m-wtcastudying, preserving, and sharing knowledge of tools lee-coit-andreesen hardware co. trade...

Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools

Lee-Coit-Andreesen Hardware Co. Trade Card from 1919. Story on page 21.

June 2016 No. 163

Bill Ericson Displayed the “Rarest of the Rare” No.2 Planes at the Area A Meeting in Medina, MN. Displays Share

Members Knowledge of Tools at Area and National Meetings. Story begins on page 6.

M-WTCA.O

RG

2 The Gristmill

THE GRISTMILL

DEPARTMENTS

Chaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Fall Meeting-Louisville October 5-8 . . . 5

Elections Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Area Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Lest We Forget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Tool Family Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Tool Tid-Bits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

What’s It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Auxiliary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

FEATURES

Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated Of Monrovia, California . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

An English Compass: The Story of Two London Instrument Makers . . . . 16

M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership & Additional Gifts for 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

History of LCA/LGA Hardware CO . . . 21

Brown’s 47th Antique Tool Auction, Camp Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Novel Contest of Icemen. . . . . . . . . . . 28

J. Flint, Saw Maker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

M-WTCA Helps Identify Excavated Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Fire Tool History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Copyright 2016 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm | 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164

Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson, John Wells

Graphic Design: Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads

The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. The purpose of the Association is to promote the preservation, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share knowledge and understanding with others, especially where it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions.

President LeRoy Witzel105 Knights Blvd, Humboldt, IA. 50548-1879 (515) 890-0262, [email protected]

Vice-President of Elections Hollis Feeser 1606 28th St. N.W., Rochester, MN. 55901-7614 (507) 282-3175

Vice-President of Meeting Planning Larry Thorson 764 Stonebridge Ave., Onalaska, WI. 54650-8813 [email protected] (608) 779-0966

Vice-President of Membership John Walkowiak 3452 Humboldt Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN. 55408-3332 [email protected] (612) 824-0785

Vice-President of Scholarship Mark Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Rd., Cambridge Spring, PA. 16403-9776, [email protected] (814) 734-7818

Treasurer Vaughn Simmons3315 Clement Dr., Harrisonburg, VA. 22801-4723 [email protected] (540) 432-0617

Secretary Randy Knudsen 8173 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL. 32221-6630 [email protected] (904) 781-5479

Elections .......................................... Hollis Feeser

Meeting Planning .......................... Larry Thorson

Membership ................................John Walkowiak

Scholarship ..................................... Mark Eastlick

Gristmill Editor ..................................... Bill Kolm

Special Publications ........................ MIke Urness

By-Laws and Policy ..................... Steve Edwards

What’s It .........................................Rob Hartmann

Directory ......................................Randy Knudsen

Preservation & Education .... Doug & Paula Cox

Marion Henley Award .................. Kerry McCalla

Displays & Awards ......................Dick Bradshaw

Internet .................................................Russ Allen

Address Labels ............................. Kerry McCalla

Scrapbook ..........................................Aaron Hoyle

Strategic Planning ................................. Ed Hobbs

Endowment ...........................................Bob Terry

Where to Send WhatSend changes in your address, phone number or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, E-Mail [email protected]

Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone (586) 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected]

Pay membership dues for current year: Dues are $25 for USA, $40 for Canada & $60 for Foreign members. Send your check made out to M-WTCA to Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, 3315 Clement Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 phone (540) 432-0617 E-Mail [email protected]. Please write RENEW and your name and address on your check. Do not use a new member application to renew an existing membership.

Submit materials and advertising information to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spauld-ing Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge Spring, Penn. 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No. 163 June 2016

Area AMathew Kujawa, 2016Greg Vetsch, 2017John Hunziker, 2018

Area BGary Kane, 2016Steve McNulty, 2017Don Zoellner, 2018 Area CZachary Dillinger, 2016Mike Stemple, 2017Jim Charvat, 2018

Area DDavid Christen, 2016Bill Ruppert, 2017Fred Leu, 2018

Area EEric Kenney, 2016Don Snyder, 2017William Cox, 2018 Robert Terry, 2018

Area FErick Horner, 2016William Warner, 2017Art Redinger, 2018

Area GRay Myers, 2016Wayne Michaels, 2016George Elsass, 2018

Area HPeter Habicht, 2017Annette Habicht, 2018

Area IDavid Hegwood, 2016Emery Goad, 2017Area JJim Dills, 2016Jim Price, 2018

Area KGary Coleman, 2016

Area LSteve Gosselin, 2017

Area MDoug Fowler, 2016Dick Bradshaw, 2017Stephen Edwards, 2018

Area NMike Imel, 2016Phil Baker, 2017

Area ODwight Trahin, 2017Bob Valich, 2018

Area P Jason Miller, 2016James Leamy, 2017Patrick Renehan, 2018

Area QBruce Bogust, 2017

Area RBill Gustafson, 2017

Area SWordell Davis, 2017Henry Caudle, 2018

Directors

Committee Chairman

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) is printed by Elman Print, 6210 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 phone 402.346.0888

www.mwtca.org

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 3 June 2016 3

2016 M-WTCA Area Meetings

Area Q May 14, Bethania, NC. Robert Oehman, (919) 593-4029, [email protected] A May 14, Hastings, MN. Greg Vetsch, (612) 743-3697, [email protected]\Area H June 19, D’Elia Antique Tool Museum, Scotland, CT. Annette or Peter Habicht (413) 645-3148, [email protected] Area P June 25, Adamstown, PA. Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] Area C July 16, Kalamazoo, MI. Jim Crammond, (734) 241-0549, [email protected] E August 7, Garfield Farm Museum, LaFox, IL. George Cella, (630) 377-3646, [email protected] E Sept. 11, Ottawa, IL. Bill Cox, (815) 672-3874, [email protected] Q September 17, Raleigh, NC. Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, Area D September 18, Cosgrove, IA. Bill Ruppert, (319) 545-2756, [email protected] P September 18, Adamstown, PA. Don Stark, (717) 367-5207, [email protected] A Oct. 22, Hastings, MN. Greg Vetsch, (612) 743-3697, [email protected] S Oct. 22, 2016. Timberville, VA. Vaughn Simmons, (540) 432-0617, [email protected] D Oct. 23, Omaha, NE. Fred Leu (402) 690-0402, [email protected] E Nov. 6, Carlinville, IL. Bob Terry (618) 377-3421, [email protected] N Nov. 19, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL. Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected]

2017 M-WTCA Area Meetings

Area F March 11-12, McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer, IN. Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected]

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

M-WTCA

National MeetingsSpring 2016 June 8-11, Holiday Inn - Airport, Des Moines, IA. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

Fall 2016 Oct 5-8, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Louisville, KY. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

Spring 2017 June 14-17, 2017, Springfield, IL. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

Fall 2017 Sept. 27 - 30, 2017, Memphis, TN. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

Spring 2018 June 13-16, 2018 Causeway Bay Hotel, Lansing MI. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

Fall 2018 Sept. 26-29 2018, Marriott, Cedar Rapids, IA. Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966, [email protected]

M-WTCA.O

RG

4 The Gristmill

On the front cover of The Gristmill is an artist’s sketch of a gristmill. This sketch was done by one of our long-time members James Baird. His obituary is in this issue. It was June 1979 that The Gristmill took on a new look. This symbol of our organization was drawn by Mr. Baird and depicts a true gristmill located at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Mr. Baird spent 44 years doing drawings and art work for the Hoards Dairyman magazine which is sent to many dairy farms yet today. Growing up on an Iowa farm in the 40s and 50s, I can re-member this magazine coming in the mail. I have three of his detailed signed prints hanging on the wall in my office. They were purchased from him at an area meeting from his sales table several years ago. We extend our sympathy to the James Baird family and also our appreciation of him sharing his artistic talent.

Mark Eastlick and his committee are busy selecting the scholarship winners. The M-WTCA auxiliary have recently donated $1500 to the scholarship fund. The Strategic Plan-ning Committee has been busy the past months and will be presenting information to the BOD at the June meeting. It is not too late to forward your comments to Ed Hobbs, Committee Chairman. If you as a member have any con-cerns about M-WTCA, contact your Director as he will be representing you at the BOD meeting.

Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, indicates we have 3560 mem-bers, with 363 new members. It looks like we are on target to have over 3750 members by the end of the year. Mem-bers continue to donate funds above the $25 dues each year. So far this year, $9200 has been donated for the advanced level funds. Mr. Simmons points out that with membership growth and good advanced giving, there is no

need for a dues increase. There has also been growth in endowment and scholarship donations as families of de-ceased members remember M-WTCA.

As I have said before, we are fortunate to have so many volunteers that make this organization run. One of our “behind the scenes” workers that I would like to give a special thank you for all his work, is Carl Gray. Carl sends a packet to each new member that includes: back issues of The Gristmill, Directory, and the special publication. This takes a lot of time, as well as trips to the post office and finding places to store new member materials. Carl has been doing this for quite a few years and according to our Treasurer there have been over 1500 new members in the past two and one-half years alone. This service is certainly appreciated.

The Gristmill is our worldwide ambassador! Each issue contains educational articles, on-going features, reports and photos on area meetings, and semi-annual meetings. Please continue to keep our Editor Bill Kolm supplied with articles. What a great variety we have in each issue of The Gristmill. The membership interests are so varied, so it is good to have a variety of subjects in The Gristmill. It is hard to match the variety, educational value and per-sonal touch offered.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our semi-annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa June 8th – 11th. The Holiday Inn Hotel is hosting a free pork barbeque on the evening of Wednesday, June 8th at 6 PM. Get your “name in the pot” by registering for it on your registration form. There is also the hospitality room later in the evening in which you can catch up on the latest with your friends. Be sure to be ready to hit the parking lot before dawn on Thursday morning. A free hot breakfast is included with your registration at this meeting.

Keep spreading the word. Many new members continue to say “I would have joined sooner if I had only known about M-WTCA”.

CHAFFFrom President,

LeRoy Witzel

eBay by John WalkowiakPlease consider placing an M-WTCA membership promotion in your listing or on your web site. This will be good for M-WTCA by providing the thousands of eBayer’s and online collectors who are looking at old tools and do not know about us, an easy means to make contact with our organization. This will also improve your credibility as a seller by showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be a Win-Win situation for everyone! Just go to http://mwtca.org and click on the Selling on eBay bar on the left side of the homepage. Then simply copy and paste the promotion and add it to your listing where it best fits. It is simple and easy and will be a great help in exposing our great organization to the world. Also, do not forget to include a membership brochure in all the tools you send out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of membership brochures to you.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 5

Elections ReportHollis Feeser, VP Elections

The snow is gone, the grass is getting greener and it is only the beginning of spring. Mail from Area Directors inviting members to attend their tool meets is showing up, flea mar-kets are opening and I find myself looking at some of my collection with a longing to get to the next meet. It is spring. Area meets are being planned. Directors are in charge of the planning and coordination of the details.

Currently there are three Areas entitled to two or more Di-rector’s but have only one and there are seven open seats

(See page 38 of the March Gristmill).

If you enjoy tools, then why not help others to share in your enjoyment by volunteering to be of help in your Area. Of-fer to work with your Area Directors and get a feel for the position and step up and run for a Director seat in you Area.

Please get in touch if you have questions or suggestions about the Area Directors position.

Fall Meeting-Louisville October 5-8by Larry Thorson

The Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Cen-ter Louisville, Kentucky will be the site of our 2016 Fall Semi-Annual Meeting October 5-8. The nightly rate will be $85 which includes a hot breakfast and is good three days prior to and three days following the meeting. The reserva-tion line is 1-800-345-2995. Make sure you men-tion M-WTCA.

The men’s display theme will be Keeping Things on the Straight & Level “Levels and Plumb Bobs”. Displays are a very important part of our education and sharing fo-cus. During the dedicated Q&A session on Friday morning before the trade room opens, you will have an opportunity to share your displays with others. We will have a large trade and display area so plan on bringing lots of tools for sale or trade as well as displays.

Thursday morning, tool trading will start early (bring a flashlight) in the parking lot across from the Convention Center. The men’s program on Thursday evening will fea-ture a presentation by Jim Gehring on levels. On Friday the Trade and Display room will open at 6:30 AM for display set up and loading in of tools. At 8:30 AM, displays will be ready for viewing followed by tool trading at 10 AM. Several demonstrators will be present in the Trade Room on Friday, demonstrating their skills with hand tools. Fri-day afternoon we will have a presentation on pocket tape measures by George Wanamaker. Once again we are look-

ing for quality tools for the Friday evening auction. If you have tools that you would like to sell and do not set up a trade table(s), please give some serious thought and bring them to the Friday auction.

For those members that can only attend on Saturday, we again are offering registration for ‘Saturday Only” with the trade room opening at 6:30 AM. The What’s It session will be held in the Trade Room at 10:30 AM. Election of offi-

cers will take place at 2 PM prior to the Saturday men’s program.

Saturday evening we will close out the meeting with a short business meeting, the banquet and enter-tainment by the West End Stomp-ers (Blues & Dixieland Band).

Your hostess will be Catherine Trahin. She has been busy plan-ning activities for the Auxiliary

as well as planning the tours. Tours planned for Thursday will travel to Buffalo Trace Distillery that has history tied to our Nations early, beginning from 1793. Some of the buildings were constructed in the early 1880s with large timbers that are amazing. Another tour opportunity will be visiting downtown Louisville with tours and other ac-tivities in the works.

Look for registration materials in your mail box in mid-August. Note the deadline for making hotel reservations is September 13. Catherine and I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones in Louisville. We have arranged great programs for you and know you will have a great time.

M-WTCA.O

RG

6 The Gristmill

AREA MEETINGS

Area A Meetby Bob Nelson

The Area A “Cabin Fever” Meet in Medina, MN. was on Fe-burary 13, 2016. This year despite another below zero start, 213 members and guests (and understanding spouses) braved the cold and turned out for our 29th annual Area “A” Medina Meet. Roxanne Vetsch and daughter Anna, reg-istered folks from six states and enrolled 22 new M-WTCA members.

Anna and Roxanne At Our Registration Table

Once again, we filled over 80 trade tables with a fantastic array of tools. There was something there for everyone. I did not see anyone leaving empty-handed. One of Mike Siemsen’s School of Woodworking students, Clyde Rog-ers, demonstrated the fine art of saw sharpening using his grandfather’s saw(s).

Two term retiring director, Rick Rayburn, received his re-tirement plaque. Thanks Rick for all of your help at our meets and for the wonderful and fairly priced tools that you have sold to so many of us.

A big thank you also to Rose Rayburn for working the reg-istration desk for the last six years.

Trade Room Activity Clyde Rogers Demonstrates Saw Sharpening

Rick Rayburn, Retiring Director

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 7

AREA MEETINGS

This year we had 12 great displays:

1 Cecil Holmes – “Miller Patent Plane Type Study” – This is the most com-plete display of the beautiful Charles G. Miller planes we have ever seen. Very timely because the display shows so many of the planes talked about in Don Bosse’s article(s) in the December 2015 and March 2016 Gristmill.

2 Joe Preusser – “A Whimsical Display of Miniature Tool(s)” - Joe’s lamp in the photo was lit by an “Edison” bulb; circa 1900. The enclosed cylindrical portion provides a “dust free” environment for some of his smallest pieces.

3 Jim (son-of Joe) Preusser had a complete collection of “Calipers” – large, medium, and small – plain and extremely ornate.

4 Bill Ericson displayed the “Rarest of the Rare” No.2 planes. This was the Chaplin No. 2 – the only known exam-ple of the plane with a wooden handle.

5 Steve McNulty - “Tools of the Cob-bler”. Steve shared his very complete collection of cobbler tools. He said he could even fix my 15 year old boots, if I dared to wear them during the repair.

6 Jim Keats brought a very old and interesting “Cobbler’s Driving Ham-mer”.

7 Mike Bluhm displayed the most in-tricate and largest collection of min-iature tools and miscellaneous items that I have ever seen. Mike estimates that it took him over 2000 hours of work over a period of many years to complete.

8 Bob Nelson had a unique combined number and type study of Bailey/Stan-ley planes: Numbers 1- type 1; 2- type 2; 3- type 3; 4- type 4; 4 1/2- type 4.5; (pre-lateral), 5-type 5; 5 1/2- type 5.5 (1st corrugated); 6-type 6, 7- type 7, and 8- type 8.

M-WTCA.O

RG

8 The Gristmill

AREA MEETINGS

9 Pat Feeser – Pat always brings great women’s displays. This year she shared just a portion of her fine collection of tailor’s tools and templates.

10 Greg Vetsch displayed what is ar-guably the finest and most labor inten-sive level ever made. It is Rosewood with many intricate German silver in-lays. Greg recently acquired this fine piece from Mel Miller.

11 John Walkowiak brought a fes-tive valentine themed display titled “Hearts and Bows”. These were rare and unique tools that formed a heart, were cast with a heart, or cut into a heart (via the rib cage and sternum).

12 Hollis Feeser’s display was titled “Openers from the Pre-Pull Tab Era”. This brought back memories of the 6 oz. Coca-Cola bottle, O-So Grape, Dad’s Root Beer, and Grandpa’s Fitgers Beer.

Display award winners:

Best Woman’s Dsplay – Pat Feeser Best Single Tool – Bill Ericson Best Out of Theme – Cecil Holmes Best In Theme – Steve McNulty People’s Choice – Mike Bluhm

New Area A Director is Greg Vetsch who ran an interesting and informative “What’s-It” session. Thanks to all who brought all of their unidentified sta-tionary objects.

The Ladies Auxiliary renewed their friendships and exchanged stories about their travels and the latest great “finds” made by their husbands. Kath-leen Holmes writes a great column in the Gristmill titled “From the Other Side of the Bed”. Check it out. It is a great read.

Welcome to all of our new members. This is a great organization and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Thanks again to everyone who braved the cool, clear Minnesota morning to attend our meet.

The Lovely Ladies of Our Women’s Auxiliary

Greg Vetsch runs the “What’s It?” Session

Please join us at Medina next year on February 1, 2017.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 9

‘Carlson & Sullivan’ Incorporated Of Monrovia, Californiaby George Wanamaker

Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated of Monrovia, California, made tape measures. The company was officially started in 1945, incorporating in California on February 15, certificate of incorpo-ration #576,036. It was formed by Frederick O. Carlson, the idea man, and Andrew J. Sullivan, the money man.

On May 8, 1944, when Carlson filed for patent #2,410,713, he was living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. When this patent was granted on November 5, 1946, Carlson was listed as the pat-entee and Sullivan was granted half the rights. This patent was for a locking closure over the blade extension hole on the case of a tape measure. At this time, there are no tape measures known that used this feature.

Thus, Carlson & Sullivan Incorporate was founded. It is believed they were producing tape measures in early 1945. The first tape measure production only had the Carlson name on them. It was on the applied label. After a very short time, as indicated by numbers extant, “Carlson & Sul-livan” was added, cast on the lower back of the case, and all succeeding tape measures were labeled Carlson & Sullivan.

Frederick O. Carlson

Even though Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated started in 1945, Frederick O. Carlson had a background in the tape measure business pre-dating this by at least 15 years. He had worked for Mayhew Steel Products and Master Rule Manufacturing Company previously.

Carlson was born in 1899. The next reference found that he was living in Los Angeles, California, in 1920. It was to this area Monrovia, California, that he returned in the mid 1940s to start his company.

No information is known about Carlson between 1920 and 1930*. Conjecture is that he left California moving to the east coast to attend engineering school and upon graduat-ing was hired by Mayhew Steel Products Company to de-sign and supervise manufacturing their tape measures. At this time, Carlson lived in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Carlson was probably the master mind behind the Mayhew Steel Products tape measure program.

Mayhew’s first tape measure was a heavily nickel plated push button return tape measure available with either a four or a six foot blade. This push button retraction tech-nology was based on C. B. Hayward’s patent #1,992,947 filed September 18, 1930, issued March 5, 1931 and purchased by Mayhew Steel Products Company. That tape measure was on the market by 1930 as is evidenced by advertisements from that time period in “Popular Science Magazine”.

Carlson filed a patent application on March 13, 1931, which was granted September 17, 1935, #2,014,375. This patent was assigned to Mayhew Steel Products and was for a tape measure with a drum, around which the blade was wrapped when retracted, mounted on a plate which semi-floated in the case. It worked as a regular push/pull tape measure un-less a button on the side of the case was pushed. Then the blade would exit the case on its own, due to the tension in the concave/convex blade.

This was an attempt to make a tape measure with both a push/pull action and an action similar to the original Far-rand tape measure, which would automatically exit the case when the two side handles were squeezed. I have seen only three Mayhew tapes of this type so far, none have a side button which works at all. This may however, be due to dirt and corrosion built up over many years inside the case.

This tape measure’s case was nickel plated and stamped as follows: “PAT’S PENDING MODEL A MADE IN U.S.A. BY MAYHEW” in a circle around the outside edge of the front with “MAYHEW” in a triangle at the bottom.

Two things are unclear at this time. When was this first marketed? A good guess is before the patent was granted, possibly as early as 1932. Second, was this Mayhew’s sec-ond or third production tape measure?* They also made a tape very similar to this one which pulled out but was wound back in with a crank on the back.

By 1935, Carlson had moved on to Master Rule Manufactur-ing Company in New York City. It was here that he filed a patent application on March 18, 1935, which was granted February 9, 1937, #2,070,255. This was for an attachment to a wooden zig zag type folding rule, which could be used as a caliper. It also included for the same type rule, a solid metal leg with measurements on it. These could be used to re-place either one or both wooden end sections of the rule to increase wear characteristics. Master produced Metal End rules for sale under this patent. A rule with one metal end was #278, a rule with two metal ends was #378.

Carlson filed another patent application on November 6, 1937, which was granted May 5, 1939, #2,160,304, and as-signed to Master Rule Manufacturing Company. This cov-ered a redesigned extension joint for the Master Slide Rule, a measuring rule not a calculation rule. It is unknown if they used this improvement in their slide rule.

Carlson applied for and received two other patents which were unrelated to rules; first, a patent for a safety ash tray, application filed October 8, 1932, granted March 26, 1936, and second, a patent for a grade-o-meter, application filed August 13, 1941 granted February 8, 1942, which could tell the grade of a hill an automobile was trying to climb or de-scend. Both patents were registered only to Frederick O.

M-WTCA.O

RG

10 The Gristmill

Carlson, and at this time neither seems to have reached the production stage.

Carlson worked for Mayhew Steel Products on tape mea-sures from 1929 or earlier, receiving at least one known pat-ent which he assigned to them. By the mid 1930s, he moved to Master Rule Manufacturing Company and worked until at least 1940, receiving two known patents which he as-signed to them.

By 1944, he had left Master and had moved to Cleveland Heights, Ohio. It is not known why he moved there or what he did when he got there. By early 1945, he had relocated to Monrovia, California, ready to found his own company, Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated.

Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated

Carlson & Sullivan made very high quality tape measures from the very start of the company. They were also a very innovative company, patenting and producing tape mea-sures with innovations seen on tape measures for the first time. Many of these innovations were later used by other tape measure manufacturers.

The first tape measures produced were 120, Hobby; 220, Chief; and 320, White Chief series. Each line included a six and an eight foot measure. The 220 and 320 series had a chrome plated D shaped case, with an applied color la-bel. The case had two halves with a small checked design, which butt together. The Chief models #226, six foot and #228, eight foot had a nickel plated ½ inch wide blade, while the White Chief #326 six foot and the #328 eight foot had ½ inch wide white blades. Both had black numbers and were graduated in sixteenths. The patent for this white blade #2,089,209, belonged to Adolph W. Keuffel and Walter Go-tham of K+E Keuffel and Esser Company. Carlson either paid a royalty to use this patent or he purchased blades, ready made from K+E.

How can the first models of the 220 and 320 series be identi-fied? On the applied red and silver label, blade length and model numbers were printed in black. Also, on the lower back was cast “MADE IN U.S.A.”. After the early produc-tion, within a year or two the length and model number were no longer black and “CARLSON & SULLIVAN” re-placed “MADE IN U.S.A.”

The Hobby #126 six foot and #128 eight foot had a round 2 ¾ inch diameter case with an applied red and silver colored label, and a nickel plated blade with black numbers. The blades were marked in sixteenths. The very first #126, made either as a sample or give-a-way for the first sales represen-tative, a Mr. Hall (first name unknown at this time), appears to have been purchased from Master Rule Manufacturing Company. It matches all the characteristics of the Master Monitor of 1947, except the blade is white.

The 220, 320, and Hobby series cases remained the same until H. K. Porter bought the company in 1958. They changed the black lettering and numbering to red on the la-bel and changed the words on the lower back from “MADE IN U.S.A.” to “CARLSON & SULLIVAN”. Soon after, H. K. Porter changed “Carlson & Sullivan” on the back to “H. K. Porter” and added Carlson to the front label.

Most of the information above has been drawn from patent records and obituaries. Starting with 1948, the information was also found in magazine advertisements, a few catalogs, and on fliers. Even with these sources, information on Fred-erick Carlson and Carlson & Sullivan Inc. is incomplete.

New Ideas

Carlson & Sullivan was a very innovative company. The fol-lowing ideas were leading technology for tape measures when they were introduced. Later, other companies in or-der to keep up, were influenced to offer similar changes to their tape measures.

The 10 second blade change was probably introduced in 1945 or 1946, following the practice of using an improve-ment as soon as the patent application was filed. The quick change blade was patent #2,510,939 filed on February 15, 1945, and granted June 6, 1950. This patent also covered a new design for the blade coiling mechanism. This mecha-nism was also used almost immediately. This gave them a competitive advantage; other companies still needed to open the case to change the blade. Much later other compa-nies notably Stanley Tool Company in the mid 1950s, devel-oped an easy change blade.

In 1948 or 1949, a #2210 Chief was introduced having the same type of case and label as the #226 and #228, but with a ten foot, nickel plated blade. “Popular Mechanics Maga-zine” dated November 1949, had a Carlson & Sullivan ad-vertisement which stated, “Get the Chief…You’ll be money ahead when you get the Chief. 6 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft.” This indi-cates that it was available in November of 1949. However, it is not being listed as new at the time of this advertisement.

A photo rule which could be attached to a camera to measure appropriate distance from the object being photographed.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 11

In 1949 the Foto Rule was introduced shortly after a patent was applied for. The Foto Rule was attached to a camera to measure distance from an object being photographed to the camera. It sold for $2.95 in 1949. At this time, it is unclear how long it was available.

The Li’l Devil was also introduced as a printer rule in 1949.

It was not until 1951 that the White Chief #3210 was in-troduced. An advertisement in “Popular Mechanics Maga-zine,” dated October 1951 read, “Yes, here it is – that ex-tra length you’ve always wanted…120 inches of accurate, more useful, measuring ease. Jet black markings on a wear resistant, acid resistant, snow white blade.” Because of this “snow white blade”, the advertisement had to be for the White Chief. It was the same case and label as the #326 and #328, with a longer ½ inch wide blade.

Following the Carlson & Sullivan lead, Master introduced 10 and 12 foot tape measures in 1953 or 1954. Then in 1954, Stanley introduced the #3210 and in 1955 the #3212.

That advertisement for the White Chief, goes on to men-tion the famous 10 second blade change and the “new” convenient “swing tip”. The “swing tip” was new in 1951.The patent application was filed January 1, 1951. Its use had started by October of 1951 or earlier. Patent #2,629,180 was received for the “swing tip” on February 24, 1953. The “swing tip” was designed to allow a tape measure to take an accurate inside measurement. It eliminated the mea-surement being off by the thickness of the tip.

Later Master, Stanley, and Lufkin patented their own ver-sion of the swing tip. Master in the mid 1950s, patented a tip hook that folded back under the blade taking away the thickness of the hook as a mistake. Stanley in 1955, pat-ented the “Tru-Hook”. It was designed to slide back under the blade on the rivets holding it to the blade, thus elimi-nating the mistake in measurement of the thickness of the hook. In the end, Stanley’s “Tru-Hook” won the popularity contest. Over the years it was used by many other compa-nies becoming the industry standard because its improved design was the simplest to use. The Carlson & Sullivan “swing tip” however, remained in use by Disston Carlson at least into the 1990s, but only by them.

Recently an advertisement dated 1962 introducing them, has come to light for Carlson Disston Roto-End tape mea-sures, #3210RE, 10 foot, #3212RE, 12 foot, and #3215RE, 15 foot. It was supposed to take a more accurate inside measurement. The first two inches of tape swung aside on a rivet. I have never seen one of these. Interestingly, this blade is shown with the “swing tip” on it too.

On September 10, 1949, Carlson filed a patent applica-tion for a newly designed tape measure case. Besides the new design, the patent specified use of a material new to Carlson & Sullivan, (plastic) to make the case. This patent was granted November 4, 1952, and assigned to Carlson & Sullivan Inc. This patent was the basis for the Carlson & Sullivan Buddy and Princess tape measures. The Buddy was probably being marketed by 1950. At this time, it is not known when the Princess was first marketed and for how long. This author would present the case that the Princess tape went into production in the early 1950s also, competing with Master Rule Manufacturing’s Lady’s Man tape measure, designed as a sewing tape for women. The Buddy was available in black plastic and the Princess was available in yellow, white, and turquoise plastic. Other col-ors of both may have been made. This is however unclear at this time. The Buddy is more common than the Princess which may indicate a longer production time.

An advertisement in “Popular Mechanics Magazine” intro-duced the #3310 Big Chief in 1952. It had a 10 foot, ¾ inch wide, white blade with a “swing tip”.

Though Carlson & Sullivan led, Master produced a ¾ inch wide blade for the Big Boy DeLuxe and Big Boy Special tape measures in 1954. Stanley Tool Company also made a ¾ inch wide blade for their #3410 and #3412 in late 1954.

In 1954, Carlson & Sullivan introduced a tape rule with a 16 foot long blade, ¾ inch wide, called the Super Chief. It was designed to make it easier for one man to take ex-tended lateral and vertical measurements. The blade was white with black markings in a 2 ½ inch square case weigh-ing 6 ¾ ounces. The blade was wound into the case with a crank on the back.

Two tape measures, the Chieftain and the Roto-End, were not introduced until after H. K. Porter purchased the com-pany. The Chieftain was introduced around 1963. It had a 1 ½ inch square chrome plated case with an applied stick on label. The blade was white, ¼ inch wide, with a swing tip. It was graduated in 8ths, 16ths, and 32nds. It is unknown when the Roto-End was introduced. The blade of this tape measure had the “swing tip” and an added feature, the first two inches of the blade would rotate to the side allowing an inside reading taken at the usual point, using the case as part of the measurement. The swing aside end meant that no math was needed to add two inches to the reading

M-WTCA.O

RG

12 The Gristmill

for the length of the case. These were available in 10 foot, #3210RE, 12 foot, #3212RE, and 15 foot, #3215RE, lengths.

To this point, all Carlson & Sullivan tape measure blades discussed have been of the concave-convex type. The last Carlson & Sullivan products to discuss were their long, flat tapes. On December 16, 1955, Carlson filed a patent ap-plication for a tape coiling mechanism for long, flat tapes. This was the beginning of long, flat tape production by Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated, which probably started almost immediately.

They made two lines of flat tapes, Super Chief 400 line which included the #425, 25 foot, #450, 50 foot, and #4100, 100 foot; and the Star 500 line which included the #525, 25 foot, #550, 50 foot, and #5100, 100 foot. Both lines were returned to the case with a crank on the back. The only real difference was the Super Chief which used a nickel plated blade with black markings, while the Star used a white blade with black markings.

Advertising tape measures were also produced in the Carl-son & Sullivan line. From the start of the company until 1958, any pocket tape measure 120, 220, 320 or 330 series could be purchased as an advertising give-a-way. The ad-vertisement could be placed on the applied label replacing the Carlson Sullivan information that was normally there, or more rarely it could be stamped into the case. In some cases it was in both these places on the same measure.

Sometime after being sold to H. K. Porter probably in the mid 1960s, they introduced two new advertising tapes. The Booster #36, six foot and #38, eight foot, used the tra-

ditional Carlson & Sullivan case design with stick on ap-plied color label advertising on the front. The blade was white, ½ inch wide, with a swing tip end. The second, the Billboard #96, six foot and #98, eight foot had a new case design. Looking at the front, the case was rectangular, but when viewed from top or bottom, it was widest in the mid-dle and tapered down toward each end. The advertising was an applied color label covering the entire front of the case. The blade was ¼ inch wide and white, with a swing tip. Carlson was stamped in the bottom of the case. Both cases were nickel plated.

There are tape measures of this last type marked Barlow and Japan on the bottom. There is no known connection with Carlson Disston at this time.

Besides two new advertising cases, all of the regular line cases including Chief, White Chief, Big Chief, Super Chief, Chieftain, Buddy, and Hobby, could also be purchased with applied color advertising labels on them, instead of the regular company label. By this time, regular company labels were also stick on labels.

Carlson & Sullivan Becomes a Division of Disston

The above patent application for long, flat blade tape measures, was granted July 7, 1959, #2,893,656. It was assigned to H. K. Porter, indicating that Porter had now taken over the company and that possibly Carlson was still employed by Carlson & Sullivan, now a Division of Disston. At this time Frederick O. Carlson was living in Arcadia, California.

Five different models of Carlson tapes. Dating is approximate. Left to right, Model 1: 1945-1956, Model 2: 1947-1958, Model 3: 1958-1959 (immediately after purchase by Evans), Model 4: 1959-1961, and Model 5 using the same back as Model 4 and a stick on label 1962- ??.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 13

The Carlson & Sullivan tape measure continued to be pro-duced for many years to come. At the time of the sale 1958 or 1959, the applied label was changed. The Carlson name was moved to the top and H.K. Porter was added at the bottom. Everything else remained the same including the case, and the colors, red and silver of the label.

By 1964 or earlier, the applied color label was also changed. It became three colors, red, green, and silver roughly in thirds. The green section on top was printed Disston and directly underneath this, Carlson. At the bottom was the number, length, and name of the tape. The bottom of the back of the case “H. K. Porter Company Inc.” was cast in raised letters.

A scarcer label that is sometimes found, was used either right before or right after the above. It also had the three color format. At the top in the green space was “DISSTON” over “CARLSON” in a small oval; on the left in orange was “HKP”; in the bottom silver space was line 1, the length of the tape, i.e. “12 ft.”, line 2, the name of the tape, i.e. “Big Chief”, and line 3, the number, i.e. “No. 3312”. On the back of the case was “H. K. Porter” cast at the bottom with “HKP” in a circle in the middle.

As time passed into the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s further changes were made to the case and label. But one thing pretty much remained constant, the Carlson and Disston names remained on the case and/or label.

The sale of Carlson & Sullivan to Disston came about be-cause Disston, a well known name in hand tools especially saws, had a large tax advantage due to depreciation of its high valuation of assets, which could offset the large in-come of Carlson & Sullivan. H. K. Porter, a holding com-pany headquartered in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, purchased Disston about 1952 or 1953. In 1958 H. K. Porter purchased the cash rich Carlson & Sullivan Incorporated. Pairing the two together, a good income and a tax loss made perfect financial sense.

The 1958-59 sale date is supported on page 178 of the book, A Place to Live and Work the Henry Disston Saw

Works and the Tacony, by Harry C. Silcox, when it stated:

“Porter also received about $500,000 a year in deprecia-tion due to the high valuation of Disston assets. Disston’s losses in 1953 and 1954 offered Porter a tax loss of ap-proximately $3.25 million, which, when applied against H. K. Porter’s earnings, gave Evans large tax benefits in 1956, 1957, and 1958.”

“Later the Disston holdings were combined with a new purchase, that of Carlson & Sullivan Inc. of Monrovia, Cali-fornia, a maker of tape and steel rules that did $1 million worth of business in a year. The new company was called Carlson Rules and Measures/Henry Disston Division. Carl-son was a cash maker and Disston provided a tax shelter.”

Thus the sale was later than Evan’s 1958 tax benefits, but by July 1959 Carlson was assigning new patents to H. K. Porter. The Evans mentioned above was Thomas Mellon Evans a financier who owned H. K. Porter, a holding com-pany which bought up struggling businesses. He was no relation to John Joseph Evans from Union, New Jersey, who started Evans Rule Manufacturing in Elizabeth, NJ.

Carlson & Sullivan produced quality tape mea-sures from its very inception. They were a very innovative company, but stayed solely with the production of tape measures until they were purchased by H. K. Porter in 1958-59. Frederick Carlson stayed with the company and probably continued to work for H.K. Porter for a time af-ter the purchase. The Disston Carlson name re-mained on tape measures for many years.*

I want to express my thanks to Irwin Sitkin Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Aventura, Florida, for the information and the assistance he provided to me, while writing this article.

*Any information you may have concerning these companies or their products would be appreciated. Please contact me at:

[email protected] (email), 309-255-2406 (cell phone), 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL. 61455 (mail address).

Front and back of an uncommon Disston Carlson Tape measure.

M-WTCA.O

RG

14 The Gristmill

Number Name Year Introduced**

#24 Li’l Devil 1949 Printers

#32M White Chief 2 m. ?? Metric only

#36 Booster 6 ft. 1960s Advertising Rule (Available in white, Engineer’s, Decimal, Diameter, and Printer’s)

#38 Booster 8 ft. 1960s Advertising Rule (Available in white, Engineer’s, Decimal, Diameter, and Printer’s)

#66 Buddy 6 ft. 1950 (Available in black, white, and yellow)

#66 Princess 6 ft. 1950s early?? (Available in tur-quoise, white, and yellow)

#76 Chieftain 6 ft. 1963

#78 Chieftain 8 ft. 1963

#710 Chieftain 10 ft. 1963?

#96 Billboard 6 ft. 1960s (Advertising, ¼ inch wide blade)

#98 Billboard 8 ft. 1960s (Advertising, ¼ inch wide blade)

#126 Hobby 6 ft. 1945

#128 Hobby 6 ft. 1945

#126TE Hobby 6 ft. Between 1951 and ’56 (Engi-neer’s)

#128TE Hobby 8 ft. Between 1951 and ’56 (Engi-neer’s)

#21P Hobby Between 1951 and ’56 (Diameter to 21 in.)

#160 Foto-Rule 1949

#226 Chief 6 ft. 1945

#228 Chief 8 ft. 1945

#2210 Chief 10 ft. 1949

#326 White Chief 6 ft. 1945


#328D White Chief 8 ft. Between 1951 and ‘56 Diameter

#328TE White Chief 8 ft. Between 1951 and ’56 Engineer’s


#3210TE White Chief 10 ft. Between 1951 and ’56 (Engineer’s

Carlson & Sullivan Tape Measures

Number Name Year Introduced**

#3210RH White Chief 10 ft. Between 1951 and ’56 (Right Hand)

#3210RE Roto-End 10 ft. 1962

#3212C Contractors Rule Mid to late 1960s ??

#3212RE Roto-End 12 ft. 1962

#3215RE Roto-End 15 ft. 1962

#3310 Big Chief 10 ft. 1952

#3310LW Big Chief 10 ft. 1950s (Light weight case, alumi-num)

#3312 Big Chief 12 ft. 1954

#3312LW Big Chief 12 ft. 1950s (Light weight case, alumi-num)

#33101 Big Chief 10 ft. 1960s Log measure (6-18 ft.), Scribner

#33102 Big Chief 10 ft. 1960s Log measure (20-40 ft.), Scribner

#3410 Power Chief 10 ft. 1960s Push button return

#3412 Power Chief 12 ft. 1960s Push button return

#3510 Contractor Rule 10 ft. Mid to late 1960’s (push button return like Power Chief)

#3512 Contractor Rule 12 ft. Mid to late 1960’s (push button return like Power Chief)

#400 Megacycle Early 1950s (Measures standing wave for radios)

#416 Super Chief 16 ft. 1954

#425 Super Chief 25 ft. 1955 Flat tape



#525 Star Chief 25 ft. 1955 Flat tape



#650 Speed Chief 100 ft. 1960s Flat tape



**Carlson & Sullivan Incorporation before 1958, Disston Carlson after 1958.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 15

Big-Boy’s Tools

When we think of large tools, we often think of tools used in build-ing and operating railroads. But the transportation of electricity also re-quired large tools. If you have driven along those straight, never-ending roads in the flatter regions of our country, you certainly have noticed the lines of power and telephone poles that seem to disappear in the distance. Did you ever think about who dug the holes for all those poles, and how they did it?

They used a digging bar and a post-hole spoon and dug them by hand. In regions of high snow drifts the poles had to be higher, and that meant deeper holes. Shown in Figure 1 are a lineman’s post-hole spoon and dig-ging bar. They are shown above a

traditional digging bar and post-hole auger for size comparison.

The post-hole auger (on the bottom, without handle) is almost 4 feet long and weighs 7 pounds. The tradition-al digging bar above it is 6 feet long and weighs 17 pounds. I use one of these regularly to tamp ballast under the ties on a miniature railroad (1/5 scale) that I help maintain and it sure tuckers me out.

Above the traditional digging bar is the lineman’s digging bar. It is 1.25 inches in diameter and 8 feet 1 inch long. It weighs 36 pounds and will build a 6 pack on your tummy in a hurry, if you can handle it. The spoon at the top is 8 feet 9 inches long and the blade is 8 5/8 inches wide, but it only weighs 8.5 pounds because of its light wood handle.

So the next time you see one of these big-boys tools, think about the thou-sands of miles of holes and the men who dug them by hand because they do not do it that way anymore. They deserve to be remembered.

Lest We Forget by Bob Roger

Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, each about a tool or implement that was once a common household, farm, or trade necessity, but whose use or existence may soon be forgotten.

Figure 1. Big Tools

There is something fishy about this tool family. Do you know what it is? Shown here are three prominent members.

Answer on page 24

TOOL FAMILY TREES

by Bob Roger

M-WTCA.O

RG

16 The Gristmill

An English Compass: The Story of Two London Instrument Makersby Dick Bradshaw

It is interesting what a small instrument, in this case an English compass, can reveal if a person takes the time to investigate the information that the instrument provides. Sometimes the informa-tion leads to a dead end and sometimes the infor-mation leads to an interesting story as is the case with this small compass.

Shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is a small, early, precision made case crafted in London, England between 1838 and 1846 by Tagliabue and Casella whose business was located at 23 Hatton Garden. The compass case is made of mahogany and measures 2 and 3/4” x 2 and 3/4” x 5/8”. The compass dial or face is extremely well detailed and is marked with the maker’s names circling the needle pivot point as can be seen in Figure 3. The 2” long needle is raised and lowered by a spring activated needle lifter operated by opening and closing the lid of the case. The excellent condition of the compass indicates that it has been well cared for during it’s 170 years of existence.

Research has revealed that this compass represents the end of the career of one prominent English instrument maker, Caesar Tagliabue, and the beginning of the career of anoth-er, Luigi Pasquale Casella who was to become a prominent and very successful instrument maker in London under the Anglicanized name of Louis Pascal Casella. Tagliabue and Casella were two of the many English instrument makers with an Italian heritage. Review of English instrument mak-ers of the 18th and 19th centuries indicates that those with an Italian name tended to enter into partnerships with oth-ers from Italy.

The older of the two partners, Caesar Tagliabus, was born near Como, Italy in 1767. After emigrating to England, he entered the instrument business in London in 1795 at 294 Holborn. By the end of the 18th century the Holborn area of London had become a popular location for instrument makers to locate their business. Between 1801 and 1805 Ta-gliabue was in partnership with Anthony Della Torre. anoth-er Italian, at 294 Holborn. This partnership was short lived and was succeeded by Tagliabue and Company in 1806 at 26 High Holborn. Between 1806 and 1839 Tagliabue’s business was located at several addresses including 11 Brook Street, 28 Cross Street in Hatton Garden and 26 High Holborn, all in the Holborn area of London. It was not uncommon for in-strument makers to change their business locations a num-ber of times One of the primary reasons, especially for the more successful makers was the need for additional space to produce the number of instruments required to supply the increasing demand from their customers. The creation and dissolution of partnerships, which was common among

Figure 1 Figure 2

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 17

instrument makers, was another reason. Some were forced to move as the result of fires in their brass casting facilities.

Caesar Tagliabue was the father of Marie Louise Tagliabue who married Luigi P. Casella 1837 while he was employed by Caesar Tagliabue. In 1838, the partnership of Tagliabue and Casella was formed and their business was located at 23 Hatton Garden until 1846. Caesar Tagliabue died in 1847 after approximately 50 years in the instrument busi-ness. After Tagliabue’s death, management of the business was assumed by Casella and the name of the business was changed to Casella and Company in 1848. Under Casella the business grew and thrived and in 1851 Casella exhibited in-struments, including theodolites and other surveying equip-ment at the Great Exhibition held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park in London.

Casella prospered and soon obtained appointments to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (eldest son of Queen Victoria who later became King Edward the VII) and to sev-eral government agencies. The most prestigious honor for a mathematical instrument maker in England was to be ap-pointed as instrument maker to the King. Casella’s 1871 cat-alog stated that he was “maker to the Admiralty, Board of Trade, Board of Ordinance and the Government and Obser-vatories of India, Russia, Spain, Portugal, the United States and the Brazils”. He was also a major supplier to the British army. Among his prominent customers were Charles Darwin and Dr. Livings-ton. Casella had become one of the dominant instrument makers in Great Brittan at a time when there 1631 in-strument makers in London and 2650 in Great Brittan in 1851.

Between 1848 and 1897 the company operated under several names includ-ing Louis Casella and Company [1848-1857], L.P. Casella [1858-1871] and L. Casella [1871-1897]. The name Casella and Company may also been used between 1848 and 1860. In 1871 the company moved to 147 Holborn Bars. Upon the death of L.P. Casella in 1897 and with his son Charles Frederick in charge, the company’s name was changed to C.F. Casella and Company followed by Casella and Com-pany LTD in 1910.The same year the company moved to 11-15 Rochester Road. Although the company was still in the instrument business in 1926, it is not known how long the company remained in the scientific instrument business after that date. It is known however, that the Casella com-pany entered the electronics business in 1952 and sold the business in 1957. During the 50s Casella designed and built

dust monitoring equipment for the mining industry. In 1998, the company acquired Computer CEL Engineering Limited Instruments, manufacturers of noise and vibration moni-toring equipment and operated under the name of Casella CEL. Their primary business was the design and manufac-turing of air quality, meteorology and noise measurement equipment. The company is still in business as of the date of this article, although a very different company than the one started by L.P. Casella in 1848. This is an excellent ex-

ample of a company that has survived for 167 years by adapting to the chang-ing needs of the market.

As seen in this article, a small item from your collection can reveal an interest-ing story if you know where to look, are curious and are willing to take the time to do a little research. The effort can be quite rewarding and can add

much to the history of your instrument or tool.

When performing historical research, information and par-ticularly dates may vary depending on the document con-sulted. The subject included in this article is no exception.

Your comments will be appreciated, especially concerning how long Casells remained in the scientific instrument busi-ness after 1926.

Figure 3

As seen in this article, a small item from your collection can reveal an interesting story if you know where to look, are

curious and are willing to take the time to do a little research.

M-WTCA.O

RG

18 The Gristmill

M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership& Additional Gifts for 2015

BENEFACTORS

Thomas R. Bruce Ram Cnaan Norm Cottrell Andrew D’Elia Bob Fields Thomas L. Gallerani Judy Gambrel Karl Gurcke Chuck Hartman Peter J. Hathaway Jared Isaacs David B. Johnston Tom Jordens Paul S. Matis IIIVernon F. Meyer James V. Moffet Joel Moskowitz Bob Nutt Wayne Oestreich Wai S. Won Bill Youart

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Jeff Conn Dr. John Conrardy David Dell Roy Ebersole George Elsass John Fitzgerald Dennis Fuller Chalmers Gordon Dr. Thomas B. Hall IIITerry Haver Ronald Holwager Chris Kuehn Harold J. Liberty Jr.Robert R. Llewellyn Howard Loomis Jr.James E. Merrill Rollie Peter Allen Roderick Joseph Rossin Howard Sands Clifford Sapienza John Schneider George Snow William T. Storey Robert Stoxen

Robert Terry Joe H. Thome Sr.Roy Underhill Carl Underwood Paul E. VanHorn Darrell Vogt Michael Weichbrod Jon Whitney Lon Woods Gary L. Wright Mark Wyatt

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

Jim Ackelson Averil Dean Aldridge William C. Auld Bob Austin Philip W. Baker James Ballinger Thomas A. Ballintine Robert Balmer James Barbieur Gene Bauer Evan Berodt Bill Blandin Don Boyer Alan W. Brown Robert A. Brown Robert(Buz) Buskirk Michael Cairns Glenn A. Campbell Fritz Carmine James Cascarano Arlet E. Cassaidy Henry L. Caudle Donald Cavner Richard L. Chapman Gerald W. Clearwater Alan Clodi Bill Collins Nelson Coressel Jr.Joseph Curran Roy Dale Patrick T. Daly Tyler Denham Joseph Di Maio Chris Dimon Henry Disston Jr.Thomas Dugan Guss Esham

Carlton K. Fahler John Fite Jack Fites JrThomas Fitton Richard Foltz Doug Fowler Harry Fowler Joseph Frendreiss Richard A. Fuller Alvin Furrer Rick Gayle Robert Glazier Ronnie Glover Thomas E. Goodrch Ron Grabowski Wesley Groot Charles Hall George Hall Gregory Ham Bobby Hartness Ray Hayles Don Hefley Ed Hennessy Thomas A. Henry Steve Hilyard Alan Hochhalter Paul Honore Lyle Hoofnagle Dana Horton Victor Hotho Ronald Howard J.D. Hutson Howard Jenner Michael Johns Robert Kendra Gary Kinnunen Robert Kolp Bryan A. Konsler Bohdan Kostyshyn Leonard Kramer Joe Kunz Walt Lane Chuck Latterell Edward Laughlin Paul League Bill Lemke Jerry Lilja Lon Lindsey Keith Lindsey Leo Maack John Machey James Mau Robert Maus

Gordon McDugle Michael E. McGee Tim Meek Patrick Meyer Scott Miller Ben Mixon William J. Morgan John Morrison Sanford Moss Michael Mueller Donald Mueller David L. Murdoch Gordon Murdock Robert W. Mustain Jr.Tom Narigon Steven W. Neale Pete Niederberger Timothy Nowicki Timothy Nustad Leeroy J. Osterbauer Norman P. Otto John Parker Michael Pershinsky John Peter William Pickett G. William Pogson Frank E. Postle Michael Power Millard Price Christopher Quinn Dennis Racki Ron Radice Frederick Rainer Ron Rawlinson Ronald R. Reiter Jay Reynolds Robert C. Riese Thomas Roberts Mike Rodemeyer Adrian S Rodgers Bobby Delane Roland Larry Rose William H. Rypka Alan Sadler Paul Schaffner Steven Schamber Gerald C. Schmidt Gary L. Schrader Gary Scoggins Carl Seltrecht Colleen Gildea Shaffer Vaughn Simmons Greg Simpson

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 19

M-WTCA Advanced Levels of Membership& Additional Gifts for 2015

Irwin J. Sitkin Steve Snowberger Mark Snyder Harry Spoor Gene St. Louis Robert Stamer Kenneth Sterling Michael Stich Robert Stidfole Judd Sulfridge Don Taylor John Thoele Frederic S Thompson Barry Thompson Richard Torgerson David Paul Trueblood Russell Turner Theodore A. Ulrich Jim Vyhlidal Gene Walbridge John Walkowiak Jr.William J. Ward Jr.Thomas Warwick Mel Westmoreland Arthur B. White Jr.Anne C. Wing LeRoy E. Witzel Walter Wolters Larry Zarse

ENDOWMENT FUND

Gilbert Acors Bill Adsit Brent Akerley Steven Andzer Dale Ashdown Harry A. Audley Richard Bean Charles Beatty Jim Bindon Joel Blasius Edward Blatnick Bob Borst Roger Bourgeois Richard Bradshaw Don Brandenburg Ted Brasher William S. Brooks James Byrne Fritz Carmine James Cascarano

Herbert G. Caudle John Cellucci Larry Chenoweth Espen H. Christensen Gerald W. Clearwater Chris Cobb Jack Cope J.B. Cox Michael Crowley Dale Cubranich Andrew D’Elia John Davis Bruce DeLong Larry DeWolf Richard D. Dickerson Gail Dieleman James Durochia James F. Earnhardt Philip Eberhard Hollis Feeser Alan L. Fetty Mark Firley John Fitzgerald Michael Garlich Ronnie Glover Bob Gollner Jeff Grothaus Werner H. Gumpertz George Haberer Jerry Harper Robert M. Hawkins Thomas A. Henry Karl Hesse Gary Hines Lyle Hoofnagle Joe Jerkins Bob Joers Ron Kaplan Eric Key Roger D. King Elroy A. Klug Randy L. Knudsen Michael G. Kopcho Albert A. Krysevig Norm Lange Patrick A. Leach Mark Levanway Ron Mack James S. Mackey Paul S. Matis IIIElliot Matlin Ray Mcdonald William McMillen

Robert Meadows Scott Moffett Ross R. Morcomb Michael Mueller Hayes Murphy Robert W. Mustain Jr.New England Tool Collectors Association Jim Obrien Wayne Oestreich Wayne R. Olson Robert Parke Bruce Perry Lyle Peterson Roger Phillips John Plumb Hans Porcher John Porritt Paul P. Pyrcik Jr.John Rauth John A. Reed V. Leon Ridenour Mel Ring Bret L. Rochotte Robert J. Sauer L. Samuel Scheiderer Richard H. Sherman Vaughn Simmons Kenny Simpson James Sloan Fred Smith John(Jack) Smyser Leo Stambaugh Steven Stapleton Mike Stasik William Stroh Gary Studebaker Tom Swankler Bill Tennant Gene Terril Bernard G. Thomas Louis R. Tilton William Tily Virginia Tolford Marsha Vander Heyden Darrell Vogt J. Kurt Von Achen Jack Wagoner Timothy Williams Charles N. Williams Royce Winge Tom Witte Nathan Wolfenbarger

ENDOWMENT IN MEMORY OF DAVID MCDONALD

William Watkins

PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION CONTRIBUTORS

Doug Cox Paula Cox

SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTORS

David Harwood John G. Wells M-WTCA Auxiliary

SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF JOEL HODAPP

Mike and Sara Urness

M-WTCA.O

RG

20 The Gristmill

Tool Tid-Bits by John G. Wells

Add a little sparkle to your collection

The Stanley No. 118 Block Plane, sometimes called the “School Boy Block Plane,” is a remark-able little block plane that is often overlooked. It was designed to be used in school woodwork-ing shops and is almost indestructible. The only parts that can be removed are the lever cap and cutter; and those only so the cutter can be sharp-ened. All of the other parts are permanently at-tached. The body of the plane and the lever cap are stamped out of sheet metal and will not break or chip if dropped.

The earliest publication that I found of the No.118 block plane was on page 160-16 in the new tools section of Stan-ley Catalog No. 34 dated September 1, 1929. At that time Stanley’s name was not on the front of the plane. A little later a plate with raised embossed letters highlighted in red reading “STANLEY No. 118” was added under the front knob. This plate really sets the plane apart and makes it very special. The earliest publication I found of a No. 118 block plane having this plate, was in Stanley’s Catalog No. 34, on p.49, dated July 1, 1936.

The adjustment mechanism on this plane was made un-der Traut’s patent # 645,220, issued March 13, 1900, for a simple direct drive screw cutter adjustment. The stamped metal plane body and lever cap were made under Schade’s patent # 1,164,615, dated December 14, 1915. This clever method for making rigid, light weight plane bodies em-ploys stamped and formed sheet metal to make the planes body and reinforces it with an inner sheet metal liner bent for rigidity (corrugated) and riveted to the body. This method of construction was used for Stanley’s No. S4, S5,

S18, 118 and 205 planes. The stamped and formed shape of the lever cap is even more impressive than the planes body. It must have required nicely made upper and lower dies and a powerful forging press. The planes’ body was probably made from 14 gauge steel (0.180 in.) and the le-ver cap from 12 gauge malleable iron (0.185 in.).

Undoubtedly, it is the condition, the plane’s finish, and the embossed plate pronouncing “STANLEY No. 118” that makes these planes attractive. The No. 118 plane in the il-lustration on the left is black japanned and has satin nickel plated trim; the front knob is polished brass. The plane on the right has a black japanned (or lacquered) body. The lever cap, front knob, lever cap locking screw and adjustment knob have a satin nickel plated finish. These finishes would have been appropriate for planes intended for display at a hardware manufacturer’s show. The cutter in the plane on the right has the third sweetheart trade mark, (Smith “AA” ca. 1923-1935 ); this was one of the first planes made with the embossed plate.

No. 118 block planes were made with a black japanned fin-ish and nickel plated trimmings until the late 1950s. After that they had a gray finish, followed by a dark blue finish from 1960 to 1970, and finally a cordovan finish from 1971 until 1983 when the plane was retired from the line.

A Stanley No. 118 body showing the metal liner bent to give the bed rigidity, and provide support for the adjuster and lever cap stud.

Two block planes with “STANLEY No. 118” on an embossed plate ca, 1936. The plane on the right has a lever cap, front knob, and cutter adjusting knob with a satin nickel plated finish.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 21

History of LCA/LGA Hardware CO.by Lee Kallstrom

In the United States during the 1870s, a significant migration to the “New West”, west of the Missouri River took place. When the Union Pacific Railroad was centered in Omaha, Nebraska by George Francis Train, it became known as the “Gate City”, a transportation hub providing provisions and hard goods to the western states. This central hub led to the emergence of jobbers, or wholesale marketers, and outfit-ters, who shipped supplies for merchants along the “Great Platte River Road” and in adjoining states. A significant portion of these supplies included hardware and tools for growing communities.

At least four significant hardware companies sprang up and evolved in Omaha. They include:

Wright and Wilhelmy, which began in 1871. It is still in busi-ness as a distributor of Sentry Hardware. Baum Iron Co. has remained in the same building since 1905. Paxton-Gallagher began in 1903. It was sold to Gilbert and Clark Swanson in 1958 and is now doing business as Butternut Foods Co.

The fourth company, the oldest and shortest lived, is the focus of this research. At first glance it is the most confus-ing and convoluted, as it involves three significant name designations; LCA Mfg. Co., LGA Mfg. Co., and often simply “Perfection”.

As an avid hand tool collector and frequenter of garage sales and antique dealers, I look for tool names that are dif-ferent and thus more exciting.

My first encounter came during a walk through an antique/collectables shop about ten years ago where I discovered an old wood chisel with a handmade handle and a clear im-print on the blade.

L.G.A. HDW CO Perfection

This one inch straight sided chisel displayed no rust and a rich pa-tina to match its age. For less than five bucks I had found a new maker of chisels, unknown to me, which might be rare and valu-able and at least a challenging project. I took it home and went right to the internet to identify this exciting find. My purchase was

made in Omaha, NE, where I live. Two years and a couple dozen chisels later, there were still no hits on Google and I was no closer to identifying the maker. In the meantime, I had found another easily read label on a 75¢ chisel head at a garage sale, also in Omaha. I then found two more at a biannual M-WTCA meet. These last two were from differ-ent sellers, neither of whom had ever heard of this brand.

After many more acquisitions, I have found a slight differ-ence in design of the stamped label. Some have a rectangle placed around the text, some are stamped upside down (right to left), and some reverse the two lines of text.

Perfection

L. G. A. Hdw. Co.

After finding a half dozen more of the same, things came together. Brian Welch, a well known tool and computer wizard in Massachusetts had already completed a number of impressive research projects of New England tool com-panies. I inquired by email if he could give me direction to finding out more about L.G.A. Hdw Co. Within a week I re-ceived “…LGA is undoubtedly Lee Glass Andreesen.”

Almost simultaneously the cover of Fine Tool Journal displayed a grouping of ‘String Tags’ mostly from the mid-west. These tags were the forerunners of stick on labels used today to identify and price store bought items. One on the bottom of the second page was from LCA Hard-ware. Was this a spelling error? I

contacted Jim Shald, also an Omaha resident and collector who had submitted the various tags for the cover and who provided further evidence of LCA, an Omaha company. I was happy to acquire samples of these tags from Jim.

Looking carefully at my small collection, I did find some chisels which could have been stamped C instead of the G that I originally thought. This was made quite clear when I found a partial set marked clearly with LCA.

From this point, I began my research on this Omaha based tool source. My search brought me very close to home. It continues to motivate further investigation and I happily invite any additions to my initial findings.

M-WTCA.O

RG

22 The Gristmill

Jobbers in Omaha

The evolution of this hardware wholesale jobber and those closely associated in Omaha had a unique and centralized beginning.

1874 W. J. Broatch - started the first wholesale hardware business in Omaha. 1209-1211 Harney Street (north side of Harney between 12th and 13th)

1880 Lee, Fried & Co Began “…on Douglas Street” (March 1, 1880)

1880 Broatch erected a 4 story building across the street (address?)

1880 Baum Iron Building, at first two stories, was built by Steele, Johnson and Co. wholesale grocers at 1219-1223 Harney St.

1888 Lee Clark Andreesen Hdw. Co. for a time at 1219-1223 Harney

1888 Baum Iron Co. was incorporated at 1208-1210 Har-ney (five story bldg)

1890-91 DOUGLAS COUNTY - BUSINESS DIRECTORY lists Lee Clark Andreesen at 1108-10 Harney

1891 Third and fourth story was added to Baum Iron building and then was occupied by Lee-Clark-Andreesen

1896 Lists bicycle makers as Lee Clark Andreesen

1900 Lee Glass Andreesen

Architect, Fisher & Lawrie de-signed the six story red brick warehouse on northwest cor-ner of Ninth and Harney. The building was in the area soon to be known as ‘Jobbers Canyon’.

1904 Omaha City Directory lists Lee-Glass-Andreesen

1905 Baum Iron Co. occu-pies present location at 1221 Harney

1913 Lists the death of Henry T. Clarke

1914 Lee-Coit Andreesen Hdw. Co.

1915 Baum Iron consolidat-ed with the successor of W.J. Broatch under the name of the Omaha-Baum Iron Store.

1916 The old Bailey Hotel, on the corner of Ninth and Farnam Streets, was purchased by the company. The hotel was torn down and a substantial six-story brick building, connecting the existing one on the corner of Ninth and Harney, was erected on the site.

CARL A. FRIED

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 23 23 The Gristmill

1919 LCA Building – expansion

1923 Lee sells interest in company (at 81 years of age)

1989 All buildings in Omaha’s Jobbers Canyon were de-stroyed for the development of the Con-Agra facility and park.

Since the beginning of my research and collection activities, I have continued to search for both LCA and LGA items. The major offerings both in antique houses, tool collector meets (M-WTCA) and on EBAY have been chisels. Continuing my interest in these edge tools, there are some generalizations I can make from my humble experience.

The most common chisels distributed were beveled bench types. Fewer chisels were made with straight sides. I have also seen one heavy crowned back and one out cannel gouge. Finally, I have a short beveled tang one incher.

I have also accumulated drawknives (LCA and LGA), hand-saws (one Glass one Coit), two razors (one Glass one C), and a number of advertisements and post cards and one pinback (Glass).

In summary, I believe we can say that the following changes took place over the 30 plus years that this company was in business.

Lee, Fried & Co 1880

Lee Clarke Andreesen L C A Hardware 1888

Lee Glass Andreesen L G A Hardware 1900

Lee Coit Andreesen L C A Hardware 1914

We can at least isolate the G from the Cs between 1900 and 1914. I have not yet figured out the differences between the Cs. I have seen no tools marked to indicate Lee, Fried & Co.

Researching this company has been a most enjoyable and rewarding journey. There is much still to be learned. All comments are welcomed.

References:

Fine Tool Journal, Vol 54, Number 4, summer 05, pp 1-2

Omaha Illustrated, (on Carl A. Fried)

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:P1Rvci8cO8wJ:www.oldmarke-tomaha.org/historicalInformation.asp+Lee-Clarke-Andreesen&hl=en

Savage, Bell, History of the city of Omaha, 1894, Munsell & Co, NY

Shald, Jim, Personal communication

Wakeley, Arthur C., Omaha: The Gate City, 1917, S. J. Clarke, Chicago

Welch, Brian, Personal communication

http://www.mountainlumber.com/reclamation/jobbers.shtml

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/NSHS/1890Gaz/ombusgazi.htm

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/Omaha_book/oma-ha036.htm (Broatch)

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/Omaha_book/oma-ha033.htm

This is our Silent SalesmanUse it on a counter or table at your shop or event. It is 9”x11”. It is self-standing, and it has a pocket for a supply of Membership Brochures.

If you can use one, please contact me at [email protected].

M-WTCA.O

RG

24 The Gristmill

These tools are the most prominent members of the sardine scissor family. Contrary to some information on the web, they were not used to snip the heads off the sardines and gut them, but rather were used to snip open the can containing the sardines (or any other can that needed opening). They some-times appear as an unknown tool on a dealer’s table or on a ‘what’s it’ table. There are three different types, each with a question or two still remaining for someone to help answer. Let us be-gin with the most common of the three types. Nine different examples of them are shown in Figure 1. Item B is missing its spring and closure mechanism.

They are not common household tools, perhaps because keys for opening sar-dine cans were patented as early as 1894, and using a key was certainly easi-er than cutting the top off the can with a can opener. If you collect or accumulate sardine scissors you know that many of them are unmarked, some have various maker marks, and that it is hard to find one with patent marks. So where did they come from, and when?

Scissor-style can openers are open-ers that use a scissor-action (two jaws squeezing the metal between them) to cut the metal. There were at least 75 US can opener patents issued before the first one for a scissor-style opener in 1877, and by the end of 1926 there had been at least 21 such patents. However, in the can opener world that is only a drop in the bucket – it was not a popular design concept, and 1927 seems to be a good stopping point in our search for evidence.

There were two basic cutting approach-es of scissor-style can openers – those with two cutting blades that cut the met-al from both sides (3 patents), and those

with one cutting blade that worked by shearing the metal against an anvil on the other jaw (18 patents). The 21 patents are listed in Table 1 with the three dou-ble-bladed patents bolded and italicized.

The sardine scissors in Figure 1 have three basic characteristics – they have two opposing cutting blades, there is a curvature between the blade tips and the handles allowing the users hand to stay away from the sharp edge of the cut, and one of the handles has a sharp pointed blade at the end for puncturing the can prior to inserting the lower cut-ting blade.

Of the three double-bladed opener pat-ents, only one has these three character-istics. That patent is #592945 issued to Youngblood on November 2, 1897. His drawing is shown in Figure 2 and cer-tainly appears to be the applicable pat-

ent. Additional validation is provided by several advertisements for sardine scis-sors in the 1900-1915 time frame which is the period following the patent date. For example, Cope1 shows two sardine scissors listed in a 1911 C. S. Osborne & Co. catalog. Those two examples are similar to D & F in Figure 1, except that both of the scissors shown in Cope/Os-borne are left-handed. All of those in Figure 1 are right-handed.

But wait – there is more. Figure 3 shows Fetter’s patent which was the first scis-sor-style can opener patent, #191416 issued on May 29, 1877. However, it does not have two cutting blades or the punch blade on the handle. Yet I have seen two of Osborne’s sardine openers that were also marked PATENTED MAY 29 1877, which is Fetter’s patent. None of the other 19 patents appear to apply to this type, so now we have two pat-

ANSWER by Bob Roger

TOOL FAMILY TREES

Figure 1. Sardine Scissors

191416 278379 280495 347674 540767 555315 567722

592945 602757 689846 857212 914829 971012 1073502

1261284 1270593 1396254 1430914 1487820 1492855 1569289

Table 1. US Scissor-style can-opener patents before 1927

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 25

ents for the Figure 1 type sardine scis-sors – one in 1877 that has been marked on some scissors, and one in 1897 that has all the correct characteristics.

And yet there is more. One of my scis-sors, Item E in Figure 1, is marked H. & J. W. KING 1856 WARRANTED. The 1856 date is when H. King formed his com-pany in NYC. In 1863 he partnered with his brother, J. W. and it became H & J W King. In 1873 it became King, Briggs & Co., and in 1880 it was sold to F. T. Witte, a former partner. H. King remained a principal in the company until he died in 19052. Those companies imported their cutlery from England, which is probably where my KING scissors were made. It is possible that use of the King marking continued until his death in 1905.

Another of my scissors, Item G, is marked PETERS BROTHERS. They operated in Chicago and imported their hardware from Solingen, Germany from 1876-1886, dates which predate Young-blood’s patent.

It is very possible that this style of sardine scissors was being made even before the 1877 patent, and that Osborne reached an agreement with Fetter to use his patent marking in an attempt to seize an adver-tising advantage. However, it still leaves the question as to how Youngblood re-ceived a patent for the very characteris-tics that would have by 1897 been in com-mon use for at least 20 years. Any further enlightenment will probably depend on finding advertising records or scissors with additional definitive markings.

Now let us look at the second type of these openers. Figure 4 shows five differ-ent examples of them. Scissors J and M are marked SINCLAIR-SCOTT CO. BAL-TIMORE. The other three are unmarked, and the spring on N is a replacement.

These are five different versions of Ste-venson’s patent #857212 issued on June 18, 1907. His drawing is shown in Figure 5. He also was issued patent # 1487820 on March 25, 1924 for the same tool but using bent sheet metal instead of cast-ings. That later patent was assigned to the Stevenson Sales Co. of Chicago.

Because all the examples of this style that I have seen are castings, I assume they were made between 1907 and 1924 and at least some were made by the Sin-clair-Scott Co. in Baltimore. But why are there at least five different versions? Why are some unmarked? Was there a rela-tionship between Stevenson and Sinclair-Scott that eventually soured and caused Stevenson to form his own company? And why is there not a patent date on at least one of my examples? Something is

fishy here, and it is not the sardines. But we do know the patent for them.

The third type of scissors was made in England using sheet metal. Two ex-amples are shown in Figure 6. Both are identical except for the markings. Item O is marked PATENT No 185226 MADE IN ENGLAND and Item P is marked CAMP’S PATENT ENGLISH MAKE. British patent # GB185226, shown in Figure 7, is the ap-plicable patent for these scissors and was issued on September 1, 1922 to A.H.F. Perl and R.H. Carter. But who was Camp and what did he patent and when? Some-times these scissors show up on eBay from England and mention that they were WWI military-issued tin openers. If that were true, how did they get patented in 1922? I smell more fishy stuff.

If anyone has additional information that might help clear up some of the fishy smells on these three types of sar-dine scissors, I am all ears.

Notes:1. Kitchen Collectibles, Kenneth L. Cope, Astragal Press, 2000, page 174

2. Hardware Magazine, Volume 31, June 10, 1905

Figure 2. Youngblood’s Opener Figure 3. Fetter’s Patent

Figure 4. Second Type of Scissors Figure 5. Stevenson’s Patent

Figure 6. British Tin Openers Figure 7. Patent GB185226

M-WTCA.O

RG

26 The Gristmill

Brown’s 47th Antique Tool Auction, Camp Hill, PA.by John G Wells

Prices realized in this article in-clude a 13% buyer’s premium. A 3% discount was available for cash or a good check. The condition of all items was taken from the auction catalog and do not reflect the authors opinion. All photos are courtesy of Brown Auction Services. Photogra-phy by: Cami Foley

The 47th Brown Auction

Millers Falls Tools absorbed Goodell Pratt ca. 1931 and became a great source of new collectable tools. In-cluded among the tools in their 41st catalog, published in 1935, were a Bench Hack Saw (Miter Machine) and amateur size wood and metal turn-ing lathes with counter shafts, cross slide rests and three jaw self-center-ing scroll chucks. Redesigned tools to celebrate their 70th Anniversary were offered in their 42nd catalog published in 1938 including art deco styled smooth and jack planes and Par-son’s braces with red transparent Permaloid plastic handles and knobs; all of their metal work was polished to a high gloss and chromium plated.

Choice Auction Items

Lot 95 was a Millers Falls Breast Drill. It shared design influence with the Buck Roger’s No. 709 smooth plane1 and the No. 714 jack plane and with the No. 104 and No. 308 hand drills de-signed by Robert Huxtable, a talented designer and engineer at Millers Falls. These were all the rage and a lot of fun from 1950 to 1960.2 The Breast Drill may have never been put in pro-duction, or if it was it may have been offered in a later insert to the Millers Falls No. 49 catalog, which I do not have. This ex-ample was in Fine con-dition and sold to an absentee bidder for $565.

A set of D. R. Barton crank shank in-cannel (inside bevel) gouges with original handles, Lot 211, all in Fine condition brought $226 from an ab-

sentee bidder. It was a nice set of seven gouges with the maximum size of 7/8th of an inch; and it created the temptation to search for a matching 1 inch crank shank gouge.

There were two Standard Rule No. 3 size planes in this auction: both were made under Solon & Arthur Rust’s October 30, 1883 patent No. 587,584. The plane in Lot 232, was in Good+ condition but it did not have a lateral adjustment, sold for $248.60. The plane in Lot 158, was rated only “Good” for condition but it had a lat-eral adjustment made under Samuel Frisbie’s March 18, 1890 patent No. 423,424, sold for $271.20. Apparently completeness trumps condition.

The L. L. Davis jointer in Lot 236, may have been in a little less than Good+ condition but it did have a lateral ad-justment which helped it to bring the $621.50 that it sold for. A similar Da-vis jointer with a lateral adjustment but in immaculate condition sold in a Brown auction on April 6, 2013 for almost twice this amount. Both were big and heavy and would not be the first plane to be taken to a tool show.

Lot 261 is a beautiful little model of a farmer’s plow. A miniature of it was made so it could be carried around by a salesman of farming equipment to create interest and take orders for farmer’s plows; it is often called a salesman’s sample. It all looks orig-inal except for the very short section of inappropriate chain near the “T” bar but it still gets the idea across and was probably very helpful in convinc-ing farmers to place orders. It sold to an absentee bidder for $847.50.

The Sandusky Center Wheel plow plane, Lot 291, made of dark Brazilian Rosewood had boxwood screw arms and eight cutters. It probably should have been given a professional polish-ing before putting it in the auction but it was rated Fine for condition and sold to an absentee bidder for $4,520.

Lot 95

Lot 211

Lot 232

Lot 236

Lot 291

Lot 261

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 27

The unsigned 17th century brace in Lot 298 was an outstanding tool. It was created in a forge by a talented blacksmith well over 300 years ago and still has a lot of character. It was in Good+ condition, and sold for $339 to an absentee bidder who will enjoy it for years to come.

The Millers Falls No. 209 De Luxe Smooth plane, Lot 328, introduced in catalog No. 42, issued in January of 1938, had a transparent red Permaloid handle and front knob. The planes’, body and lever cap were chrome plat-ed and the upper surface of the sole was finished with high gloss black enamel. It came in its original box, was a stunning plane in mint condition and sold in the room to a well-known tool collector for $762.75.

A Millers Falls Parson’s De Luxe Brace, Lot 329, also introduced in Millers Falls 1938 catalog No. 42, was designed by W. P. Parsons, the Dean of Millers Falls design and engineering staff, to celebrate his 50th anniversary with the Millers Falls Co. The chuck is a full ball bearing, other moving parts have oilite bronze bearings, the head and handle are made of red transparent Permaloid and all exposed metal parts are pol-ished and chrome plated. It came in its original box, was in mint condition and sold in the room for $1,073.50.

The Davis and Cook 18 inch cast iron pinwheel level, Lot 348, was a popular design with collectors, and had good vi-als and only traces of rust. It was in very good condition, was rated Good+ and sold for $310.75 to an absentee bidder.

Lot 356, the 28 inch Pittsburgh Novelty Co. level and gravity inclinometer, is a very rare and interesting instrument. This level uses a tiny plumb bob in a pivoting glass enclosure to measure slopes. It was patented by Oscar B. Fuller of Burlington, KS., September 13, 1887, No.370,013, and was manu-factured by the Pittsburgh Novelty Works, Pittsburgh, KS. for the Murray & Porter Level Co., Pittsburgh, Kan-

sas”. It was rated Good+ for condition and sold in the room for $791.

The A Stanley Rule in Lot 365, made from 1855 to 1858 only, and described in the auction catalog as an engineer’s No. 6 rule, was in Good condition con-sidering its age. A couple of knowledge-able viewers said they thought it was a carpenter’s rule, not an engineer’s rule. If it was an engineer’s rule, it would have had to have four large boxed tables filling one side of the rule: one each for volume conversions, weight computations, geometric analysis, and steam engine pump computations; but it did not. I am also told that the “D” scale on its Gunter’s slide would have begun and ended with the number “1” not “4“ as on the carpenter’s rule.3 It sold for $429.40 to someone in the room, who probably appreciated how rare an “A Stanley” rule is; they were made for only three years, after that they would have been stamped with “Stanley Rule and Level Co.”

Lot 386, the Tubman cast iron smooth plane, was one of the most attractive tools in the auction. It was named by collectors to honor Donald and Susan Tubman of Wisconsin who were the first to find and collect a plane of this type in the 1980s. Since then a few ad-ditional examples have surfaced and found their way into collections, but this may be the first to appear in an auction. If Bob Baker, the greatest tool smith ever, had restored it, he prob-ably would have repaired and reused the original handle and wedge. It was rated Good for condition and was an excellent value for the purchaser in the room who took it home for $3,390.

The Lee’s patent stop chamfer plane is one of three versions of this plane that have surfaced; the 1st example has a flat plate over a pair of side fences tilted 45 degrees, the 2nd version has a lever cap decorated with beautiful Gothic tracery (shown in P-TAMPIA), and the 3rd version has a Bailey type cutter adjustment mechanism that was cut into and welded to the plane’s

Lot 298

Lot 328

Lot 329

Lot 386

Lot 348

Lot 356

Lot 365

M-WTCA.O

RG

28 The Gristmill

body. The plane in this auction, Lot 387, is a beautiful example of the first version. It had nearly 100% of its japan-ning and gold highlighting, and was rated Good+ for condition. It was a good value and sold on a bid of $5,876 in the room.

There were two Stanley No. 1 planes in this auction: Lot No. 228 which was an early model with the “J” trade mark on its cutter (Type 1 or 2 ca. 1867-1872)) and round head screws to secure the frog in place, and Lot No. 413 (Type 6A ca. 1891-1892) which had the 1892 pat-ent date on its cutter. No. 1 planes are always popular and both planes were rated Fine for condition. Lot 413, sold on a bid of $1,356 from a buyer in the room.

The Matheson & Sons infill smoother, Lot 489, resembled a Norris No.4. It had a dovetailed steel body and rose-wood infill. It was a beautiful plane, was rated Good+ and was an excellent value for $254.25.

The attractive and very scarce ad-justable bull nose right and left hand fillister plane, Lot 624, has an adjust-able fence and depth stop that can be used on either side of the plane. It was made by Edward Preston & Sons, Bir-mingham England and has a black ja-panned finish with polished edges and trim. It was in Good+ condition and sold on a bid of $339 from a buyer in the room.

Endnotes1. They were covered by design patent No. 159,339, issued July 18, 1950.

2. Millers Falls offered the No. 104 ¼ inch hand drill and the No. 308 3/8 inch hand drill in their No. 49th catalog. These two drills were similar in design to their No. 95 breast drill.

3. Philip E Stanley, Boxwood & Ivory, p. 63...

Lot 387

Lot 413

Lot 624

Lot 489

The following story appeared in the 1905 copy of Everett’s Encyclopedia of Useful Knowledge

Novel Contest of IcemenOne Prize Winner Carried a Load of 405 Pounds

The Ice Producers’ Association of the Middle States held its annual convention recently at Cleveland, O. The reading of papers was varied by a most original and interesting con-test, in which a large number of employees of ice compa-nies took part. Many of the delegates brought one of their star wagon men along. Some of the contests, and winners, were as follows:

Loading three tons of manufactured ice in blocks weighing 300 lbs. each, into a covered wagon. Won by Wm. Diller, Cincinnati; time 4 minutes, 58 seconds. Lifting a block of ice weighing 150 lbs. from the ground to the shoulder,

and carrying the load 300 ft. and return. Won by John Dallcher, Cleveland; time 25 seconds. Cutting a 400-lb. block into 40 equal parts. Won by H. Luth, Cleveland; time 2 minutes, 14 seconds.

Ice carrying contest; won by Chas. Chevanki, who carried a block of ice weighing 405 lbs. The contest was the first of its kind and was witnessed by a large crowd in addition to the convention delegates.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 29

J. Flint, Saw Makerby Phil Baker

Erv Schaffer author of “Hand Saw Makers of North Amer-ica” has Joseph Flint working out of Rochester, New York from 1847-1888. He reported that Flint had connections in St. Catherine and Hamilton Ontario, Canada in the 1850s.

This article will use seven backsaws in an effort to acquire further knowledge on this maker. All seven of the saws have a similarity to each other. The dating of them can be questionable. I would be pleased to hear feedback.

1 12” brass back marked in the brass is “J. Flint & Co. (only saw with & Co. and spring temper) in a shallow arch. Beneath it is New York with a dot between New and York. Small lettering, warranted (left) and spring temper (right). The handle is secured by two doomed steel screws. This is the only saw with markings and screws as the above and it is not recorded to my knowledge. It also has a 1/2” taper to blade. The open handle is not beech, but it is a fine grained hardwood. The shape of the handle, with hook continues for open handles, a nib between top horns and a chamfer stop that ends with a cove. My guess is this maybe the old-est saw, before the 1847 startup date above.

2 J. Flint, ca 1846 with a 14” brass back. It has the same size lettering as #l with J. Flint in shallow arch with Roches-ter under. It has cast steel on the left and warranted on the right. The closed beech handle is a heavy one inch thick. All saws will have a hook & chamfer stop and small lettering as in # 1. The label screw has the early type Disston eagle except it is British. The difference is: USA marked Henry Disston Philadelphia with 13 stars in circle around a small-er eagle. The talons are tucked in close to body with the arrows on the left and an olive branch on the right. British is marked: Warranted superior with eight stars in a cluster. The talons with arrows and olive branch extend out from body to left. Note: the handle hang is more vertical on this saw blade and is over 12” long.

3 10” brass back that is 1 1/16” wide. Flint is still in a shal-low arch. Cast Steel and Warranted is printed slightly larger than earlier saws and there is a slight 1/4” taper to blade. The open beech handle is same thickness as #2 (l”) and the chamfer stop is the same as #1 & #2 with a nib on top. The saw is ca 1850.

M-WTCA.O

RG

30 The Gristmill

4 12” brass back ca 1855. J. Flint and Rochester slightly larger than Cast Steel and Warranted and Cast Steel, and Warranted print is a smaller size as on #3. The nice figured Beech wood closed handle has a pitch the same as the open handles in the study. The chamfer stop is square now.

5 8” brass back, ca 1857. The open beech handle now has a nib on the top and bottom of the 7/8” thick wood with a squared chamfer stop. J. Flint is a slightly higher arch and large print. There is three sizes of print used in the brass. The blade has a 1/2” taper.

6 10”brass back, ca 1859. The open apple handle has nibs on the top and bottom. The chamfer stop remains squared. The J. Flint is lightly struck with a heavy struck Rochester and both in largest letters. The Cast Steel and Warranted are smaller. There is a 1/2” taper to blade.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 31

7 14” steel back, ca 1867 patent date on the 3/4” label screw with Warranted Superior. The two common screws are 7/16” in diameter. The handle has a nice lambs tongue with a nib on the top horn and a squared chamfer stop. The J. Flint mark has large print in the steepest arch of all exam-

ples. The Cast Steel, Warranted and Rochester are smaller print with a fine strike. This is a well made saw.

As of October 2015, there are 227 U.S.A. makers in the collec-tion. The handles of the seven Flint saws in the article stand out in their fine design workmanship and relation including the hook at the top of the handle to each other. Most saw makers, including Disston, eliminated the hook in the 1850s. Flint used it until 1867 with the patent date on #7 saw. Nowhere have I found the printing on backsaws vary as it does on these saws. Small printing is used on the earlier saws. In my dating, #4 has 2 sizes, #5 has 3 sizes etc., #7 has a fine strike with a higher arch. Last but not least, note the size of the backs. Joe Flint surely came from a different mould than most other makers.

In conclusion, is it possible after 20 years, 1847-1867 that Joe Flint stopped making backsaws?

M-WTCA Helps Identify Excavated Toolby Bill Kolm

The What’s It link on the M-WTCA website has paid off again. Roger Moore, the V.T. Archaeologist with the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in Nageezi, New Mexico sent the following email:

We have found what looks like the handle of some tool with the Keen Kutter logo on it. It is relatively flat iron object with raised rims on both sides and a hole below the logo for hanging the object up. We found it on one of our archeaolog-ical sites that was excavated in the very early 1900s so it is probably related to one of the work crews there.

Russ Allen, the Internet Committee Chairman received the email and was able to obtain Photo #1 of the object which went to the What’s It Committee Members and to Jerry and Elaine Heuring. The Heurings are the authors of the “Collec-

tor’s Guide to Keen Kutter” book. Jerry and Elaine sent Mr. Moore a Photo #2 from their book show-ing 3 styles of can openers that matched the photo of the broken handle Mr. Moore had sent. The Heurings explained that this was the broken end of a very common item made by Keen Kutter.

Once again Mid-West members have come through and supplied vital information about an old tool which validates our motto of “Studying, Preserving and Sharing Knowledge of Tools”

photo #2

photo #1

M-WTCA.O

RG

32 The Gristmill

Fire Tool Historyby Dr. David Crowe

M-WTCA member Dr. David Crowe from Eau Claire, WI., sent an old newpaper article he found in a local antique store and thought it was quite interesting. The article talks about “The only tool named in honor of a man’s bravery”. The sto-ry of Ed C. Pulaski is described in the following newspaper text. The accompanying photo is from the newspaper article.

The description of the “Pulaski” found on Wikipedia is list-ed below.

The pulaski is a special hand tool used in wildland firefight-ing. The tool combines an axe and an adze in one head, similar to that of the cutter mattock, with a rigid handle of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The pulaski is a versatile tool for constructing firebreaks, as it can be used to both dig soil and chop wood. It is also well adapted for trail construc-tion, gardening, and other outdoor work. As a gardening or excavation tool, it is effective for digging holes in root-bound or hard soil.

The invention of the pulaski is credited to Ed Pulaski, an assistant ranger with the United States Forest Service, in 1911,1,2 although a similar tool was first introduced in 1876 by the Collins Tool Company. Ed Pulaski was famous for tak-ing action to save the lives of a crew of 45 firefighters during the disastrous August 1910 wildfires in Idaho. His invention

(or reinvention3) of the tool that bears his name may have been a direct result of the disaster, as he saw the need for better firefighting tools. Ed Pulaski further refined the tool by 1913, and it came into use in the Rocky Moun-tain region. In 1920, the For-est Service began contracting for the tool to be commer-cially manufactured, but use remained regional for some years. The tool became a na-tional standard in the 1930s.3

Raising the tool above head height while swinging is dis-couraged as this wastes energy and creates a safety hazard.4

1. Spadafora, Ronald (2007). McGraw-Hill’s Firefighter Exams. McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 230. Invented by USFS ranger Ed Pulaski in 1911.

2. Jump up ^ Egan, Timothy (2009). The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt & the Fire that Saved America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. pp. 259–260. ISBN 978-0-547-39460-2.

3. Jump up to: a b Davis, James B. (1986). “The True Story of the Pulaski Fire Tool” (PDF). Fire Management Notes (US Department of Agricul-ture Forest Service) 47 (3): 19–21.

4. Jump up ^ Hallman, Richard; Hutcheson, William; Mrkich, Dale (1997). Handtools for trail work. USDA Forest Service, Technology & Develop-ment Program. p. 18. Avoid raising the pick overhead while swinging; this wastes energy and creates a safety hazard because the heavy, nar-row tool head cannot be easily controlled or directed.

The only tool named in honor of a man’s bravery is the “Pulaski”, a combination grub-hoe and ax used by forest-firefighters. This...was named after E.C.Pulaski of Idaho. In 1910, when great fires raged through Idaho and adjacent sections of the West, Pulaski was chief of a fire-fighting crew which was trapped in the flames. Pulaski led his men into an abandoned mine tunnel and although the intense heat shook the reason of some of the men, Pulaksi stood at the entrance to the tunnel and kept them from rushing out into sure death. Although he suffered blindness temporarily and a long illness and burns, he was credited with saving the life of every one of the 40 men in his crew. During the night, the forest burned out sifficiently for Pulaski to lead the crew from the tunnel to safety.

The following was taken from a September 1925 is-sue of The Industrial Arts Magazine.

Evolution of the PlaneA considerable amount of most valuable teaching informa-tion for use in shops and shop classes has been contributed to schools by American manufacturers. In fact, the ordinary professional literature and the textbooks used in trade schools contain comparatively little material on the tools of the several trades because the manufacturers have been so generous in supplying technically correct and complete material arranged for teaching purposes.

One of the latest and most interesting contributions to the lit-erature on tools of the woodworking trades is an eight-page

“letter” entitled “Evolution of the Plane,” prepared and issued by the Stanley Rule and Level Plant of The Stanley Works at New Britain, Conn.

This “letter” illustrates and describes in detail the evolution of the plane from the earliest recorded history of the Egyptians and Phoenicians through ancient and medieval times down to the present day. Particularly interesting and useful is the sec-tion devoted to the development of the Stanley Bailey plane which is widely used in American industry and is a favorite in school shops. The “letter” will be sent on request to any teacher.

Editors Request: If anyone knows of a copy of this “letter”, please share it so it can be reprinted in The Gristmill for all members to learn from.

M-WTCA.O

RG

Fig. 162-3 This is part of a drafting T-square that is missing its straight edge.

Answers from previous Gristmill issues:

Fig. 163-1 5-1/2” diameter

Fig. 163-3 This brass cylinder has an internal cylinder that can rotate to open and close the slot. The internal cylinder can be locked into place by the thumbscrew. It is 3 3/8” long and 1 3/4” diameter. The internal diameter is 1 1/8”.

Fig. 163-2 27” long

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

For more information, larger images, additional photos, more what’s its, and answers, please check out the What’s It page at the M-WTCA web site. Go to http://www.mwtca.org/ and then in the Main Menu click on “What’s It”.

June 2016 33

M-WTCA.O

RG

34 The Gristmill

On The Other Side of The Bedby Kathleen Holmes

Oh, those pesky rascals. We have five squirrels around our neighborhood. They have been scrambling up the round metal poles to the bird feeders….and eating us out of house and seed.

Then there is the woodpecker feeder just outside our din-ing room window. Cecil has filled it a number of times and the squirrels seem to find a way to go up the standard that holds the feeder. So Cecil, determined to outwit them, put an ice cream pail upside down on the pole and taped it in place. “Well, so much for that,” thought the first squirrel, “I can get around that”…and it did. So Cecil moved the bucket lower, thinking it could not stretch that far to reach the feeder…but it did.

So, our entertainment has been watching some wily squir-rels outwit these humans. We must think of another ap-proach. Jack suggested an electric attachment that would jolt the squirrel into the next county. That might happen soon.

I have been working on the family genealogy. Names need to be correct with middle names included, to avoid confu-sion as well as birth dates that are correct so that some-time down the line when someone else is trying to confirm a particular person, the data is all there. I still need some of the great grandchildren’s middle names. Marriage data is also important when confirming persons. I hate to nag some of the grandchildren to get back to me. What have you done to confirm the names and dates for your fam-ily? Have you done any genealogy research and got those names and dates down on paper…somewhere….perhaps in a computer or in a source book somewhere? It might really be important at some future date. Get busy on it while you are thinking on the subject.

I have visited with some of my friends who feel it is really not that important to do. I should have started my research long ago when some of the people I could talk to were still alive.

My parents were both only children and some of their relatives were located in England. And now I have no con-nection to some of them. So I would recommend starting while parents or grandparents or aunts or uncles are still living and can give you family lineage that otherwise might just disappear.

Start with a notebook if you do not have a computer. Even if you do have technical resources available, print it out so it can be shared to get corrections or enlarging details now. Soon I will have as complete a record as I can get and will print out a copy so each of the family can have a copy. Get busy.

Let us go to a subject that is probably more pertinent to this publication that squirrels and squirrelly ancestors. Do-

ing family genealogy is somewhat like tracing of the lineage of tools. Each group of tools, by whatever names they be known, has a family line…or a genealogy.

For instance, Cecil puts a lot of re-search time into the various tools he collects and can do their genealogy (if that is what you want to call it). There are books, articles, and other resourc-

es available to do that research. Just going to the tool meets around the country can put you in touch with many “experts” on whatever tool/tools you want to know about. I see many men standing around a collector’s display, tap-ping his brain for information. Many of these fellows are walking encyclopedias and are so willing to share. The Other Side of The Bed can be so full of information.

AUXILIARY

Lynne’s Lines by Lynne McCalla, President

Dear Friends,

I am sitting on the Saone River in France enjoying the wine, cuisine and sites. We have come from Marseille up the Rhone to Lyon. Soon we will be in Paris. So my lines are short this time.

I look forward to seeing you all in Des Moines, Iowa where Susan Witzel and her team have a great pro-gram for us. Bring your displays, come to the show and tell and read our book, as we join together for another great time of fun and fellowship.

Doing family genealogy is somewhat like tracing of the lineage of tools. Each group of tools, by whatever names they be known, has a family line…or a genealogy.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 35

AUXILIARY

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

Discover the Heinz History Centerby Beth Weymer

When the activities were planned for the Midwest Auxiliary program last fall, the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh was my first choice for an entertaining day trip. There were no disappointments there.

From the moment I entered the well lit lobby, my camera was clicking away. There are six floors of expertly presented displays, including factual information on the geographic location, geological and cultural make up of the region. Unique exhibits include: glass manufacturing, the French & Indian War, and the Prine Plane Collection. The Western PA.

Sports Museum and a traveling Smithsonian Institution Af-filiations Program were additional bonuses.

Our family loves to take field trips. My husband, Rick and I were teachers and our children lamented that they were doomed to be educated 24/7. Between Rick’s background in Tech. Ed. /Industrial Arts, and my career in elementary and special education, our interests are wide and varied. The Heinz History Center reminded me of one of our favorite local museums: the Industrial Museum of York County in downtown York, PA. Their hands on exhibits and range of historical artifacts makes it a great place to spend an after-noon. Our own M-WTCA, Area P has a past association with this facility as a former meeting place.

The main attraction for me in Pittsburgh was the long term exhibition entitled: “A Tradition of Innovation.” It highlight-ed great innovators in Pittsburgh’s history. The huge sec-ond floor gallery was amazing. Immigrant inventors, labor unions and famous figures from Andrew Carnegie to Fred Rogers, have roots in western PA. I learned that Westing-house, the Pennsylvania turnpike and the Big Mac also have connections to Pittsburgh. Scientific and medical giants, such as: Rachel Carson, Jonas Salk, Dr. George Magovern

the heart transplant sur-geon, and Dr. Benjamin Spock are part of this re-gion’s development.

I greatly enjoyed my day spent at the Heinz Center and highly rec-ommend it. There are so many wonderful things to do and see in Pittsburgh. The city has a strong industrial past and has been revitalized to become the jewel of western Pennsylvania, a perfect location for a weekend getaway.

M-WTCA.O

RG

36 The Gristmill

AUXILIARYKitchen What’s Itby Judi Heckel

Stan Seevers challenged Auxiliary members to identify a multitude of antique gadgets and tools that have aided women through decades of time. Our members had suf-ficient time before breakfast to browse, hold, and even smell the items before the revealed answers were shared.

Many members shouted out answers, but Stan had several stumpers that befuddled the best of collectors. The Auxil-iary is now smarter and more aware of the tools that served the cooks and laundresses of various generations.

The Duquesne Inclineby Judi Heckel

No trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without experi-encing a century old cable car while riding the Duquesne Incline. Opened in 1877, the Incline was restored in 1963, and delights visitors as they ride in the original wooden

cars. One can view the machinery, browse pictures in the museum, and capture breathtaking photos of scenic Pitts-burg. Mid-West members truly enjoyed this Pittsburg treat.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 37

AUXILIARYM-WTCA Version of PICKERSby Susan Witzel

Hostess, Susan Witzel is urging all M-WTCA wives to make sure your name is in the pot for the free Wednesday night barbecue beginning at 6PM and hosted by the Airport Holiday Inn. After you eat, you can get settled in before meeting with your tool friends in the hospitality room to share “tall tool tales.” The men will be in the parking lot at dawn so they will have more tales to tell. Also, if hubby is sending in the registration form, check out the fun you can have to the Sticks Furniture Factory and Sticks East Village Showroom with a“Dutch Lunch” at a place of your choice, or a walking tour of Salisbury House, a huge mansion transplanted from Europe to Des Moines, Iowa. Be sure and wear comfortable walking shoes for both tours. I am sure the men will all be excited to check out the other tour of The Woodsmith Store. The auxiliary theme is TRIN-

KETS, TOYS, AND TALES. Bring a half or whole table display to share. The more, the merrier. Everyone is invited to the Meet & Greet on Thursday evening. We honor first time at-tendees. DISPLAYS & TOOL TRADING begins Friday morning and lasts until Saturday noon. M-WTCA PICKERS, it is your chance. The WHAT’S IT SESSION begins at 10:30. The book for Des Moines is The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow, a true story. The discussions are lively. Friday at 7PM, Thelma Roberts will share her collection of beautiful PERFUMES with us. Satur-day, the ladies luncheon at 12:01 will feature a program by Lisa Rasmussen entitled, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAGGEDY ANN. The featured banquet speaker is Michael Cotter, a third generation farmer and storyteller. COME JOIN US IN DES MOINES FOR GREAT MID-WESTERN HOSPITALITY AND FUN!

The Mars Friday Night Silent Auction Was A Big Successby Becky Leamy

The silent auction was well worth the many hours and days that team Pennsylvania spent getting together and working on the preparations. Our silent auction is all about the fun and laughter we share with our friends and members. We had over 90 items donated. Let us say, we stopped counting at 90. A few of the items donated were: a large hand crafted pottery bowl, two handmade scarves, different pieces of jewelry, a burgundy lap afghan, three beautiful dolls, a handmade tote bag, cro-cheted hand towels and so many other terrific items. I would like to focus on three items that brought fond memories to my mind. The three dolls all went to one lady who had three grand-daughters and she wanted to give each of them a doll. We also had Helen Burge win the afghan. She came over to tell me how much she liked it and wanted to win it. It even matched the outfit she was wearing perfectly. I want to mention the cro-cheted handmade towels were made by Mildred Boltz, a won-derful lady, who will be missed by all that knew her.

I would really like to thank all of team Pennsylvania, which includes Ann Boltz, Gloria Renehan, Carol Stark, and Beth Weymer, for doing a terrific job on the Mars auxiliary pro-grams. I would also like to thank the silent workers from be-hind the scenes: Stanley Seevers, Jim Leamy, Lynne McCalla, Jane Giese, Judy Heckel, Susan Witzel, Julie Kesterson, Caro-line List, and last but not least, Larry Thorson. If I missed any-one please forgive me.

M-WTCA.O

RG

38 The Gristmill

James S. BairdJames Stanley Baird, 86, a Fort Atkin-son, Wisconsin artist and photographer for more than six decades, passed away peacefully Jan. 25, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, following complica-tions from a heart attack.

Born May 8, 1929, in Kenosha, and while growing up in Burlington, he began his love affair with art, delicately working with pencils, pens, pastels, and paint to draw landscapes, still lifes, animals, cartoons, and more. His family moved to Fort Atkinson in 1943. While attending White-water State Teachers College, he studied etching under the late Leon Pescheret, a preeminent artist whose techniques influ-enced the skills Baird developed for his own artwork.

Baird’s illustration proficiencies landed him a job at Hoard’s Dairyman magazine in March 1948. He also became the interna-tional dairy magazine’s chief photographer, and handled most of the publication’s design and visual content. Baird was espe-cially well known for his cow paintings and postcards of the “Foster Mothers of the Human Race” and for his holiday covers on the Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, many featuring the beau-tiful but painstaking technique known as scratchboard. Baird created hundreds of scratchboard pictures, other drawings, acrylic and oil paintings, etchings, and pastels. His artwork graces the homes of family, friends, and businesses across the U.S. He retired from Hoard’s in 1993.

Descended from several generations of Scottish blacksmiths, Baird had a lifelong fascination with tools, starting his collec-tion with a variety of hand made iron implements he inherited from his grandfather. He was a longtime member of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association and enjoyed the tool meets, camaraderie, and the associated trading, buying, and bartering for historic pieces that were part of that experience.

Jim’s contribution to Mid-West Tools has graced the front cover of The Gristmill since the No. 16 issue in June 1979 and will continue to be the nameplate of the Gristmill for many years to come. Jim drew the picture of the Gristmill located at Ca-des Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Dave Heckel included this information on page 13 of ‘The Best of The Gristmill’ published in 2000.

His favorite and most complete collections featured blacksmith tools and wooden planes. Baird served on the local Historical Society Board of Directors and developed the Tool & Trades exhibit for the museum. He often donned his work apron, fired up a forge, and demonstrated his love of blacksmithing and an-tique tools to family and museum visitors.

Baird also volunteered at the National Dairy Shrine, designing the original dairy exhibit at the museum. He obtained and do-nated many dairying artifacts housed in the Dairy Shrine and authored a booklet, “Dairy Collectibles” in which he document-ed and illustrated his findings about early dairy implements.

OBITUARIESClark MountainClark Mountain 75 of Macksburg, Iowa died Monday, March 7, 2016, at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset. Clark is survived by his wife, Nancy Mountain; his children, Kevin (Ann) Mountain of Winterset, Dawn (Ronnie) Henderson of Des Moines, and Mandi Mountain of Winterset; five

grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members and friends. Marple Clark Mountain Jr., son of Marple Sr. and Fay (Stokes) Mountain, was born Dec. 16, 1940, in Winterset. He graduated from Lorimor High School in 1959 and was united in marriage to Nancy Hines on July 14, 1973, at the Lorimor United Methodist Church. Clark was a finish carpenter most of his working career and owned and operated Mountain Construction for 50 years. He was a member of the Midwest and Southwest Tool Collectors Associations.

Member Bob Nelson Remembers Clark Mountain:

Clark has always been number 1 in my book. Clark was the first person that I met at my first M-WTCA meet in 2001. He was the first to teach me about collecting antique tools. He ex-plained what was most valuable or likely to maintain its value over time, why you should only buy the things that you really like and that what was most important, was to get to know as many members of M-WTCA as you can. He said everyone is different and everyone has something to offer.

At that first meeting, I purchased my first plane (a No.1, type 1 Bailey/Stanley Plane). Clark (and his wife Nancy) had just returned to the Midwest after a “vacation/tool buying” trip to Arizona. He had two No. 1s and was asking the same price for each of them. I said “which is the most valuable” and he steered me to the Type 1.

Clark was the first honest antique dealer that I met. He was the first person I learned not to bid against at the Humboldt Auc-tions, and the first person to go to for unusual items and parts.

I am saddened to hear of Clark’s passing. The tools that I have purchased from Clark have suddenly become more precious to me. They bring back the memories that I have of this “moun-tain of a man”. He was one of the nicest and kindest persons that I have ever known.

Member Dwight Trahin adds these thoughts:

Clark enjoyed doing all sorts of woodworking projects, includ-ing building furniture. He loved spending his time as an antique dealer and collector of many antiques - especially tools. He was a long time member of M-WTCA and loved attending tool meets and spending time with his many tool collecting friends. He also enjoyed gardening and fishing. Clark was never selfish about sharing his near-encyclopedic knowledge of the many tools he acquired and passed on to all the collectors whose lives he touched. He was a great resource for so many of us. He had a big heart and will be sorely missed.

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 39

Cecil W. “Woody” WoodsCecil Warner “Woody” Woods, 78, of Oelwein, IA. died Friday, Feb. 19, at Oel-wein Healthcare Center. He was born in Volga on June 6, 1937 the son of Donald and Lena May Thyer Woods. On Nov. 28, 1959, he married Judith Lemcke.

Cecil graduated from West Central High School, Maynard, in 1956. He sold auto parts from the time of

graduation until his retirement in 1998. He worked at various auto parts stores and car dealerships in Oelwein and Waterloo. He was a member of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association for several years. Cecil loved auctions and collecting antique wood-working planes.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Ann Woods-Redies of Oel-wein; a son, Michael (Denise) of Evansdale; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two sisters.

Robert Teichman PhD. by Robert Oehman

Robert Teichman PhD. of Durham, NC., and Wilmington, VT., died on Janu-ary 19, 2016 from respiratory problems due to COPD. He was 92 years old. He is survived by his daughters, Charlotte and Marianne, and son-in-law, Robert

Oehman. Robert will be remembered by many for his ready smile, hearty laugh, and for his intelligent, insightful comments. He loved tools, cows and the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Robert was a United States Army veteran, and was proud of his service experience and his Combat Infantry Badge. He enlisted in Sept 1943, did his boot camp at Fort Bragg, NC., and was trained in artillery. He thought North Carolina was the hottest and least attractive place he could imagine, and could not wait to leave, (not knowing he would later live in NC. for 40 years.) He shipped out for England in May 1944 and joined the 319th Glider Artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division (All Americans,). He was held in reserve for the D-Day invasion, while undergo-ing glider training, but earned his Glider Wings while invading Holland during Operation Market Garden, staying in Europe until after the war. He fought through the Battle of the Bulge, served as part of the Occupation Forces in Berlin, and was dis-charged in January 1946.

After the war, he completed degrees at the University of Connect-icut (BS and MS,) and North Carolina State University (PhD.).

I met Robert in Wilmington, DE., around Christmas of 1981, when he was beginning his retirement. As a way to encourage common interest, his daughter Charlotte encouraged me to go and view his collection of tools. If she had only known where that would lead…

In 1984 Robert packed up his family and moved to Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Before moving, he sold his tool collec-tion, declaring it to be impractical. His plan survived a whole week before he purchased a box of tools at a yard sale, which became the seed for his new collection. Shortly after the move, a group of antique dealers in Raleigh, NC., (Ray Hoke and Sam Palmer, first president) decided to hold an antique tool yard sale, which served as the charter meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Tool Collectors Association (MATCA). Robert joined this As-sociation.

Robert started out collecting tools, but he was also interested in applying his talent as a refinisher of antiques to his tool col-lecting hobby. Repairing and refurbishing tools was a second hobby equally rewarding.

In 1987, he rekindled an old love affair with the State of Ver-mont, and began to spend each summer in Wilmington. He was the happiest in the Green Mountains. Living there provided him access to Jack Bittner’s Auctions, and Richard Crane and Lee Murray’s Tool Flea Markets and Auctions, later Donnelly’s. He was a regular attendee at the dealer sales, and “sharpened his elbows” so he could stand his ground next to the New England tool crazies. He was a regular at the Wilmington, VT. flea mar-ket, and the Newfane, VT. flea market every weekend. He spent his last summer in Vermont in 2011, completing 25 years of an-nual visits.

Over the years, Robert and I travelled together to many tool col-lecting events. My wife, Charlotte, has said she did not realize what she was starting, when she put us together that day, since she became a “tool widow” and lost us both for many vacation days. Robert was a dear friend, and I miss him.

OBITUARIES

Baird served in the Wisconsin National Guard for over 15 years, including a year of active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. The patience and steadiness he had as an artist were also valu-able traits on the rifle range. As a member of the military and later as a civilian, he won many state and National medals, tro-

phies, and commendations for marksmanship. He was a U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman, a Wisconsin high power rifle champion, a National Guard National champion, a member of the prestigious “President’s Hundred” group of military marks-men, and was selected twice for the Sixth U.S. Army Rifle Team.

M-WTCA.O

RG

40 The Gristmill

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 41

Spectacular Summer Auction & Antique Fair Thursday, Friday & Saturday July 21, 22, 23, 2016

Photographs, Secure Online Absentee Bidding & Hotel List at www.mjdauctions.com · Questions?: [email protected] · (800) 869-0695Antiques for Auction? Call (800) 869-0695 A Genuine, Old-Fashioned Country Auction

Auction Schedule: July 21 600 Lots 2:01 p.m. July 22 1300 Lots 9:01 a.m. July 23 1301 Lots 9:01 a.m.Preview all day Wednesday and before during and after the sale each day.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner On-SiteQuestions: (800) 869-0695

WeMarket

Collections

Antique Fair Each Day · FREE AdmissionAntique Show of 40 Dealers Beginning Thursday

www.mjdauctions.com

Eighty Tons Sold in Three Days!

Established1983

Our Summer sale has, over the past fourteen-

years, become a destination for buyers from around the country and around the world. Please plan to join us for High Summer in the beautiful Finger Lakes.

MARTIN J. DONNELLY AUCTIONS Specialist Auctioneers of Nineteenth Century AntiquesSale Located at: 5223 County Route 8, Avoca NY 14809

M-WTCA.O

RG

42 The Gristmill

M-W TCA Gristmill1 col. x 5"June 2016

Timeless Toolsand Treasures.comAuthentic tools for traditional tradesand related curiosities: woodworking,machining, leather, watchmaking, etc.

Visit our store in Bennington, NH, by appt.

[email protected]

M-WTCA.O

RG

June 2016 43

Looking for Gabriel planes and Kenyon saws. Let me know what you have. John Walkowiak 612-824-0785 [email protected]

Wanted: Any hand forged iron tool (except reaping hooks) marked I-CHRIST or D.Christ. Laurent Torno 7111 Waterman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63130 [email protected] Tel/Fax 314-721-3911

WANTED: Blacksmith and farrier hand and shop tools. Father, son, & grandson enjoy restoring & using them. John Tinker 269-674-8453

WANTED: Stanley Handyman Putty Knife in good shape or in original box. Also H1211 Nail Sets, H38 Cold Chisel, H8 Center Punch, H5 Hand Punch & H6 Pin Punch. Bill Kolm 402-572-1238, [email protected].

MARKETPLACE

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill’s publication. For example, an ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue. * For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2” wide X 4 7/8” tall.

Typesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge.

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

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

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

ISSUE COPY DEADLINEMarch January 10June April 10September July 10December October 10

CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES$ .18 per word - ALL words. $3.50 minimum per ad.

DISPLAY ADS - RATESSize Cost Word LimitFull page, 4-color, (when available) $275 900Full page $180 900Half page $105 450Quarter page* $60 225 Other sizes $9.50 per column inch (1 column approx. 2-1/4” wide.)25 word limit.

YOU’VEGOT

TOOLS

YOU’VE GOT

TOOLS

YOU’VEGOT TOOLS

YOU’VE

GOT TOOLS

YOU’VEGOT TOOLS

YOU’VE GOT

TOOLS

This is my Stanley zig zag rule countertop display missing the mirror from the back. I would like to replace the mirror but need help with the dimen-sions or a photo of one complete with the mirror. If you can help please con-tact Alan Luger at [email protected]. Thanks for any help you can furnish.

M-WTCA.O

RG

44 The Gristmill

Date

Brown Tool AuctionsA Tradition of Excellence

Brown Tool Auctions and The Fine Tool Journal, under common ownership and management, together represent the best way to sell your antique tools, from a few items to an entire collection.

Ever since its founding in 1986, Brown Tool Auctions has been the premier auction service for antique tools, consistenlty realizing the highest prices for the best tools, including the world record set for a single tool at auction of $114,400. We hold three auctions every year at established times and locations that are regularly attended by the most knowledgeable and discriminating tool buyers. Each Brown auction is widely recognized as a major event in the tool collecting world. Our marketing includes online bidding and extensive mailings as well as ads in major publications.

Our relationship with The Fine Tool Journal, which holds four absentee and one live auction every year, gives us the capacity to handle entire collections efficiently. If you have antique tools to sell, give us a call. We will be happy to inspect your tools with no cost or obligation to you, and if you decide to consign them we will arrange the pickup or shipping, and will market them so that you realize the maximum value.Give me a call and let’s talk tools.

Jim GehringPresident,Brown Tool Auctions

Brown Tool Auctions9325 Dwight Boyer Road

Watervliet, MI 49098

1-800-248-8114 Fax 269-463-3767

www.finetoolj.com The Tradition Continues

M-WTCA.O

RG

m-wtcastudying, preserving, and sharing knowledge of tools lee-coit-andreesen hardware co. trade...

Documents