blow a wall down. The body of the tool will also have a few markings on it for measuring various other things.

The question is, did these tapes actually work as advertised? Did the military discover a problem with the calculations on the tapes? Apparently there was an issue, hence the change in the military form, FM 5-25 from 5-FEB-71. On page 38 of the form it lists a Computing Tape with this description: Some demolition sets (para 1-58) contain a computing tape. The values on this tape are erroneous and the tape should not be used. tape provides a rapid method of calculating the weight of If anyone had the pleasure to use this tape during your TNT (in pounds) needed to carry on a demolition project. It service to our country, please contact the editor to verify if combines in an abbreviated form most of the formulas and military form FM 5-25 was correct in the assuming the val- tables provided in this text. The assembly consists of two ues on the tape were erroneous making it useless. Were 6-foot flexible steel spring retractable tapes in joined metal these tapes functional or just a interesting paper weight? housings. The two tapes have a total of five markings. A The photos show the various markings on the tapes. rigid embossed scale is mounted on one side of the housing.

(1) First tape (breaching and pressure scales). The upper side of this tape indicates the pounds of TNT required to breach concrete, masonry, timber or earthen walls, making allowances for the tamping and placement of charges. The weight is read directly to the right of the mark that indicates the thickness of the wall of obstacle. The lower side of the tape has information on breaching concrete beams, roadways, and bridge spans. It is used to measure the thickness of the target or element. The weight of the charge may be read directly from the tape without consideration of the actual dimensionsM-WTCA.ORG of the target. (2) Second tape (steel- and timber-cutting scales). This tape contains the requirements for cutting steel and timber construction materials. One side shows the weight of TNT needed for cutting timer for both internal and exter- nal placement. The reverse side has a rule for the calculations of the cross-sectional area of steel members and also the formulas for cutting steel.

(3) Bar and rod-cutting scale. The small scale on the exteri- or of the case is used for making calculations for the cutting of rods, bars, chains, and cables. The number of pounds of TNT needed for cutting is read directly from the scale.

September 2012 53 M-WTCA.ORG

54 The Gristmill

PUBLIC ESTATE AUCTION 1216 COLLEGE HILL PLEASANT HILL, MISSOURI JIM HAMMONTREE SEPT. 15, 2012 10:00 AM STANLEY TOOL COLLECTION: GAGES, HAMMERS, BRACES, VISES, SAWS, PLANES, SPOKE SHAVES, LEVELS, SQUARES, BEVELS, RULES, TAPES, SCREWSDRIVERS, STANLEY DEFIANCE TOOLS, MISC. STANLEY TOOLS, STANLEY PAMPHLETS, BOOKS AND PLANS. STATIONARY MACHINE TOOLS: RADIAL ARM SAW, MISC. ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS, SCROLL SAW, SURFACE PLANER, SANDING STATION, TABLE SAW, BAND SAW, MITER SAW, JOINTER PLANER, J. SPINDLE SANDER, DRILL PRESSES, AIR COMPRESSOR, GRINDERS. PORTABLE ELECTRIC TOOLS: DRILLS, SABER/JIG SAWS, RECIPROCATING SAWS, ELECTRIC HAND PLANER, PLATE JOINTER, SKILL SAWS, HAND GRINDER, ROUTERS, MISC. ROUTER, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES, SANDERS, WOOD BURNING HEAT TOOL, HOBBY GRINDER/DERMAL TOOL, BRANDING IRON, ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW HAND TOOLS: HAMMERS, (ALL SIZES), CHISELS, SCREW DRIVERS, CLAMPS, HAND SAWS, HAND PLANES, BRACES & BITS DRILLS, WRENCHES, BOX & OPEN END, DOUBLE BOX END, DOUBLE OPEN END, ADJUSTABLE WRENCHES, PIPE SOCKET WRENCHES, ALLEN WRENCHES, TAPS & DIES, MISC. TOOLS & ACCESSORIES, SPECIAL ANTIQUE COLLECTABLES, OTHER OLD TOOLS FROM THE PAST WOOD CARVING TOOLS, WOODCARVING BENCH, KNIVES, CHISELS, MISC. COBBLER TOOLS DRAWING & LAYOUT TOOLS: SCALES & RULES, SOLID OAK DRAWING TABLE 24 x 36”, DRAWING AIDS, SURVEYING EQUIPMENT, ENGINEERING/DRAFTING OFFICE AIDS BLACKSMITHING TOOLS: 70# ANVIL, PORTABLE FORGE W/PUMP HANDLE, METAL WORK, BENCH 39”, BLOWER, LEG VISE, LARGE STATIONARY W/CRANK HANDLE, TONGS SHEETMETAL WORKING TOOLS: SNIPS, NIBBLERS, VISE-‐GRIPS, RIVETING HAMMERS, POP RIVET GUNS, WHITNEY PUNCH #5 W/ACCESSORIES

THIS IS JUST A PARTIAL LISTING OF JIM’S WOODWORKING TOOLS & ACCESSORIES. THERE ARE MANY ANTIQUE TOOLS AND INCLUDED IN THIS AUCTION ARE: BOOKS ON WOODWORKING, OLD COMMERCIAL COFFEE GRINDER, CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN, KETTLE, FISHING TACKLE, VINTAGE FLY RODS, SCOUT MEMORBILIA, CAMPING GEAR, STAMP COLLECTION AND MANY, MANY OTHER ITEMS. CALL OR EMAIL FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF THESE ITEMS. MER-‐JOY AUCTION SERVICES STRASBURG, MO 64090 816-‐865-‐3335 Office/fax Auctioneer Merle Gates [email protected] www.merjoy.com

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September 2012 57 M-W TCA Gristmill 1 col. x 5” June 2011

Timeless Tools & Treasures Collector and functional tools for woodworking and other traditional trades. Shop online at TimelessToolsandTreasures.com or visit our new store at 146 Francestown Rd, Bennington, NH [email protected] 603-588-2637

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Tool Family Trees - Answer from page 47 by Bob Roger

Parallel-Jaw Pliers Bernard then received patent # 488,785 on December 27, 1892 for If you guessed ‘patented by Ber- adding a belt punch (different de- nard’ you would be very close but sign from his 1890 punch) and a not correct. This family consists belt cutter to his parallel-jaw pliers. of pliers whose jaw faces remain Figure 2. Examples in Open Position Item C is an example of that patent parallel all the time whether open but was made by the Singer Manufacturing Co. (SIMANCO) for or closed. Figure 2 shows the examples in the open position. their sewing machine belts. I do not know if they had an agree- Many of the pliers in this family have been patented, in- ment with Bernard or just waited until the patent expired. cluding the four examples in Figure 2. Item D is the earli- But Bernard was not finished with parallel-jaw pliers. On est of the examples and theM-WTCA.ORG hardest to find. It is Morrill’s September 25, 1894 he received #526,480 for adding a side January 25, 1887 patent # 356,492. One arm is stamped PAT cutter of different design to his basic pliers. On November APL’D FOR and the other arm is stamped PAT JAN 25 87. 4, 1913 (#1,077,789) he added an end cutter to his side cut- Many of the patents for this family were issued to Bernard, ter, and that patent was reissued (RE13,657) on December and his examples were manufactured by the W. Schollhorn 16, 1913. Then on November 28, 1916 (#1,206,198) he im- Co. of New Haven, CT. He began with his basic parallel-jaw proved his 1892 and 1913 patents by adding an adjustment plier patent #427,220 on May 6, 1890. On the same day he for wear to his side cutter. was also issued #427,487 for adding a belt punch to his pli- So if someone asks you if you have any Bernard parallel- ers. On July 19, 1892 he was issued #479,113 for his pliers jaw pliers, ask which patent. And if you have Morrill’s pat- with a side cutter attached. Example A is that patent and ent parallel-jaw pliers for sale, you probably should double is marked with both the basic 1890 and cutter-added 1892 what you were asking. Perhaps one of our plier collectors dates. Example B is a copy of A but made by Sargent & Co. can provide some additional examples of parallel-jaw pliers. after Bernard’s patents expired.

58 The Gristmill Marketplace Wanted

Wanted: Winchester items, tools, sporting goods or advertising. No The Wild Wild West, Scissors & Snippets, firearms. Collections or pieces OK. Please advise price and condition. History of Scissors to the David McDonald, 14211 Kellywood Rocky Mountain Tool 1900s and a Little Beyond Lane, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 558- Collectors, by Grace Jenkins Goss. 5236 [email protected] And Southwest Tool Collectors Annual tool show and auction st nd Looking for Gabriel planes and September 1 and 2 , 2012 To order your copy, Kenyon saws. Let me know what you In historic Golden Colorado. please mail a check have. John Walkowiak 612- 824-0785 At the Table Mountain Inn [email protected] 1310 Washington Ave, or money order to: Golden, CO. 80401 Fran Goss PO Box 113 FOR SALE: Clinton Holdsclaw’s (800) 762 9898 • (303) 277 collection of 2300+/- wrenches- all types, Hygiene, CO. 80533 9898 brands, vintages. Wrenches are organized phone: 303-651-2925 & photographed on CDs available from http://www.tablemountaininn.co email: [email protected] Laura Holdsclaw, 719 Dogwood Lane, Contact: Don Burd, Mooresville, NC. 28115 or 704-663-3340 303-541-9406 or Cost is $30.00 or [email protected]. Choose [email protected] plus $5.00 postage your treasures. Some are priced; some And rmtc.org “Best Offer”. First come, first serve. For more information. Delivery is responsibility of buyer.

Woodenshoe (Dutch) Rare Carving Advertising Information Tools for Sale. Full set, plus. From Americas last master carver ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES (Age 88). 262-242-1571 or email March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit June April 10 Full page, 4-color, [email protected] September July 10 (when available) $275 900 December October 10 Full page $180 900 Wanted: Any hand forged iron tool (except Half page $105 450 reaping hooks) marked I-CHRIST or CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 D.Christ. Laurent Torno 7111 Waterman $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63130 BTorno@ $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4” wide.) charter.net Tel/Fax 314-721-3911 25 word limit.

Wanted: An OHIO Tool Co. Number NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, 228 Jointer Plane #8 size. Contact; that will occur during the month of The Gristmill’s publication. For example, an ad for an Dan Miller, 330-297-6344, danvera@ auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue. earthlink.net M-WTCA.ORG* For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2” wide X 4 7/8” tall. Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge.

For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and double-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly.

Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertising will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and membership application, contact John Walkowiak or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication.

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

September 2012 59 41st International Antique Tool Sale & Auction November 2 & 3, 2012 RADISSON INN, CAMP HILL, PA

THE TOOL SALE on Friday is a tradition that has been part of the Brown Auc- tion for more than 25 years. We anticipate about 70 dealers filling nearly 95 tables with fine tools. This show is always a hit. Open 1 PM to 6 PM on Friday, Novem- ber 2, 2012. No show on Saturday. THE AUCTION on Saturday features, Stanley Miller’s 50 plow plane, W. L. Ep- person fillister plane, Chelsea pencil pointer, Ohio center wheel plow plane with six ivory tips and a No. 1 size plane. Stanley boxed items including a No. 1. Nice collection of ell spears. Union No 44 beading plane and other Unions in the box. Large selection of decorated axes and edge tools. Patented planes include Traut, Bailey, Chaplin, Miller, Phillips, Rust, Mayo, Carpenter, Standard Rule, Ohio, Sar- gent, Morris, and many others. Large selection of Stanley tools. Bed Rocks. Nich- olson and many other 18th century makers. Gauges, squares, levels, and many other rare and unusual layout tools. Boxwood and ivory rules. Nice selection of log rules and calipers. Chisels and slicks. Tool chests, workbenches including a great child’s size. Advertising and point of sale items. And, as always, a good selection of high-quality box lots. Over 750 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves. LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #41 mails mid-September. All tools fully described and fairly graded with estimates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auction. All items illustrated in full color. Absentee bidding available. ORDER BOTH 2012 CATALOGS. The 40th and 41st International Auctions. Still only $50 US & Canada, $60 US$ for Overseas Airmail. Prices Realized promptly after auction. 40th catalog mails when ordered and the 41st on Sept. 21, 2012 To reserve your copy, call, write, email, or fax us today at: Brown Tool Auctions 27 Fickett Road Pownal, ME 04069 1 (800) 248-8114 Fax (207) 688-4831

Please send ______Catalog(s) for the 41st International Antique Tool Auction on November 3, 2012. $28 US & Canada. $34 US for Overseas Airmail. Includes Prices Realized. Order both ______2012 Auction Catalogs. $50 US & Canada. $60 US for Overseas Airmail. Includes Prices Realized. Visa/Mastercard No. ______M-WTCA.ORGExp. Date: Signature: Phone: Name: Address: City: State: Zip:

Brown Tool Auctions 27 Fickett Road, Pownal, ME 04069 PHONE: (800) 248-8114 FAX: (207) 688-4831 Order a catalog online now or view items after September 21 at www.FineToolJ.com

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