T B E

IISTIILL Number48

Published by and for the members of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc.

IN THIS ISSUE: • Regional Meetings • Unusual Saw • Patent Searches • More Maidens • Illinois Planes • Kansas Farm Days • Stanley No. 46 Study • Regular Features

June, 1987

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editor's WORKBENCH

Big news this issue is that Jack Kebabian has agreed to assist in the pro­duction of The Gristmill and we're elated because it has become a nearly full-time job. Jack brings a lifetime of literary ex­perience and we look forward to working with him. (Details page 7.)

Just returned from a great Area K meet most capably hosted by Jean and Hunter Pilkinton at their home near Waverly, Tennessee. Good turnout, good food, good program, good people. We thoroughly enjoyed it. (Page 3.)

The little two-column engraving of "Two Maidens" submitted by Ray Smith for the March issue has elicited more response than anything we've done in a long time. The excellent article by Elliot Sayward on page 18 was, of course, a direct result. Then Jack Schoellhamer of Watsonville, California wrote Ray with the information presented in "Back Talk". Finally, Howard Greenberger of New York City wrote us an interesting letter with a page from yet another catalogue, as well as the photograph of a "Maiden" from his collection. (Page 27.) We thank all of them.

Seldom will we print a report on an event not sponsored by the M-WTCA, nor one in which the majority of participants are not members of the . Association. We feel. however, that the fine story by Ralph Najarian merits inclusioti within these pages, not only because we know vast numbers of Mid-West members who regularly attend these gas and steam engine shows throughout the country, and in fact, actively collect and restore these relics, but also because early farm life of the late 1800s and the first third of the 20th century is such a vital part of our American heritage. (Page 20.) The timing is especially appropriate because of the Springfield Show theme, "Agricultural Tools of the Past".

Once again the distaff members have done their usual outstanding job and we know you'll enjoy the "Womens' Pages", starting with page 8.

Ron Pearson is back with another good piece about a most unusual Richardson saw, (page 17.).

Roger Smith has carried his study of Stanley planes a step further with a close-up view of the many variations of the #46 combination plane, beginning on page 14, and you'll find a lot of new infor­mation in Charlie Ewing's study of Illinois planemakers and hardware dealers which starts on page 12.

If you have been frustrated with your local librarian who still thinks Pat Pend and Pat Gazette are first cousins of Irish

Continued page 7.

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write on

THE GRISTMILL wants articles of all kinds about tools, makers, users, early industries, etc., photographs, old advertising cuts, and anything relating to M- WTCA member activities. II possible, material should be typewritten. We'll edit, correct, and provide first aid when needed. Deadline for receipt of all copy is January 15 for March issue, April 15 for June issue, July 15 for September issue, October 15 for December issue.

Address: John Kebabian, Editor 308 N. Bradford Street Dover, DE 19901

or Tom Ward, Editor P.O. Box 11 Avondale Estates, GA 30002

ADVERTISING All want ads or for sale ads use the deadline printed above. Address: Sam Strauss, Jr. #4 Sunset Drive Little Rock, AR 72207

Moving?

We hope you don't have to move, but ii you do, remember to advise Secretary Kerry McCalla of your new address, which will en­sure your continued receipt of all MWTCA mailings without inter­ruptions. Don't forget to include your new telephone number and area code. Sending your change of address to anyone other than the Secretary causes an unavoidable delay in processing this important information.

COVER Ralph Najarian, author of the story on page 20, aboard a 1919 Russell steam trac­tion engine. Coal-fired, it is rated at 16hp for belt drive, 48hp for pulling. Photo­graph courtesy the author.

T

I G11STIILL No. 48 June 1987

Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc.

Editor . .. . ....... . ..... Tom Ward Associate Editor ... .. John Kebabian

Contributing Editors William Baader Roger Smith Ginger Bergdahl Sam Strauss, Jr.

The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc., and is published quarterly March, June, September, and December.

The purpose of the association is to promote the preservation, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements and devices of farm, home, in­dustry and shop of the pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were used and the craftsmen who used them; also to share knowledge and understanding with others, especially where it may benefit restorations, museums and like institu­tions.

President .... . ....... . . Ray Nissen 21 Woodland Circle, Foxfire Village

Jackson Springs, NC 27281 919-295-4566

Vice President . ..... . .. . Gale Zerkle 511 Cookston Avenue Springfield, OH 45503

513-399-1725 Secretary . .. .... . .... Kerry McCalla

3325 Culloden Way Birmingham, AL 35243

205-991-0413 Treasurer .......... Morris K. Olson

2825 Jackson Street La Crosse, WI 54601

608-7 88-0480

Bill Baader Ernie Blementhal Bill Eviston Paul Hamler Harry Ludwig E.A. Olson

Mo Arnold Roger Alexander George Alton Art Clark John Danielson George Elsass Hollis Feeser William Gustafson

Larry Brundage Cleo Dye Charles Ewing Tom Lamond Merrill Schmidt Alvin Sellens

D irectors 1984-87

Bill Rigler Harlow Sternberg Sam Strauss George Wanamaker Orland Zajicek

1985-88 Ann Henley Ronald Pearson Roger Phillips Burke Prevratil Bob Schulz Carroll Talbot Tom Witte

1986-89 Mike Slasinski Philip Stanley Dennis Starzinger Mary Lou Stover Ray Townsend

Committee Chairmen Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Cullum Gristmill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Ward Special Publications . Roger Smith Whatsit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Gary Gergini Auction . . . . Ivan Risley Membership . . ......... Paul Reichert Scholarship . . .... Gale Zerkle Marion Henley Award . . ...... Harlow Sternberg

Address Labels Scrapbook Kerry McCalla Eila Arnold

3325 Culloden Way 909 East 81st St. Birmingham, AL 35243 Indianapolis, IN 46240

Publications Mailing Ann Henley

808 Fairway Drive Columbia, MO 65201

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REGIONAL MEETINGS AND NEVIS

PILKINTONS HOST O"K" MEETING

D espite bone-chilling tempera­tures, record lows and incredi­

ble amounts of snow in the most unlikely locations, some fifty hardy souls from at least seven states con­verged on the Jean and Hunter Pilkinton farm and tool museum near Waverly, Tennessee for the April 5th Area K Spring Meeting.

While the inevitable buying and selling was much in evidence in the parking area, the most fascinating activity of the morning had to be wandering through the huge metal building which houses the collection. In addition to the overwhelming assortment of tools and machinery, the museum also includes an awesome reference library. And real­ly, museum is the only fitting designation for this vast and varied collection.

Hunter's first love is metalwork­ing, and he is far beyond an amateur metalworker. In fact, his heliarc welding compares favorably with anything found in the aircraft in­dustry. A working shop, equipped with almost every machine one could desire, allows him to complete any project involving metalwork, and a tour of this shop was one of the highlights of the meeting for many interested craftsmen.

Ever the consummate hostess, Jean, in addition to her other duties, found time to set a fabulous table at lunchtime, complete with a multitude of luscious desserts which

included several kinds of pie, cake and cookies.

A short buiness meeting was followed by a well-prepared program in which Hunter exhibited and described several unusual tools of both foreign and domestic origin which are either still being manufac­tured or are recently out of produc­tion. His commentary stressed the odd-ball features of these pieces, and why he thinks many of them will become the collector items of the not-too-distant future.

Concluding the progrm was a video tape, and inasmuch as X-rated movies have become so readily available on the Playboy Channel, a tape on the early logging industry was chosen. It proved more reveal­ing than the adult movies and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

An enormous amount of time and effort went into making this a meeting to remember, and everyone there was most appreciative of the great job Jean and Hunter had done.

Waverly is about a one hour drive west of Nash ville on I-40 and another fifteen minutes north on State Route 13. When you're in the vicinity, make it a point to see the museum. An advance telephone call will assure a warm reception from the Pilkintons and you 'll be richly rewarded. ■

-TW

Clockwise: One corner of the museum; Art Clark, Mo Arnold and Bob Douglas; Jean Pilkinton; Hunter Pilkinton; Bill Rigler and Paul Hamler. Photographs by Art Clark, Hunter Pilkinton, Tom Ward.

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REGIONAL MEETINGS AND NEVIS

SPICE PARK MEET BUILDS FLORIDA MEMBERSHIP, SPARKS MORE MEETS

F lorida M-W (Area N) met Janu­ary 10 under exotic trees at the

Fruit and Spice Park near Homestead. An outstanding session, although attendance didn't measure up to usual mid-winter levels. We missed our Georgia regulars and a lot of snowbirds who usually make it. (Homestead is in the far corner of our big state, about the same distance from Atlanta as Chicago!) But we pulled Bents and guests from Nova Scotia, Mo Olsons from Wisconsin, and Bradleys from Michigan.

Lots of membership forms went off with guests. One stranger hap­pened by, Douglas Keyes from Olympia, WA, and left as a friend, with a M-W application and a pro­mise he'd be added to the snowbird list.

Grover Robinson and Carl Austin had general tool displays, Merrill Schmidt laid out a fine assortment of enormous planes, and Margaret Bair showed her tatting exhibit. There were demonstrations (spinn­ing, rope-making, smocking) and Dave Freundlich perched on the back of his pickup to show and tell about a wide variety of exotic woods and their uses.

Park guides led a tour, with tasting en route, as the principal entertainment of the afternoon. An unbelievable assortment of fruit and spice trees, shrubs and flavors.

Those who missed the meet should at least visit the park, a marvelous place. A lot of us who were there will be going back, both as casual visitors and for additional meets.

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That Stupendous Smorgasbord!

The buffet "lunch" was a work of art. Bill Sampson (dubbed Master Breadbasket when he cooked at the Sarasota Medieval Fair) and a crew of gofers, trimmers, peelers, cutters, mixers, tossers and toters worked all day Friday and from the wee hours Saturday morning until serv­ing time preparing a menu ap­propriate to the Fruit and Spice Park Locale.

A way with your $30 coat-and-tie banquets! A $7 registration fee covered this one. Loving labor made up a difference more than monetary.

For openers, guarapo (cane juice) and Key West seafood gumbo. Main course Polynesian chicken (baked spiced and sprinkled with coconut) and chicken a l'orange, an ancient recipe marinating drumsticks in a mixture of citrus juices. With this, there were nine vegetables to sample. There was a fruit bar and a salad bar.

For fruits, select from papaya, banana, avocado, oranges (several varieties), grapefruit, tangerine, coconut, pineapple, pomelo, Indian jujuba, jaboticaba, star fruit (caram­bola), mulberries, kiwi, cherries, grapes, and candied fruit trays. Three variations on guacamole dips plus conistel. For dessert, Key lime pie and queen-of-all pudding. (If the Sampsons put out a cookbook, we'll let you know.)

It took all morning to lay it out, not that long to lay it in. The work crew ( on this and other arrange­ments) included Sampsons, Schmidts, Freundlichs, Helen Lentrup, Jeff Silbert, Denise Rothchild, Gordon Enix, Bairs et al. ■

- Fred Bair

AREAOAND EAIA-WEST

GET TOGETHER

T hanks to the efforts of Rod Galster and Al Bennett, a live­

ly meeting was held on January 24-25 at the Padre Trail Inn in the Old Town section of San Diego, California. Special invitations were sent to Area O members living in Arizona and California. The response was light but those who came helped to make it a rewarding meet.

Activities got under way Friday afternoon with the appearance of tools and sundry other elderly items on many Inn window sills and tables. Saturday was a busy day as the turnout was large and lots of tools were on display and for sale. Also noted were the fine displays of members who collect kitchen items as well as Bob Gilmore's excellent fish and fowl carvings.

The meeting theme was squares and bevels and many fine pieces were on hand. Mike Armstrong, our banquet master of ceremonies, took first place with his outstanding display. Meanwhile the use of Japanese water stones on various edge tools was demonstrated by Nick Arthur, of the Woodwork Shop.

I want to say thank you to the M-WTCA out-of-state members who came and helped make a meeting an event. Our next general meeting will be in historic Monterey, California July 24-25, then on the 26th there will be a large street fair in nearby Moss Landing. ■

- Larry Brundage

Opposite page, lower left, parking lot ac­tion. Lower right, left to right: Al Bennett, Samantha Waschak and Jerry Collins. Larry Brundage photographs.

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REGIONAL MEETINGS AND NEVIS

GOOD TURNOUT, GOOD TIME AT FLORIDA M-W MEET, RENNINGER'S, MOUNT DORA

PHOTOGRAPHER'S RANDOM SHOTS TAKEN AT THE FABULOUS FLORIDA WINTER MEETING

A bout 120 turned out March 21 for a very fine Florida M-W

meet at Renninger's Twin Markets south of Mount Dora. Last year, Terry Lentrup, reporting the Mt. Dora meet, indicated that when the first eager beavers got name tags at 6:30, it was 46 degrees. Not so this time! Great weather may have ac­counted for part of the 50% increase over last year's attendance. By mid­morning, shade was more in demand than sweaters.

It looks as though the Spring Mt. Dora meet has now become a tradi­tion.

Early start again (about a dozen RV ers arrived Friday night and newcomers rolled in beginning ,at

Photographs by Art Clark.

sunrise.) Great site, thanks to Renningers. Grassy strips under trees on both sides of the parking­area road right at entrances to the Antique Market.

Active trading, and an unusual number of exhibits and demonstra­tions. Dave and Gloria Burnell had ten panels, no less, of wrenches, and Grover Robinson showed anything missed in the wrench department. Dave and Lillian Kolb had a big ex­hibit of irons - flat, sad, crimping, steam, every kind but shooting. Bill Cutts displayed plumb bobs. Merrill Schmidt exhibited about twenty ex­cellent movable plows. Paul Rhinesmith, a superb bird-carver, brought some which looked ready to

fly, a classic reproduction of a veneer saw, and other examples of his craftsmanship.

Henry Lentrup arranged for a fine blacksmith demonstration by Doug Rochon. Dick Luke and Tim Barber set up a springpole lathe. Nick Nichols helped adjust it and checked it out by turning out the beginnings of a chisel handle. Fred Bair made rope.

Following welcome and thanks at the brief business meet, Nick Nichols won the drawing for a leaded glass mirror donated by Don Snyder (Many thanks, Don!)

- Fred Bair

SCENES FROM SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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REGIONAL MEETINGS AND NEVIS

WISCONSIN MEET FEATURES ICE TOOLS ... Appropriately!

UT isconsin's winter meeting ~~ was "wondertool."

Good tools, good trades and sales, good friends and a good site - the St. Francis Community Center.

John Bedner won first place for best ice tool display. He hauled an ice cutter all the way from Sun Prairie and set up a great informa­tional display on the · early ice trade in that area. Second for theme went to Earl Drehmel.

In general display, first prize was awarded to Wally Andersen; second to Morris Olson. Olson's exhibit of block planes with wood handles in­cluded a Foss Patent block plane, patented Sept. 3, 1878, in excellent condition.

The free registration drawing was won by Nellie Leach of Independence, Iowa. ■

- Mary Lou Stover

~:,11,4SO . ~IOHTl~l'.\'G -GAGE. IIARHY I> . .J;;u:--10.1s, Or­lincla , 'l' l' nn. Fil~d Mnr. 22, 1000. 8rrial :--o. :lOi,:,42.

C/ui111 .--.\ rlrpth-gnge for snws, comprising n pair of nrtlcally-disposrd parallel members; encb bnvlng an elon­cntrrl Jnw nt its ](lwrr rod thrreof, one of sa id members hrlnl'. pl\'otnlly ronnrctrrl to thr o thrr mrmber; tbe othrr nH•mh,•r ,·11111prl s l11g t \\' O n •rtlcnl pnrallel port.Inns, onr or said portions h:ning cars to receive tbe pivot or tbe pivot­ally -mounted member, a leaf-spring Interposed between said portion nod said plvotnlly-mountcd member, nod a screw to ope r nte witb sa id plvotally-mounted member.

Courtesy Al Bennett, Coronado, CA.

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Mary Lou Stover photographs.

A horse-drawn cutter used in the early Sun Prairie, WI ice trade and manufactured in Milwaukee was shown by John Bedner at the Wisconsin winter meeting. Bedner's exhibit won first place for best of theme - ice tools.

Coachmakers' plows were just a few of the fine tools in Wally Andersen's display. He placed first in the general display category, left above.

CALENDAR

MID-WEST TOOL COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL MEETINGS

SPRING, 1987 May 28, 29, 30. Holiday Inn East, Springfield, IL Information: George Wanamaker. Theme: Agricul­tural Tools

FALL, 1987 October 1, 2, 3. Holiday Inn Airport, Moline, II Information: Ed Mueller.

M-WTCA REGIONAL MEETINGS Meetings known to be scheduled at press time.

OH AREA G. June 21, 1987. Archbold, OH (OTCA) Information: Loren Lura.

CA AREA 0. July 25, 1987. Monterey, CA (EAIA-WEST) Infor­mation: Larry Brundage.

CO AREAL. Sept. 5, 6, 1987. Denver, CO (RMTCA) Ramada Inn, I-70 & Kipling. Information: Greg Helser, Ernie Blumenthal.

NC AREA N. Oct. 10, 11, 1987. Durham, NC (SWEAT) West Point on the Eno Park. Information: Fred Bair.

IL AREA E. Nov. 15, 1987. Chatham, IL. Mid-Illinois Swap-O­Rama. Information: George Alton.

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THE BEST GETS BETTER! John S. Kebabian Becomes Associate Editor

I 'm delighted to announce that John S. Kebabian has accepted a

newly created position as Associate Editor of THE GRISTMILL.

Eminently qualified, Jack is a former editor of The Chronicle of The Early American Industries Association, and his articles have appeared in many publications. For quite some time he has served as Contributing Editor for The GM.

In his new post, Jack will be responsible for collecting, editing, typing, rewriting, major and minor surgery and repairs, plus the thou­sand and one tasks necessary to prepare your material for publica­tion.

No small part of his job will be soliciting new articles for the magazine, and you can make his work easier and much more en-

joyable with your contributions. We are indeed fortunate to have a

man with his expertise and dedica­tion willing to devote yet more time and effort to the Association. With his help and your cooperation, we can only get better.

We realize that the transition will take time but we request that begin­ning immediately, all stories and ar­ticles be addressed to:

John S. Kebabian 308 N. Bradford Street

Dover, DE 19901 While both Jack and I will

welcome your suggestions and com­mendations (if any), please direct your criticism to me, as I will con­tinue to be totally responsible for the content and end result. ■

- Tom Ward

TRADITION• INNOVATION• SFJMCE

-2100 LATHAM STREET • P.O. BOX 140 • MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38101

Hr. Tom Ward Editor; The Gristmill P. 0. Box 11 Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002

Dear Hr. Ward

19011 948-BSI

March 9, 1987

In Reference to your excellent article on our company "Orgill Brothers -

1847 to the Present", we would like to reproduce this article for internal

use only. We would however I ike to have your permission before doing so.

We have an i np 1 ant pr Int shop to do this, and wou Id very much I i ke for our

employees to read this article about their company and how it all came

about .

Thanking you in advance.

Yours truly, •

~i~ Pre-Press Supervisor

ED. WORKBENCH ... . from page 2. extraction, you're sure to find Jeanne Oliver's fine article on patent research most useful and informative. (Page 10.)

Other tasty morsels from a number of contributors plus our usual features and departments round out this issue in good fashion and we hope you like it.

To close, we've been much encouraged by the new writers and others who have submitted material for consideration. Although our intentions are good, time constraints don't always allow us to acknowledge receipt and appreciation as promptly as we would like. so please ac­cept our humble thanks, with assurance that your article will appear just as quickly as space and layout considera­tions permit. We've also enjoyed the greater than usual number - 2 - (kid­ding!) of kind letters and comments. Please keep the cards. letters and articles coming.

- Tom Ward

PUZZLED .... . .. . . .. . .. from page 11.

visitors. Show them the puzzle, then when they give up, triumphantly pro­duce your handiwork.

FRONT SIDE

Both front and side views are iden­tical with no hidden lines left out. What is the top view?

Address all answers and suggestions for future puzzles to:

Hunter Pilkinton Route 1, Box 180 Waverly, TN 37185

STORY TOBE REPRINTED

The letter reproduced herewith is self-explanatory.

Our only reason for bringing it to your attention is to emphasize a point we have harped upon for aeons - that when you write for publica­tion, you can never foresee the benefits others may derive from the information provided in your story.

With this in mind, won't you sit down today and start that article you 've been thinking about? Almost certainly, someone, somewhere, will get more out of it than you think you put in.

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WOMEN'S AUXILIARY OFFICERS President . . . Ginger Bergdahl Vice-President ........... . . Sara Gergeni Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eila Arnold Treasurer ... . .... . .... . ... Norma Rigler

THE ¥#OMEN'S PAGE

Ginger Bergdahl, Editor

Donna Zerkle Publicity Chairperson

CHILDREN'S GLASS DISHES AND MINIATURES

by Delores Sassanella

W hile on a trip to Tennessee, when our children were

young, we visited a large Antique Show and I saw my first children's pressed glass dishes. I'd been collec­ting glass since inheriting my Mother's pressed and cut glass, so it was love at first sight when I saw the miniatures.

The set consisted of a punch bowl and six tiny cups that were about the size of a quarter, plus a butter dish, creamer, sugar bowl and spooner. I had adult size pieces of the items. They wanted so much for the little dishes that I was shocked and passed them by. I have since paid three times those 1960 prices. (We don't forget the ones that got away ... ed.)

While Fred was buying tools in the early '70s, I finally acquired my punch bowl and table set and have

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been collecting ever since. Children's pressed glass dishes

were made for toys from about 1880 until about 1925. This was the hey­day of the big glass factories in the U.S. They were advertised as a means to "teach little girls to be ladies''.

From cake plates to candlesticks, there are miniatures of adult size pieces and patterns. There are also Nursery Rhyme patterns that were not made in an adult size.

The majority of the children's glass pieces are clear, but milk glass and old Cambridge green and cobalt blue pieces exist. Not many pieces are marked, as with any old glass. Near Cut, Heisey and Higbee did mark some. There are many repro­ductions of this glass today, but they are usually marked.

All material for The Women's Page should be forwarded to: Ginger Bergdahl P.O. Box 73 Houghton, Ml 49931

REPORTING IN ...

Since this issue of The Gristmill will reach you in June, wish I could tell you about making "A QUILT IN ONE DAY", but that adventure in Springfield is still a month and more away as we meet an April 15th deadline. Your September "WOM­EN'S PAGE" will be alive with meeting display winners' articles and reports on the activities.

Pat Mau's book reviews have got me studying quilting books and do­ing Sampler Quilts for our offspring. As lwas sending one out last month, I thought of all of you. If those of you who quilt, or have a prize quilt, sent your "Women's Page" a photo of it with a description, we could do an ex­citing series on the subject.

Last year at this time I was telling you about 300" of snow for the season. This past winter, we were at 150" and some Texans and "Tar­heels" couldn't find their golf courses, when our other 150" spread itseH around the South. Sorry about that!

Pat Baader's husband is an editor's dream. We all collect something that would be of interest to others. Bill collects a lot, I mean quantity and quality, but he can look at what we would think of as an ordinary Lufkin Rule, see that it's a little different, and write an article for The Gristmill to tell us about it.

Please look at your collections, pick out something you think would in­terest others, be a Bill Baader and TELL US ABOUT IT!

- Ginger

I would recommend CHILDREN'S GLASS DISHES I & II, by Doris Leckler; and CHIWREN'S DISHES, by Margaret and Ken Whitmeyer. ■

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THE ¥#OMEN'S PAGE

NETSUKES by Ann W. Curry

W hat prompts one to start a collection??? It could be any

number of things . . . such as childhood experiences, parental in­fluence, pleasant memories, etc. And then it could be the element of a big five-letter word like SP ACE! When two people, each of whom have "pack-rat" tendencies, have lived together for forty-plus years, space can become a problem, and has in the Curry household. And, Lo, my interest in N etsuke was born!

The word is pronounced "net­skay" (the 'u' is silent), and the carv­ings were first designed to meet a very necessary function for men's clothing in old Japan. Before Com­modore Perry opened Japan to the western world, Japanese men wore Kimonos with no pockets. How could they possibly carry all the vital objects men carry ... coins ... keys . . . (and on the side of candor, pipes, and smoking material).

To meet ths need, local artisans devised small compartmentalized boxes. The first ones were made of leather ... then came light weight wood, covered with lacquer. These were called "inros", but posed another serious problem. The "inro", which was looped under the kimono sash, or "obi" by a string, would fall to the ground under its own weight, if not countered with a heavy toggle on the outside of the sash. This was the first N etsuke, dated about the 16th century. Some folks laughingly refer to it as an oriental watchfob!

The early crude N etsukes were merely pieces of root, wood, or stone. It was not long, however, before the artisans were drawing designs on their N etsukes, which eventually led to the figures found today . .. men . . . women . . . animals, religious figures ... and countless other sub­jects. Too, a new material came into use ... Ivory and Bone. With time, the figures became more and more detailed, and by the 18th Century

they were considered to be miniature masterpieces of sculpture.

In one way, N etsukes are superior to the examples of European sculpture of this period. Consider that a Netsuke can range in height from one or two inches to six inches. Add to this, the details found on them - eyebrows, hair, fingernails, designs on clothing ... and to think they worked with little or no magnification devices. It is mind­boggling to consider the end result.

Another interesting aspect of the Netsuke is that the concept has never been adopted and refined into any other culture. Usually one culture will devise something, and another culture will adopt it, assimilate it into their own, with a few minor changes. Not so with the Netsuke. Even though most Orien­tal men now wear western clothing, and no longer use them, N etsukes are still being made as pieces of art, and collectors are finding the really good ones ever more difficult to locate. An authentic N etsuke will have two small holes in its back, where the thong, or string threads through to hold it in place. Nearly all are signed with only one name. Until the "westernization" of Japan, only members of the upper classes, (royalty and military) had two names. All others got along with only one name, which explains the one-name signature on the bot­tom of these little beings.

So next time you are browsing through a flea market or Antique Shop, look for them! But ... do so at your own risk. You might find a new love ... and really, they don't take up much space. ■

Time-Life Books Series, "The En­cyclopedia of Collectibles" contains a long list of books about Netsukes that are available, or write: The International Netsuke Collectors

Society P.O. Box 10426 Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

The figure wears an inro suspended from the sash of his kimono by a cord, secured above the sash with a NET­SUKE.

A rooster with chicks and millet seeds (top), signed by the late-18th Century master Okatomo, is an ex• ceptional rendering of a familiar subject. Like most prized netsukes, the stained ivory piece displays detail and texture from every angle; on the bottom, under a farmer's hat, is tucked a sickle that serves, instead of holes, as the cord-threading himotoshi. A similar carving by Okatomo sold in 1978 for $9,500.

Time-Life Encyclopedia of Collectibles

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FINDING PATENT INFORMATION

I n my extensive deliberations on finding patent information, I

realized that much of my experience in the last two years as Coordinator of the Illinois State Library's (ISL) Patent Depository Library (PDL) program has been spent explaining, not only how to access patent infor­mation, but also why one should bother to do so at all. For that reason, I will address both of these issues. Giving a detailed explana­tion on how to conduct a patent search is much too extensive for an article such as this. Further, it would be of limited value to anyone outside a PDL that does not hold all the needed resources. What I hope to provide then is a basic under­standing of how to access patent in­formation as well as ISL's approach to fulfilling patent information needs.

Since ISL's designation as a POL in January 1984, I have given a number of presentations on the ser­vices we provide as a PD L and on how to conduct a patent search. These presentations have been for librarians, inventors, business peo­ple and historians. The one thread that is common among all these types of groups is the lack of con­sideration given to patent informa­tion as a source which meets a varie­ty of information needs. Almost everyone views a patent collection as necessary to an inventor who is trying to patent his idea. Certainly this group receives the largest benefit from a POL. Inventors search the patent files to assess the novelty and patentability of his ideas, and to establish the existing prior art in his field (previous technology that has been patented in the field) before submitting a pa­tent application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).

Patent information is also valuable to a number of other segments of the population. In­dustry should search the patent files, in specific areas of interest, as a way to expand their product lines. Page 10

Jeanne Oliver

Ms. Jeanne Oliver is Coordinator of the Illinois State Library's Patent Depository Library Program.

Reprinted by perm1ss1on from the Illinois State Library, Rlinois Libraries, V. 68, No. 5, May, 1986.

By locating recently granted unassigned patents, agreements may be entered into between the manufacturer and inventor which allow the business to manufacture the inventor's product. Businesses can also assess the developments in a specific technology to determine how to spend their research and development funds. Additionally, by frequently searching the new assigned patents, companies can monitor their competitor's ac­tivities. Frequent scanning of the patents granted in specific technologies may lead to the discovery of new trends w bile they are still in the early stage of develop­ment. Through these uses of a pa­tent collection, businesses can grow and, therefore, contribute to the economic growth of their com­munities.

Historians, museum curators, and collectors find patent information useful in the identifying and restor­ing of antiques. They are also able to identify the technological trends and activities of a given historic period. Educators and students find that by examining the development of a specific technology they can identify information useful to understanding not only the current state-of-the-art, but also as a means to forecast the future technological trends. Individuals often find the detailed explanations and drawings helpful in determining how a patented item works or how to repair that item. Of the nearly 4.6 million utility patents granted, the vast majority are never commercial­ly developed and, therefore, repre­sent a vast wealth of technological

information not available from any other source.

Once it has been determined that patent information is a possible source to resolve an information need, the question then becomes how does one find the information. Illinois is fortunate to have two libraries designated as Patent Depository Libraries by the U.S. PTO. When ISL joined Chicago Public Library as the second POL in Illinois, it became obvious that ser­vice to the large geographic area of central and southern Illinois re­quired a different service approach than that which exists in PDL's ser­ving large and concentrated metropolitan areas. As a result, many of ISL' s policies and practices have evolved from the basis of at­tempting to give the best possible service to our patent patrons while keeping the number of trips to Springfield for on-site research at a minimum.

It must be clearly understood from the beginning that, as librarians, we do not conduct patent searches for potential patentees. If an individual wishes to have the search conducted by someone else, one must hire an attorney or a registered agent. We do, however, provide all the instructions and assistance needed to enable the in­ventor to conduct his own search. I strongly encourage individuals who wish to begin a patent search to call and make an appointment with a librarian for the first visit, and to be prepared to spend a minimum of a half day. Patent searching is a very time consuming process. The initial visit also requires a substantial amount of the librarian's time to in­struct the patron in the concepts of the classification system, the correct use of the tools, and the procedures necessary to accomplish the task. A phone call from the patron prior to the first visit will eliminate the patron"s driving for 2-3 hours to get here only to find out that the library will close in an hour and that there is insufficient time available to give

AND WHY BOTHER! the proper introduction and basic in­struction. A phone call in advance of arrival prepares both the patron and the librarian and results in a much more profitable trip for that patron.

During the first visit, the patron receives an introduction to the pa­tent classification system and how technologies are divided into the class/subclass structure. If he has not already done so, he is encour­aged to read General Information Concerning Patents. He then learns how to use the Index to the U. S. Pa­tent Classification and the Manual of Classification to establish the field of search and how to use the Classification Definitions to refine his field of search. Online searches and subsequent explanations of the Classification Information Support System (CASSIS), are provided, as needed, by the librarian during this stage of the search. After the field of search has been refined, the librarian provides a CASSIS search for each class/subclass division which has been identified by the patron. The results of this search is a list of pa­tent numbers which have been assigned to the class/subclass searched. The patron learns to read the printout and how to use the Of­ficial Gazettes-Patents entries to locate those patents for which the full patent text must be viewed.

After the first session, we attempt to locate for the patron a federal document depository library in his area that has an Official Gazette col­lection where the patron can con­tinue his work. We advise him that he should utilize his local library and ILLINET to continue his search, and what additional work might re­quire subsequent trips back to Springfield.

The librarian explains to the patron the types of information that he can rquest through ILLINET such as additional CASSIS searches and copies of full patents. The patron is usually knowledgeable enough about the procedure after the first half day, that further ap­pointments are unnecessary. On suc­ceeding trips, assistance is provided

on an "as needed" basis by the ISL reference staff. By this time, the patron has not only learned about the services of a POL and how to conduct a patent search, but also about the federal document deposi­tory system, the interlibrary loan and reference request capabilities of his local library, and ILLINET.

For those individuals who are not inventors but who do have informa­tion needs which can be met with the patent collection materials, we will attempt to fill ILLINET reference requests and/or assist them if they appear in person. Since the collec­tion of U. S. Patent materials dates back to 1 790, the ISL staff is able to respond to many inquiries when pro­vided with an inventor's name and/or, at least an approximate date. If the request is very broad, such as all patents on sewing machines, or for the patent for a specific treadle sewing machine when that is the on­ly information given, our response might be general information on antique sewing machines, lists of possible class/subclass, a CASSIS search of a class/subclass, or a re­quest that the patron come in to con­duct a search. We do provide photocopies of full utility or design patents, Official Gazette-Patents en­tries, Manual of Classification pages and Classification Definition microfiche duplicates on interlibrary loan.

Certainly, searching the patent files is not easy and it can be ex­tremely time consuming. Once past the "how-to" stage, one must then learn to deal with the "language" in which patent documents are writ­ten. Obviously, the enormous number of documents involved creates a set of unique retrievability problems. Despite all these factors, this vast resource of scientific and technological information should not be ignored. Patent information can assist patrons in reconstructing the past and advancing into the future. In short, we can find patent information and we should bother! ■

PUZZLED by

Hunter Pilkinton

As promised in the last issue, I am reviewing answers received on the sliding dovetail puzzle from the December 1986 edition.

I received two answers, both correct, from Charles Miecznikowski of Depew, NY and Horace W. Gambell of Los Alamos, NM. I was surprised and disap­pointed that Bill Baader didn't send me a sample of the sliding dovetail as this was right up his alley. Probably too busy out hunting up ivory rules or something!

While looking through my unread backlog of magazines and trying to catch up, I found the sliding dovetail puzzle presented in American Wood­working Magazine, Vol II, No. 4, Winter '86 issue. Honest, I did mine in­dependently.

That takes care of old business, so on to the new.

I got three answers to the oversize piece of wood inserted through a steel boll, bearing. Again, Ouules Miecznikou:ski responded correctly. He recalled hav­ing made a similar project gears ago by slowly squeezing a piece of soft wood in a vise and inserting it through the opening while compressed. Since wood has a ''memory" it will gradually ex­pand when released. He did his with the wood dry. Lynn Hazelwood of Humbolt, TN said he had made similar projects.

The explanation I had in mind was to soak the wood in hot water for a period of time, then squeeze and insert through the hole. Soft white pine or basswood works wel'7 and as it dries it will swell to original or slightly larger size. This is the method suggested by Ray Nissen of Jackson Springs, NC.

But for ingenuity and patience, I have to give a special award to the solu­tion suggested by, once again, Horace Gambell He proposed placing a bear­ing over a live twig or tree branch and waiting for it to grow larger, Then, when the proper size is obtained, cut and finish as desired!

What can I say to to this?! However, Horace redeemed himself by sending me a puzzle which I am using in this issue. He intended it as a diversion for my amusement as he didn ,t send the answer, so I had to solve it in self defense.

Again, this is a solid object that can be made in the shop to tease your

Continued .. . page 7

Page 11

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ILLINOIS PLANEMAKERS AND HARDWARE DEALERS

Charles J. Ewing

This is Part One of a series of articles about Illinois planemakers and hardware dealers, and continues Mr. Ewing's study of craftsmen in the Midwestern States.

For additional references and credits, please refer to the December, 1985 issue of this publication.

Illinois entered the Union in December of 1818, the 21st state, or about thirty years before the metal plane began to surface and replace the wooden plane. Because of this later date of settlement, the all-metal plane was taking over and there wasn't very much de­mand for wooden planes or planemakers. From the 27 reported imprints of this state and the research that has been completed up to this time, it appears that (16) were Hardware dealers, and only (1) imprint is for a planemaker; and (10), no known data.

ILLINOIS MAKERS AND DEALERS OF WOODEN PLANES

1. Alex Steel - Rock Island (No known data) 2. Ayers & Company - Jacksonville (Hardware 1831-

1860's) 3. A. C. Bartlett's Ohio Planes (See Hibbard, Spencer and

Bartlett) 4. Wm. Blair & Co. - Chicago (Hardware 1853-1888) 5. L. & C.H. Bull - Quincy (Hardware 1845-1861) 6. S. Deschauer - Chicago (Hardware 1865-1907)

* 7. W. F. Dominick• Chicago (No known data) * 8. F. Elkins, Runyon & Bartlett - Chicago

9. J. & A. Fish - Chicago (Planemaker 1853-55) 10. B. F. Fox - Springfield (Hardware 1855-1890)

*11. M. Gillen - Belleville (No known data) 12. Harper & Steel - Rock Island (No known data) 13. Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. - Chicago (A. C.

Bartlett's Ohio Planes) (Hardware 1883-1920's) 14. L. & C. Hill - Quincy (No known data) 15. C. W. Holder & Co. - Bloomington (Hardware 1855-

1860's) *16. McQuaid & Company - Canton (No known data)

17. J. Mattison - Chicago (Hardware 1845-1851) 18. A. R. & G. H. Miller - Chicago (Hardware 1865-?)

*19. A.H. Newbould - Chicago (No known data) 20. Nelson & Hayner - Alton (Hardware 1853-1873)

*21. E. B. Pease & Bro. - Springfield (No known data) 22. Root & Platt - Alton (Hardware 1855-1872) 23. Ryan & Bros. - Alton (Hardware 1855-1858) 24. Sears, Roebuck & Co. -Chicago (Hardware 1800's-1930) 25. Topping & Bros. - Alton (Hardware 1849-1884) 26. Tuttle, Hibbard & Co. - Chicago (Hardware 1856-1857)

*27. Wiley & Frick - Jonesboro (No known data)

*Examples are known but research is incomplete.

Page 12

The Illinois planes in my collection are as follows:

1. Alex Steel 2. Wm. Blair & Co. 3. L. & C. H. Bull 4. A. C. Bartlett's 5. A. C. Bartlett's 6. A. C. Bartlett's 7. A. C. Bartlett's 8. S. Deschauer 9. W. F. Dominick

10. J. Mattison 11. Nelson & Hayner 12. E. B. Pease 13. Root & Platt 14. Ryan & Bros. 15. Tuttle, Hibbard & Co.

3/4'' Round #3 Hollow 3/8" Side Bead 1 1/4" (2 iron) Nosing 7/8" Groove Plow Plane 1 1/2" (2 iron) Nosing #20 Round #24 Round 16" Panel Raiser 1/8'' Side Bead 4/8" Side Bead #5 Round 5/8" Groove Complex Moulder

1. Alex Steel, Rock Island (No known data)

f ,~. C- 71 A ~ f. .)( ~ . !'>· EL

~ ... -~L " . ) L..; !it, : ·.

Rubbing

2. Ayers & Co., Jacksonville, Illinois (Hardware 1831-1860's)

1831-32 B. & Francis Ayers paid $10.00 for the privilege of opening a store and doing business in Jacksonville.

1860-61 Marshall P. Ayers (M. P. Ayers & Co.) Augustus E. Ayers (Marshall & Augustus

Ayers) Banker and Exchange

1871-72 M. P. Ayers, President of Ayers Bank, Gas & Coke Company, Paper Barrel Manufacturing, and Jacksonville, Northwestern & Southwest­ern Railroad, res. 934 W. State St.

1873-97 Same as above.

1891-1892 City Directory

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------------ILLINOIS PLANES------------

3. A. C. Bartlett's Ohio Planes (see Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett)

4. Wm. Blair & Co., Chicago, Illinois (Hardware 1853-1888) Chicago City Directories

1844 Wm. Blair, Stove and tin factory - Dearborn; So. Water Street, Res. Tremont House

1845-46 Wm. Blair (C. B. Blair & Co.), Stove and Hard­ware, 7 5 Lake Street, res. Tremont House

1846-47 Wm. Blair (Blair & Stinson) Iron and Hard­ware, 75 Lake Street, res. Tremont House

1853-54 Wm. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) 176 Lake St., Hardware and Cutlery

1856-57 Wm. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) 176 Lake St., Hardware Cutlery

1865-66 W. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) res. 230 Michigan Ave., Hardware and Cutlery

1867-68 Wm. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) 179 and 181 Ran­dolph, Hardware and Cutlery

1873 Wm. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) 172-176 Lake, Hardware and Cutlery

1888 Wm. Blair (Wm. Blair & Co.) 172-176 Lake, Hardware and Cutlery

1.,-·--· --· -- · . --- ---·--r-..

~J · 8 ~,~-~-~1.-~., ,~.!.1,1~.-~-~N, t} :\ ~I ~• ..:tA •~T ~f;' ~• . fit. :·~1 ' ~ -;i, -r.;; 7 ,.£.) ~ ' t4 ··:iJ Tin r'lat•, ~"""' lroa ud repprr, ij :,: 1:\"GLTSll ,\: ,\ .\11-: l!rC,\:\ fl.\lW\\",\fiE, ~

~':~ Iron, Steel. Nail11 and Spikos, '-\ cl Alan .. \t•l'lul.•ne1""" 1W t'ot •l'C'• 8hett ,....,. •M Tie w,,,,.,. i_ij '1103 Lake 8~:, Cllicago. Ill,/ ~~~;;~~~-~o(~E+J

1847-1848 City Directory

WILLIA:\l BL.-\I l{ & CO ..

HA.RD-WARE AN. □ CUTLERY, TIN PLATE, SHEET IRON, COPPER, •c.,

•U.U•• ... ,. t C. .. ,u,.:.-. , ~.,, IIL.,,•

170 L.A.~D S"I ~EET.

1:r-: u::\.GO.

We~••• ~.1-1, ..,.,.,.o~--'li. t.o ,,..,, 1 i,.q., ,.;,; 1,,h t • . , - r ~ ;· ,, t •.\ (k£ ·• :i1"'re. •h,, !I • · l

!>e tol4' .t d1e : ... ••.t ,..1.r1,.

1856-1857 City Directory

Rubbing

5. L. & C. H. Bull, Quincy, Ill. (Hardware 1845-1861) 1845 Lorenzo and Charles H. Bull established L. &

C. H. Bull Hardware 1857-58 L. & C. H. Bull Hardware and Agricultural

Implements, 111 Main 1859-60, 18 61 Same as above

1863 1868-73 1874-86

L. & C. H. Bull, Bankers, SW cor Main & 5th Same as above C. H. Bull, Cashier of Bank and Treasurer of Quincy Horse Railroad and Carrying Co., 1651 Main

L. '"~ C. lI. BULL~

/nrtign 2'· lJomrstir l3rrritmnrr, ~rli'Nil!r ~l;t;:~q~~D ~g,o

Saddlet'f Hataw:1re, · Carria;e · M:ilerials and T,imming,, Agricultur~ Implements and See~':-

1855-1856 City Directory Advertisement

Rubbing

6. S. Deschauer, Chicago, Illinois (Hardware 1865-1907) Chicago City Directories

1859-63 Stephen Deschauer (Tinsmith) 88 Blue Island Ave.

1865-66 Stephen Deschauer (Hardware) 88 Blue Island Ave.

187 4-75 Stephen Deschauer (Hardware) 536 Blue Island

1881-1907 Stephen Deschauer (Hardware) 534 Blue Island ,-.Rubbing

7. W. F. Dominick, Chicago (No known data)

Rubbing

8. F. Elkins, Runyon & Bartlett, Chicago, Ill. (No known data)

9. J. & A. Fish, Chicago, Illinois (Planemakers 1853-1855) Chicago City Directories

1844 James P. Fish (Carpenter) res Kinzie east of Lake House

1845-46 1846-47 1849-50 1853-54

Same as above James P. Fish (Teamster) James Fish, boards 125 Wells James Fish (J. & A. Fish) planemaker, res

Sherman between Jackson & Van Buren) Alexander Fish (J. & A. Fish) planemaker, res

194 Madison J. & A. Fish, planemakers, 230 Lake

To be concluded in September, 1987 issue.

Page 13

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STANLEY NO. 46 COMBINATION T he outstanding book, The Stanley Plane, by Al

Sellens, has been a tremendous help to all tool col­lectors, and it provides the groundwork and stimula­tion for further research on these planes.

Since production records, etc. are non-existent a study such as this can only be accomplished by careful and long-term observation of muliple specimens with identical features. Only "pure" specimens with all original parts were used for this study.

These type descriptions should help collectors and dealers alike, to properly identify and classify their planes. It will also enable them to use the proper replacement parts when necessary.

TYPE 1. Stanley c. 1873 Beaded edge at base of rosewood knob.

It is impossible to pinpoint the exact starting and cutoff dates for design changes, casting marks, etc. However, it is this writer's opinion that the dates given are accurate to within one year.

To make this listing as clear and concise as possible, only new feature changes will be noted in each descrip­tion. It should be assumed that all other features are identical to the preceding type or types.

For some unexplained reason Stanley never stamped trade marks on the skates of the NO. 46 plane as those found on the NO. 45 plane, thus making it impossible to use this criteria for dating.

See Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes In America, 1827-1927, pp. 227-228 for information on Dom's Combination Plane patented July 16, 1872. This plane was manufactured by Stanley prior to Traut 's patent. Since the mechanical arrangement is different from Traut's, it is not part of this study.

D-~

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

Top wing of rosewood handle is long with a graceful taper. Low profile of sliding section with only a slight arch.

TYPE 2.

J. *

"Girl Scout" or cloverleaf device cast on sliding section. The spurs on the skate are held by their own wedge shape. Round-headed, knurled brass screws do not have slots. A detachable guard plate is held to the sliding section with two small thumbscrews. TRAUT'S PATENT MARCH 4, 1873 is stamped on the handle. Plane is equipped with a cast depth stop or shoe that straddles the main body. NOTE: The early catalog illustration was used in all Stanley catalogs through 1892 regardless of the fact that many production changes were made prior to that date. This has made it confusing for collectors to properly date their planes.

Stanley c. 1874-1875 All features of TYPE 1 except: Sliding section has a much higher & symmetrical arch. "Girl Scout" device is eliminated and floral design on the sliding section is changed.

K. Minor casting changes on main body. Most noticeable is a third "step" dropped down at the toe for the knob seat. L. The horn at the lower edge of handle is noticeably shorter.

TYPE 3. Stanley c. 1875-1880 All features of TYPE 2 except:

M. Screwdriver slots are now provided on the round-headed brass screws.

Page 14

r l

PLANE TYPE STUDY/ Roger K. Smith Photographs and illustrations courtesy of the author.

TYPE 4. Stanley c. 1880-1883 All features of TYPE 3 except:

* The spurs on the skate are now held with small screws. N. The top wing of rosewood handle is shorter & blunt.

TYPE 5.

* 0.

00.

TYPE 6.

P. *

TYPE 7.

* Q.

TYPE 8.

* R.

*

TYPE 9.

* s. T.

TYPE 10.

*

*

Stanley c. 1884-1885 All features of TYPE 4 except: The cast depth stop or shoe straddling the main body is eliminated. Now has the slitter and depth stop provision on the right rear side of main body. Late models of this type will have screwdriver slots on the guard plate thumbscrews.

Stanley c. 1885-1892 All features of TYPE 5 except: The NO. 46 and STANLEY name are cast on the sliding section. All planes now have screwdriver slots on guard plate thumbscrews.

Stanley 1893-1896 All features of TYPE 6 except: The castings & brass thumbscrews are now nickel-plated, including the guard plate. Bead is eliminated at the base of front knob.

Q.

00.

Stanley 1896-1898 All features of TYPE 7 except: =rai~~ ~~~tl!i~§, R. Guard plate is eliminated. Now equipped with an outside fence. (One plane of this type is known with a japanned finish. Its classification is unclear at this time.) "S" casting marks may be found on some specimens of this type. (Sis a code letter for sub-contracting foundry, name unknown.)

Stanley 1898-1904 All features of TYPE 8 except: Round-headed brass screws eliminated. Now equipped with flat steel thumbscrews. A wing nut secures the slitter & rear depth stop.

Stanley 1905-1909 All features of TYPE 9 except: Patent date marking eliminated from handle on most planes of this type and all subsequent types. "B" casting marks on most specimens.

T.

U. Rosewood facing now attached to fence. u. V. Now has a clip under the cutter-locking wing nut to hold it captive. * * w.

Slight design change of casting made to accommodate this clip. Now has one-piece bolt to secure front knob rather than threaded rod with brass nut. The metal part of fence is shorter with nearly square ends.

w.

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------------STANLEY NO. 46------------

TYPE 11. Stanley 1910-1919 All features of TYPE 10 except:

* *

The NO. 46 and STANLEY markings cast on the sliding section now have sharper and more distinct lettering. "B" casting mark on some outside fences of this type indicates Stanley was using up excess stock.

TYPE 12. Stanley 1920-1942 All features of TYPE 11 except:

X. The horn at the lower edge of handle is completely eliminated. Handle is now shaped like late model NO. 45's.

~ ~x.

Explanations of how each conclusion was reached would require about another page each. Such additions would defeat the purpose of this study which is to be as clear and concise as possible.

Appreciation is extended to Fred Curry, Floyd Locher, Bob Kaune, Charles and Walter Jacob, John Wells and many others who have contributed to the author's knowledge of Stanley planes.

We would like to hear about other variations of the NO. 46 planes or any design characteristics which we may have overlooked. ■

Stanley's 1st Model No. 46 Traut's Patent Combination Plane. Iron frame, 10½" lg. x 5½" w. including arms. Rosewood handle & knob. Brass screws. Provided with a depth stop attachment that straddles the main frame. Equipped with 10 skew cutters. No. 136,469 - March 4, 1873 - Justus A. Traut. This model probably manufactured in 1873 only. The arch in the center of the sliding section is much lower than on later models and has a "Girl Scout" type device cast into the frame to the right of the arch.

The types of the No. 47 plane would match the characteristics of the NO. 46 except:

Page16

Distinguishing features of a No. 47 vs. a No. 46 plane.

1. No guard plate was provided with a No. 47 thus no holes were required in the sliding section for same.

2. The depth stop provision on the right side of the No. 47 frame was cut off and ground smooth.

3. Later models of both Nos. 46 and 47 had No. 46 and Stanley cast on the sliding section. Both then had the depth stop provision on the frame.

4. Only difference on nickel plated models is that the outside fence was not provided with the No. 47 plane.

5. Both planes did not have a slitting cutter provision until about 1883. 6. Fewer cutters were provided with the No. 47; five in 1876, six in 1884 and

seven in 1919. 7. Apparently only the four-inch arms were provided with a No. 47 plane. 8. The NO. 47 was never cast on the plane. The number was printed on the box

label and instruction sheet only.

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RICHARDSON'S NEW TIMBER SAW

T his unusual Richardson Brothers saw was recently acquired from

a local antique dealer who had pur­chased it from a member of an area Amish community.

The remarkable feature of this saw is the teardrop cutout in the central portion of the blade, as is evi­dent in the picture. The left side of the saw (as shown) is etched with the Richardson Bros. logo, including the Maltese cross (BEST-R) trademark. The logo also contains the following: "Newark, N.J." with arrows on either side; "Cast Steel Patent" ... "7" . . . "Warranted Patent Ground.''

Etched on the same side above the opening is the following:

Ronald W. Pearson

RICHARDSON'S NEW TIMBER SAW PATENT GRANTED

FOR FRAMERS, BRIDGE BUILDERS AND ALL WHO DO HEAVY SAWING, IT WILL DO ITS WORK EASIER THAN ANY SOLID SAW

AND WITH LESS SET. IT WILL NOT HEAT OR BUCKLE. JUST WHERE THE OPENING IS MADE IS WHERE

A HAND SAW BINDS, HEATS AND BUCKLES.

The blade is 26 inches long and has a "nib". There are 7 teeth per inch (7 point) and the set of the teeth is minimal. The handle appears to be made of applewood. The brass but­ton on the handle is embossed "Richardson Bros. Newark, N.J." and is surrounded by traces of a horseshoe-shaped paper label. ·

Apparently, this did not become·a popular saw with those who did "heavy sawing", since there have been no reports (to my knowledge) of other similar examples.

Alexander Farnham, in his fine book, EARLY TOOLS OF NEW JERSEY AND THE MEN WHO MADE THEM, reports that Christopher and William C. Richardson began manufacturing saws at 15 Railroad Avenue, Newark, N.J. in 1859. His research indicates that this par­ticular Richardson Brothers logo came into use in 1878 and may have been used until 1900. ■

Ron Pearson collection and photographs.

Page 17

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WHAT'S IN A NAME Elliot M. Sayward

12 II. II. li .\l, \E\"':-, 111.LSII,\Tl: U

Fi,ir. :.!:, 11-lt>. Fig. :.![)]. Fig. :.!.> IJ- l li .

Sand Rammer.

Ta1,,·r Fai:e ~tee! I:,umuer.

Steel nammcr. flcll Faced \ Yuode11 l'aYers Hammer. Steel Hammer.

Fig. '.!:i! 1s madt· of gun metal with woock!l hn11d!t- common wci .~ht about 211 th~.

\\'e makl' nny size. " 25 3 ~ mack of Xorway iron cast stt·d faced, snckt·t is qune det'p common w')!ht about 4G 11•, . S~.00 " " 25 11 -1 6 - - - - - - - - · - - - - ·' " 30 " 7 .50 "

" 3() II

" 2.),t- mn ·k from hc~t hard "·ood "·ith wrou~ ht ~tee! hanci~ . - -7.50" 4.00 ,.

Spcc.ial ~izc:s n1adc to y,nttcrn or clr:1"·in,!'.

R ay Smith's question about the " maiden" or paver's rammer

(#47, p23) pleased me for two reasons. One is that I know the answer. The other is that the subject provides an excuse for a short essay on one of the sources of tool names, a subject which I hope interests others even half as much as it does me.

The kind of tool Ray pictures has been around for a long time. I should not be surprised to learn that the Romans used it. However, the first illustration I know of is of the very early 15th Century and is, if memory serves, in a Book of Hours or similar work that once belonged to the library of the Due de Berri.

Later a 17th Century drawing showed a rammer of like design be­ing employed by workers installing a paved or tesselated floor in a building. A number of other illustra­tions from Europe could be cited. Page18

But was the device used in America, specifically in the United States? The answer is decidedly YES.

In 1896, H .H. Harvey 's catalog for stoneworkers, blacksmiths, con­tractors and others showed on page 12 the illustration that accompanies these notes. The firm, which had its factory in Augusta, Maine and its salesroom and offices in Boston, of­fered several varieties. A con­siderable use at that period is im­plied by the manufacture and adver­tising of not just a single tool but a selection of them.

Rammers of this sort continued well into the 20th Century, in at least limited use. I know of one, ac­quired within the last twenty years by an Eastern collector, that was found abandoned by a roadside, no doubt after the completion of a repair job. Perhaps current catalogs

Elliot Sayward, Levittown, New York, is a veteran M-WTCA member with a long history of service to the Association, having served as a member of the Special Publications Committee for several years. He cur­rently stays reasonably busy as Editor of The Chronicle, the ex­cellent journal of The Early American Industries Association.

Page from 1896 catalogue for contrac­tors, etc., left. Courtesy the author.

for road building contractors might still list the tool for those engaged in specialized jobs using paving stones or similar materials.

The term, " maiden" used to denote the tool is interesting. As far as I know, it is not so called in the United States. The term, however, opens the way for the consideration of tool names that derive from some fancied similarity between a tool and an animal or a human being.

I've never seen Andersen 's (not Anderson, as spelled in The Grist­mill) stories in Danish but I suspect that the word maiden was rendered as jomfru. The same word is jungfer (from jungfrau) in German andjuffer (from Jonkvrouw) in Dutch. Juffer, which means among other things a timber used in shipbuilding, was adopted into English in the 17th Century or earlier. Moxon defined it " as stuff about four or five inches square. This size, in section, agrees with that of the rammer and pro­vides a basis for speculation as to why the Dutch called building timbers juffers. Is it perhaps because short, chunky balks of wood suitable for rammers were first called juffers or maidens?

There is further reason for the speculation. Let us consider the word, dolly, which is also used for a ramming or beating tool. Tools for pounding and stirring the household wash were called dollies and were sometimes remarkably similar to paver 's rammers in appearance. Ano_ther dolly was a device used for beetling hemp. The timber cap used between the hammer of a piledriver and the end of the pile was also

M-WTCA.O

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-----------WHAT'S IN A NAME-----------called a dolly. The term has other related uses.

Dolly as a tool name is believed to stem from a diminutive or affec­tionate form of the feminine name Dorothy. The dol(s which children play with are said to derive from the same source. It is not unlikely that some tools called dollies were so named because they somewhat resembled effigies of the human form. The laundry dolly and the paver's ram both look rather like skirted female figures with their arms outstretched. Harvey's ram­mers have only one horizontal han­dle but Ray Smith's illustration has two. To term such a figure a dolly or maiden is nothing more than to recognize the resemblance and employ it, perhaps humorously at first, as the basis for personification.

Such namings are not uncommon. Rammer, as a name for the tool, stems from the verb ram. The first use of ram given in the Oxford

English Dictionary dates to AD 805 and means a male sheep. Battering­ram follows soon afterward and doubtless derives from the male sheep's habit of butting with his head, an action duplicated by that of the battering-ram. Other work­related uses of ram follow.

Incidentally, the hammer of a pile driver is also called a ram or a monkey. I've found no explanation for the use of monkey but the man­ner in which the massive, metal ram rises up the structure of the driver could be compared to a monkey climb­ing a tree.

Crane, dog, donkey, spider and others which will occur to you are animal names used to denominate tools in much the same way.

Tool names, like maiden or dolly, which derive from some real or fan­cied resemblance between a tool and a human being, are not uncommon. Another example, is the device which the Dutch call a bank-knecht

WHY ''MONKEY'' WRENCH? Though this useful device is little more than a hundred years old we can't be

sure whether it was of English or American origin, let alone how it came by its name. Stimpson, in A Book about a Thousand Things (1946), believed that it was devised by a London blacksmith named Charles Moncke, and that monkey wrench was a corruption of Moncke wrench. But Mencken, in The American Language (1936), points to the fact that our cousins-across-the­sea call this wrench a "spanner wrench." In an effort to establish a case for an American origin, Dr. M.M. Mathews, in American Speech, February, 1953, reporting on a number of newspaper clippings about words that had been collected over a period of years by Dr. John W. Cummins of Boston, largely un­dated, had this to say about monkey wrench: "There is in the Cummins material a digest that appeared in the Boston Transcript sometime during the winter of 1932-33. According to this note, about 1856 a

Yankee named Monk employed by Bemis & Call of Springfield, Mass., in­vented a movable jaw for a wrench. It was given a special name there in the shop, but it soon came to be called Monk's wrench and then monkey­wrench. This explanation is suspiciously easy and 'pat,' but it is somewhat odd that the date given, 1856, tallies pretty well with that of the first occur­rence of the term in the Oxford English Dictionary [a listing of the name in Simmonds 1858 Dictionary of Trade Products]. I am hoping that Mr. Monk may stand up under investigation, but he may have been disposed of long ago in some article not seen by me.'' Submitted by Frank W. Kingsbury of Glen Gardner NJ. Taken from the book,Horse Feathers and Other Curious Words, by Charles Earle Funk and Charles Earle Funk, Jr. Published by Harper Brothers, New York, NY, 1958.

and which I have heard termed in English, a bench slave. It is an ad­justable stand used to support a piece of work that extends beyond the bench. Knect which is related to the English knight once meant merely boy, but with the passage of time came to mean servant and then slave.

If you were not already enter­tained before you began this by the names given to trade and craft ar­ticles, consider that: a spoiled piece of woodwork was once called a heretic because it was only fit to be consigned to the fire; an ingenious repair, or contrarily, an ill-done one is called a Dutchman; an empty bot­tle is called a dead soldier; and a number of tools and devices were early baptized Jack and you will begin, I hope, to understand the fascination that such matters can have. ■

FARM DAYS ..... ... . from page 20.

sunset. A long track is laid out and the grandstands are brought over. Those wishing to get involved line the track on both sides near any one of the many numbered flags along its length. Each tractor in turn starts at one end pulling a large sled. As the sled passes a flag, those at that flag mount the sled, the object being to see how far you can get before the people stall your machine.

This show is definitely one for gaining knowledge and hands-on ex­perience, and there are lots of oldtimers around to ask if there 's a question. If you like watching things happen while standing behind a barrier, better bring your own barrier. There are none at Bird City.

The show begins each year on the last Thursday of July and runs through Sunday. I would like to see a large number of Mid-West members in attendance this July when once again the ground will shake and the earth will move under the awesome display of horse­power. ■

Page19

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EARLY FARM DAYS IN KANSAS Ralph Najarian For a change, we'll let the author introduce himself.

Here's what he has to say:

~ ..c: ~ ; ~

..c: ~

~ 0 ~ Ill ~

i 0 ~

Ill ..c: ~ ... ~ ~ 0

..c:

"Steam engines and their applications are one of my interests and it's related to antique tools, which is my major interest. I'd like to share this great experience with the other members of Mid-West, with the hope that more members join in the happenings each July at Bird City, Kansas, where there's so much to do and learn about.

I'm sorry this article is scant in the area of wood­working and antique tools, but the engine I was en­trusted with (the Russell) afforded me little time to spend indoors.

.,___ ____________________ -----J p.. Besides M-WTCA, I'm also a member of RMTCA, EAIA, Rio Grande Woodcarvers, and a couple of steam groups . .. "

Belt driven by a steam or gas powered tractor, this baler re­quired hand feeding as well as hand tying.

P articipation is the key word at the annual show and rally held

at the northwest Kansas community of Bird City. This event runs the gamut of early farm life in the town, the home, the barn and the field. It is one massive four-day living museum that utilizes the hands of those attending.

The firing line, containing more than a dozen coal-burning steam traction engines, even includes a steamroller. These huge· power­houses are used to drive the large implements and machines scattered about the 60 acre complex. This machinery includes threshers, corn shellers, balers, a sawmill, a planing mill and of course, the plows. The events consume between 35 and 40 tons of coal.

There are well over a hundred pieces of antique machinery and im­plements here, most of which get demonstrated, including the horse drawn equipment. Men and women, young and old alike, get their turn at

helping out, whether it's feeding collections, and there's even a vin-ears of corn into a sheller, climbing tage beauty shop for the ladies onto a wagon and throwing wheat wishing to have their hair done! shocks into the thresher, forking Moving along, one finds the straw into the baler or whatever one pioneer one room school and the sod wants to do. house, both stocked with period fur-

All day long anyone can get a ride nishings, and there's even a small on an antique steam tractor, even church, complete wtih antique pump during the races held every morning organ where services are held Sun-or in the afternoon parades. The day morning before engine fire-up. races consist of a slow race where In addition there are the sta-the object is to run the engine as tionary engine exhibits brought in slow as possible without stalling, by collectors from near and far. and the fast race when it's a puff of Little one-lungers and giant engines steam, a cloud of smoke and a "Hi- with massive flywheels fill the area Yo Silver!" with a carnival-like motion, and for

The "Avenue Of Lost Arts" fea- the early vehicle buffs, the Tri-State tures the displays and collections of Antique Auto Club has a parade and early community life, all furnished museum for ancient cars and trucks. with vintage tools and appliances. The flea market and swap meet Here is found the replica train depot, contain endless tables filled with the butcher shop, the weaving and antiques, junktiques, and yes, all spinning wheel demonstrations, the kinds of old tools. woodworking tool collections with The highlight of the show for most demonstrations of cabinet and fur- of the people is the Friday evening niture making (here I met two other tractor pull which runs well past M-WTCA collectors), the arrowhead Continued page 19.

Lineup of steam traction engines, including steam roller, and early gas tractors. All do some work at Bird City.

Portable log sawing headrig, belted to an antique tractor. It sawed the logs shown in the background.

Page 20

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TOOLS MADE IN THE MIDVVEST Roger K. Smith, Editor

BLACKSMITH COMBINATION SHOP TOOL

by Hunter -Pilkinton

A lmost everyone today is famil­iar with the Shopsmith, a

multipurpose woodworking machine combining table saw, lathe, sander and drill press into one compact unit.

The idea of combination tools is not new and there were many varieties of such tools in the late 1800s. The machine illustrated here is, however, rather unusual in that it is for metalworking. It was offered by the Rock Island Manufacturing Company, Rock Island, Illinois, and probably dates around 1920, per­haps a little later. Unfortunately the catalog from which this cut is taken is not dated, but it includes early electric clothes irons and shows some fancy-suited gentlemen demon­strating other products. Based on the clothing and the irons, I estimate the catalog to be from around 1920.

First, the tool offers portability. It also provides a substantial vise with a serviceable anvil and even a hardie. On the rear is a small gear driven blower which supplies the blast air for a small forge.

The triangular cut-out in the vise is a pipe vise, tightened by a square headscrew at the rear. It is also useful for bending rods and small pipes.

Now for the "piece de resistance" - it's also a drill press! The small stub between the vise jaws is bored to take ½ '' shank blacksmith drills, secured by a set screw. This chuck is gear driven from the front of the vise and the handle could be reposi­tioned to drive either the vise screw or the chuck. The vise screw provided pressure on the drill bit, giving a power feed of sorts.

Of course, the tool was limited to small work and drilling flat bars (because of space) but it was a handy gadget and I have a very similar one in my collection. ■

R.ock Island Mfg. Co. ~ R.ock Island, lllJnoJs

Rock Island Combination Forge, Anvil, Vise, Drill, Etc.

This tool is indispensable to the farmer, contractor and

others who have implements, automobiles or machinery of any

kind to repair. There is no other combination tool manufac­

tured so suitable for repairing of all kinds.

The construction of the tool is very simple, there being no

complicated mechanism to break or get out of order.

76

Page from catalogue of the Rock Island Manufacturing Company of Rock Island, Il­linois, c. 1920.

Page 21

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- Book Review -

Pollak, Emil and Martyl. A Guide to American Wooden Planes and Their Makers, Second Edition. 425 pages. Soft cover, sewn. Astragal Press, Box 338M, Morristown, NJ 07960. Available from the publisher or selected tool dealers. $25 postpaid.

Whether or not you agree with the philosophy of Sinatra's hit of the early 60's in which love - and every­thing else - is lovelier, "the second time around", you'll surely concede that the Pollaks' new revised Guide to American Wooden Planes and Their Makers, though lovely in the first edition, is indeed lovelier the second time around!

The new Guide takes wooden plane collecting another giant step forward with more than half again as much information as the first edi­tion. For example, there are 1330 makers' imprints illustrated as op­posed to the original 700; over 600 wedge profiles vs. only 40 before; and approximately 1660 biograph­ical sketches as compared· to 1350, even after more than 100 deletions. As before, these sketches contain locations, working dates and other pertinent data about each maker, the vast improvement being that each imprint and each wedge outline becomes an integral part of the biographical text, thereby putting all information about each maker in one easy-to-find spot. Arranged alphabetically by name, quick reference becomes simple and routine.

If that's not reason enough to want the new book, there's more. The authors have devised a star system for indicating the relative rarity of a maker's planes in those instances where they feel enough in­formation is known to make a reasonable assumption. Using this system, some 350 makers have been ''starred''.

Another important improvement is the use of commercial type for the text. This not only makes for easier reading, but also helps to conserve

Page 22

THE LIBRARY

SCIOTO WORKS An Ohio Tool Co. (w.s.) imprint for its second-grade line of beechwood planes 1893-1907. The company was located near the Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio.

■JboTo WOP.Ks ■

W.SCOTT William Scott was an early Pittsburgh, PA, planemaker. He first appeared in the 1813 city directory and as late as the 1826 directory. Allegheny was an early town on the north side of the Allegheny River, across from Pittsburgh. (A) ** (B) ii*

A

B

J. SCOVILL John Scovill (1804-62), son of Lyman Scovil (w.s.) (an additional "L" was acquired between generations), made planes in Johnstown, NY, as early as JR:'~ and probably worked until cl830 when he joined the ministry, becomrng .1 1

Episcopal priest in 1838.

Partial page (reduced) from the new Guide. Wedge profiles and imprints are actual size in book.

space, so that even though more than 100 pages were added, the directory has not reached the pro­portions of the Manhattan Yellow Pages and is still quite convenient to use and transport. The sewn binding with plasticized covers make it ex­tremely durable. This is no small point, as mine and several other original copies I've seen in use will attest to its long-wearing qualities. In fact, many of them easily quali­fied for the frequent flyer programs long ago!

While I don't see how any collec­tor who owns at least one wooden plane - or any other tool, for that matter - can get along without this fine new work, I really hope that every one of you don't rush out and buy a copy. If you do, everyone will become an instant expert and my chances of finding a sleeper (I. SLEEPER?) because the owner doesn't know what he has will become so slim that not even Jimmy the Greek will make book on it. ■

-TW

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PLANE TALK DEBUTS

As reported in the March '87 issue of this publication_, Elliot Sayward has stepped down as editor of Plane Talk after ten years and Emil Pollak has taken over as wooden planes editor. Roger Smith continues as metalic and transitional planes editor.

We have in hand their first issue, Volume XI, Number 1, and it looks like they 've put together a winner.

Added features include: "New In­formation on Planemakers" , de­signed to supplement Pollak 's Guide to American Wooden Planes and Their Makers, Second Edition" and using the Guide format, with im­prints, wedge outlines and biograph­ical notes on each newly reported maker. (See book review opposite page). This first edition contains in­formation on American, Canadian and English makers; "Auction News", with reports on three major tool auc­tions, listing prices paid for several of the more important pieces and personal observations; and "Re­views and Abstracts", which con­tains book reviews and information on newly released reprints.

Of great interest to iron plane col­lectors is Roger Smith's fine article on the Stanley Shuttle Plane, com­plete with photographs, patent drawings and a brief of the patent. Also, a revision with additions to the Bailey-Stanley Iron Plane and Wood Bottom Plane Type Studies adds new information.

Several other items of interest to all plane collectors complete this 16 page initial offering. We think you'll agree, "They did good!" ■

-TW

Annual Subscription (four issues): $15

THE LIBRARY

- Book Review -

Pearson, Ronald W. Guide To Ameri­can Brace Patents, 1829-1910. 36pages. Soft cover. Available from the author at 1293 South Hill Road, Erie, PA 16509 and selected antique tool dealers. $8.90 postpaid.

They say that the best things come in small packages and this new booklet from Ron Pearson bears out that axiom. In just 44 pages, in­cluding preface and cover, it con­tains a wealth of heretofore un­published information.

Beginning with the Augustus Phelps patent of October 10, 1829 and going through the Warren C. Fox patent of October 11, 1910, some 400 American brace patents are listed in chronological order. Each listing includes the number, date, patentee and what the patent was for. The author has thoughfully provided space between each entry so that the collector may list and make notes pertaining to braces in his collection.

This is not a picture book but the attractive cover showcases four pa­tent drawings. Instructions for ob­taining your own patent drawings are a part of the preface pages, along with other bits of invaluable infor­mation. These pages also provide answers to many of the problems en­countered by every patent researcher.

We anticipate that the arrival of this data-packed Guide will cause a dash to the tool room by many col­lectors eager to document the patent braces they've known little about. Long needed, this new reference work is certain to advance brace col­lecting immeasurably, and we think you'll want a copy to keep up. ■

-TW

FITZ STEEL OVERSHOOT

WATER WHEEL

The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills and Bill Rigler have joined together to reprint a 1928 catalogue entitled Fitz Steel Over­shoot Water Wheel. It is 5¼" x 8" with 84 pages. It contains a wealth of information on how water wheels were used to harness power.

Although not everyone's interest, we are supporting their effort by purchasing a few hundred copies. They are available to M-WTCA members at the cost of printing and mailing, $2. Postpaid. They will be available at the Spring meeting or you may order from: Chairman of Publications Committee, Roger K. Smith, Box 400, Lancaster, MA 01523. Make check or money order payable to M-WTCA.

Write to Bill Rigler if you want more information about his oper­ating mill or The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. ■

TED CROM RIDES AGAIN

Ted Crom, eminent engineer, horologist and trampoline artist, and with Nonie host to our meet in Hawthorne a few years ago, is em­barking on another career as full­time student at the University of Florida, working on a doctorate in the history of science. Dissertation, The History of Early Trade Cata­logues, 1700-1840, a book to be out by year-end '88. He will be in Europe for research in '87.

- Florida Bull

U.S. and Canada. $18 elsewhere. PLANE TALK GIA1:.~s~~A~ AHEAD Of ALL,

R1Dl~MA.CHINE. It bas a world-wide reµuta­P.O. Box 338M Morristown, NJ 07960

This ad from a November, 1882 issue of Scientific American was submitted by Frank Kosmerl, Rochester, NY. He would like to know if anyone has additional information on this "revolutionary" machine.

AC Mia t •CD,C:tll ,

tion. Over 8,000 uow in u!-le. Will cut u. 2 ft. log iu three min­utes. Price $18. Address

}"armel's' nlauufndurlu~ fo. l:iO \Vc~t Eiuht h ~t.,

() l N (!I N NA 'r I , 0.

Page 23

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Jn Jrnnb iRcmcmbrantt

Rupert S. Hill

Rupert S. Hill, 74, of Ormond Beach, Florida died December 24, 1986 after several months of heart problems.

Rupert was born at Silver Lake, Indiana and worked at the carpenter trade before becoming a school teacher. It was during this time that he became associated with the Fuller Brush Company and even­tually was made a district manager. He remained with them until his retirement in 1977, at that time moving to Ormond Beach.

While living in Elkhart, Indiana, Rupe began making furniture as it was made in the 19th Century, ob­taining rough sawn lumber from the small country sawmills. After his move to Florida, he continued fur­niture making in his workshop there, making several trips back to Indiana each year to replenish his supply of lumber. In this shop he taught several young men the art of cabinetmaking.

Although not a charter member of Mid-West, Rupe joined in the sum­mer of 1968 and attended the second meeting which was held in Springfield, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Margot, two stepdaughters, one brother and one sister.

He was an old and valued friend and we'll all miss him.

- Dean K. Garber

Charles Weeks

Word has reached us of the death of Charles Weeks, Orlando, Florida. Our love and sympathy to Edith.

- Florida Bull

Horace Smith

We've just learned of the death of one of our members, Horace Smith, Bradenton, Florida. Our sympathy and love to Elizabeth.

- Florida Bull Page 24

~:~wRWWIWlfflrn·-- ,·--11·-- ,·--11·--u·n .. 1r11·--u.-1rn··n-- ,·--u--u-- ij ~ -C ~ ~ ~

~ -C MEMORIES : ~ ~ ~ -C I've packed my tools in the old, pine chest, ~ C All sharpened and oiled with care; : C And someway, I feel we've done our best : C As I gaze on my old friends, there. : C Together we battled through sun and rain, : ~ .,. ~ Through sunshine and storms of life; -.,.

Old worn-out tools! Not quite in vain, -.,. We shared in the toil and strife. -.,. We're no longer needed. We're laid away, Like memories, old and worn; That linger with thoughts of a by-gone day, And dreams of a hope, forlorn. The "Working Cards" that cover the lid, U nshamed in their fading hue; Mute tokens of faith in all we did-We tried to be "Square" when due.

Together we toiled. Those ringing saws Just fitted my hand like a glove; The old, steel square, like union laws, I labored to learn and love. And age-checked, lie my rose-wood planes, My brace, bi ts, chisels and rule; Like me , on each are mars and stains Of toil upon every tool.

I've packed them all in the old , pine chest, There waiting in need or call; A construction gang that stood the test Of Labor, for great and small. Together, we're ready to do our share, Whatever the Master's plan; With compass and rule and old , steel square­The tools of a Union Man.-Heber White

L. U. 3 r 7, Aberdeen, Washington

-.,. -= .,. -~ .,. -.,. -~ .,. -= .,. -.,. -= .,. -= e,i:

~ ~ e,i:

~ .,. -.,. -= = .,. -= = .,. -.,. -.,. -.,. ~ -1 a i .. lt.-.ll.-.ll.-.H.-.!l.-.!I.-.H.-.ll.-.!I.-.H.-.!I.-.II.-.II.-.HJI.-.HJl.-.!I.-.II.-.HJl.-.11...H.-.!I.-.H.-.H.t:~

Carol Williams

Carol Williams, Chatham, Illinois passed away April 9, 1987 after a long battle with a brain tumor.

She was the wife of James Williams, veteran M-WTCA member. Carol was an important part of the Swap-0-Rama meetings in Chatham and we will all surely miss her.

- George Alton

This poem, submitted by George Braun, of Florissant, Missouri, is taken from the June 1932 issue of The Carpenter, published by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and J ointers of America in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It deserves a place in the obituary col­umn because with Ribald Ronnie thumbing his nose at Organized Labor and smiling kindly on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy specialists (the government-approved blueprint for union-busting), the Union Man, long a highly respected craftsman and an important cog in the American way of life, is rapidly nearing extinction.

M-WTCA.O

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THE MARKETPLACE Sam Strauss, Jr., Editor

DA V/D STANLEY AUCTIONS announce their important sale by auction of

1100 LOTS OF QUALITY ANTIQUE WOODWORKING and ALLIED TRADES TOOLS, TREEN, BOOKS

on TUESDAY, 23 JUNE, 1987 at THE KINGS HEAD HOTEL, LOUGHBOROUGH, ENGLAND

To include the entire collection of early catalogues, books and drawings, etc. from Mr. R.A. SALAMAN, used by him in the production of his DICTIONARY OF TOOLS and DICTIONARY of LEATHER WORKING TOOLS c. 1700-1950

This collection includes many early and original catalogues not seen before and represents such varied subjects as:

• CABINETMAKING • CARRIAGE • CARTS • COACHES AND WAGON-BUILDING WITH FURNITURE AND FITTINGS • COOPERS • WHEELWRIGHT • SHIPWRIGHT • SHIPS CHANDLERY AND SAILMAKING • METAL WORKING • MECHANICAL ENGINEERING • AGRICULTURE • GARDENING AND DOMESTIC APPLIANCES • SADDLERY • VETERINARY AND HORSE MANAGEMENT • WATCHMAKING • SHOE AND CLOG MAK-ING • BUTCHERS AND GROCERS ARTIFACTS, ETC ., ETC . • MANY SHEF-FIELD ILLUSTRATED LISTS AND PRICE LISTS.

Offering a unique opportunity to libraries, museums and collectors alike.

- and the USUAL 1000 LOTS OF TOOLS and TREEN -Color catalogs, $10. Includes 1000 illustrations, estimated prices, full postal bidding instructions, with prices realised list to follow.

from The Mechanick' s Workbench Front St., P.O. Box 544 Marion, MA 02738 Tel. 617/748-1680

TOOLS FOR SALE

ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION collection of GUS BAKKE, Madison, WI

JUNE 20, 1987 Preview 8-lOAM, Sale lOAM-?

RED BARN HALL, Evansville, WI (West of Janesville, WI on Hwy. 14)

or

500 TOOLS - A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING Risley Auction Service

4406 E. 107 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64137

Now available:

GUIDE TO AMERICAN BRACE PATENTS, 1829-1910

by Ronald W. Pearson, D.O.

Listing of approximately four hundred patents by number, date, patentee and title pertaining to bit-braces and at­tachments. Soft cover, 40 pages. $8.00 plus .90 mailing.

Ronald W. Pearson , 1293 South Hill Rd., Erie , PA 16509.

David Stanley Auctions Stordon Grange, Osgathorpe Loughborough, Leics., England Tel. (0530) 222320

GRIZZLY ANTIQUES FINE OLD WOODWORKING TOOLS

1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd. Berkeley, CA 94708

415-843-3651

Specializing in Stanley and Early American Patented Planes.

Please send a long SASE to receive our next regular tool list. Want lists invited. We buy collectable tools. Janet and John Wells.

WILLA TEN WORD

AD REALLY WORK?

YOU'RE READING

THIS!

ANTIQUE & USED TOOLS Quality, older hand tools for collectors and woodworkers. Illustrated lists published 5 times a year.

SUBSCRIPTION > $5.00 CURRE T LIST > $ 1.25

specializing in

buy and sell

:'i 11 W. I Ith • Port Angeles. WA 98:l62

(206) 452-2292

Page25

M-WTCA.O

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MARKETPLACE

Private Collection for Sale Private collection of logging memo­

rabilia, buggy tools and old wrenches. Collection includes 270 broad axes, log stamping hammers, hammer dies, 100 hatchets, bark spuds, wagon wheels tools, plus 400 misc. wrenches and more. For more information call BRUCE BIERI (414) 622-4646.

FOR SALE: Stanley Planes #212 $1200.00 #9 $1200.00 #85 $850.00 #97 $300.00 #12¼ $250.00 #72-72½ $500.00 #A-5 $250.00

All are in excellent condition except the 97 which has some pitting. Stanley #77 Dowel Turning machine with all cutter heads mint cond. $500.00.

Joe Kunz 1941 Brookhill Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 942-3058

MOXON. Mechanick Exercises. Handy­Work . . . Smithing, Joinery, Carpentry, Turn­ing, Bricklayery. 352 pages. 26 pictures. $12.50 postpaid. The original "how to" book. J . Kebabian, Washington Mt. Rd., Becket, MA 01223. .

FOR SALE: Collectable and useable tools by Stanley and other makers. Send long SASE for next regular tool list offering about 100 items. Grizzly Antiques, 1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley, CA 94708, (415) 848-3651.

TOOLS FOR SALE: Stanley No. 34 Cata­logue, May 1937, complete with covers, slight tears & stains, good condition $55. Al Bennett, 869 "A" Ave., Coronado, CA 92118, (619) 435-8458.

FOR SALE: Booklet containing over 400 hammer or hammer related patent records. $20.00. Dr. Ron Baird, Rt. 1, Box 331AA, Fair Grove, MO 65648.

I TOOLS WANTED WANTED: Scarce Stanley Planes and unusual patented planes by other American makers. John G. Wells, 1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley, CA 94708, (415) 848-3651.

TINSMITHING TOOLS: Forming and beading machines, stakes, hole punches, hammers, and etc. Otto Ziska, P.O. Box 325, Chesterland, Ohio 44026.

STANLEY PLANES WANTED: 605¼, 39 5/8", 43, 90J, 105, 144-¼ & ½, 141, 143. Also: Gage Iron Bench, G3, G3C, G4C, G6, G6C, G7, G7C. Bob Bradford, 2606 Moun­tain view Drive, St. Albans, WV 25177, (304) 727-1277.

Page 26

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Sam Strauss, Jr., Editor

ISSUE

March June September December

RATES - CLASSIFIED ADS

COPY DEADLINE

January 15 April 15 July 15 October 15

.15• per word - ALL words. S3 minimum per ad. Photos used with ads - Additional S8 each. (Polaroids not ac­ceptable) .AII photos will be reduced to 1 column width. Ads with borders - S8 per column inch, limit 25 words per inch. CLASSIFICA TIONS:All classified ads will be listed under the following headings, TOOLS FOR SALE, TOOLS WANTED, MISCELLANEOUS ANTIQUES FOR SALE, MISCELLANEOUS ANTIQUES WANTED. You must specify under which heading your ad is to be run.

PAGE RATES: SIZE Full Page (9 1/ 2"x7 1/ 2") Half Page (4 5/ 8"x7 1/ 2") Quarter Page (4 5/ 8"x3 5/ 8")

COST S160 S 90 S 50

WORD LIMIT 900 450 225

Photos - Additional S8 each. (Polaroids not acceptable). Typesetting and borders are included in the page rates. Camera ready ads accepted at no additional charge. We must have a sketch or rough drawing in­dicating how your ad is to be laid out.

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

SEND ALL ADS TO: Sam Strauss, Jr. #4 Sunset Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Telephone 501 / 666-1306

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 Sam Strauss at the above address or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication.

Wanted: Wooden Planes Made by J. Denison, John Denison & by G. W. Denison. I van Lux, 443 W. Lexington, Minden, NE 68959, (308) 832-2495.

WANTED to buy or borrow, catalogues showing tools of the specialty crafts such as veneering, pewterer and bookbinding. Illus­trations to be used in a Pictorial Dictionary of Hand Tools. Alvin Sellens, 134 Clark St., Augusta, KS 67010.

WANTED: Davis & Cooke Levels, 18" & 12", aluminum. Al Bennett, 869 "A" Aue., Coronado, CA 92118, (619) 435-8458.

POSTAL • PEDDLER

This department may be used by any current M-WTCA member doing business by mail who regularly publishes tool lists or catalogs. Please sub­mit your latest list or catalog to:

POSTAL PEDDLER P.O. Box 11 Avondale Estate, GA 30002

BEN BLUMENBERG, P.O. BOX 175, LINCOLN, MA 01773. Winter '87. Listing of 115 woodworking tools & misc., including 18th & 19th C. wooden planes, Stanley, & nice selection of rules. List, $2.

BRISTOL DESIGN (Tools) LTD., 14 PERRY ROAD, BRISTOL BSl 5BG, ENGLAND. List #12, March '87. 16 page catalog of some 300 tools, mostly woodworking, wood & metal planes, misc., including NOS cutters, Bristol Design planes, 6 good color prints of sale tools. 5 lists/year, $2 ea. with color prints, $1 with B& W photocopies.

GRIZZLY ANTIQUES, 1162 GRIZZLY PEAK BLVD., BERKELEY, CA 94708. List #5, Feb. '87. Nearly 100 tools listed. Many Stanley, misc., books and parts. Ad cuts for illustrations. Long SASE for first list.

WILLIAM A. GUSTAFSON ANTIQUES, BOX 104, AUSTERLITZ, NY 12017. Nice 32 page catalog for mail & phone auction con­tains 227 items with good photos and descrip­tions, mostly collector tools in variety of crafts. Write for details.

BOB KAUNE, 511 W. 11th, PORT ANGELES, WA 98362. April '87 list of 170 tools for users & collectors, majority Stanley. Ad cuts for illustrations. 5 lists per year, $5, single, $1.25.

K.C. PARKER, 625 LAKE DORA RD., MOUNT DORA, FL 32757. April '87. Listing of 113 lots of tools, mostly woodworking, in­cluding collection of 45 plumb bobs. List each 3-4 months, $1 per list.

TWO CHISELERS, 1864 GLEN MOOR DR., LAKEWOOD, CO 80215. List #20, Mar. '87. A varied assortment of over 200 tools, from axes to wrenches. Illustrated with photo­copies. Next 4 issues, $8.

M-WTCA.O

RG

The two maidens shown in the March issue prob­ably would not have attracted more attention if they had been attired in the latest and briefest string bikinis and in living color! Here's more.

Dear Mr. Smith, I saw your "thing" about "Two Maidens" on

page 23 of the March, 1987 Gristmill and submit the following information for what it's worth, and all based on memory.

I grew up on a ranch in the Coast Ranges a few miles south of San Francisco. In the late '20s the city of San Francisco was redoing their streets and selling the old cobblestone paving blocks for essentially nothing. We obtained many of these (I still have three or four) and used them for drain gutters along roads and walks. They came with several "tampers" which were very much like your ''Maidens''. Presumably they had been used when the cobblestone streets of San Francisco were laid (by Chinamen??).

This is about all I can tell you, but if you have questions, I'll try to answer them.

Sincerely yours, Jack Schoellhamer

Watsonville, CA

On page 23 of the March, 1987 Gristmill you had an interesting engraving from a story by Hans Christian Anderson entitled "Two Maidens". The ''Maiden'' is identified therein as a ''thing with which they ram down the paving stones in the roads" .

On behalf of Ray Smith (of Sun City, Arizona) you inquire whether such tools were used by pavers in early America. Although I cannot speak for "Early" America, I can indicate that I have seen a "maiden" employed in laying paving stones (Belgian Blocks) on the street adjacent to South Street Seaport (New York City) in 1978.

In addition I am enclosing a slightly different version of a "maiden" from my collection that was purchased at a Connecticut auction in 1972. My example has no markings and appears to be missing the metal "shoe".

I suspect that under the asphalt of many of our older cities we would find Belgian Block streets. Certainly my home town of Pittsburgh had many such streets when I was growing up. Whether " maidens" were used in constructing or repair­ing them must, alas, remain a mystery.

Howard L. Greenberger New York, NY

P .S. I am also enclosing a copy of page 153 of the Charles J. McCarty & Co. catalogue (Boston 1920) supplied by my good friend and intrepid researcher Carl Bopp (right.)

6 7 3

3 4

BACKTALK

This department is available for your comments, questions, re­quests for information or iden­tification, and letters which pro­vide answers to others seeking in­formation. For identification, a description, markings (ii ap­plicable), and a clear photograph or drawing should accompany let­ter. We welcome your letters and will print as many each issue as space permits, on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for receipt of letters is January 15 for March issue, April 15 for June issue, July 15 for September issue, October 15 for December issue. Address: BACK TALK P.O. Box 11 Avondale Estates, GA 30002

[(I

CIL\llLES .J. .\kC,\ltTY & CO. 163

PAVING RAMMERS AND TAMPERS

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r1,. 3702SA Tic. 37028 B F11. 370280 Fir. 370280 Fie. 37028E

PAVING RAMMERS

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TAMPERS

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Photograph of a "maiden" in a so111Bwhat different con­figuration from the collection of Howard Greenberger. And we all know, no two maidens are exactly alike!

In addition, Jack Schoellhamer provided a sketch of the ones he remembered in California. We were unable to reproduce the drawing but it was quite similar to the wooden rammer shown in Elliot Sayward's article.

Page from the Charles McCarty & Co. catalogue of Contractors Tools and Equipment, left.

UNUSUAL RULE

I would like to hear from anyone who can ex­plain the origin and use of this curved rule. (See attached drawing.) Made of hard maple approx­imately 1 /8" in thickness, it is marked MAGEE AND RICHARDS, MAKERS• 223 GRAND ST. N.Y. The radial graduations to 1 /8ths of an inch are correct along the 25 13/16'' convex edge which has a 7 foot radius. The concave edge has a 1 O foot radius and is not concentric to the other.

All markings are handmade with individual stamps used for each inch. The brass sandwich tips are not radial to either edge, nor are they parallel. The twin embellishment lines scribed 1 /32'' apart and about 3/8'' in from the inside curve show that the shape was deliberate. The width at the narrow end is 1 ¼' ' , the width at the wide end is 1 9/16".

David Harbin Davison , Ml

Below, view of both sides of the curved rule described above.

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19 20 21 12 23

Page 27

M-WTCA.O

RG

f G11STIILL MID-WEST TOOL COLLECTORS ASSOC/A TION, INC. Morris K. Olson, Treasurer, 2825 Jackson Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

Hal Dool i tt l,::.! 12510 Big B~nd Rd" Kirkwood7 Missouri

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT 126

COLUMBIA, MO

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