Milwaukee Meeting page 4 Area Meets page 8 Committee Reports page 10 Siegley Bench Planes page 14 Quimby S. Backus: Part 2 page 24 Collection Spotlight page 28 Jackson Gorham #37 page 30 A Pubrcation of the Mid-West Collectors Association M-WTCA Auxiliary page 36 What's It page 41

M-WTCA.ORG

Siegley Iron Bench Plane Type Study begins on page 14

September 2007 No. 128 Chaff From The President Thanks to our Secretary, previously Tom Lamond and now This is my last Chaff article and I want John Walkowiak, who records the meetings of the Board of to thank all of the many people whose Directors and the Executive Committee. It takes many dedication and hard work make M-WTCA Committees to perform all our functions, and they are all run smoothly and the President's job easy. very important. My Thanks to Phil Baker for the great job In the process, I can remind you of what it he does managing the Preservation and Education takes to keep our association functioning, Committee, to Don Bosse who created our website and is in and you can give your own personal thanks the process of reevaluating and adjusting it to reflect our to the appropriate parties. image going forward, and to John Walkowiak and now Bob Valich for our very popular and educational display program. The two most important and labor intensive jobs in M-WTCA are the Editor of The Gristmill and the Treasurer. To David Thanks also to Jim Conover who manages our annual Heckel and his daughter Karen my most sincere thanks Special Publication, and to Jim Mau and now Ron White for for doing an outstanding job, The Gristmill gets even a very successful "What's It" program. Thanks too to Willie better with every issue. To LeRoy Witzel thanks for doing Royal and his Nominating Committee for finding the best a brilliant job of managing our financial affairs. people to carry us forward into 2008, and to Ray Nissen and his committee for recently updating the By Laws and Tons of thanks to Doug Cox, VP Meeting Planning, for 3P's. Special thanks to Ron Pearson and his committee, for finding sites and hosts for our Semi-Annual meetings, and their unwavering judgment in selecting qualified recipients thanks also to all of the people who host and help at the for the Marion Henley Award. Thanks to Mel Ring who not Semi-Annual and over forty Area Meetings we hold ever only heads up our Long Range Planning Committee, but year. Thanks to Ed Hobbs, VP Membership, for the energy also manages our Endowment Fund. Many thanks to the and thoughtful planning he brings to the solution of more than fifty Directors who put on Areas meetings, recruit problems. Thanks also to George Wannamaker, VP new members, and sit on our Board to make the Elections, for his yearly search for Directors to replace those decisions and policies that govern our actions. And finally, whose terms have expired. Deepest thanks to George Elsass, thanks to all of you, the members of M-WTCA, who do VP Scholarships for upgrading our scholarship program the things that have shaped our organization into what it and making it available to a broad range of young people is today and will be in the years to come. pursuing educations in both two and four year programs. --John Wells

The Gristmill Directors

No. 128 September, 2007 Area A Matt Borders, 2008 AreaM Copyright 2007 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Hollis Feeser, 2007 Carl Bilderback, 2009 Gene Epting, 2007 Lee Osterbauer, 2008 Marlow, 2009 Ronnie Glover, 2009 All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org Eric Mattson, 2009 AreaG AreaN Editor & Advertising Manager AreaB Ray Myers, 2007 William Morgan, 2007 David E. Heckel Pete Hartmann, 2007 John Kesterson, 2008 Phil Baker, 2008 1800 McComb St. Charleston, IL 61920-3137 Bob Kloes, 2008 Dennis Eckstein, 2009 Vincent Soukup, 2009 Gary Kane, 2009 Graphic Design Karen Hammond AreaH AreaO AreaC John DeLay, 2007 Bob Valich, 2007 The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid·West Tool Collectors Association, Del Galofaro, 2007 Mark Hughes, 2008 Allan Foster, 2008 Inc. Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. Michael Slasinski, 2008 Bob Weaver, 2009 The purpose of the association is to promote the preservation, study and Jim Crammond, 2009 Areal understanding of ancient , implements and devices of farm, home, industry and Emery Goad, 2007 AreaP shop of the pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were used and AreaD David McDonald, 2008 Jack Zimmerman, 2007 the craftsmen who used them; and to share knowledge and understanding with Jim Escher, 2007 Vaughn Simmons, 2008 others, especially where it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions. Larry Bolhuis, 2008 AreaJ Donald Stark, 2008 Fred Leu, 2009 Rick Kerns, 2008 Richard Weymer II, 2009 President John Wells Joel Hodapp, 2009 1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley, CA 94708-1741 AreaE Lloyd Henley, 2009 AreaQ (510) 848-3651 Robert Green, 2007 Pat Medley, 2007 Robert Olesen, 2008 AreaK David Friday, 2008 George Wanamaker Vice-President of Elections M-WTCA.ORGGary Johnson, 2009 Bill Youart, 2007 Robert Oehman, 2009 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 Vacant, 2009 Monte Harold, 2008 (309) 836-6872 AreaR Vice-President of Meeting Planning Doug Cox AreaF AreaL Martin Donnelly, 2007 2938 Cynthiana Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324·9272 Chris Berger, 2007 Dave Fessler, 2008 Walter Karsten, 2009 (502) 863·1407 Vice-President of Membership Ed Hobbs 4417 Inwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3315 (919) 828·2754 Vice-President of Scholarship George Elsass Committee Chairman 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893 Elections George Wanamaker Directory John Walkowiak (614) 888-0591 Meeting Planning Doug Cox Preservation & Education Phil Baker Treasurer LeRoy Witzel Membership Ed Hobbs Marion Henley Award Ron Pearson P.O. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548·0355 Scholarship George Elsass Displays & Awards Bob Valich (515) 332-3649 Gristmill Editor Dave Heckel Family Assistance Don Riley Special Publications Jim Conover Internet Don Bosse Secretary John Walkowiak By·Laws and Policy Ray Nissen Address Labels Kerry McCalla 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 What's It Ron White Scrapbook Barb & Mike (612) 824-0785 Slasinski

2 The Gristmill Coming Up M-WTCA National Meetings Where to Send What

Fall, 2007 October 11-13, 2007 Springfield, MO Paul Reichert (417) 831-1425 Please note where to send what so it will Spring, 2008 June 12-14, 2008 Erie, PA Ron Pearson (814) 833-3290 reach the right person.

2007 M-WTCA Area Meetings Send changes in your address, phone number or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Area L Meet Sept. 1/2, Albuquerque, NM Dave Fessler (505) 243-4905 Kerry Mc Calla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN AreaA+B Meet Sept. 8, Genoa, WI Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, AreaD Meet Sept. 16, Cosgrove, IA Jim Escher (319) 656-3931 E-Mail [email protected] Area C Meet Sept. 22, Dearborn, MI Del Galofaro (734) 676-0997 Request The Gristmill copies from: Bill Area M+N Meet Sept. 28/29, Tifton, GA Ronnie Glover (334) 693-0057 B~ader,4183 Hominy Ridge Rd., Springfield, Area E Meet Sept. 30, Summit, IL Ashley Kennedy (847) 475-2481 OH 45502-9510, phone (937) 969-8530. Area D Meet Oct. 28, Omaha, NE Fred Leu (402) 592-1907 Pay membership dues for current year: Send Area N Meet Nov. 2/3, Micanopy, FL Vince Soukup (772) 562-0791 your check made out to M-WTCA to LeRoy Area Q Meet Nov. 3, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024 Witzel, Treasurer, P.O. Box 355 Humboldt, IA Area E Meet Nov. 4, Carlinville, IL Bob Terry (618) 377-3421 50548-0535 phone (515) 332-3649 E-Mail Area Q Meet Nov. 10, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024 [email protected] Please write RENEW and Area N Meet Nov. 17, Blountstown, FL Willard Smith (850) 674-8055 your name and address on your check. Do not use a new member application to renew an 2008 M-WTCA Area Meetings existing membership. Submit materials to The Gristmill: Send to Area N Meet Jan. 16/19, Fort Mead, FL Vince Soukup (772) 562-0791 Dave Heckel, 1800 McComb St., Charleston, AreaM Meet Feb. 1/2, Madison, GA Doug Fowler (727) 733-0781 IL 61920-3137, phone (217) 345-9112 after Area A Meet Feb. 9, Medina, MN Eric Mattson (651) 462-3955 6 p.m., E-Mail [email protected] Area F Meet Mar. 1/2, Spencer, IN Matt Borders (812) 824-9318 Obtain The Gristmill advertising or informa - Area D Meet May 4, 2008, Humboldt, IA, LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262 tion: Dave Heckel (see above) Area A+ B Meet Sept. 13/14, Rochester, MN Hollis Feeser (507) 282-3175 Obtain scholarship information: Contact George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Dates must be cleared with Jim Bramel (502) 863-1226 Worthington, OH 43085-2893, Phone (614) E-Mail: [email protected] 888-0591, E-Mail [email protected]

Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Nomination Comittee Report Financial Statement: Dec. 31 , 2006 ------Balance sheet ------Income and Expense Statement by Willie Royal ASSETS INCOME Operating Funds-NW Fed(ckg) Membership Dues 85,005 NW Federal(Ckg) 16,506 Life Membership 1,000 The Nomination Committee is pleased to nominate the NW Federal(CD) 15,786 Gristmill Advertising 7,434 NW Federal(CD) 15,909 Semi-Annual Meetings 274 following slate of officers for the office indicated for the NW Federal(CD) 15,936 Auctions 6,921 year 2007-2008. Vanguard MM 114,386 Interest Income 12,358 Accounts Receivable Donations (non-restricted) 9,408 Semi-Annual Meeting 5,250 Donations (restricted) 5,235 Restricted Funds Label Sales 247 President Scholarship 125 Directory Advertising 1,415 Ed Hobbs Endowment Fund 5,677 Areas & Auxiliary 5,271 Meeting Reserve 16,739 Total Income 134,668 Vice President - Meeting Planning Mt. Vernon Tools 231 EXPENSE Mt. Vernon Intern 1,898 Scholarships 4,048 Doug Cox Preservation & Ed. Comm 764 Mt. Vernon 3,362 Life Membership Fund 63,065 Auction Expense 5,851 M-WTCA.ORGUnrestricted Funds Gristmill 34,259 Vice President - Scholarship Board Reserve 45,000 Membership Directory 11 ,405 Adv. Levels Contri 10,033 Special Publications 15,222 George Elsass Assets held by Areas&Aux.* 34,445 Director's Quarterly Report 243 TOTAL ASSETS 361 ,760 New Members Back Copies 1,819 Vice President - Membership What's It Comm. 188 Other Comm. Exp. 2,475 John Walkowiak LIABILITIES Membership Development 1,300 Defered Revenue Dues Advertising 222 (Paid in 2006 for 2007) 58,729 Area Mailing Labels 596 Vice President - Elections Total Liabilities 68,729 Administration & Misc 1,644 George Wanamaker EQUITY Membership Database Serv. 3,919 Retained Earnings 262,851 CPA Services 315 Secretary Net current Income 40,170 Treasurer 5,965 269,949 Insurance 1,411 Larry Thorson Miscellaneous 18 Total Liabilities & Equity 321 ,681 Semi-Annual Meetings Exp. 135 Treasurer Totals Expense 94,397 LeRoy Witzel Net Income 40,1 71

September 2007 3 It Was Magic by Larry & Jeanne Thorson

The best way to describe the Spring M-WTCA meeting With ice cream in Milwaukee, "magic". The Four Points Sheraton at (frozen custard) left the Milwaukee Airport was the site of the meeting. over from the night Great accommodations, food and facilities contributed before, root beer to making the meeting a success. The weather to floats where a hot, start the meeting's tailgate session on Thursday was make that cool, fantastic. Warm sunny skies welcomed 405 members item served up at to the beginning of the trading frenzy. Soon tools the hospitality room starting disappearing from seller's tables with cash Friday night. disappearing from the buyer's wallets. That evening Clarence Blanchard, editor of the Fine Tool Journal During the meeting, tours were arranged to the provided his insights on the changing market for Reiman Publishing Company in Greendale and Stanley tools. the Fredrick Pabst Mansion. It is interesting to note that despite its ornate qualities the Pabst mans10n On Thursday evening Area B hosted an "ice cream was one of the lesser mansions of its day. social" where one could make their own ice cream sundae. However Pete Hartmann, Area B Director, Saturday featured the ever did a "slight of hand" and replaced the ice cream popular "What's It" session, with frozen custard. Suffice to say the sundaes auction and the banquet. disappeared quickly. One of the many highlights of the banquet featured the auctioneering skills of Colonel Ray Nissen. Colonel Nissen was called on to auction off a quilt made by 22 members of the Auxiliary several years ago and donated by Willie Royal with the proceeds going to the M-WTCA Endowment Fund. Colonel Nissen's skills were tested as he brought out all the tricks, including coercion in securing a winning bid of $625 On Friday tool trading moved indoors and for the quilt. Thanks Willie and Ray. viewing of 33 displays. The Men's theme was "Tools of the " giving recognition to Milwaukee's The meeting closed with the Glen Gerard and his heritage as home to a number of breweries. There magic production. Glen frequently sought out were some outstanding displays including Russ participants from the audience during his act much to Herner's miniature display of a cooper's shop. The the delight of the crowd. Auxiliary theme was "School Days" which brought back memories of one's childhood. Special thanks to Sue and Tom Lamond provided an update on ax and other edge Jerry Nelson, tool manufactures and related hardware dealers Pete Hartmann, at the men's program on FridayM-WTCA.ORG afternoon. Later that Gary Kane, evening Gary Kane provided a history of one of Jane and Dan Milwaukee's major hardware dealers, Pritzlaff. The Giese, Milo and meeting in Milwaukee also focused on the topic Arlene Fritchen of future meetings. Each attendee was provided a and Bob Kloes questionnaire in their registration packet to gain that helped make the event magical. Oh did I member insight as to what is of interest and what mention the disappearing refrigerator? Due to failed changes might be pursued in the future. In addition air conditioner the hotel moved the hospitality a brief meeting was held on Friday afternoon for room from the 5th floor to the 2nd floor. During the attendees to share their thoughts and ideas to move a refrigerator stocked with beverages and increase attendance at meetings, attract new food disappeared. Neither the refrigerator, nor its members while still accommodating the business contents were ever seen again. Not by me, other needs of the Association. members, or the hotel staff. Magic, that's what it was!

4 The Gristmill Clarence Blanchard Tom Lamond Gary Kane

Tailgating Hospitality Room Mike's Tip Jar of Planes

Displays Coopering Demonstration Trade Room M-WTCA.ORG

M-WTCA Officers Display Winners Magic Act

photos by Mike Slasinski

September 2007 5 Display Winners at Milwaukee by John Wa lkowiak

The Milwaukee meeting had the fitting display theme meetings. The variety of tools on display and the of Coopers Tools. There are not a lot of Coopers accompanying information is more than you will see Tools to be found when hunting tools, so it would be at most any museum or historical site. Special reasonable to assume they would not be found in thanks go to the judges who had a difficult task with many of our members collections. Wrong again! There all the excellent displays. Our next meeting in were 26 interesting, fantastic, and very educational Springfield MO will have "Tools That Took Us West - displays and most of them were in theme. I have said Wagon and Carriage Making" as the Display Theme, it before and I'll say it again- just seeing the Displays so check your collections and put together a display! is worth the price of admission at our Semi-Annual You and the rest of your friends will be glad you did.

Best In Theme - Russ Herner Best Out of Theme - Ron White Coopers Tools Saw Filer Patented by Elias Roth

Best One Tool Display - John Wells Most Unusual Display - Bob Nelson Stanley No. 57M-WTCA.ORG Core Box Plane Sargent #160 Series Roughing Planes

Fred Curry Best Stanley Display - George Wanamaker Peoples Choice Award - Russ Herner Stanley Fibre Board Tools Master Cooper Shop

6 The Gristmill ...... ~ • • • I • • • • ♦ • It • • It • :<-...::: --·::: ···....···.····...... ,...,~.·.·..:

Phil Baker Jim Gehring The 6" Backsaw 1820 -1890 Rule and Other Handheld Surveying Levels

Jack Devitt Coopers Tools

Wayne Gustafson Dave Heckel Thomas Worrall Patented Planes Judges Choice Stanley 55 Combination Awards Plane Rarities

Cecil Holmes Tom Lamond Sargent RaritiesM-WTCA.ORG Shaves of the Cooper

Gary Kane John Pritzlaff Hardware Co.

Laurent Torno Jr. John Walkowiak A 17th Century French Traitoire Sandusky Tool Company's Coopers Tools September 2007 7 Area Meets Area D Humboldt, IA by LeRoy Witzel

M-WTCA members from seven states gathered at the Events Center of the Humboldt County Fairgrounds on May 6, 2007. Many attend­ ing had enjoyed the auction held in the same location the day before of the Cecil The area of emphasis for this meeting was the Holmes's collection. Homemade cinnamon rolls and Miller Falls Company. Randy Roeder shared a very hot coffee hit the spot as members greeted one interesting and educational power point presentation another and began searching for new tool treasures on the history of the Miller Falls Company as well as that could be found at the 25 trade tables. the evolution of the braces made by the Company.

Twelve members arrived with displays to share with the group. Royce Winge showed many unusual Miller Falls tools among which was a Miller Falls anvil with a special hand drill mounted on it. Gary Miller's display included a Miller Falls boring machine and a mitre Fred Leu and Jim Escher, Area D directors, helped box. David Schepers brought a wooden cabinet with with What's Its identification. Almost all of the items various rare Victor and Stanley were identified, thanks to enthusiastic audience tools. Marylin Gorham shared her participation on some of the more challenging items. collection of ceramic pie birds as a display. A grouping of smaller quilts were shown by Peggy McBride. Miller Falls tools "that have paid their dues" was a display by David Christen. Bold figured rules highlighted the display M-WTCA.ORGprepared by Dave Heckel. Eight different gauge type were included in the display prepared by Carl Bilderback. John Holmes shared some of his Kelley . Cecil Holmes showed various block planes with his display. Tools in a display by Dick Kates featured Miller Falls tools which included #387 Miller Falls foot powered jig saw as well as an interesting assortment of Fret saws and coping saws Sally Leu and Peggy McBride led a session for the by Miller Falls. auxiliary ladies on quilts, quilt blocks and quilting. Jo Kates shared a 1905 Iowa quilt (from her display) At noon the local 4-H Club served everyone delicious which showed the Iowa counties. Questions were asked barbecued pork sandwiches with all the extras and answered and the session was enjoyed by all. topping it off with home-made pies and ice cream.

8 The Gristmill Area M & N Meet Coming Up by Ronnie Glover

There will be a joint meeting for Areas M and N is available at www.agrirama.com. Johnny Johnson in Tifton, Georgia this Sept 29th at Agrirama, and David King will present a program on Tools of the Georgia's Museum of and Historic Turpentine Trade and Keith Rucker will give us a Village. Registration for this meet includes full access tour of the steam-powered woodworking shop. to the Historic Village, Museum, and unlimited rides Display theme will be "My Favorite Tool." on the vintage steam-powered train. Agrirama is over 95 acres featuring a new museum plus a historic Contacts are Ronnie Glover at 334-693-0057 from 7:00- village. It includes farmsteads, a shop, s:30 CST [email protected] and Keith Rucker at steam locomotive, steam-powered woodworking 229-386-8733 after 5:00 EST [email protected]. shop, water-wheel gristmill, drug store, printing Directions are from I-75, exit 63B in Tifton, Ga go press, turpentine still, steam-powered sawmill, west on 8th Street 1/4 mile then turn right on cotton gin, one-room schoolhouse and more. A website Agrirama Drive. M-WTCA Scholarship Recipients 2007-2008 by George Elsass

We are proud to award these six men and women $1000 $1500 Awards for the year 2008-2009. Application forms Scholarships to help them pursue their Education will be available after November 1st 2007 from George in courses of their choice. At the Board of Directors Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place Worthington, OH 43085 meeting in Milwaukee it was approved to give up to six Phone (614) 888-0591 or [email protected].

Peter Thomas Christensen of Rachel Lynn Renderer of Bangor, ME will be attending Westminster, CO will be Central Maine Community attending the University of College at Auburn enrolled in Colorado in Bolder to major in Automated Technologies. Bio Chemistry.

Addison Mueller Cochrane of Matthew Ryan Shaw of DeKalb, IL will be attending Morgantown, NC will be DePaul University in Chicago. attending North Carolina to pursue a degree in Social University in Raleigh to major Policy. in Mechanical / Electrical M-WTCA.ORGEngineering.

Richard Benjamin Cole of Hayley Anne Sullivan of Addison, MI will be attending East Greenwich, RI will be Michigan State at East attending Connecticut College Lancing to major in Fishing New London to major in and Wildlife Science. Psychology.

September 2007 9 Committee Reports Membership by Ed Hobbs

I just got back from our Semi-Annual national potentially interested, kindle that interest and make meeting in Milwaukee Wisconsin. We had a great them aware of our benefits of belonging to M-WTCA. location with plenty of room, pretty weather, As members, we all have a responsibility to continue wonderful hosts, a lot of great fellowship and tool to actively seek out potential new members. If you are trading, an outstanding auxiliary program and all selling on eBay or in some other place, please include the rest of the things that make our meetings as our informational brochure that contains a member­ wonderful as they are. Driving back to Raleigh, I was ship application. (Please let me know if you need a reflecting on this and all the other great benefits supply and I will get them to you.) Demonstrating at that membership in M-WTCA provides and for the historic sites or heritage festivals is another way to life of me, I can't understand why we are still facing get exposure for M-WTCA and that also helps fulfill the challenge of keeping at least a steady level of the mission of the Preservation and Education membership. We are down about 60 members when Committee. If we all continue to put our minds to it, compared to where we were last year at this time. I am sure we can continue to find good new members and help keep M-WTCA a strong organization. Now I know we are competing for time with many, many other activities in today's fast paced society This is my last article on membership as my term but when you think about the many reasons why will be up in October. No, I am not going away and people would have an interest in antique/traditional yes, you will continue to here from me on a regular tools, it makes it even harder to understand our basis. Please continue to provide your support to our membeship challenge. From pure collecting of tools to next VP Membership and lets set a goal to increase putting them to use as woodworkers do to just plain our membership over the next few years. I am being interested in a part of what helped build confident that working together, we can make it. America, there are many facets this hobby can take. It Keep up the great work and thanks to all of you for is up to us to try and connect with people, who are what you do for M-WTCA!

Activity at Mount Vernon & Poplar Forest by Phil Baker

On Monday June 4, 2007 a meeting was held at Poplar Director and Director Collections; Carol Cadu, Forest to evaluate the metallic tools in their Curator; Christine Messing, Assistant Curator: Laura inventory, Committee member Neil Bohnert Walikainen, this years M-WTCAintern, Doug & Paula coordinated the meeting held at 9 AM. Neil arranged Cox; Neil & Grace Bohnert; Jim & Eva Bramel and to have the following group present who were Phil & Harriot Baker. A topic of discussion was the extremely knowledgeable when it ca~e to 18th and possibility of M-WTCA members demonstrating 19th century iron tools. Melvin Padge, Ken Padgett, at Mount Vernon functions (those interested ring Jim DePoy, Bob Roger, Todd Miltier, Henry Caudle, our bell). Bill Watkins donated an 18th century Herb Caudle, Doug & Paula Cox, Jim & Eva Bramel, billhook with they were exceedingly thankful to Phil & Harriot Baker. ActuallyM-WTCA.ORG some of us present receive. The new intern will be doing a study of had a great learning experience. We started off with the Gardener's Building this summer so that it may a super tour of the building by Vince Fasterbend, be restored to the Washington period. Now there is Head Restoration Craftsman. This was Jefferson's a proper 18th century billhook to be displayed as retreat from the demanding requirements that one of the gardener's tools. followed his presidency while at Monticello. And then the tools, they were numbered and I was kept busy Comments were made on our visit to Poplar Forest. recording the comments of the experts. The results The discussion ended with a request that M-WTCA are now in the hands of Travis MacDonald, Director conduct a survey of the tools in Mount Vernon's of Architectural Restoration. Neil arranged for a lunch inventory. There will be a follow up this fall to along about 1:30 and we then disbanded. determine the extent of the collection. Next spring before the Semi-Annual Meeting in Erie, PA. I plan On Wednesday June 6, 2007 we had a 9 AM meeting to have qualified people gather at Mount Vernon to at Mount Vernon. Present were Linda Ayers, Associate provide the information needed to document the tools.

10 The Gristmill Mount Vernon Intern by Linda Ayres, Associate Director, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Thank you so very much for the contribution of $3,300 We also have benefited from the expertise, from the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association in enthusiasm, and talented hands-on work of Phil support of an intern to work with the Collection Baker who, with Harriot, is a joy for all of us, and from Department this summer. Your ongoing support of the the donations of tools by numerous members of your assessment of outbuilding furnishings and the tools organization. I hope that you will have an they would have contained has been an invaluable opportunity to visit us in the future and to see our contribution and led to the refurnishing of several new facilities. We have a number of tools on display outbuildings to make them more historically accurate, in our education center, and we just opened George thus enhancing our visitor's experience. This fall, we Washington's distillery, located a few miles from should complete the furnishing of the Gardener's Mount Vernon. Please express to your membership my House, guided by the research of an M-WTCA intern. heartfelt thanks for all you do for Mount Vernon. Does Your Site Need a Grant by Phil Baker

The Board of Directors at the meeting in Milwaukee for use by the P&E Committee. This action occurred designated the Preservation & Education Committee after our Wednesday meeting. Therefore no guide­ as the body to process grant applications to aid lines have been set. Action will be taken at the Fall those sites M-WTCA members are working with. meeting in Springfield, MO. We promise to keep Funds would be drawn from the treasury designated them uncomplicated.

Helping You To Aid Your Adopted Site by Phil Baker

It is wonderful to hear the news of activities bit longer use the bit and bit brace to bore a hole, concerning Mount Vernon and Poplar Forest but your maybe two holes so you can see what happens. Another local museum is often in great need of aid too and not suggestion is to clean the back saw, make a wooden at great expense. A common mistake, I think, is to see miter box and illustrate it cutting a piece of molding. a group of tools laid out for view with proper labels but Show the hand saw in the process of cutting a board. no indication as to what they were used for and how I have found that many of the people working in the they were used. Before going further the ladies tools museums have no idea of what they are dealing seem to (more often) provide a display that gives one with. Once you get started it is only a short step to a pretty good idea of their use and purpose. It should do something with tools hung on the wall that say be remembered that to the younger generations the nothing or separate tools out in the categories in which tools that are so common to us are as foreign to them they belong. You know, have carpenters tools separate as their cell phones and computers are to many of us. from the coopers, wheelwrights, and . So let us show them what tools are designed to do. A final note. If you believe you can help a site move A couple of suggestions to get you started and then let slowly while gaining the confidence of those in your imagination takeM-WTCA.ORG over. #1 Fasten a short board charge. Involve as many M-WTCA members as you (that will plane readily) in a bench vice. #2 Clean and can to enhance your credibility. The Preservation sharpen the plane that was on display. #3 Make a & Education Committee exist to help you m any shaving and leave it for all to see. If the board were a problems that may arise. Ring our bell. Tool Program by Carl Bilderback

On May 1, a program was conducted by Carl Bilderback sess10n. Thanks to and Steve Bodnar (both retired carpenters) at the Business Representative monthly meeting of Carpenters Local #558 in Wheaton, Joe Webber and local Illinois. After a short talk about tool collecing in geneal #558 for this opportunity as a hobby, there was a very lively question & answer to promote M-WTCA.

September 2007 11 Book Review PLANE MAKERS OF WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA: JACOB SIEGLEY, EDWIN HAHN, KEYSTONE TOOL WORKS

John F. Rumpf First Edition, 124 pages, 8 ½" X 11", 2007

Available from the Author, P.O. Box 506 James Creek, PA 16657-0506 $30.00 plus $4.60 for Flat Rate Priority Mail (two books can be shipped in one envelope for the $4.60 fee)

John Rumpf has put in many hours of research on the plane makers of Wilkes-Barre PA. His new book, which is well illustrated with black & white photographs, covers the three plane makers very nicely. Jacob Siegley and his planes are covered first in much detail, from his early beginnings to the sale of the company to Stanley in 1901. Stanley Rule & Level Company then continued to market Siegley Tool Company planes until 1929.

Next the relationship between Jacob Siegley and Edward Hahn is studied. The connection between Siegley and Hahn is evident in the similarities in the planes. The Keystone Tool Works planes utilize the Siegley design and the author relates the relationship of these planes.

The Appendix has reproductions of patents, catalog pages and other memorabilia of the three plane makers. The book is soft cover, Perfect Bound, and has no dust jacket. It fills the need for the expanded information on these three Pennsylvania plane makers. A first class addition to the tool collector's bookshelf. --Dave Heckel

The Hazard Knowles Block Plane by John Wells

A Hazard Knowles cast iron Mfg. Co., circa 1840 - 1850.1 block plane, Lot 533, was offered in Martin Donnelly's Until now, the only Live Free or Die auction documented example of the at Hillsboro Center, NH, first version of this plane, June 29 - 30, 2007. This was the one that was in was a very interesting and the Tom Relahan collection historically important plane, and later sold in a Crane being the first version of the auction, September 21, 1991, earliest patented US cast for $1,000. It had simple Knowles patented block plane, iron block plane. It was broom stick handles, rather Photo courtesy of Martin J Donnelly patented by Hazard KnowlesM-WTCA.ORG than the mushroom top August 24, 1827. (restored patent No. 4859 X). Lot 533 handles seen on Lot 533 and on later examples cast opened on an absentee bid of $4180 and sold to a by the Savage Mfg. Co. bidder on the floor for $4 730. An example of the later version of the plane, cast by Typical of the first versions of Knowles cast iron Savage, with "SAVAGE" cast in the bed, and without planes, it had a round top cusp in the top edge of the cusps in the sideboards, sold at an earlier Brown the sideboard on each side of the plane. This cusp Auction No.4, November 1987, for $1,100. A similar clearly defines the top of the thin cast iron side example sold in a private transaction in the parking walls that enclose the heavy tapered receiver for the lot at a later Crane Auction. wood wedge that holds the cutter in place. It further distinguishes the early Knowles planes, ca. 1827, 1 Roger K. Smith, P-TAMPIA Vol. I, p.15, fig. 5 and Vol. II, from the later ones cast for Knowles by the Savage p.13, fig. 7.

12 The Gristmill Obituaries Robert Borkovetz

Robert Frank Borkovetz II, 83, of Abingdon, and son Robert (Paula) Wolsted of The Sturgeon Bay, passed away with his Woodlands, TX, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchil­ family at his side, Wednesday, May 9, dren. He was a licensed Professional Engineer and had 2007. He was born July 9, 1923, in retired as a Chemical Engineer. He enjoyed collecting Kewaunee, to Robert and Emma plow planes and their matching . He did a lot of (Worachek) Borkovetz. background work on which cutting irons belonged to the various planes. Both Howard and Joyce relished He graduated from Kewaunee High School June 6, the time that they spent at the M-WTCA meets. 1941. He entered into active service Jan. 15, 1946. He served with the U.S. Navy on the USS Intrepid until April 28, 1949. Sep. 24, 1949, he married Esther A. Dax Lester Yoder at St. Amand's Catholic Church in Luxemburg. He farmed in the Kewaunee area and served as the · Lester David Yoder the son of Jonas Kewaunee Farm Bureau president from 1954-1955. In and Amelia (Yoder) Yoder was born 1963, he started the construction business known as May 4, 1916 in Iowa City, Iowa. He Borkovetz Building & Supply and built homes in attended the Oakland rural school. the Manitowoc County area. The business is now oper­ On July 6, 1941 he was united in mar­ ated by his sons in Door County. In 1969, he was one of riage to Pauline Miller at the Lower the co-founders of Jellystone Campground and served Deer Creek Mennonite Church. With as vice president of that organization. In June 1971, his father, Lester founded Yoder Feed Mill near Frytown Bob was instrumental in starting the workshop for in 1934. Throughout the years the business grew to the handicapped in Door County known as Sunshine become a multi faceted agribusiness from which he House and later served on the board of directors. In retired in 1992. He served on the boards of American 1973, Bob was recognized by the Door County Chamber Feed Manufacturer, Farmers Electric, Iowa Mennonite of Commerce for outstanding service to Door County. School, Iowa Mennonite Central Committee, and the Bob was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Kalona Historical Society. He was a lifelong member of and the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association. His the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. He was also hobbies included woodworking as well as collecting active in various antique truck clubs, and wrench antique woodworking tools. collectors societies. He participated in the WMT Tractorcade for the last 6 years and was the oldest participant for the last 2 years. Lester died on Monday, Howard L. Wolsted April 23, 2007 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City from complications of a fall at the age of 90 Howard Wolsted, 83, of Abingdon IL, years. Lester was a long time member of M-WTCA & formerly of Danville IL passed away Mo. Valley Wrench Club. He was an avid wrench/tool, in August of 2005 at the home of his antique truck and car collector. Lester had a rolling daughter, Sharon Lomax. His wife trailer museum which he took to many local shows Joyce preceded him in death in and events to display the best of his unusual & odd October of 2001. He is survived by wrench collection. He truly enjoyed sharing them with his daughter, SharonM-WTCA.ORG (Larry) Lomax everyone and will be missed by everyone who knew him. M-WTCA Silent Salesman eBay by John Walkowiak by John Walkowiak

Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? We Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership have available a Silent Salesman for you to display at promotion in your listing or on your web site. This will these or any other venues. They are lightweight and be good for M-WTCA by providing the thousands of sturdy, self-standing sign holders. They hold a small eBayer's and online collectors who are looking at old poster and a pocket that holds the tri-fold membership tools and don't know about us an easy means to make brochures. They are available in 2 sizes. An effortless contact with our organization. This will also improve way for you to promote membership in M-WTCA. Just your credibility by showing your affiliation with contact me at JohnWalkowiak @comcast.net M-WTCA. It will be a Win-Win situation for everyone!

September 2007 13 Siegley Iron Bench Planes Type Study by Brian Willie

SIEGLEY ("seeglee") My interest in iron bench planes made in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania started soon after I began collecting tools. I found my first at a yard sale about ten years ago. Since I live in Northeast PA, the local interest to the body or frog casting. Typically, at least two triggered more research. I have searched eBay and examples were used to confirm a type change. The locally for the past 8 years, acquiring Siegley bench result at this time is 13 design types. Type 1 is planes and documenting information from listings significantly different in design from later types, and literature. A population of about 75 Siegley iron so Type 2 features are described in the greatest bench planes were used to develop this study. Special detail to provide a baseline for changes. As such, thanks to John Rumpf for sharing his collection and the alpha-numeric part identifiers begin at 2 for research to strengthen this effort. the Type 2 parts (e.g. LC2, FR2). For each subsequent type, only the changes from the previous type are Why study so many planes? How many Siegley planes described. Some bases for design changes are could it take to understand the changes made to a provided whether real or perceived. bench plane line that lasted only 8 years? A LOT! Siegley's iron bench plane design evolution appears to Given the compression of 13 types over 8 years, have been almost continuous from the May 1892 production dates are best estimates based on period patent application until an agreement for production advertisements and production volume studied. under Stanley was reached in 1901. Occasionally examples are found with a part such as a lever cap, knob or thumb screw from a previous The focus of this study is on the iron bench planes type until inventory was used. Dimensions may be designed and manufactured by Jacob Siegley in subject to some production variation. Wilkes-Barre, PA until 1901. It does not address any Stanley production planes of Siegley design or A type study is never really finished. There may be that use the Siegley name. I will leave the study of variations not captured by the population of planes those planes and Jacob Siegley history to the new used for this study. If you have any new information, book "PLANE MAKERS OF WILKES-BARRE, new types or corrections, I'd like to hear from you. PENNSYLVANIA: JACOBM-WTCA.ORG SIEGLEY, EDWIN Please contact the author at [email protected] HAHN, KEYSTONE TOOL WORKS' by John Rumpf. (See the book review on page 12 of this issue). TYPE 1 circa 1892 The only Type 1 In completing this study, I not only learned Siegley plane observed bench plane evolution, but gained a general by this author Siegley No. 1 appreciation for late nineteenth century product 1s a smooth Smooth Plane development and improvement. I hope you find the plane pictured in brief and rapid evolution of Siegley iron bench plane Roger K. Smith's at least half as interesting as I have. book Patented Transitional & TYPE STUDY APPROACH Metallic Planes The basis used to declare each new type was a · change in America - Vol.

14 The Gristmill 510.096. BENCH-PLANE. JACOB SIEOLEY, Wltkes-Barre, Pa. Filed May 21, 1892. Sm1a.l N~ 433.924. (No Dl()(lel)

Dec. 5, 1893

Claim.-l. A bench•plane, tihe frame or stock of which is formed Types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of a cast--iron bottom having bosses or lugs, upright steel side plates and rivets for attaching said side plates to the bosses of the bottom, • Iron adj. nut on frog longer than later types substantially as set forth. • High chip guide on throat insert 2. The combination, with the stock o~ a bench-plane b&Ting a fixed transverse rod, of a blade, a cap supported on said blade said MODELS/ SIZES cap being provided with a shoulder above the transverse rod aud set. • Only a 15" jack plane was studied. No model number screws passing through said shoulder so as to permit the adjustment is marked on the plane. Other sizes are possible but of the cap relatively to th-e blade, substantially as set forth . not studied or observed in Siegley literature. BODY II., p. 53. Please refer to that book for greater • MARKINGS: No identifying marks. details on Type 1. I focus little on this plane due how • DIMENSIONS: Body slightly longer than later different it is from later types. Given the lack of types (14 15/16" on jack plane). examples, it appears that this original design saw • SHAPE: Sides slope high and steep (about 2" high little production. Type 1 best represents the plane on jack plane). Toe and tail are more deeply rounded shown in Patent No. 510096 - Dec. 5, 1893. Jacob than later types, extending more than 1/4" past side Siegley · Wilkes· Barre, Pa. (Patent filed May 21, 1892). rails at the center. • KNOB & TOTE RECEIVERS: Simple raised lugs DISTINGUISHING FEATURES cast in body and tapped for each screw. The forward • Only type with throat adjustable by turning knob tote lug is centered 4 1/2" behind back edge of throat on • Only type with sides riveted to the base. all sizes. Knob and tote are supported by separate • Length shorter than later types (loose) nickel plated cast iron pads. Knob pad casting MODELS/ SIZES is typically hollow underneath. The tote pad casting is Only the 8 11/16" smooth plane is known to this solid and has a slight scalloped recess on the top rear. author. No model number is marked on plane.

TYPE 2. Study Baseline circa 1893

M-WTCA.ORG

All Type 2 features are described in detail to provide a baseline for describing later type changes.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES • No model No. on plane • High body side profile and lever bar Knob and Tote Support Pads for Types 2 · 5

September 2007 15 • FROG RECEIVER: Arch shaped, with one round a couple different frog castings were used for all plane head screw at base. sizes to save cost. This practice continued through type • THROAT RECEIVER (TH2): Two slightly raised 10 for frogs FR2, FR3 and FR4. A slight "step back" rectangular pads cast in front of each side of the area in casting face near side ends is where frog casting throat opening, each with a lug to receive screws. is "trimmed" to fit inside different width bodies. Receiver is completely covered by adjustable throat insert when installed. • LATERAL ADJUST: None • MOUNTING: Pinned at one point on each side about 1 7/16" above base and screwed to the frog receiver on bottom with one roundhead screw. • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN2): Brass nut, about 1 1/8" diameter by 15/16" long with 2 knurled rings around the outside diameter. Right hand thread.

Throats TH2, TH3, TH4 & TH5 • THROAT INSERT (TI2): Nickel plated cast iron. Tall chip guide, for a "straighter shaving". From plane base to top of chip guide is 15/16". Oval screw holes are enlarged on bottom for lug clearance. Fastened and adjustable by 2 roundhead screws. Throat inserts are closely fitted to each plane body, and may not fit another plane of same size and type. Iron Adjust Nuts AN2, AN3, AN4 (steel). No two are alike.

• IRON ADJ. LEVER= One piece "Y" casting, over 1/4" wide. Single tab to engage slots in back of cutting iron. • FINISH= Black japanned, except at cutting iron contact surfaces. LEVER CAP (LC2) • MARKINGS: No identifying marks. Throat Inserts T12, T13 & T14 • SHAPE: Top of neck rounded behind thumbscrew. • LEVER BAR: The lever cap adjusting screws rest Shoulders sweep down from neck to near horizontal. on this bar. Bar is 3/16" thick and set through body Recessed center inset. side rails 1 3/4" from plane base on all sizes. • CORRUGATIONS: Machined on bottom face only. All bench planes made by Siegley in Wilkes-Barre had a corrugated bottom. • FINISH= Black japanned inside surfaces. FROG (FR2) • SHAPE: Rounded "T" with arch shaped base. Only

Lever Caps LC2, LC3, LC4, LC5 & LC6 • THUMB SCREW: Brass, 7/8" diameter x 1/4" thick M-WTCA.ORGwith two knurled rings around the outside diameter. Odd steel screw size, 9/32"-20 tpi used until Type 4/5. • ADJ. SCREWS: Two pan head screws through sockets in shoulder sockets act as screw jacks on the lever bar to adjust cap height. • FINISH*: Nickel plated with black japanned inset. IRON (12) • MARKINGS: 1/2" diame­ ter circular stamp centered about 3/4" from top of iron reads "SIEGLEY'S PAT'D Frogs FR2, FR3, FR4, FR5 & FR6 DEC 5, 93."

16 The Gristmill • DIMENSIONS: 0.100" (~ 3/32") thick and 7" long • SHAPE: Turnip shaped upper with squared off (new) for all types and models. base shoulder about 1/4" from bottom. • SHAPE: Beveled 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" long on top • SIZE: 2 1/8" high, 1 3/4" wide. corners. Horizontal slots machined in back to engage • MOUNTING: Flathead screw (1/2" diameter head). adjusting lever. • WOOD/ FINISH: Hardwood (typically beech), brown stain, lacquered. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES

• It appears that lever caps for all types were produced with nickel plating and a japanned inset. Japan quality was generally poor and plating quality degraded with later type production. So it appears on some examples that there may not have been any finish. Beware of over-cleaning.

TYPE 3: Appearance Improved 1893 - 1894 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 2) • Corrugations added to top of body casting. • "Gunstock" pattern pressed in tote sides. Cutting Irons 12, 13, 14 & 15 MODELS/ SIZES • Only a 15" jack plane was studied. No model number TOTE (T2) is marked on the plane. Other sizes are possible but • SHAPE/ DESIGN: Plain sides (before "gunstock" not studied or observed in Siegley literature. pattern). Graceful long thin horn profile. BODY • CORRUGATIONS: Added to top surface of body. Grooves extend to throat opening TOTE (T3) • SHAPE/ DESIGN: "Gunstock" pattern now pressed in sides. Retains Type 2 shape and dimensions.

TYPE 4: First ''Volume" Production 1894 - 1895 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 3) • Several body casting changes. • Tote taller & horn profile thickened. • Model No. added to lever cap. • Iron adj. nut length reduced • Throat insert chip guide height reduced MODELS/ SIZES From 1896 Hammacher Schlemmer catalog and Totes T2, T3 & T4 validated by author's collection & research. No. 3: 9" smooth (9 1/4" actual) • SIZE: Approximately 4" high, 3 1/2" long at base. No. 4: 10" smooth (9 15/16" actual) • MOUNTING: Long flat head screw (1/2" dia. head) No. 8: 15" jack (14 11/16" actual) through handle and one small round head screw in toe. No. 10: 20" fore (19 1/2" actual) • WOOD/ FINISH: Hardwood (typically beech), No. 12: 24" jointer (23 1/2" actual) brown stain, lacquered. KNOB(KN2) M-WTCA.ORG

Knobs KN2, KN3 & KN4 Early Full Set

September 2007 17 BODY • Frog pinned at base instead of screwed • MARKINGS: No identifying marks on most bodies, • Softened lever cap shape however some examples of type 4 have the size No. • Several slight body dimension changes stamped twice in body casting under the tote (e.g. "8"). BODY • DIMENSIONS: Body slightly shorter due to less • SHAPE: Side profile lowered about 1/16". toe and tail extension. • SHAPE: Toe and tail less extended Gust over 1/8"). • THROAT RECEIVER (TH3): Lug diameter increased. • THROAT INSERT (TIS): Height reduced from 15/16" to 13/16" from plane base to reduce chip clogging. Lug clearances increased underneath. No. 3 Profile Changes, Type 11 over Type 7 over Type 5 • CORRUGATIONS: Top grooves now terminate before front of throat and continue on angled back • KNOB & TOTE RECEIVERS: Raised support pads face of throat. cast in body under tote and knob, eliminating the FROG separate (loose) castings. • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN3)*: Length reduced to about • LEVER BAR*: Lowered from 1 3/4" to about 1 5/8" 3/4" long. from base of body, improving cap leverage on cutting LEVER CAP (LC3) iron. • MARKINGS: Model No. added in nickel plated FROG (FR3) raised type in lever cap recess (e.g. "No. 8"). • SHAPE: Slight casting change to bottom arch and • THUMB SCREW: Slight reduction in size mounting lug. Original step back in casting face near occurs between types 4 and 7. Transitions from 7/8" to side ends eliminated (smooth). 13/16" diameter and from 1/4" to 3/16" thick. Steel • MOUNTING*: Pinned instead of screwed to the screw size reduced to 1/4"-24 during LC3 production receiver in the base of the body. Side mounting pins (Types 4 and 5). lowered 1/16" from 1 7/16" to 1 3/8" from plane base. TOTE (T4) • IRON ADJ. LEVER: "Y" casting narrowed to about • SHAPE/ DESIGN: Thicker/ shorter horn profile. 3/16" wide and second tab added to improve cutting • SIZE: Height increased to about 4 1/4" - 4 3/8" for iron engagement. all remaining types. LEVER CAP (LC4)* *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • SHAPE: Neck and shoulder shapes softened. Top • Brass iron adjusting nut diameter, knurling of neck flared instead of rounded. and thickness are inconsistent in most Types 4 - 13 • THUMB SCREW: Steel screw size 1/4"·24 for all indicating varied sources or manual machining. remaining types. Diameter varies from 1" to 1 3/16". TOTE • MOUNTING: Long screw head changed to 3/8" TYPE 5: Throat Receiver Improved 1895-1896 diameter oval head. MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 4) KNOB (KN3) • Improved throat receiver in body. • SIZE: Height reduced to about 1 7/8". Diameter • Tote moved forward 1/4". and shape remain similar. BODY • MOUNTING: Screw head changed to 3/8" diameter • MARKINGS: No identifying marks on most bodies, oval head. however some examples of Type 5 have the size No. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES stamped twice in body casting under the tote (e.g. "4"). • From Type 5 to Type 9, the body side profile and • TOTE RECEIVER: Tote moved forward 1/4" on all mounting of lever bar and frog pin are lowered. The sizes. The hand is closer to cutting edge, improving lever bar transitions from 1 3/4" to 1 15/32". The pressure and control. FrontM-WTCA.ORG tote lug now centered 4 frog mounting pins drop from 1 7/16" to 1 3/8". During 1/4" from back edge of throat. this transition, there are multiple combinations in • THROAT RECEIVER (TH4): Larger and thicker Types 6, 7 & 8. rectangular pads with a "rib" between them at edge • Examples of both LC3 and LC4 lever caps are know of throat. Forward edge of receiver now extends in Type 6. visibly in front of installed throat insert. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES TYPE 7: Model Expansion circa 1897 • One example (No. 4) known with all of Type 5 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 6) features except it has Type 6 frog FR3. • Body profile & lever bar lowered again • 3 new sizes added and 2 model numbers changed TYPE 6: Knob/ Tote Receivers circa 1896 • Throat insert chip guide height reduced MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 5) MODELS - SIZES • Knob and Tote supports cast in body No. 3: 9" smooth (9 1/4" actual)

18 The Gristmill No. 4: 10" smooth (9 15/16" actual) 1 5/16" from plane base. No. 5: 14" jack, new size *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES No. 6: 15" jack, previously No. 8 • On some later Type 8 examples, the throat was No. 8: 18" fore, new size (17 7/8" actual) modified for strength by machining about 1/16" less No. 9: 20" fore, previously No. 10 from the throat opening. Throat insert thickness was No. 10: 22" jointer, new size (21 7/8" actual) machined about 1/16" thinner to offset the narrower No. 12: 24" jointer (23 1/2" actual) throat. BODY • SHAPE: Side profile softened and lowered again TYPE 9: No Adjustable Throat circa 1898 with lever bar. MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 8) • TOTE RECEIVER: Tote moved forward in small • Adjustable throat eliminated. planes. From back edge of throat to front tote lug • Frog casting change at base. center is now 4 1/8" on No. 4 and 4" on No. 3 and No. 5. MODELS/ SIZES* • THROAT INSERT (TI4): Height reduced from No. 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 & 12: continue unchanged 13/16" to 11/16" to further reduce chip clogging. No. 7: 10" smooth, previously No. 4 • LEVER BAR: Lowered from 1 5/8" to 1 9/16" from No. 4: 9 1/2" smooth, new size (9 5/8" actual) base of body, further improving cap leverage on BODY cutting iron. • SHAPE: Side profile lowered and softened again. FROG • FROG RECEIVER: Arch shape receiver eliminated • MOUNTING: Side mounting pms at 1 3/8" or from casting to accommodate full width frog base. 1 5/16" from plane base. • THROAT (TH5): Adjustable throat eliminated. IRON (13) Reinforcing cross rib added before throat. • MARKINGS: 1/2" diameter "SIEGLEY'S PAT'D • LEVER BAR*: Lowered to 1 15/32" from base of DEC. 5, 93." stamp unchanged, but moved up closer body for all remaining types. to top of iron for Types 7 and up. FROG (FR4) • SHAPE: Longer bevels at top corners extend down • SHAPE: Frog base widened to full plane width. about 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" from top of iron for Type 7 and up. • MOUNTING: Four pins through body sides; two *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES on top (1 3/8" from base) and two near base. • A pattern makers plane based on a Siegley No. 6 LEVER CAP (LC5) was marketed around 1896 with removable beech soles • SHAPE*: The sides of the neck are straighter on that screwed though the plane base. lever cap LC5. KNOB (KN4)* TYPE 8: Toe and Tail Reinforced circa 1898 • SIZE: Diameter reduced to about 1 5/8" to 1 11/16". • SHAPE: Base is now flared instead of square shouldered. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • Examples of both KN3 and KN4 knobs found in this type as earlier knob inventory was depleted. • Either flared neck (LC4) or straight neck (LC5) lever caps may be found in Types 9 - 13. • No. 4 and No. 7 model changes are assumed to start with elimination of the adjustable throat (Type 9) since only a Type 10 was studied.

TYPE 10: Top Corrugations Removed circa 1899 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 9) M-WTCA.ORG• Top corrugations removed from body. Types 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 BODY MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 7) • CORRUGATIONS: On bottom only. Corrugations • Toe and tail reinforced removed from top face of body. However, many have • Lever bar lowered faint lines as though the form for the corrugated BODY casting was hastily altered to smooth the top surface. • TO El TAIL: Raised reinforcing ribs added to body casting across toe and tail. TYPE 11 Pin Lateral Adjust circa 1899 - 1901 • LEVER BAR*: Lowered from 1 9/16" to 11/2" from MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 10) base of body on some examples, further improving cap • First lateral adjust, "pin type". leverage on cutting iron. • Frog changed for lateral adjust FROG • Slot in cutting iron • MOUNTING: Side mounting pms at 1 3/8" or • Two piece steel iron adjust lever

September 2007 19 FROG (FR5) back of the iron. • SHAPE: Lateral adjust "head" added to top of • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN4): Some examples are made casting. Additional unique casting widths used to of steel (AN 4) instead brass. cover the size range instead of only two for FR2 - 4. IRON (15) • LATERAL ADJUST LEVER: Stamped steel lever • SHAPE: A rack of teeth are attached to back of with a pin to engage cutting iron slot. Secured to top iron with 2 flat head machine screws replacing of frog by one flat head screw. the machined teeth for height adjustment. Vertical • IRON ADJ. LEVER: Two piece (split) steel lever for slot eliminated. cutting iron replaces 1 piece cast iron lever. IRON (14) STANLEY PRODUCTION circa 1901 + • SHAPE: Vertical slot cut into left side of iron to Although this study is focused on Siegley's planes accept lateral adjust pin. made in Wilkes-Barre, it seemed appropriate to distinguish those from the later Stanley production. TYPE 12: Body Numbered circa 1900 - 1901 The major distinguishing features are: MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 11) • Bold markings are cast in the body. The tote is • Model No. added to body. flanked by "SIEGLEY" on one side and the size No. BODY (e.g. "No. 4") on the other. • MARKINGS*: Model number (e.g. "No 5") is cast • Model numbers aligned with Stanley's. in the body. On smooth planes, it is located on the • Lever cap casting is changed with a dimpled inset. toe rib before the knob facing forward. On larger planes, it is between the knob and the throat on a raised rectangular pad facing forward.

Stanley Production, No. 4

Types 12 & 13 Size No. Markings RARITY So how rare are these planes? Generally, any iron LEVER CAP (LC6) bench plane made by Jacob Siegley in Wilkes-Barre, • MARKINGS*: Model number sometimes cast in PA is relatively rare. Bench planes of Siegley design cap face, sometimes not and sometimes ground off. made in Connecticut by Stanley are more common. On LC6 has no number on cap. average, just a couple dozen Siegley manufactured *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES bench planes are sold on eBay annually (fewer than • The model No. appears on the body of Type 12 and 13 the Stanley No. 1). That's not many considering there planes and begins to disappearM-WTCA.ORG from the cap. At least are more than 75 Siegley type/size combinations. The one location had the number, and some had it on both. following rarity estimates are based on a studied population of about 75 planes and years of monitoring TYPE 13 Rack Lateral Adjust circa 1901 e-bay and auction traffic. MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 12) • Frog design change to squared shape. RARITY BY TYPE: • Lateral adjust changed to "rack" design. EXTREMELY RARE = One or two of each type studied. FROG (FR6) • Types 1, 2, 3, 9 • SHAPE: Major casting change to squared shape VERY RARE = 3 to 9 of each type studied. with "Y" shaped lateral swing area. • Types 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 • LATERAL ADJUST LEVER: Rack lateral adjust. RARE = 10 or more of each type studied. These three Instead of a pin through a slot in the iron, it uses 2 types accounted for almost 50% of studied population. raised tabs to straddle a rack of teeth screwed to the • Types 8, 10, 11

20 The Gristmill RARITY BY SIZE: REFERENCES & VERY RARE = 3 to 9 of each size studied. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • 9 1/2" medium smooth No. 4 (Types 9 - 13) 1. PATENTED TRANSITIONAL & • 14" small jack No. 5 (Types 7 - 13) METALLIC PLANES IN AMERICA • 18" small fore No. 8 (Types 7 - 13) Vol. 1 & 2 by R.K. Smith • 20" large fore No. 10 (up to Type 7), No 9 (Types 8 - 13) 2. SIEGLE¥ BLOCK, JACK, JOINER, AND • 22" small jointer No. 10 (Types 8 - 13) SMOOTH PLANES 1893 - 1920's by George Wanamaker, The Gristmill March 1989 • 24" large jointer No. 12 3. Special thanks to John F. Rumpf for RARE = 10 or more of each size studied. strengthening this study by sharing his • 9 1/4" small smooth No. 3 Siegley collection and research. • 10" large smooth No. 4, No. 7 4. Cover photo and contributing photos by • 15" large jack No. 8 (up to Type 7), No. 6 (Types 8 - 13) Frank Lauri. QUICKLOOK TYPE TABLE - SIEGLEY IRON BENCH PLANES LEVER THROAT KNOB MAJOR FEATURE/ SIZES: FROG TYPE CAP TYPE BAR INSERT HEIGHT, CHANGE Model NO.'s TYPE HEIGHT HEIGHT DIAM.

Knob 1 Sides Riveted to Base Smooth FR1 LC1 Adjusted Throat One Piece Body, 21 /16, 2 Jack FR2 LC2, Round Top 1 3/4 15/16 No Top Grooves 1 11 /16 21 /16, 3 Top Grooves Added Jack FR2 LC2, Round Top 1 3/4 15/16 1 11/16 Smooth: 3, 4 Model No. Added to Jack:8 LC3, Round Top with 2 1/16, 4 FR2 1 3/4 13/16 Lever Cap Fore: 10 Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12 Smooth: 3, 4 Adj. Throat Receiver Jack: 8 LC3, Round Top with 21 /16, 5 FR2 1 3/4 13/16 Improved Fore: 10 Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12 Smooth: 3, 4 Knob/ Tote Supports Jack: 8 LC3 or LC4, Round or 1 7/8, 6 FR3 1 5/8 13/16 Improved Fore: 10 Flare Top with Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12 Smooth: 3, 4 Body Profile & Lever Jack: 5, 6 LC4, Flare top 1 7/8, 7 FR3 1 9/16 11 /16 Bar Lowered Fore: 8, 9 with model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4 Jack: 5, 6 LC4, Flare top 1 7/8, 8 Toe/ Tail Reinforced FR3 1 1 /2 11 /16 Fore: 8, 9 with model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4, 7 Adjustable Throat Jack: 5, 6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or 1 7/8, 9 FR4 1 15/32 NIA Removed Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4, 7 TopM-WTCA.ORG Grooves Jack:5, 6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or 1 7/8, 10 FR4 1 15/32 NIA Removed Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 5/8 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4, 7 Jack: 5, 6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or 1 7/8, 11 Pin Lateral Adjust FR5 1 15/32 NIA Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 5/8 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4, 7 Model No. Added to Jack: 5, 6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or 1 7/8, 12 FR5 1 15/32 NIA Front of Body Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 9/16 Jointer: 10, 12 Smooth: 3, 4, 7 Jack:5, 6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or 1 7/8, 13 Rack Lateral Adjust FR6 1 15/32 NIA Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 9/1 6 Jointer: 10, 12

September 2007 21 Two Great Auction Weekends Nashua, New Hampshire September 21 & 22 2007 Indianapolis, Indiana October 19 & 20, 2007

Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions a Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools www.mjdtools.comM-WTCA.ORG (800) 869-0695 Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions The World's Largest Specialist Auctioneers ofAntique Hand Tool A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, Avoca, New York (800) 869-0695 · Please Plan to Join Us at Our Auctions! · www.rnjdtools.com Subscribe to our Tool Auction Catalogues for 2008 and Save! ~ Five Full Color Auction Catalogues ~ Five Listed Auctions of 901 to 1701 Lots Each ~ Six Searchable Auction Preview Photo CD Rom Disks ~ Free 55,000 Item CD Value Guide with Subscription . ~ All SEVENTEEN Publications Just $75.00 Ten Great Auctions in 2008 Open House Auction Martin J. Donnelly New York 'I • 11 Ramada Inn & Joint Tool Meeting Avoca, Indianapolis, Indiana August 1 & 2 Bill Baxter Auctioneers: Bill Baxter & Paul Wilmott Listed Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike , , I ~ ' • I Ramada Inn Indianapolis, Indiana Friday, September 26 Nashua, New Hampshire Bill Baxter Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Catalogue Auction: Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Nashua, New Hampshire Saturday, September 2 7 Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Auctioneer: Paul Wilmott Listed Auction: Ramada Inn , • I ~ ' • I Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Friday, October 17 Indianapolis, Indiana I I I 'I Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Catalogue Auction: Ramada Inn

, , I ~ ' • I Saturday, October 18 Indianapolis, Indiana Auctioneer: Bill Baxter I I I Z Albany, New York

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I I : I :. I I I , I I I I I Subscribe or 2008 ~: I :11 :,• I,'

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I' I I ' I I ' I I' I. , M-WTCA.ORG We are Committed to Expanding the Market/or Antique Tools n the past eight years we have sold nearly a half million antique tools at auction. Our extensive advertising, Internet marketing and I commitment to using technology to achieve the best results for our consignors are the reasons we are the biggest and the best. If you are planning the sale of some or all of your antique tool collection, please call for a confidential consultation Today. Martin J. Donnelly (800) 869-0695 Quimby S. Backus: Part 2 by Randy Roeder© 2007

Another Law Suit the wrench was "in public Just six weeks after the loss of the Millers Falls use or on sale for more case, the attorneys for Quimby Backus were again than two years before back in Judge John Lowell's courtroom. John E. the application of the Sinclair and his associates were suing Backus for patent." Judge Lowell infringement of D.M. Moore's patent for a ratcheting disagreed, ruling that wrench. At the time, Backus was marketing what Moore's attempts to may have been the first commercially viable interest investors in the American brace to incorporate an enclosed ratchet wrench did not translate in its design, and that ratchet was virtually into its being "on sale" identical to the one used on Moore's wrench. The and that its limited use case is especially interesting in that Moore and was not "public" and Backus had once worked in the same shop, and it is amounted to little more likely that Backus appropriated the idea. than evaluation and testing. The Backus D. M. Moore had developed his ratchet wrench in Company's use of the 1859. Manufactured for his personal use, he took it Fig. 2 Backus copy of ratchet was found to be with him as he traveled from job to job. In 1861, Moore Ratchet infringing. 2 (Fig. 2) when Moore moved to Windsor, Vermont, to join the influx of workers who signed on at Lamson, Goodnow Other Ratchets & Yale for the Samuel Colt musket project, his At the time of the Moore lawsuit, Backus was wrench accompanied him. Moore used the wrench also manufacturing tools with an exposed ratchet regularly, lent it to others when asked and made a wheel, double-pawl arrangement. The direction of duplicate for the armory tool room when it became rotation and the ratchet lock were set by means popular with his fellow workers. Proud of his of a small lever attached just beneath its spring­ wrench, Moore was known to have disassembled it to loaded pawls. In use as early as 1879, its design show others the details of its ratchet. Although he had enough commonalities with the Moore patent to preclude its continued manufacture. Inattentive observers sometimes confuse this lever-adjusted, exposed-pawl ratchet with that patented by Edgar H. Whitney in 1885. The Whitney ratchet, covered by United States Letters Patent No. 319,159, featured concealed, roller-type pawls rather than the exposed ratchet dogs seen on the 1879 Backus

Fig. 1 Moore Ratchet M-WTCA.ORGPatent Drawing did not apply for a patent until October 1, 1864, he attempted to interest investors in his design during his time at Windsor. The patent, No. 45,334, was issued that December.I (Fig. 1)

There can be little doubt that Quimby Backus found occasion to use Moore's wrench during the years that the men were co-workers at the Windsor armory and that he knew the details of its construction a decade or more before he began using a look-alike on his bit braces. The Backus attorneys challenged the validity of Moore's patent on the grounds that Fig. 3 Ratchets: Moore-Type, Lever, and Single-Pawl

24 The Gristmill ratchet. Although Whitney lived in Winchendon, Adjustable Socket Wrench and may well have been an employee of Q.S. Backus, In 1879, Quimby Backus patented an attachment for the writer has yet to see a Backus brace with the converting a bit brace to a socket wrench. The Whitney patent. (Fig. 3) drawings accompanying the published document illustrate both non-ratcheting and ratcheting versions The Backus lever-adjusted ratchet became the basis of the tool.3 The ratchet depicted is the lever­ for one of the more unusual tools that the company adjustment design used on his adapter for converting marketed-an adapter that converted a standard a standard bit brace into a ratcheting model. The bit brace into a ratcheting model. Given that wrench patent covered the design of the chuck, and its the most expensive and time-consuming part of text indicates that Backus planned to use the device on manufacturing a ratchet brace is the machining bit braces, angle borers, and tool holders. Capable of and fitting of the ratchet and chuck, the economics of handling nuts from 1/4 to 1 1/4 inches, the company's the adapter's manufacture are hard to understand. promotional material made it clear that the chuck With the efficiency and convenience of a brace with was " ... peculiarly adapted to the use of mechanics, an integral ratchet available to a worker for a blacksmiths, carriage builders, agricultural implement comparatively reasonable price, the market for manufacturers, millwrights, and in fact all braches the device must have been limited. Although the of trade where nuts and bolts are used ... "4 adapter could have been used to convert a standard breast drill into a ratcheting model, it appears Although the ratcheting version of the socket that sales were anything but robust. Adapters with wrench attachment was manufactured and sold, a post-1880 chuck have yet to be observed. (Fig. 4) its longevity is suspect as no examples with the 1881 single-pawl ratchet have been observed. The non-ratcheting attachment, with a longer production history, is more frequently seen, and braces with integral socket wrenches were developed and sold as well. Billed as "bit brace wrenches" these tools were offered in ratcheting and non-ratcheting versions in both economy (domestic hardwood) and premium (tropical wood) grades. When used to loosen a stubborn nut, a fair amount of downward Fig. 4 Backus Ratchet Adapter pressure was required if the chuck was not adjusted properly or the nut was hexagonal in shape. On November 29, 1881, Quimby Backus was issued Examples of lignam-topped brace wrenches with United States Letters Patent No. 250,047 for a bit heads broken out by users applying excessive stock ratchet with a ring shifter adjustment. The downward force are not unusual. (Fig. 6) ratchet, in use since at least August of 1880, was elegant in its simplicity and featured a single concealed pawl with a tooth on its leading edge that engaged the notches of the ratchet wheel. Three sides of the tooth were parallel, and one side was cut with a beveled face. As the ring shifter was rotated, the pawl turned with it. Depending on its position, the beveled notch allowed ratcheting to the right or left. When parallel sides were engaged in the wheel, the ratchet was locked. A single heavy duty spring provided tension for both pawl and ring shifter. The 1881 ratchetM-WTCA.ORG functioned well and stood up to hard use. It was, perhaps, the finest of the Backus tool patents. (Fig. 5) Fig. 6 Adjustable Socket Wrench and Attachment An interesting variant of the socket wrench chuck was an adapter described as an "adjustable socket angular wrench." Designed to allow a brace user to turn nuts and bolts in corners, the device differed from the Backus angular bit stock in that it was manufactured to operate at a fixed angle. The torque Fig. 5 Cross-Section: Backus generated in tightening 1 1/4 inch nuts would have Single-Pawl Ratchet played havoc with the delicate angle adjustment

September 2007 25 mechanism used for the original Backus adjustable For the most part illegible, enough text remains angular bit stock. By to indicate that the disc identifies Backus as sole 1884, if not earlier, the proprietor of his business and includes instructions casting for the angular of the operation of the ratchet. (Fig. 8) socket wrench had become the norm for The first dozen pages of the catalog document the the angular bit stock results the Backus entry into the world of indoor Fig. 7 Fixed-Angle Attachments as well, and the less- plumbing. At the time, residents of the typical useful, fixed angle tool American home bathed in water heated on a kitchen was referred to as stove and indoor toilet facilities were rare. an "improved" rather Businessmen wanting to exploit the market for a than "adjustable" convenient and comfortable bathing and toileting angular borer. (Fig. 7) experience needed to be cognizant of the fact that most housing did not contain a separate room for 1884 Catalog these purposes. One solution to the problem was In late 1884, Q.S Backus published a small thirty-two to develop wooden cabinets that contained the page catalog divided into two parts. The first nineteen necessary fixtures and could be easily installed in pages were titled Q.S. Backus' Patent Portable an existing room. By 1884, the Backus factory in Combination Cabinets and consisted of promotional Winchendon was heavily involved in the production material for bathing, washing, and toileting fixtures of "portable" plumbing cabinets. enclosed in elaborate wooden cabinets. The next thirteen pages were titled Q.S. Backus 1880 Patent Available in ash, cherry, and walnut, the plumbing Improved Boring Implements. A perusal of its cabinets presented "a neat and ornamental appearance contents reveals that, true to its title, the tool section as an article of furniture for a bedroom, sitting-room or includes only braces, adapters and brace wrenches. parlor. "6 A seventy-five gallon reservoir atop the larger The Backus adaptation of the Draper chuck is cabinets supplied water to an eighteen- gallon boiler nowhere to be seen-an obvious indication that it was that was heated by a nickel-plated kerosene stove no longer in production. The Backus boring tool and provided more than manufactory was never large, and at the time of the enough water for a publication, it employed just twelve workers.5 comfortable bath in a full­ sized tub equipped with a The boring tool section includes: ratcheting and sliding wash bowI. Models non-ratcheting braces in economy and premium with swing-out commodes grades, a bit brace extension available in three were available, as was lengths, the non-ratcheting socket wrench adapter, a water closet disguised fixed -angle versions of the angular borer and socket as a wardrobe. Of course, wrench attachments and a premium version of the the cabinets containing brace wrench. Certainly one of the most interesting these latter amenities tools pictured is the Backus brace drill. Similar to needed to be connected to Fig. 9 Cabinet with Ba th, the Millers Falls brace drill patented by Wallace "soil-pipes." (Fig. 9) Lavatory & Commoe Lyon in 1881, Backus used his 1880 chuck design and the 1881 single-pawl ratchet for his version of Shortly after the 1884 catalog was issued, Quimby the tool. Heavily nickel plated and fitted with a Backus patented two unusual bedsteads. Design lignam vitae head and rosewood sweep handle, the patent no. 16203 was issued for a Murphy-type bed, tool was visually stunning. An example owned by that when folded up to the wall looked like a fireplace the author exhibits the remnants of a paper disc mantel with a mirror hung over it. Intended for small that was glued to the insideM-WTCA.ORG surface of the drive gear. apartments, the faux fireplace was an attempted to beautify the underside of a folding bed. Not to be outdone, Backus patented an asbestos-lined bed that folded into the front of a functional fireplace just five months later.7 There is no evidence at present to indicate that either bed was manufactured.

Later operations Quimby Backus became increasingly interested in the manufacture of heating devices and in 1888 established a business in Philadelphia to produce them. The new business was demanding, and he Fig. 8 Backus Brace Drill arranged for Orlando Mason and Homer Parker to

26 The Gristmill manufacture his bit braces for him. Headquartered of the state's prohibition on the manufacture and in Winchendon, Mason and Parker continued sale of intoxicating liquors. Clement favored local making the braces in the same building that Backus option-a system of allowing town governments to had used. In 1891, Backus joined with A.D. determine whether or not alcoholic beverages would Hermance, E.A. Rowley, and J.J. Crocker to form the be sold locally. Since prohibition in Vermont was Backus Manufacturing Company in Williamsport, unevenly enforced and corruption was evident, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The new company public sentiment was moving in the direction of the manufactured a steam radiators, mantels, tiles, fire "wets." Clement hoped to capitalize on it. A bit of a places and gas logs. By 1892, sixty workers were renegade, the well-to-do newspaper owner challenged employed at the site. The financing and sales end of established party leaders in a divisive bid to win the the Backus bit brace operation was folded into nomination for the governorship. Though his effort the business, although the production of the boring failed, the popularity of his position on local option tools remained with Mason & Parker in Winchendon. led to the election of a number of his supporters. Quimby Backus, a member of the Local Option In 1900, Backus moved his successful heater operation Committee, was among them. 8 to his childhood home-Brandon, Vermont. There he established a plant and foundry that employed Six years later, Backus abandoned the Grand sixty-five workers on a five-acre site. The business, Old Party to run for Vermont state governor on now known as the Q.S. Backus Company, had branch the Independence League ticket. A brainchild of offices in Philadelphia, New York, Boston and San yellow journalist William Randolph Hearst, the Francisco; dealerships were scattered across the Independence League was a reform party that country. Fred Ellsworth Backus, Quimby's only son, attracted a good deal of attention during the early managed the plant. The elder Backus was responsible years of the twentieth century. Hearst hoped to for the sales operation and financial management. parlay his leadership of the organization into the governorship of New York-and eventually the The Williamsport and Rutland businesses were presidency-by capitalizing on the favorable publicity responsible for the manufacture of a number of small given him by his national newspaper syndicate. S-shaped combination wrenches on which the word Unfortunately for Quimby Backus, the Independence "Backus" is cast. Examples include wrenches marked League imploded in 1908, and his candidacy for the Backus Mfg. Co., Williamsport, Penn.; Q.S Backus governorship attracted just 2.1 percent of the votes. Co., Brandon, Vt.; and Backus, Brandon, Vt. The wrenches vary little in size, and it unlikely that they Quimby Silas Backus died at Brandon on December were ever offered to the general hardware trade but 29, 1912. He had been ill for some time. The were manufactured instead to open valves and cocks heater business he had established had failed, and on heating devices. Those simply marked "Backus" its factory was sold to satisfy creditors just a month may post-date the departure of the elder Backus earlier. His son, Frederick, and a group of investors from active participation in the business. (Fig. 10) re-established the business several weeks after the funeral. They named their business the Backus Heater Company.9 Fred Backus left the operation shortly afterward.

L Thurston, Benjamin F. John E. Sinclair, et al. vs. Quimby S. Backus: Notes on the Closing Argument for the Defendant. Providence: [s.n.J , 1879. 2- United States Patent Office. Official Gazette. June 29, 1880. p. 205-206. 3. United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 216,776. M-WTCA.ORG4 - Advertisement. Carpentry and Building. August, 1880. 5. The catalog, housed in the Minnesota Historical Society, consists of 32 consecutively numbered pages without a unify­ ing title page or cover. 6. United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 275,011. 7- United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 233,504. 8. Green, Mason A. Nineteen-Two in Vermont: the Fight for Fig. 10 Backus Combination Wrenches Local Option, Ten Years After. Rutland, Vt. : Marble City Press, 1912. p. 49, 97,179. Q.S. Backus was a Republican at the time of his 9- "The Backus Heater Company." Merchant Plumber and election to the Vermont Senate in 1902. His party had Fitter. Feb. 10, 1913. p. 134. dominated the state's political landscape for decades. Backus affiliated himself with Percival Clement, the There was an error in part one. The Fig. 6 caption for publisher of the Rutland Herald and an opponent two of the chucks was transposed. --Author

September 2007 27 COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT by Dave Heckel

Cecil Holmes began collecting tools in 1994 when his brother Jack, a M-WTCA member, got him started. Cecil began to collect Starrett machinist tools because he was already using them in his business. His metal fabrica­ tion business used machinist tools and levels, so he started collecting those tools with which he was already familiar.

One of the first ideas that Cecil had was to make rotating steel racks to hold the various lengths of cast iron levels. Needing something very stout to hold the weight, he welded pyramidal steel racks to display the levels. Then as more types of tools were added, Cecil made other rotating stands, folding panels for wrenches that store in a small amount of wall space, and rotating racks that hold tools so that they came be seen on all four sides of the racks.

He early on decided not to collect any tool that he could not display. The basement display area is a tool collector's dream. There are micrometers, dividers, , and other astounding machinist tools in the shallow drawers of an old printer's cabinet. Cecil has added Sargent planes, Miller Patent planes, block planes, breast drills, and odd adjustable wrenches to his vast collection. All of these tools are displayed in groups that relate to different trades and uses.

Cecil related that the usual reaction from both tool collectors and non-collectors alike, is when they get to the last step and then see the collection, they all say WOW! It is interesting to note that when collectors see the tools, they immediately head for the display where their interest lies. "Tools aren't fun if you can't show them to people and have aM-WTCA.ORG lot of fun doing it," said Cecil.

28 The Gristmill M-WTCA.ORG

September 2007 29 Unusual Jackson Gorham #37 Hand Saw by Henry Caudle photos by Dennis Fisher H, OISSTON. Saw and Square. No. 27,354, Patemed March 6, 1860. This 1s a very unusual #37 are a March 6, 1860 patent of Jackson Gorham hand saw. To my Disston's. The "tapered pin screws knowledge, no one has ever seen and nuts' were used for a short another on like it, or even any while in the early 1860s and then ® advertised for sale in any Disston I dropped. The unusual "plumb catalogs. Is this a prototype #37 level" brass plate cover placement combination hand saw made before .7l is entirely different from the the manufacture of Disston's famous Disston #43 model combination (1875) #43 model combination saws. This #37 plumb-level brass saws? I believe that this saw was plate could not have been taken made by Diss ton for Jackson from a Disston #43. If you remove Gorham before Disston acquired all this plate and place it on the rights to manufacture and sell ---t) something like a Disston #43, the saws having the Gorham patent, writing would be upside down. sometime after 1860. If anyone has seen and other saw like this one, or have any informa - The unusual "tapered pin saw/nuts" tion about it, please contact me.

Patent papers dated March 6, 1860 No. 27, 354 for the "tapered pin saw/nuts"

The "tapered pin saw/nuts" The Pat. 6th March 1860 for the The Disston & Morris plumb (about a 3/8" piece of wood "tapered pin saw/ nuts" used for a short while and level vial plate Patented missing from bottom of handle). in the early 1860s and then dropped. May 25, 1858. This plate is very unusual because it is placed backwards compared to the one M-WTCA.ORGon a Disston #43 hand saw.

0, 11 ,,11,r 1•,1 ,, 111 ,1,1« 11 1~()0 I OH I \l'I tHll!'.( HI W" ,1 1"-

Jackson Gorham #37 Pat. May 12th 1856 Warranted Cast Steel

30 The Gristmill DAVID STANLEY AUCTIONS

50th INTERNATIONAL AUCTION approx 1500 Lots of Quality Antique Woodworking and Allied Trades Tools on SATURDAY, MARCH 29th 2007 At the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Bardon, Leics, at 10.30am

To include

• A good selection of Stanley and Preston planes and tools. • Austrian goosewing axes plus many French, Dutch and other European tools. • Many planes by Spiers, Norris, Mathieson, Marples, Holtzapffel etc. • Early and important ivory and boxwood rules. • A large selection of decorative levels and unusual plumb bobs, sets • Fine quality chariot and other metal planes. of carving tools, chisels and gouges. • Many wide and complex moulders. • Early dated planes and others by Wooding, Phillipson, Perdew etc. • Early miniature boxwood and brass planes.

The entire catalog of 1500 lots available ON-LINE 3 weeks prior with full absentee bidding instructions at: M-WTCA.ORGwww.the-saleroom.com

Also fully illustrated colour catalog includes estimated prices, condition coding, postal bidding instructions & prices realised list after the sale.

Still only $32 from The Mechanicks Workbench, P.O. Box 420, Marion, Mass. 02738 USA. USA Tel: (508) 748-1680 E-mail: [email protected] or Australia and New Zealand for £24 from David Stanley Auctions, Osgathorpe, Leics. LE12 9SR England from Australia Tel: 00-11-44-1530 222320 New Zealand Tel: 00-44-1530 222320

E-mail [email protected] quoting your mailing address and credit card details. Kansas Patented Plane Oiler Discovered in Oklahoma by Mike Urness photos by Tim Hoss

While attending the that, when depressed, recent S-WTCA tool allows a few drops of show in Tulsa Oklahoma, oil to be released through I had the good fortune a small hole in the to spend a few hours bed directly below the visiting with Tim Hoss, knob. The knob/oiler is the show's host. The threaded on the inside day before the show at its base and so is the started, Tim took me to outer portion of the boss his house to show me the that is cast into the bed progress being made on of the plane. The knob its remodeling. screws onto the outer threads on the boss. After walking thru the house, we retired to the garage where Tim's tools are temporarily being After arriving back at the hotel, I logged onto housed. In one of the totes of planes was an Ohio [http://www.google.com/patents] the new Google Tool Co. No. 04 smooth plane that has a brass patent site and typed in "wood, plane, oiler." Up front knob. It didn't look like anything special. In came several patents, the first being an 1891 fact it is a plane that I and many other tool collectors patent for a plane oiler by a man named Oliver might have walked past if we had seen it on a table Longval, of Worcester, Massachusetts. This wasn't at a tool show. It seemed the brass knob was an it. I then tried the words "plane, oiler, knob" and owner-made replacement for the wooden original, up came another list. The second patent shown was but it turns out to be a rare and perhaps unique the one I was looking for. patented plane oiler. Tim recalled buying the plane for $12 at a flea market in Tulsa about 12 years ago. The patent of the oiler on Tim's plane is No. 940,324. It was issued to David James, of Coffeyville, Kansas There is what appears to be a normal screw on top on November 16, 1909 for what he called an of this knob, but it is actually a spring-loaded plunger "OIL-CUP FOR PLANES."

M-WTCA.ORG

32 The Gristmill Shortly after buying it, Tim took the oiler apart of New York, New York and David James, of and studied the valve mechanism in it. Later he Coffeyville, Kansas or the plane's former owner Wm. purchased and took apart a Schrader air pressure Schrader are almost certainly nonexistent. gauge and he noticed a similarity between the two valve designs. He now owns 30 or more different air Between 1892 and 1909 David James invented or gauges. Coincidentally, the plane the oiler came on has co-invented 10 items with the plane oiler being the name Wm. Schrader engraved into the left side. the last. He was granted other patents for the following items: register for grain measures It is possible that David James owned one of (#4 73,465), grain weigher (#485,632), attachment Schrader's tire pressure gauges and used it's valve for thrashing-machines (#490,075), grain door for design as an inspiration for his oil-cup design, [railroad] cars (#714, 705), vending machine however, the name on the side of the plane and (#738,685), coin controlled operating mechanism any direct association between George H.F. Schrader, (#764,056), and two for gates (#862,167 & #934,814).

Saw Etchings by Carl BIiderback

If you have a saw with an etching that is visible only area of the etching. After it is dry use 600 wet or dry when it is held in the light at a certain angle, here sand paper on a hard block to remove the bluing is a way to improve the etching. from the surface of the saw blade. Use the paper dry and all the bluing will come off the surface of the Get some paste type gun bluing and rub it over the blade leaving only that which is below the surface.

Planning an Auction or Sale? Favorite Tool or Tool Anecdote

For best results, place your advertisement or auction Everyone has a favorite tool or an anecdote about listing in The Gristmill, where you will find fellow a tool in his or her collection. What's yours? Share tool collectors who are anxious to buy your tools. If a story with other tool collectors. Maybe it is a you are looking to buy or sell tools, or looking for one-of-a-kind tool that you have been hunting for information or research, check out the Marketplace, a long time, and finally found at a price that you our advertising page. M-WTCA.ORGcould, or couldn't really afford. Information and deadlines are listed in the back of Perhaps it belonged to your grandfather and has this issue, and in every issue of The Gristmill. a special meaning for you. Or was it just an oddball tool that you wouldn't think of giving up. Maybe the There is a new policy regarding advertising. The tool has a story behind it that would interest other tool Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date collectors, as well. sensitive event that will occur during the month of The Gristmill's publication. For example, an ad for an Just send a short story and a picture of the tool to Dave auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the Heckel, Editor, The Gristmill, 1800 McComb Street, March issue. Charleston, II 61920 - 3137. The deadlines for copy to reach the Editor are January 10 for the March issue, April 10 for the June issue, July 10 for the September issue, and October 10 for the December issue.

September 2007 33 Talking about Tools and Trades: Woodworking as a Metaphor for Teaching by Thomas N. Kluwin © April 2007 Teaching is a lot like working wood. You need I wanted to demonstrate 16th century woodturning, • A goal techniques, tools, and materials will have to be different. • A plan to reach that goal • And flexibility in the plan. Next question to ask yourself, what is the essential content of my trade? In green woodworking, please Most woodworking projects don't let John Alexander see this article, it seems to do not start out with an me the essential ideas are: idea like "I'm gonna make • Getting green wood out of a tree something." Rather, the • Shaping the wood • Fitting the wood together woodworker has a cursory • Keeping the project from falling apart or tearing itself goal is in mind like "I'm apart as it dries gonna make a spoon." When a tool fancier So, how does one communicate these kinds of ideas to approaches teaching about 40 or 50 squirmy fourth graders while 20 feet away, tools and their uses, he also has to have a specific goal. there is a musket firing demonstration?

The person who says I'm going to make a spoon out of Part of the answer is a principle in educational green cherry using the technique that Roy Underhill psychology that says memory span for discrete items describes in his book will tend to finish the job faster, is 7 items plus or minus 3 items. If you counted what I better, and with fewer mistakes than the person who listed above, it comes to four. If your list runs more than is just "gonna make a spoon." The same logic applies three or four bits of information you are likely to lose to teaching about tools. When you're goal is "to talk your audience. You can provide more bits of information about tools", you limit yourself to centuries of human by structuring them, but three concepts broken up into invention, a multiplicity of trades, and an infinity of three sub-topics each is asking a lot of your audience, so likely projects. focus on the high spots and the essential information. Obscure details are what you trade with the old guy who A better approach to setting your teaching goal is to tells you how his grandpa did it or the thirteen year old ask yourself quite honestly, "Why am I doing this?" You kid who hangs around afterwards to "talk shop." will be more successful if you start with a very general question and work towards more particular goals. If The next step in goal setting is going to involve consid­ I asked myself that same question, I would tend to ering some of the other priorities mentioned earlier answer in the following order... like supporting a particular living history site or giv­ • To have fun ing school kids a different perspective on learning • To be outdoors • To share what I love with others than in a classroom. For example, if the site I will • Because I believe in learning from concrete experience. work with is a nineteenth century southern planta­ tion home, my real interest in 18th century green Next question to ask is "Who am I doing this for?" woodworking will be out of place since I am a white Answering honestly, I would have to say again in order man. My choice of my skill set and interests limits me of importance ... to "frontier" settings which is fine with me, but if your • Myself first choice does not mesh with your site, then you will • To support the living historyM-WTCA.ORG site I volunteer for have to re-think what you are doing or where you • To give school kids a different perspective than want to do it. a classroom Once you have set the context for your work, you need Having done this little bit of self-examination, you to consider who your audience is likely to be. One of can begin to formulate some specific goals. The first my personal goals is to work with school kids. Yours step in goal setting is to pick what best interests and might be to talk to adult males about a common suits you. passion. Both are fine, but make sure you are meshing with the needs of the site. Some places will run 2,000 For myself, I want to have fun and be outdoors, so I opt school kids past me in less than 6 hours, but others for 18th century wood working and more specifically won't let me near the fourth graders because they don't green woodworking. This decision controls, both in the feel my demonstration fits their needs. Adjust to the sense of informs and limits, my tool chest. If I had said site needs or look for another site. I have done both.

34 The Gristmill Having defined the audience, you're back to your • It contains or reflects techniques used on different priorities and the realities of your type of audience. In scales that have other representations around the site. addition, you will be working without overheads, • Some of it can be done with minimal tools, practice, or PowerPoint presentations, or gorgeous assistants to hazard to an audience member. hold up large scale drawings. Further, you have to • All parts of the project can be completed in advance to illustrate key ideas or represent specific procedures. do this with one hand while holding a tool or a project in the other hand. Again, the solution is to limit the In the green woodworking demonstration, two number of topics you present. As I said before, three projects I have found that work well are niddy is a good number, but two is better because you can noddies and chair parts especially legs. Niddy noddies divide two into to subtopics each and cover four topics are hand reels that spinners use to stretch and without losing your audience. For example, measure wool after spinning. The object is small, 18 inches in length with arms 13 inches wide, so the "The wonderful thing about the 18th century rn green woodworking technique of riving wooden parts that everything is easily demonstrated and can be attempted by is made out wood smaller children. Since it is a spinner's tool, children is that trees are will see it elsewhere on the site. The mortise and tenon everywhere. joint that holds the arms to the handle is a classic Unfortunately, construction device and leads easily to a discussion there are two of various kinds of wood joints. Chair parts, both problems. First stick and board chairs, also lend themselves to you have to get demonstration for the very same reasons although the the wood out of size of many parts may preclude children from actually the tree and sec­ riving them out or squaring them up on a shaving horse. ond you have to put the wood You now have a plan for a project that reflects your together in the goals. Before you pass on to the third point, let me way you want it." point out that people will watch some trades, like blacksmithing, simply because they are exciting like This little homily will allow me to cover my four watching a tight rope walker and wondering if he'll topics and will give me a way to check the attention fall. The more elaborate through required for a of my young audience by asking them "What are the woodworking project is for those of us who are in two problems with working wood in the 18th century?" less exciting trades.

You are now done the first requirement: You have a The third point I started with was flexibility in the specific goal. In my case, I am going to teach green plan. I believe it was General Eisenhower, the great woodworking techniques to 10 and 14 year olds in planner of the D-Day invasion, who said that no school groups. What is going to be yours? plan survives the first five minutes of contact. The same applies to your plan. Best to apply Murphy's Law Like any woodworking project, you now need a plan as well. If it can go wrong, it will. For example ... to reach my goal. Again you need go back to your • The one tool you need will be dull, will break, or will priorities and consider the interplay of site, audience, simply be missing from the tool chest. • The material you so carefully selected to be straight and your goals in figuring out a project that will fit grained and green has hidden sap pockets, defects, what you want to show about toll usage and what and rot. your audience will accept. • The tiny screw that holds your period appropriate reading glasses together will fall out into the grass Most trade activities are either dangerous, require never to be seen again. skill and experience, M-WTCA.ORGor are both. In addition, the • Some child will go off on a tangent about something attention span of most kids is measured in nanoseconds that you never anticipated. unless they are directly involved in doing something. The attention span of adults these days can be Your flexible plan should include a back up project, microseconds. Consequently, you need somehow to spare raw materials, other tools that can do the job balance these realities - hazards, skill set, and audience "in a pinch", and samples of completed parts of the attention - in a project that will still allow you to project so you can show them if unable to do them. demonstrate what you need to in order to communicate Teaching is a craft, and like any craft requires the content you want to get across. practice in addition to goals and flexible plans. With practice, your demonstration will get better as long Some criteria for a "good project" rn no particular as you remember the first rule of good teaching: I'm order are: here to learn. • It is useful, real, and reflects the activities of the site.

September 2007 35 M-WTCA Auxiliary Between Friends ... The Show Must Go On! From The President

Whenever I "take the risk" and event planned for the women. I kept hoping I would join a group it seems to place a feel better and able to do what I had planned, a certain sense of responsibility on program on barn quilts in our county. However, my shoulders. That's how I ended when Sally Leu called on Thursday, I told her I up being president of the auxiliary wasn't going to be able to be there. Immediately she for the M -WTCA. I was asked to said that she and Peggy McBride would take care take someone else's place. After of registration and do a program on quilting. It discussing it with my husband, I said was wonderful to have them volunteer! Thelma, "yes." It has been one of the best Kathleen and Cathy contributed food and I decisions I've ever made. I went from one office to know there were others who helped with both the another, meeting more ladies and making more open house and the meet. The concern from friends each year. In taking responsibility for an everyone and the well wishes were overwhelming! I office, it only meant that I was willing to support the felt like I was enveloped in a warm quilt of love, auxiliary by "doing my part." It didn't mean I had prayers and concern. Doesn't it make you proud to any special talents or gifts. It just meant that I be part of such a caring group like the M-WTCA? would be willing to volunteer my time to see that something important to me was able to continue At the Fall meeting in Springfield, there will be as a viable organization. That is how many of you new officers assuming duties for the Auxiliary. are keeping your local historical museums and Please support them and say yes if asked to help festivals vital and alive. Congratulations on being a out. Our organization is only as strong as the VIP in the life of your community! Be sure to keep individual members and their willingness to serve. track of your hours and report them to Phil Baker Whether we are on the "giving" or the "receiving" end so we can use them as part of the tax free status of the equation, it is important to remember that data for M-WTCA. we can do most anything, together. I so appreciate the officers who said yes. All of them have all done This spring I was unable to "do my part" for the a great job. They have been enthusiastic, helpful, Area D tool meet because I was "laid up" with severe ingenious, and wise. They have made it fun to be sciatic nerve pain. I knew LeRoy had the men's an officer. Thanks to all of you who have made speaker and his part of the meeting lined up. There my job easy and enjoyable. Thank you for serving! was also to be an auction, an open house, and the I'm proud to call you my friends! meet on Sunday where there is usually a special --Susan Witzel

Auxiliary Reads by Kathleen Holmes

Over sixty women gathered in Milwaukee, WI for the difficulties of the 1930s and could recall going to see discussion of the book, Water for Elephants by Sara the circus train arrive, unload, and the performances Gruen. It is DepressionM-WTCA.ORG years; the circus feels the given by the "stars of the big top." pressure of the times, as does the general public. Yet, the circus usually draws a crowd as families The Springfield, Missouri Fall meeting of the find the atmosphere of the circus diverting from the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association Auxiliary will troubles of the day. Many of the women attending find the ladies discussing a biography about Laura the book discussion were of an age to remember the Ingalls Wilder. The selection is a juvenile book that

All materials for The Women's Auxiliary Auxiliary Officers Pages should be sent to: President Susan Witzel Dave Heckel, Editor, The Gristmill Vice President Jean Royal 1800 McComb Secretary Helen Devitt Charleston, IL 61920-3137 Treasurer Barb Slasinski E-Mail [email protected]

36 The Gristmill traces the Ingalls family as the father sought work during the rough years of the settling of the Mid-West. Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson is the book chosen. I would encourage the ladies to also read the Little House novels as well as other books about Laura Ingalls Wilder. Ms. Wilder did not start writing until she was in her sixties. She draws on the family's travels, experiences, and newspaper articles of the time to flesh out her stories. The biography will enable the reader of the juvenile novels to get a sense of the times and places the Ingalls made home as well as the years that followed with Wilder's marriage to Almanza Wilder. Social Room Penny Game Pabst Mansion Tour in Milwaukee by Jean Royal

On Thursday morning at 9:30, the first of two tour the mansion. We found a butler's pantry, servant's buses left for the Flemish Renaissance Revival hall and separate servant's dining room. There is also Mansion of Capt. Frederick a musician's nook, a music room, Pabst. We had a short visual and Mrs. Pabst's own parlor. We tour of Milwaukee en route. The all remarked on the ornate corner mansion sits on a hill, which cabinets and lovely glass and viewed much of the city when it china in the most formal dining was built. It is one of a very few room set and ready for guests. of the prominent residences still standing and the only one that Upstairs in one of the bedrooms has been restored. was a most amazing dollhouse, with nineteen elaborately The tour of this furnished decorated interior rooms. The mansion showed off many of outside shows a Victorian family its special effects. As you enter enjoying their gazebo and an the reception hall, you are arriving auto, everything in overwhelmed with the enormous minute detail. Who wouldn't gas and electric wrought-iron love to have played with this chandelier festooned with elk dollhouse! They are still restoring antlers. You immediately know the third floor, but to see what that you are going to see many is open is worth the trip. If you other outstanding features in this home. We were all missed this tour and you are ever in Milwaukee again, impressed with the cutwork window shades throughout be sure to add this to your "things to see."

Ways & Means Committee by Barbara GalofaroM-WTCA.ORG Our Milwaukee experience members and men also to with the used book sale bring their used paperback or was another great success. hard cover books to the This function helps the Springfield meeting. We are auxiliary add a few dollars in also selling M-WTCA pins our treasury so that we are for $4.00. Every member able to continue our many should have one and wear projects furthering the edu­ it proudly at each tool meet. cation and preservation of I am encouraging everyone our heritage through all to do so, and am looking manner of tools. We would forward to seeing everyone like to have the auxiliary at Springfield.

September 2007 37 Auxiliary First Timers and Show & Tell by Jean Royal

Our Hostess, Sue Nelson, opened our meeting and collection of hat ornaments. Most of us have seen welcomed all to Milwaukee and issued a special ornaments like these, but never knew exactly what welcome to our first timers. We had five new they were. Maureen Henze showed us her grand members attending and each of these had a "Show & daughter's milk bottle art. Dell Edwards created a Tell" item for us. This is certainly a first time for this book about her husband to preserve memories for and it was really a nice way to meet them. her children. We had a really unusual quilt shown by Helen Watkins depicting the Last Supper. Peggy McBride had an unusual darner, and no one would have guessed its use. There was a lot of old treasured silver made into jewelry and useful items shown by other members. Mariann Simmons brought the last quilt she had made for the Standiford Quilt Museum. This quilt has the most wonderful bright colors worked into it.

I can't possibly list all of the unusual things we saw or heard about that evening but thanks to all the ladies. Keep them coming. They are always a very special part of this meeting. The new members that attended were Jane Leuking, Linda Sprague, Susan Feely, Robin Moesher and Holly Nelson, our youngest Susan Witzel, our president, again welcomed the first attendee to date at age 15. Welcome again ladies and timers and opened the "Show & Tell" with her hat and thanks for bringing your "Show & Tell" items. On the Other Side of the Bed by Kathleen Holmes

Cecil's eyes light up when a packet comes that contains effort and energy that goes into preparing a catalog a new antique tool auction catalog. When the spring of this caliber. I also can enjoy the care with which Brown auction catalog came, I lost him for a couple of some of the sellers of tools display items for sale at the evenings as he browsed through listings of delights for various tool shows around the nation. an antique tool collector. He would put the catalog down ... then a few hours later, pick it up and shop again. Ladies, take the time to walk around at the tool shows, learn a little about the tools that draw your husband's When- Mike Urness was here in mid-March to add to attention. It does not take much effort to learn the the "stufr' that was going on the auction in Humboldt, difference between a draw knife and an . One does he also OOOhd and AAHhd over the color photos and not need to become an expert (unless you really want the listings. It just doesn't take much Gust dollars) to to) but being cognizant of the kinds of items that are enthrall a couple of antique tool collectors. hubby's fixation can let you become a part of his world. (Of course, there is always a two-way street when Another series of catalogs that keep Cecil out of bars hubby needs to be aware of your particular interest.) and from chasing womenM-WTCA.ORG are the ones put out by Martin Donnelly under the Live Free or Die title. Some of the ladies prefer to go shopping or touring There are others that come but are not as creatively away from the tool show site ... and I can understand done as these two practioners of the art of selling to that. Then, I want to throw a "however" into the mix. antique tool collectors. However, I would urge taking some time to stroll the tool room to get a feel of the excitement generated by As Cecil shopped the catalog (the sale was on March tables of "old stuff." 31st), he noted the ones that he wanted. So we began calling his items Cecil's Lust List. I would imagine And, later, as you share the covers of your hotel's that other husbands have a similar Lust List going bed, you can mention (or question him about) an item as they shop through the catalogs that come. I don't that drew your curiosity. Then sleep soundly On the know much (that means almost nothing) about the Other Side of the Bed and dream about your own kind collecting of antique tools but I can appreciate the of collection.

38 The Gristmill A Day in Greendale by Susan Witzel

A day in Greendale was enjoyed by two busloads of ladies will be "cooking up a storm" when they return M-WTCA Auxiliary members and spouses. It is one of home. Many restaurants and shops kept gals busy as the first "planned communities" in the they discovered the delights of exotic U.S. and was dedicated by Eleanor coffees, home made breads, delicious Roosevelt. It was considered a "green" chocolates and handmade candies. community and contains a beautiful There was a store for pampered pets, common green and lovely flower as well as ones for pampered people. gardens throughout the village. The Those who scrapbook and make cards day started at the Reiman Visitor's had fun checking out new items and Center. Reiman now publishes 12 ideas. Perhaps the most popular magazines. The center was filled with stores were the ice cream shops - one an interesting display of birdhouse complete with an old fashioned soda entries from the Birds and Blooms fountain, high stools and booths. The magazine contest, the big red wagon tour concluded with a tour of the test that traveled across the United States kitchens at the visitor's center. pulled by a team of Belgian horses, Unfortunately, there were no delicious and a complete display of Saturday aromas in the air and there were no Evening Post covers by Norman Rockwell, guarded by samples for tasting on the day we were there since the a realistic life-sized Norman painting his self portrait. cooks were doing a photo shoot in the city. However, we've now stood in the kitchen where every recipe The lower level contained the Taste of Home's Outlet is tested for the magazines and cookbooks. We surely Store and provided a shopping stop for many. By the "soaked up" some new cooking skills just by being looks of all the cookbooks that left the store that day, there where the magic begins. Hats, Hats, and More Hats by Jane Giese

The Auxiliary was treated to a fun a short history of some of them. She has luncheon compliments of the Milwaukee the same hat Nancy Reagan wore at the hostess trio of Arlene Fritchen, Sue inauguration, but admits hers was far Nelson, and Jane Giese. It was obvious less expensive. After the presentation, that the theme was Hats as members Teddy allowed members to try on some of assembled in their chapeau finery. The her fashions. An observer might think the center of each table was adorned with room was filled with little girls playing a straw hat and small felt hat hand "dress-up." Following Teddy's presentation, crafted by hostess Sue Nelson was at each Five women were awarded prizes for their place setting. The first course was a hats: Linda Sprague for her fine feather delicious chocolate mousse inside a lovely hat, Rhoda Rosin for her hat adorned cookie hat. What fun it was to have our with fruit, Francis Fite for her hat with a dessert first. After the meal, Rita Zamzow veil and Judy Gambrel and Joyce introduced her friend Teresa "Teddy" Prichard. Hunsaker for their hand crafted paper hats. Sue Teddy's impressive hatM-WTCA.ORG collection dates back to 1848. Nelson awarded door prizes and pictures were taken She modeled many of the hats she brought and gave of the women from each table modeling their hats.

September 2007 39 Parts Left Overs by Phil Baker

I guess most of us are quite familiar with the manner home the dirty blade with some rust had to be cleaned. in which the Stanley people sold new tools which It cleaned up surprisingly well and exposed a nice may not have always been manufactured on the etching of THE STANDARD BY by Wheeler, Madden same date. Tool parts were probably located in bins & Celmson. with the new thrown in with the old. I have seen plane blades of one era used in a plane of recent manufacture. In those bygone days they didn't chuck a part that fit a newer model.

I have seen this same interchange in my study of the Disston back saw. The stamp The nice apple handle and saw screws were all original on the saws back, to the blade. My conclusion is The Henry Disston & frequently, is of Sons saw works matched up spare parts that came a different time with their purchases and put them on the market. frame than the label screw. A recent find indicated that Henry & Sons took this practice a bit further. Has any other saw The Disston people acquired numerous other saw nut seen a similar makers in their years of operation (as did Stanley use of non related Tools). In 1893 Disston took over Woodrough & parts? This re­ McParlin of Cincinnati, Ohio and Wheeler, Madden & enforces my desire to Clemson of Middletown, New York. clean a saw provid­ ing that it be done The "find" was a 10" back saw with a Woodrough & properly. I will set McParlin label screw having Glover's 1887 patent down my procedure date. That made it good enough to take home. At at a later date.

This may be the first popular Meat Saw by Phil Baker

The two inch blade has 10 teeth to the inch. The saw does not appear to have been used to any extent. No sign of the butchering process.

Meat saws may not yet beM-WTCA.ORG too collectable, but just wait a while.

The one shown is the earliest meat saw, by Henry Disston, that I have encountered. Maybe 1842 or 1843. And now the real reason for bringing ones attention to this saw. Has anyone ever seen three eagles on An apple handle with the and lower portion a saw blade or back? It should be noted that the nicely carved has been attached with screws having two outside eagles are located over cast steel and 9/16" diameter heads. I believe Disston screw heads warranted which I believe Henry placed them before after 1844 or 5 were 1/2" in diameter. Contributed to 1844 or 5 when he began to place the eagles outside my date of manufacture. The eagles stamped on the cast steel and warranted. This is my first observance saws back are 1/4" in height. These were enlarged to of an eagle under the Henry Disston arch. Beam me 5/16" circa 1845. up if you have seen or own another such example.

40 The Gristmill What's It The items and their pictures will be identified by the squeezed. The pin just extends past the lower plane issue number of the Gristmill it first appeared in and of the jaws when fully extended (see inset picture). their order listed in that issue. A spring drops the bolt back down when the handles are released. Fig. 128-1: Sub- ..... -­ mitted from the Previous Items Identified mid-west, this item is shown Item 127-2 has drawn several responses. Tim Bonelli in 3 views. "A" sent the patent No. 544030 and a picture for 127-2 is the item from the top. "B" is from the back showing thumb screws loosened Tim Bonelli picture of fig. 127-2 and the bar slightly raised. "C" is an en­ Fig. 127-2 largement of the bar showing James Moffet submitted pictures and the following: proportions of "The Broom & Cut Out handles" both have enjoyed vertical lines great popularity as they have been sold as "POP CORN on bar to SHELLERS". Those that don't know have paid some horizontal lines big bucks to get a rare corn sheller. The seller always on base. The tells them the small tang off the end is for picking first 8 vertical off just a few kernels, and that seals the deal." lines on the bar No. 694,898. Patented Mar. 4, 1902. are numbered A. STROMDAHL Fig. 128-1 •u1o ■ ATJC HA.MER. 1 thru 8. ~liudoa!l-t ._...-.1eo1.,

Fig. 128-2: is approximately 5 ½" long and has a cutting blade inside. (Picture quality is not too good, and I believe Fig. 128-2 the angle of the shot may make it appear to be shorter and thicker than it actually is.

Item 127-3 has been identified by Jim Mau as Pat. No. 694898, Automatic Hammer, Patented M-WTCA.ORGMar 4, 1902, by A. Stromdahl. It was designed to feed and hammer in tacks. Patent for item 127-3

Remember: this coloum can't be written without your input! Please keep sending your ideas and answers or future "What's Its" to:

Virginia White P.O. Box 1418 Fig. 128-3 Angels Camp, CA 95222-1418 Item 128-3: is a heavy plier-type tool 7 ½" in length (209) 728-2142 which extends a bolt or pin when the handles are vw hite 155 [email protected]

September 2007 41 IT'S ff£R£1 Collector's Guide for Fencing Tools

880 Tool Pictures Order your copy now!

$22 plus $2.50 S&H r ntf<), rrm:tton. to find a dealt:r in 1 ,«, 01 to place un order. cont,1.ct: Price Guide Included JOHN T. KRAMER P.O. Box 8715/Sugar Creek, MO 6405.. {816) 252~9512 Richard Smith .k:ramrrt1kramerize.eom www .kramen.ze.com 14558 West State Hwy U 16-l~AGl<,; BOOK OF JNS1''RtJCT10NS &. lJSBS Walnut Grove, MO 65770 HIBE Wil1l PURCHASE. 417.788.1111 - [email protected]

Antique Tool Auction - Sat. Nov. 3, 2007 - 9:30 A.M. Held at Whalen Auction Building Neapolis, OH - 20 miles SW of Toledo, OH 7 miles West of Waterville, OH on Neapolis-Waterville Road Jack Devitt is selling most of the best tools from his Ohio antique tool collection. Write or E-mail Jack Devitt for a colorful flyer and a listing of tools to be sold. Two auction lines all day - one selling household tools & the other farm & shop tools. 63 straight razors, many different kinds of knives, 73 irons> plus many other types of household tools, IS axes, 8 slicks 200 wood planes many 3 & 4 star ones, 35 metal planes, 50 + hammers 100 wrenches, 3 panels ofHerbrand tools~ 5 hay carriers, 5 hand held com shellers, many F. E. Myers & Bro. tools 35 saws, many cooper~s tools, two mitre boxes, mitre planer~ rare grain register't salesman's sample grain seed box, several museum type pieces and many more unusual tools. ~~&aM-WTCA.ORG ,)~• ~-·~~ ~. ' P~r,; ~ I' n t ~ 7 ~ Frr For flyer and list contact Jack Devitt at Box 116 Ottoville, OH 45876 or E-mail [email protected] Indicate if you want a household tools list or a fann and shop tool list or both. For web site list www. whalenrealtyauction. com

42 The Gristmill Marketplace Wanted Wanted For Sale

Wanted: Wooden Bottom Planes m Wanted: Tools of any sort made For Sale: The one and only Farm restorable condition and/or for by the Sandusky Tool Co. I don't Wrench Book 520 pgs, history of parts. My interest is repair and have them all yet! Also, catalogs, over 500 companies incl 176 page cleanup of these for appearance advertising and related material. supplement listing 3300 part #'s & not value. Also need source for John Walkowiak, 3452 Humboldt price guide. Price incl shipping $55 handles (tote) and knobs, original Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408 US and $65 elsewhere. Vol II, 320 pgs or reproductions. James Hansen, (612)824-0785. adds 183 companies, 1700 more 2378 W. Hansen Rd Willcox, AZ [email protected] wrenches + a supplement matching 5000 part #'s and a price guide. $50 85643, phone 520.384.3725 fax US $60 elsewhere. Combo $105 & 520.384.334 7 $125. P.T. Rathbone, 6767 Pershall Wanted: Cutters for Stanley No. 171 Road, Marsing, ID 83639 Bill Baker 1764 N. Lansing Street; Aurora, CO 80010 Phone: 303.343.3607 Farrar3@earehlink Custom IIAKERS STANPS Plane Makers Floats Wanted: Antique Metal Working Chisels - Irons I more Measuring Tools, especially Micro­ Send for brochures meters. State Brand and Patent MAZZAGLIA TOOLS Wanted: Winchester items, tools, Date, Photo or Sketch. Dawson, 12 Palmer St. Salem. NH 03079 3524 SE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 344 71 sporting goods or advertising. No firearms. Collections or pieces Wanted: UNION No. 44 Combin­ OK. Please advise price and For Sale: 1,000+ collectible tools for ation plane, parts or complete condition. David McDonald, 14211 sale. Many outstanding. 30+ years plane. Contact Robert Green Kellywood Lane, Houston, TX accumulation. Buy one or all. (217) 665-3484 or write R.R. #1 77079 (281)558-5236 Gary Coffey, Springfield, MO (417) Box 93 Bethany, IL 61914 [email protected] 862-1000; [email protected]

A-1 LEVEL REPAIR Most brands repaired and restored Advertising Information

Bob and Diane Skogman 18639 - 327th Ave. ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS-RATES Isle, MN 56342-4784 March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit Phone: 1-320-684-2078 E-mail: [email protected] June April 10 Full page, 4-color, Website: www.a1levelrepair.com September July 10 (when available) $275 900 "WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!" December October 10 Full page $180 900 Half page $105 450 CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 Always buying Always Selling $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch Pete Niederberger $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approximately 2-1/4" wide) 25 word limit. Used and Antique Toob and Parts for Same Mail Order Call Me and NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, Come to the Shop that will occur during the month of The Gristmill's publication. For example, an ad for an 415-92+8"03 [email protected] auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue. * For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2" 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 Dave Heckel at the address below or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication. Send all ads to: Dave Heckel, 1800 McComb St., Charleston, IL 61920-3137, phone (217) 345-9112 after 6 p.m., E-Mail [email protected]

September 2007 43 Brown Auction Services 31 st TOOL SALE & INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION SHERATON INN HARRISBURG, PA October 26 & 27, 2007

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Speakers are Frank Kosmerl, world-renowned expert on tool­ makers of western New York, who will be speaking on toolmakers from the Rochester area. Phil Baker and Bill Boltz, well-known saw collectors and researchers, will be speaking on the sawmakers from Philadelphia. THE DEALER SALE is on Friday and features dealers from across the country, Canada, and England. With 100-plus tables of the finest antique and usable tools available in one place, at one time, this is the largest non-club show in the United States. THE AUCTION on Saturday features an Ohio Tool Co. No. 113 center-wheel ebony plow plane with ivory tips. Phillips Patent Plow Plane in bronze. Millers Patent No. 50 Light plow. Three-arm plows by Israel White, Sandusky Tool Co. and Brown Tool Co. The Stanley tool collection ofRoger K. Smith, a nearly complete set of Stanley planes in best of condition with many in the original boxes. Stanley Model Shop prototypes. Stanley 1939 Happy Carpenter window display. Bailey vertical post planes and a split-frame shoot board plane. Previously unknown Knowles smoother. Inclinometers and levels. Plow planes in rosewood, boxwood, and ebony; many with ivory. Large selection of ivory and boxwood rules. 18th-century wooden planes including I. and F. Nicholson, I. Jones, and many other rare marks. Patented planes by Evans, Knowles, Loughborogh, Rust, Boston Metallic, Bailey, Sargent, Philips, Traut, Sillcock, Miller, and many others. Patented braces and drills. English mitre and infill planes. Goosewing axes and unusual hammers. 793 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves.

ORDER BOTH 2007 CATALOGS. The 30th and 31 st International Auctions. The 30th mails LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #31 mails early at time of order, 31 st early Sept. Just $50 US & Sept. All tools fully described and accurately graded with es­ CANADA, $60 US for Overseas Airmail. Includes timates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auction. Many Prices Realized. items illustrated in full color. All items have photos. Absentee bidding available. To reserve your copy, call, write, email, or fax us today at: Catalog $28 for US and Canadian addresses. Brown Auctions $34 US for Overseas Airmail. 27 Fickett Road Pownal,M-WTCA.ORG ME 04069 1 (800) 248-8114 Fax (207) 688-4831 Email: [email protected]

Order a catalog or view items online at www.FineToolJ.com/Browns

Sheraton Inn (800) 644-3144. Be sure to ask for the special room rate.

lt is JJlane to see who sells the best!'.