A Pubrcation of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association

Siegley Iron Bench Plane

Type Study

begins on page 14

September 2007 No. 128

Milwaukee Meeting page 4 Area Meets page 8

Committee Reports page 10 Siegley Iron Bench Planes page 14 Quimby S. Backus: Part 2 page 24

Collection Spotlight page 28 Jackson Gorham #37 Saw page 30

M-WTCA Auxiliary page 36 What's It page 41

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Chaff From The President

This is my last Chaff article and I want to thank all of the many people whose dedication and hard work make M-WTCA run smoothly and the President's job easy. In the process, I can remind you of what it takes to keep our association functioning, and you can give your own personal thanks to the appropriate parties.

The two most important and labor intensive jobs in M-WTCA are the Editor of The Gristmill and the Treasurer. To David Heckel and his daughter Karen my most sincere thanks for doing an outstanding job, The Gristmill gets even better with every issue. To LeRoy Witzel thanks for doing a brilliant job of managing our financial affairs.

Tons of thanks to Doug Cox, VP Meeting Planning, for finding sites and hosts for our Semi-Annual meetings, and thanks also to all of the people who host and help at the Semi-Annual and over forty Area Meetings we hold ever year. Thanks to Ed Hobbs, VP Membership, for the energy and thoughtful planning he brings to the solution of problems. Thanks also to George Wannamaker, VP Elections, for his yearly search for Directors to replace those whose terms have expired. Deepest thanks to George Elsass, VP Scholarships for upgrading our scholarship program and making it available to a broad range of young people pursuing educations in both two and four year programs.

The Gristmill No. 128 September, 2007 Copyright 2007 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. All rights reserved. www.mwtca.org

Editor & Advertising Manager David E. Heckel 1800 McComb St. Charleston, IL 61920-3137

Graphic Design Karen Hammond

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 John Wells 1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley, CA 94708-1741 (510) 848-3651 Vice-President of Elections George Wanamaker 321 S. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 61455-2233 (309) 836-6872 Vice-President of Meeting Planning Doug Cox 2938 Cynthiana Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324·9272 (502) 863·1407 Vice-President of Membership Ed Hobbs 4417 Inwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3315 (919) 828·2754 Vice-President of Scholarship George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893 (614) 888-0591 Treasurer LeRoy Witzel P.O. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548·0355 (515) 332-3649 Secretary John Walkowiak 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 (612) 824-0785

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Thanks to our Secretary, previously Tom Lamond and now John Walkowiak, who records the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. It takes many Committees to perform all our functions, and they are all very important. My Thanks to Phil Baker for the great job he does managing the Preservation and Education Committee, to Don Bosse who created our website and is in the process of reevaluating and adjusting it to reflect our image going forward, and to John Walkowiak and now Bob Valich for our very popular and educational display program.

Thanks also to Jim Conover who manages our annual Special Publication, and to Jim Mau and now Ron White for a very successful "What's It" program. Thanks too to Willie Royal and his Nominating Committee for finding the best people to carry us forward into 2008, and to Ray Nissen and his committee for recently updating the By Laws and 3P's. Special thanks to Ron Pearson and his committee, for their unwavering judgment in selecting qualified recipients for the Marion Henley Award. Thanks to Mel Ring who not only heads up our Long Range Planning Committee, but also manages our Endowment Fund. Many thanks to the more than fifty Directors who put on Areas meetings, recruit new members, and sit on our Board to make the decisions and policies that govern our actions. And finally, thanks to all of you, the members of M-WTCA, who do the things that have shaped our organization into what it is today and will be in the years to come.

--John Wells

Directors

Area A Matt Borders, 2008 AreaM Hollis Feeser, 2007 Carl Bilderback, 2009 Gene Epting, 2007 Lee Osterbauer, 2008 Bill Marlow, 2009 Ronnie Glover, 2009 Eric Mattson, 2009

AreaG AreaN AreaB Ray Myers, 2007 William Morgan, 2007 Pete Hartmann, 2007 John Kesterson, 2008 Phil Baker, 2008 Bob Kloes, 2008 Dennis Eckstein, 2009 Vincent Soukup, 2009 Gary Kane, 2009

AreaH AreaO AreaC John DeLay, 2007 Bob Valich, 2007 Del Galofaro, 2007 Mark Hughes, 2008 Allan Foster, 2008 Michael Slasinski, 2008 Bob Weaver, 2009 Jim Crammond, 2009 Areal

Emery Goad, 2007 AreaP AreaD David McDonald, 2008 Jack Zimmerman, 2007 Jim Escher, 2007 Vaughn Simmons, 2008 Larry Bolhuis, 2008 AreaJ Donald Stark, 2008 Fred Leu, 2009 Rick Kerns, 2008 Richard Weymer II, 2009

Joel Hodapp, 2009 AreaE Lloyd Henley, 2009 AreaQ Robert Green, 2007 Pat Medley, 2007 Robert Olesen, 2008 AreaK David Friday, 2008 Gary Johnson, 2009 Bill Youart, 2007 Robert Oehman, 2009 Vacant, 2009 Monte Harold, 2008

AreaR AreaF AreaL Martin Donnelly, 2007 Chris Berger, 2007 Dave Fessler, 2008 Walter Karsten, 2009

Committee Chairman Elections Meeting Planning Membership Scholarship Gristmill Editor Special Publications By·Laws and Policy What's It

George Wanamaker Doug Cox Ed Hobbs George Elsass Dave Heckel Jim Conover Ray Nissen Ron White

Directory Preservation & Education Marion Henley Award Displays & Awards Family Assistance Internet Address Labels Scrapbook

John Walkowiak Phil Baker Ron Pearson Bob Valich Don Riley Don Bosse Kerry McCalla Barb & Mike Slasinski

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Coming Up M-WTCA National Meetings

Fall, 2007 October 11-13, 2007 Springfield, MO Paul Reichert (417) 831-1425 Spring, 2008 June 12-14, 2008 Erie, PA Ron Pearson (814) 833-3290

2007 M-WTCA Area Meetings

Area L Meet AreaA+B Meet AreaD Meet Area C Meet Area M+N Meet Area E Meet Area D Meet Area N Meet Area Q Meet Area E Meet Area Q Meet Area N Meet

Sept. 1/2, Albuquerque, NM Dave Fessler (505) 243-4905 Sept. 8, Genoa, WI Larry Thorson (608) 779-0966 Sept. 16, Cosgrove, IA Jim Escher (319) 656-3931 Sept. 22, Dearborn, MI Del Galofaro (734) 676-0997 Sept. 28/29, Tifton, GA Ronnie Glover (334) 693-0057 Sept. 30, Summit, IL Ashley Kennedy (847) 475-2481 Oct. 28, Omaha, NE Fred Leu (402) 592-1907 Nov. 2/3, Micanopy, FL Vince Soukup (772) 562-0791 Nov. 3, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024 Nov. 4, Carlinville, IL Bob Terry (618) 377-3421 Nov. 10, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024 Nov. 17, Blountstown, FL Willard Smith (850) 674-8055

2008 M-WTCA Area Meetings

Area N AreaM Area A

Meet Meet Meet

Area F Meet Area D Meet Area A+ B Meet

Jan. 16/19, Fort Mead, FL Vince Soukup (772) 562-0791 Feb. 1/2, Madison, GA Doug Fowler (727) 733-0781 Feb. 9, Medina, MN Eric Mattson (651) 462-3955 Mar. 1/2, Spencer, IN Matt Borders (812) 824-9318 May 4, 2008, Humboldt, IA, LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262 Sept. 13/14, Rochester, MN Hollis Feeser (507) 282-3175

Dates must be cleared with Jim Bramel (502) 863-1226 E-Mail: cbramel1234@bellsouth.net

Where to Send What

Please note where to send what so it will reach the right person.

Send changes in your address, phone number or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry Mc Calla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, E-Mail kmccalla@bellsouth.net Request The Gristmill copies from: Bill B~ader,4183 Hominy Ridge Rd., Springfield, OH 45502-9510, phone (937) 969-8530. Pay membership dues for current year: Send your check made out to M-WTCA to LeRoy Witzel, Treasurer, P.O. Box 355 Humboldt, IA 50548-0535 phone (515) 332-3649 E-Mail witzel@trvnet.net 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 to The Gristmill: Send to Dave Heckel, 1800 McComb St., Charleston, IL 61920-3137, phone (217) 345-9112 after 6 p.m., E-Mail heckel@consolidated.net Obtain The Gristmill advertising or informa -tion: Dave Heckel (see above) Obtain scholarship information: Contact George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893, Phone (614) 888-0591, E-Mail geoelsass@aol.com

Nomination Comittee Report by Willie Royal

Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc.

The Nomination Committee is pleased to nominate the following slate of officers for the office indicated for the year 2007-2008.

President Ed Hobbs

Vice President - Meeting Planning Doug Cox

Vice President - Scholarship George Elsass

Vice President - Membership John Walkowiak

Vice President - Elections George Wanamaker

Secretary Larry Thorson

Treasurer LeRoy Witzel

Financial Statement: Dec. 31 , 2006 ------------ ------------Balance sheet Income and Expense Statement

ASSETS INCOME

Operating Funds-NW Fed(ckg) Membership Dues 85,005

NW Federal(Ckg) 16,506 Life Membership 1,000

NW Federal(CD) 15,786 Gristmill Advertising 7,434

NW Federal(CD) 15,909 Semi-Annual Meetings 274

NW Federal(CD) 15,936 Auctions 6,921

Vanguard MM 114,386 Interest Income 12,358

Accounts Receivable Donations (non-restricted) 9,408

Semi-Annual Meeting 5,250 Donations (restricted) 5,235

Restricted Funds Label Sales 247

Scholarship 125 Directory Advertising 1,415

Endowment Fund 5,677 Areas & Auxiliary 5,271

Meeting Reserve 16,739 Total Income 134,668

Mt. Vernon Tools 231 EXPENSE

Mt. Vernon Intern 1,898 Scholarships 4,048

Preservation & Ed. Comm 764 Mt. Vernon 3,362

Life Membership Fund 63,065 Auction Expense 5,851

Unrestricted Funds Gristmill 34,259

Board Reserve 45,000 Membership Directory 11 ,405

Adv. Levels Contri 10,033 Special Publications 15,222

Assets held by Areas&Aux.* 34,445 Director's Quarterly Report 243

TOTAL ASSETS 361 ,760 New Members Back Copies 1,819

What's It Comm. 188

Other Comm. Exp. 2,475

LIABILITIES Membership Development 1,300

Defered Revenue Dues Advertising 222

(Paid in 2006 for 2007) 58,729 Area Mailing Labels 596

Total Liabilities 68,729 Administration & Misc 1,644

EQUITY Membership Database Serv. 3 ,919

Retained Earnings 262,851 CPA Services 315

Net current Income 40,170 Treasurer 5,965

269,949 Insurance 1,411

Miscellaneous 18

Total Liabilities & Equity 321 ,681 Semi-Annual Meetings Exp. 135

Totals Expense 94,397

Net Income 40,1 71

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It Was Magic by Larry & Jeanne Thorson

The best way to describe the Spring M-WTCA meeting in Milwaukee, "magic". The Four Points Sheraton at the Milwaukee Airport was the site of the meeting. Great accommodations, food and facilities contributed to making the meeting a success. The weather to start the meeting's tailgate session on Thursday was fantastic. Warm sunny skies welcomed 405 members to the beginning of the trading frenzy. Soon tools starting disappearing from seller's tables with cash disappearing from the buyer's wallets. That evening Clarence Blanchard, editor of the Fine Tool Journal provided his insights on the changing market for Stanley tools.

On Thursday evening Area B hosted an "ice cream social" where one could make their own ice cream sundae. However Pete Hartmann, Area B Director, did a "slight of hand" and replaced the ice cream with frozen custard. Suffice to say the sundaes disappeared quickly.

On Friday tool trading moved indoors and viewing of 33 displays. The Men's theme was "Tools of the Cooper" giving recognition to Milwaukee's heritage as home to a number of breweries. There were some outstanding displays including Russ Herner's miniature display of a cooper's shop. The Auxiliary theme was "School Days" which brought back memories of one's childhood.

Tom Lamond provided an update on ax and other edge tool manufactures and related hardware dealers at the men's program on Friday afternoon. Later that evening Gary Kane provided a history of one of Milwaukee's major hardware dealers, Pritzlaff. The meeting in Milwaukee also focused on the topic of future meetings. Each attendee was provided a questionnaire in their registration packet to gain member insight as to what is of interest and what changes might be pursued in the future. In addition a brief meeting was held on Friday afternoon for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas to increase attendance at meetings, attract new members while still accommodating the business needs of the Association.

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With ice cream (frozen custard) left over from the night before, root beer floats where a hot, make that cool, item served up at the hospitality room Friday night.

During the meeting, tours were arranged to the Reiman Publishing Company in Greendale and the Fredrick Pabst Mansion. It is interesting to note that despite its ornate qualities the Pabst mans10n was one of the lesser mansions of its day.

Saturday featured the ever popular "What's It" session, auction and the banquet. One of the many highlights of the banquet featured the auctioneering skills of Colonel Ray Nissen. Colonel Nissen was called on to auction off a quilt made by 22 members of the Auxiliary several years ago and donated by Willie Royal with the proceeds going to the M-WTCA Endowment Fund. Colonel Nissen's skills were tested as he brought out all the tricks, including coercion in securing a winning bid of $625 for the quilt. Thanks Willie and Ray.

The meeting closed with the Glen Gerard and his magic production. Glen frequently sought out participants from the audience during his act much to the delight of the crowd.

Special thanks to Sue and Jerry Nelson, Pete Hartmann, Gary Kane, Jane and Dan Giese, Milo and Arlene Fritchen and Bob Kloes that helped make the event magical. Oh did I mention the disappearing refrigerator? Due to failed air conditioner the hotel moved the hospitality room from the 5th floor to the 2nd floor. During the move a refrigerator stocked with beverages and food disappeared. Neither the refrigerator, nor its contents were ever seen again. Not by me, other members, or the hotel staff. Magic, that's what it was!

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Clarence Blanchard Tom Lamond Gary Kane

Tailgating Hospitality Room Mike's Tip Jar of Planes

Displays Coopering Demonstration Trade Room

M-WTCA Officers Display Winners Magic Act

photos by Mike Slasinski

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Display Winners at Milwaukee by John Wa lkowiak

The Milwaukee meeting had the fitting display theme of Coopers Tools . There are not a lot of Coopers Tools to be found when hunting tools, so it would be reasonable to assume they would not be found in many of our members collections. Wrong again! There were 26 interesting, fantastic, and very educational displays and most of them were in theme. I have said it before and I'll say it again- just seeing the Displays is worth the price of admission at our Semi-Annual

Best In Theme - Russ Herner Coopers Tools

Best One Tool Display - John Wells Stanley No. 57 Core Box Plane

Fred Curry Best Stanley Display - George Wanamaker Stanley Fibre Board Tools

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meetings . The variety of tools on display and the accompanying information is more than you will see at most any museum or historical site. Special thanks go to the judges who had a difficult task with all the excellent displays. Our next meeting in Springfield MO will have "Tools That Took Us West -Wagon and Carriage Making" as the Display Theme, so check your collections and put together a display! You and the rest of your friends will be glad you did.

Best Out of Theme - Ron White Saw Filer Patented by Elias Roth

Most Unusual Display - Bob Nelson Sargent #160 Series Roughing Planes

Peoples Choice Award - Russ Herner Master Cooper Shop

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Phil Baker The 6" Backsaw 1820 -1890

Wayne Gustafson Thomas Worrall Patented Planes

Cecil Holmes Sargent Rarities

Laurent Torno Jr. A 17th Century French Traitoire

Jack Devitt Coopers Tools

Judges Choice Awards

Gary Kane John Pritzlaff Hardware Co.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ • • • I • • • • ♦ • It • • It •

:<-...::: --· ::: .... ......... . . .. ··· ··· ····,...,~··:

Jim Gehring Rule Inclinometers and Other

Handheld Surveying Levels

Dave Heckel Stanley 55 Combination

Plane Rarities

Tom Lamond Shaves of the Cooper

John Walkowiak Sandusky Tool Company's Coopers

Tools

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Area Meets Area D Humboldt, IA by LeRoy Witzel

M-WTCA members from seven states gathered at the Events Center of the Humboldt County Fairgrounds on May 6, 2007. Many attend­ing had enjoyed the auction held in the same location the day before of the Cecil

Holmes's collection. Homemade cinnamon rolls and hot coffee hit the spot as members greeted one another and began searching for new tool treasures that could be found at the 25 trade tables.

Fred Leu and Jim Escher, Area D directors, helped with What's Its identification. Almost all of the items were identified, thanks to enthusiastic audience participation on some of the more challenging items.

Sally Leu and Peggy McBride led a session for the auxiliary ladies on quilts, quilt blocks and quilting. Jo Kates shared a 1905 Iowa quilt (from her display) which showed the Iowa counties. Questions were asked and answered and the session was enjoyed by all.

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The area of emphasis for this meeting was the Miller Falls Company. Randy Roeder shared a very interesting and educational power point presentation on the history of the Miller Falls Company as well as the evolution of the braces made by the Company.

Twelve members arrived with displays to share with the group. Royce Winge showed many unusual Miller Falls tools among which was a Miller Falls anvil with a special hand drill mounted on it. Gary Miller's display included a Miller Falls boring machine and a mitre box. David Schepers brought a wooden cabinet with various rare Victor and Stanley tools. Marylin Gorham shared her collection of ceramic pie birds as a display. A grouping of smaller quilts were shown by Peggy McBride. Miller Falls tools "that have paid their dues" was a display by David Christen. Bold figured rules highlighted the display prepared by Dave Heckel. Eight different gauge type saws were included in the display prepared by Carl Bilderback. John Holmes shared some of his Kelley Axes. Cecil Holmes showed various block planes with his display. Tools in a display by Dick Kates featured Miller Falls tools which included #387 Miller Falls foot powered jig saw as well as an interesting assortment of Fret saws and coping saws by Miller Falls.

At noon the local 4-H Club served everyone delicious barbecued pork sandwiches with all the extras topping it off with home-made pies and ice cream.

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Area M & N Meet Coming Up by Ronnie Glover

There will be a joint meeting for Areas M and N in Tifton, Georgia this Sept 29th at Agrirama, Georgia's Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village. Registration for this meet includes full access to the Historic Village, Museum, and unlimited rides on the vintage steam-powered train. Agrirama is over 95 acres featuring a new museum plus a historic village. It includes farmsteads, a blacksmith shop, steam locomotive, steam-powered woodworking shop, water-wheel gristmill, drug store, printing press, turpentine still, steam-powered sawmill, cotton gin, one-room schoolhouse and more. A website

is available at www.agrirama.com. Johnny Johnson and David King will present a program on Tools of the Turpentine Trade and Keith Rucker will give us a tour of the steam-powered woodworking shop. Display theme will be "My Favorite Tool."

Contacts are Ronnie Glover at 334-693-0057 from 7:00-s:30 CST ronnie@centurytel.net and Keith Rucker at 229-386-8733 after 5:00 EST krucker@friendlycity.net. Directions are from I-75, exit 63B in Tifton, Ga go west on 8th Street 1/4 mile then turn right on Agrirama Drive.

M-WTCA Scholarship Recipients 2007-2008 by George Elsass

We are proud to award these six men and women $1000 Scholarships to help them pursue their Education in courses of their choice. At the Board of Directors meeting in Milwaukee it was approved to give up to six

Peter Thomas Christensen of Bangor, ME will be attending Central Maine Community College at Auburn enrolled in Automated Technologies.

Addison Mueller Cochrane of DeKalb, IL will be attending DePaul University in Chicago. to pursue a degree in Social Policy.

Richard Benjamin Cole of Addison, MI will be attending Michigan State at East Lancing to major in Fishing and Wildlife Science.

$1500 Awards for the year 2008-2009. Application forms will be available after November 1st 2007 from George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place Worthington, OH 43085 Phone (614) 888-0591 or geoelsass@aol.com.

Rachel Lynn Renderer of Westminster, CO will be attending the University of Colorado in Bolder to major in Bio Chemistry.

Matthew Ryan Shaw of Morgantown, NC will be attending North Carolina University in Raleigh to major in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering.

Hayley Anne Sullivan of East Greenwich, RI will be attending Connecticut College New London to major in Psychology.

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Committee Reports Membership by Ed Hobbs

I just got back from our Semi-Annual national meeting in Milwaukee Wisconsin. We had a great location with plenty of room, pretty weather, wonderful hosts, a lot of great fellowship and tool trading, an outstanding auxiliary program and all the rest of the things that make our meetings as wonderful as they are. Driving back to Raleigh, I was reflecting on this and all the other great benefits that membership in M-WTCA provides and for the life of me, I can't understand why we are still facing the challenge of keeping at least a steady level of membership. We are down about 60 members when compared to where we were last year at this time.

Now I know we are competing for time with many, many other activities in today's fast paced society but when you think about the many reasons why people would have an interest in antique/traditional tools, it makes it even harder to understand our membeship challenge. From pure collecting of tools to putting them to use as woodworkers do to just plain being interested in a part of what helped build America, there are many facets this hobby can take. It is up to us to try and connect with people, who are

potentially interested, kindle that interest and make them aware of our benefits of belonging to M-WTCA. As members, we all have a responsibility to continue to actively seek out potential new members. If you are selling on eBay or in some other place, please include our informational brochure that contains a member­ship application. (Please let me know if you need a supply and I will get them to you.) Demonstrating at historic sites or heritage festivals is another way to get exposure for M-WTCA and that also helps fulfill the mission of the Preservation and Education Committee. If we all continue to put our minds to it, I am sure we can continue to find good new members and help keep M-WTCA a strong organization.

This is my last article on membership as my term will be up in October. No, I am not going away and yes, you will continue to here from me on a regular basis. Please continue to provide your support to our next VP Membership and lets set a goal to increase our membership over the next few years. I am confident that working together, we can make it. Keep up the great work and thanks to all of you for what you do for M-WTCA!

Activity at Mount Vernon & Poplar Forest by Phil Baker

On Monday June 4, 2007 a meeting was held at Poplar Forest to evaluate the metallic tools in their inventory, Committee member Neil Bohnert coordinated the meeting held at 9 AM. Neil arranged to have the following group present who were extremely knowledgeable when it ca~e to 18th and 19th century iron tools. Melvin Padge, Ken Padgett, Jim DePoy, Bob Roger, Todd Miltier, Henry Caudle, Herb Caudle, Doug & Paula Cox, Jim & Eva Bramel, Phil & Harriot Baker. Actually some of us present had a great learning experience. We started off with a super tour of the building by Vince Fasterbend, Head Restoration Craftsman. This was Jefferson's retreat from the demanding requirements that followed his presidency while at Monticello. And then the tools, they were numbered and I was kept busy recording the comments of the experts. The results are now in the hands of Travis MacDonald, Director of Architectural Restoration. Neil arranged for a lunch along about 1:30 and we then disbanded.

On Wednesday June 6, 2007 we had a 9 AM meeting at Mount Vernon. Present were Linda Ayers, Associate

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Director and Director Collections; Carol Cadu, Curator; Christine Messing, Assistant Curator: Laura Walikainen, this years M-WTCAintern, Doug & Paula Cox; Neil & Grace Bohnert; Jim & Eva Bramel and Phil & Harriot Baker. A topic of discussion was the possibility of M-WTCA members demonstrating at Mount Vernon functions (those interested ring our bell). Bill Watkins donated an 18th century billhook with they were exceedingly thankful to receive. The new intern will be doing a study of the Gardener's Building this summer so that it may be restored to the Washington period. Now there is a proper 18th century billhook to be displayed as one of the gardener's tools.

Comments were made on our visit to Poplar Forest. The discussion ended with a request that M-WTCA conduct a survey of the tools in Mount Vernon's inventory. There will be a follow up this fall to determine the extent of the collection. Next spring before the Semi-Annual Meeting in Erie, PA. I plan to have qualified people gather at Mount Vernon to provide the information needed to document the tools.

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

Thank you so very much for the contribution of $3,300 from the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association in support of an intern to work with the Collection Department this summer. Your ongoing support of the assessment of outbuilding furnishings and the tools they would have contained has been an invaluable contribution and led to the refurnishing of several outbuildings to make them more historically accurate, thus enhancing our visitor's experience. This fall, we should complete the furnishing of the Gardener's House, guided by the research of an M-WTCA intern.

Does Your Site Need a Grant by Phil Baker

The Board of Directors at the meeting in Milwaukee designated the Preservation & Education Committee as the body to process grant applications to aid those sites M-WTCA members are working with. Funds would be drawn from the treasury designated

We also have benefited from the expertise, enthusiasm, and talented hands-on work of Phil Baker who, with Harriot, is a joy for all of us, and from the donations of tools by numerous members of your organization. I hope that you will have an opportunity to visit us in the future and to see our new facilities. We have a number of tools on display in our education center, and we just opened George Washington's distillery, located a few miles from Mount Vernon. Please express to your membership my heartfelt thanks for all you do for Mount Vernon.

for use by the P&E Committee. This action occurred after our Wednesday meeting. Therefore no guide­lines have been set. Action will be taken at the Fall meeting in Springfield, MO. We promise to keep them uncomplicated.

Helping You To Aid Your Adopted Site by Phil Baker

It is wonderful to hear the news of activities concerning Mount Vernon and Poplar Forest but your local museum is often in great need of aid too and not at great expense. A common mistake, I think, is to see a group of tools laid out for view with proper labels but no indication as to what they were used for and how they were used. Before going further the ladies tools seem to (more often) provide a display that gives one a pretty good idea of their use and purpose. It should be remembered that to the younger generations the tools that are so common to us are as foreign to them as their cell phones and computers are to many of us. So let us show them what tools are designed to do.

A couple of suggestions to get you started and then let your imagination take over. #1 Fasten a short board (that will plane readily) in a bench vice. #2 Clean and sharpen the plane that was on display. #3 Make a shaving and leave it for all to see. If the board were a

Tool Program by Carl Bilderback

On May 1, a program was conducted by Carl Bilderback and Steve Bodnar (both retired carpenters) at the monthly meeting of Carpenters Local #558 in Wheaton, Illinois. After a short talk about tool collecing in geneal as a hobby, there was a very lively question & answer

bit longer use the bit and bit brace to bore a hole, maybe two holes so you can see what happens. Another suggestion is to clean the back saw, make a wooden miter box and illustrate it cutting a piece of molding. Show the hand saw in the process of cutting a board. I have found that many of the people working in the museums have no idea of what they are dealing with. Once you get started it is only a short step to do something with tools hung on the wall that say nothing or separate tools out in the categories in which they belong. You know, have carpenters tools separate from the coopers, wheelwrights, and blacksmiths.

A final note. If you believe you can help a site move slowly while gaining the confidence of those in charge. Involve as many M-WTCA members as you can to enhance your credibility. The Preservation & Education Committee exist to help you m any problems that may arise. Ring our bell.

sess10n. Thanks to Business Representative Joe Webber and local #558 for this opportunity to promote M-WTCA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Dave Heckel

The Hazard Knowles Block Plane by John Wells

Mfg. Co., circa 1840 - 1850.1 A Hazard Knowles cast iron block plane, Lot 533, was offered in Martin Donnelly's Live Free or Die auction at Hillsboro Center, NH, June 29 - 30, 2007. This was a very interesting and historically important plane, being the first version of the earliest patented US cast iron block plane. It was patented by Hazard Knowles

Knowles patented block plane, Photo courtesy of Martin J Donnelly

Until now, the only documented example of the first version of this plane, was the one that was in the Tom Relahan collection and later sold in a Crane auction, September 21 , 1991, for $1,000. It had simple broom stick handles, rather than the mushroom top

August 24, 1827. (restored patent No. 4859 X). Lot 533 opened on an absentee bid of $4180 and sold to a bidder on the floor for $4 730.

Typical of the first versions of Knowles cast iron planes, it had a round top cusp in the top edge of the sideboard on each side of the plane. This cusp clearly defines the top of the thin cast iron side walls that enclose the heavy tapered receiver for the wood wedge that holds the cutter in place. It further distinguishes the early Knowles planes, ca. 1827, from the later ones cast for Knowles by the Savage

12 The Gristmill

handles seen on Lot 533 and on later examples cast by the Savage Mfg. Co.

An example of the later version of the plane, cast by Savage, with "SAVAGE" cast in the bed, and without the cusps in the sideboards, sold at an earlier Brown Auction No.4, November 1987, for $1,100. A similar example sold in a private transaction in the parking lot at a later Crane Auction.

1 Roger K. Smith, P-TAMPIA Vol. I , p .15, fig. 5 and Vol. II, p.13, fig. 7.

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Obituaries Robert Borkovetz

Robert Frank Borkovetz II, 83, Sturgeon Bay, passed away with his family at his side, Wednesday, May 9, 2007. He was born July 9, 1923, in Kewaunee, to Robert and Emma (Worachek) Borkovetz.

He graduated from Kewaunee High School June 6, 1941. He entered into active service Jan. 15, 1946. He served with the U.S. Navy on the USS Intrepid until April 28, 1949. Sep. 24, 1949, he married Esther A. Dax at St. Amand's Catholic Church in Luxemburg. He farmed in the Kewaunee area and served as the · Kewaunee Farm Bureau president from 1954-1955. In 1963, he started the construction business known as Borkovetz Building & Supply and built homes in the Manitowoc County area. The business is now oper­ated by his sons in Door County. In 1969, he was one of the co-founders of Jellystone Campground and served as vice president of that organization. In June 1971, Bob was instrumental in starting the workshop for the handicapped in Door County known as Sunshine House and later served on the board of directors. In 1973, Bob was recognized by the Door County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service to Door County. Bob was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association. His hobbies included woodworking as well as collecting antique woodworking tools.

Howard L. Wolsted

Howard Wolsted, 83, of Abingdon IL, formerly of Danville IL passed away in August of 2005 at the home of his daughter, Sharon Lomax. His wife Joyce preceded him in death in October of 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Larry) Lomax

M-WTCA Silent Salesman by John Walkowiak

Do you sell in a shop, do shows or demonstrations? We have available a Silent Salesman for you to display at these or any other venues. They are lightweight and sturdy, self-standing sign holders. They hold a small poster and a pocket that holds the tri-fold membership brochures. They are available in 2 sizes. An effortless way for you to promote membership in M-WTCA. Just contact me at John Walkowiak@comcast.net

of Abingdon, and son Robert (Paula) Wolsted of The Woodlands, TX, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchil­dren. He was a licensed Professional Engineer and had retired as a Chemical Engineer. He enjoyed collecting plow planes and their matching irons. He did a lot of background work on which cutting irons belonged to the various planes. Both Howard and Joyce relished the time that they spent at the M-WTCA meets.

Lester Yoder

Lester David Yoder the son of Jonas and Amelia (Yoder) Yoder was born May 4, 1916 in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended the Oakland rural school. On July 6, 1941 he was united in mar­riage to Pauline Miller at the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. With his father, Lester founded Yoder Feed Mill near Frytown in 1934. Throughout the years the business grew to become a multi faceted agribusiness from which he retired in 1992. He served on the boards of American Feed Manufacturer, Farmers Electric, Iowa Mennonite School, Iowa Mennonite Central Committee, and the Kalona Historical Society. He was a lifelong member of the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. He was also active in various antique truck clubs, and wrench collectors societies. He participated in the WMT Tractorcade for the last 6 years and was the oldest participant for the last 2 years. Lester died on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City from complications of a fall at the age of 90 years. Lester was a long time member of M-WTCA & Mo. Valley Wrench Club. He was an avid wrench/tool, antique truck and car collector. Lester had a rolling trailer museum which he took to many local shows and events to display the best of his unusual & odd wrench collection. He truly enjoyed sharing them with everyone and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

eBay by John Walkowiak

Please 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 don't know about us an easy means to make contact with our organization. This will also improve your credibility by showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be a Win-Win situation for everyone!

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Siegley Iron Bench Planes Type Study by Brian Willie

SIEGLEY ("seeglee") My interest in iron bench planes made in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania started soon after I began collecting tools. I found my first at a yard sale about ten years ago. Since I live in Northeast PA, the local interest triggered more research. I have searched eBay and locally for the past 8 years, acquiring Siegley bench planes and documenting information from listings and literature. A population of about 75 Siegley iron bench planes were used to develop this study. Special thanks to John Rumpf for sharing his collection and research to strengthen this effort.

Why study so many planes? How many Siegley planes could it take to understand the changes made to a bench plane line that lasted only 8 years? A LOT! Siegley's iron bench plane design evolution appears to have been almost continuous from the May 1892 patent application until an agreement for production under Stanley was reached in 1901.

The focus of this study is on the iron bench planes designed and manufactured by Jacob Siegley in Wilkes-Barre, PA until 1901. It does not address any Stanley production planes of Siegley design or that use the Siegley name. I will leave the study of those planes and Jacob Siegley history to the new book "PLANE MAKERS OF WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA: JACOB SIEGLEY, EDWIN HAHN, KEYSTONE TOOL WORKS' by John Rumpf. (See the book review on page 12 of this issue).

In completing this study, I not only learned Siegley bench plane evolution, but gained a general appreciation for late nineteenth century product development and improvement. I hope you find the brief and rapid evolution of Siegley iron bench plane at least half as interesting as I have.

TYPE STUDY APPROACH The basis used to declare each new type was a · change

14 The Gristmill

to the body or frog casting. Typically, at least two examples were used to confirm a type change. The result at this time is 13 design types. Type 1 is significantly different in design from later types, so Type 2 features are described in the greatest detail to provide a baseline for changes. As such, the alpha-numeric part identifiers begin at 2 for the Type 2 parts (e.g. LC2, FR2). For each subsequent type, only the changes from the previous type are described. Some bases for design changes are provided whether real or perceived.

Given the compression of 13 types over 8 years, production dates are best estimates based on period advertisements and production volume studied. Occasionally examples are found with a part such as a lever cap, knob or thumb screw from a previous type until inventory was used. Dimensions may be subject to some production variation.

A type study is never really finished. There may be variations not captured by the population of planes used for this study. If you have any new information, new types or corrections, I'd like to hear from you. Please contact the author at mustang3@ptd.net

TYPE 1 The only Type 1 plane observed by this author 1s a smooth plane pictured in Roger K. Smith's book Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America - Vol.

Siegley No. 1 Smooth Plane

circa 1892

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

Dec. 5, 1893

Claim.-l. A bench•plane, tihe frame or stock of which is formed of a cast--iron bottom having bosses or lugs, upright steel side plates and rivets for attaching said side plates to the bosses of the bottom, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination, with the stock o~ a bench-plane b&Ting a fixed transverse rod, of a blade, a cap supported on said blade said cap being provided with a shoulder above the transverse rod aud set. screws passing through said shoulder so as to permit the adjustment of the cap relatively to th-e blade, substantially as set forth .

II., p. 53. Please refer to that book for greater details on Type 1. I focus little on this plane due how different it is from later types. Given the lack of examples, it appears that this original design saw little production. Type 1 best represents the plane shown in Patent No. 510096 - Dec. 5, 1893. Jacob Siegley · Wilkes· Barre, Pa. (Patent filed May 21, 1892).

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES • Only type with throat adjustable by turning knob • Only type with sides riveted to the base. • Length shorter than later types MODELS/ SIZES Only the 8 11/16" smooth plane is known to this author. No model number is marked on plane.

TYPE 2. Study Baseline circa 1893

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

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES • No model No. on plane • High body side profile and lever bar

Types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

• Iron adj. nut on frog longer than later types • High chip guide on throat insert MODELS/ SIZES • Only a 15" jack plane was studied. No model number is marked on the plane. Other sizes are possible but not studied or observed in Siegley literature. BODY • MARKINGS: No identifying marks. • DIMENSIONS: Body slightly longer than later types (14 15/16" on jack plane). • SHAPE: Sides slope high and steep (about 2" high on jack plane). Toe and tail are more deeply rounded than later types, extending more than 1/4" past side rails at the center. • KNOB & TOTE RECEIVERS: Simple raised lugs cast in body and tapped for each screw. The forward tote lug is centered 4 1/2" behind back edge of throat on all sizes. Knob and tote are supported by separate (loose) nickel plated cast iron pads. Knob pad casting is typically hollow underneath. The tote pad casting is solid and has a slight scalloped recess on the top rear.

Knob and Tote Support Pads for Types 2 · 5

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• FROG RECEIVER: Arch shaped, with one round head screw at base. • THROAT RECEIVER (TH2): Two slightly raised rectangular pads cast in front of each side of the throat opening, each with a lug to receive screws. Receiver is completely covered by adjustable throat insert when installed.

Throats TH2, TH3, TH4 & TH5

• THROAT INSERT (TI2): Nickel plated cast iron. Tall chip guide, for a "straighter shaving". From plane base to top of chip guide is 15/16". Oval screw holes are enlarged on bottom for lug clearance. Fastened and adjustable by 2 roundhead screws. Throat inserts are closely fitted to each plane body, and may not fit another plane of same size and type.

Throat Inserts T12, T13 & T14

• LEVER BAR: The lever cap adjusting screws rest on this bar. Bar is 3/16" thick and set through body side rails 1 3/4" from plane base on all sizes. • CORRUGATIONS: Machined on bottom face only. All bench planes made by Siegley in Wilkes-Barre had a corrugated bottom. • FINISH= Black japanned inside surfaces. FROG (FR2) • SHAPE: Rounded "T" with arch shaped base. Only

Frogs FR2, FR3, FR4, FR5 & FR6

16 The Gristmill

a couple different frog castings were used for all plane sizes to save cost. This practice continued through type 10 for frogs FR2, FR3 and FR4. A slight "step back" area in casting face near side ends is where frog casting is "trimmed" to fit inside different width bodies.

• LATERAL ADJUST: None • MOUNTING: Pinned at one point on each side about 1 7/16" above base and screwed to the frog receiver on bottom with one roundhead screw. • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN2): Brass nut, about 1 1/8" diameter by 15/16" long with 2 knurled rings around the outside diameter. Right hand thread.

Iron Adjust Nuts AN2, AN3, AN4 (steel). No two are alike.

• IRON ADJ. LEVER= One piece "Y" casting, over 1/4" wide. Single tab to engage slots in back of cutting iron. • FINISH= Black japanned, except at cutting iron contact surfaces. LEVER CAP (LC2) • MARKINGS: No identifying marks. • SHAPE: Top of neck rounded behind thumbscrew. Shoulders sweep down from neck to near horizontal. Recessed center inset.

Lever Caps LC2, LC3, LC4, LC5 & LC6

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

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• DIMENSIONS: 0.100" (~ 3/32") thick and 7" long (new) for all types and models. • SHAPE: Beveled 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" long on top corners. Horizontal slots machined in back to engage adjusting lever.

Cutting Irons 12, 13, 14 & 15

TOTE (T2) • SHAPE/ DESIGN: Plain sides (before "gunstock" pattern). Graceful long thin horn profile.

Totes T2, T3 & T4

• SIZE: Approximately 4" high, 3 1/2" long at base. • MOUNTING: Long flat head screw (1/2" dia. head) through handle and one small round head screw in toe. • WOOD/ FINISH: Hardwood (typically beech), brown stain, lacquered. KNOB(KN2)

Knobs KN2, KN3 & KN4

• SHAPE: Turnip shaped upper with squared off base shoulder about 1/4" from bottom. • SIZE: 2 1/8" high, 1 3/4" wide. • MOUNTING: Flathead screw (1/2" diameter head). • WOOD/ FINISH: Hardwood (typically beech), brown stain, lacquered. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES

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

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

TYPE 4: First ''Volume" Production MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 3) • Several body casting changes. • Tote taller & horn profile thickened. • Model No. added to lever cap. • Iron adj. nut length reduced • Throat insert chip guide height reduced MODELS/ SIZES

1894 - 1895

From 1896 Hammacher Schlemmer catalog and validated by author's collection & research. No. 3: 9" smooth (9 1/ 4" actual) No. 4: 10" smooth (9 15/16" actual) No. 8: 15" jack (14 11/16" actual) No. 10: 20" fore (19 1/2" actual) No. 12: 24" jointer (23 1/2" actual)

Early Full Set

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BODY • MARKINGS: No identifying marks on most bodies, however some examples of type 4 have the size No. stamped twice in body casting under the tote (e.g. "8"). • DIMENSIONS: Body slightly shorter due to less toe and tail extension. • SHAPE: Toe and tail less extended Gust over 1/8"). • THROAT RECEIVER (TH3): Lug diameter increased. • THROAT INSERT (TIS): Height reduced from 15/16" to 13/16" from plane base to reduce chip clogging. Lug clearances increased underneath. • CORRUGATIONS: Top grooves now terminate before front of throat and continue on angled back face of throat. FROG • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN3)*: Length reduced to about 3/4" long. LEVER CAP (LC3) • MARKINGS: Model No. added in nickel plated raised type in lever cap recess (e.g. "No. 8"). • THUMB SCREW: Slight reduction in size occurs between types 4 and 7. Transitions from 7/8" to 13/16" diameter and from 1/4" to 3/16" thick. Steel screw size reduced to 1/4"-24 during LC3 production (Types 4 and 5). TOTE (T4) • SHAPE/ DESIGN: Thicker/ shorter horn profile. • SIZE: Height increased to about 4 1/4" - 4 3/8" for all remaining types. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • Brass iron adjusting nut diameter, knurling and thickness are inconsistent in most Types 4 - 13 indicating varied sources or manual machining. Diameter varies from 1" to 1 3/16".

TYPE 5: Throat Receiver Improved MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 4) • Improved throat receiver in body. • Tote moved forward 1/4". BODY

1895-1896

• MARKINGS: No identifying marks on most bodies, however some examples of Type 5 have the size No. stamped twice in body casting under the tote (e.g. "4"). • TOTE RECEIVER: Tote moved forward 1/4" on all sizes. The hand is closer to cutting edge, improving pressure and control. Front tote lug now centered 4 1/4" from back edge of throat. • THROAT RECEIVER (TH4): Larger and thicker rectangular pads with a "rib" between them at edge of throat. Forward edge of receiver now extends visibly in front of installed throat insert. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • One example (No. 4) known with all of Type 5 features except it has Type 6 frog FR3.

TYPE 6: Knob/ Tote Receivers circa 1896 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 5) • Knob and Tote supports cast in body

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• Frog pinned at base instead of screwed • Softened lever cap shape • Several slight body dimension changes BODY • SHAPE: Side profile lowered about 1/16".

No. 3 Profile Changes, Type 11 over Type 7 over Type 5

• KNOB & TOTE RECEIVERS: Raised support pads cast in body under tote and knob, eliminating the separate (loose) castings. • LEVER BAR*: Lowered from 1 3/4" to about 1 5/8" from base of body, improving cap leverage on cutting iron. FROG (FR3) • SHAPE: Slight casting change to bottom arch and mounting lug. Original step back in casting face near side ends eliminated (smooth). • MOUNTING*: Pinned instead of screwed to the receiver in the base of the body. Side mounting pins lowered 1/16" from 1 7/16" to 1 3/8" from plane base. • IRON ADJ. LEVER: "Y" casting narrowed to about 3/16" wide and second tab added to improve cutting iron engagement. LEVER CAP (LC4)* • SHAPE: Neck and shoulder shapes softened. Top of neck flared instead of rounded. • THUMB SCREW: Steel screw size 1/4"·24 for all remaining types. TOTE • MOUNTING: Long screw head changed to 3/8" diameter oval head. KNOB (KN3) • SIZE: Height reduced to about 1 7 /8". Diameter and shape remain similar. • MOUNTING: Screw head changed to 3/8" diameter oval head. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • From Type 5 to Type 9, the body side profile and mounting of lever bar and frog pin are lowered. The lever bar transitions from 1 3/4" to 1 15/32". The frog mounting pins drop from 1 7/16" to 1 3/8". During this transition, there are multiple combinations in Types 6, 7 & 8. • Examples of both LC3 and LC4 lever caps are know in Type 6.

TYPE 7: Model Expansion circa 1897 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 6) • Body profile & lever bar lowered again • 3 new sizes added and 2 model numbers changed • Throat insert chip guide height reduced MODELS - SIZES No. 3: 9" smooth (9 1/4" actual)

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No. 4: 10" smooth (9 15/16" actual) No. 5: 14" jack, new size No. 6: 15" jack, previously No. 8 No. 8: 18" fore, new size (17 7/8" actual) No. 9: 20" fore, previously No. 10 No. 10: 22" jointer, new size (21 7/8" actual) No. 12: 24" jointer (23 1/2" actual) BODY • SHAPE: Side profile softened and lowered again with lever bar. • TOTE RECEIVER: Tote moved forward in small planes. From back edge of throat to front tote lug center is now 4 1/8" on No. 4 and 4" on No. 3 and No. 5. • THROAT INSERT (TI4): Height reduced from 13/16" to 11/16" to further reduce chip clogging. • LEVER BAR: Lowered from 1 5/8" to 1 9/16" from base of body, further improving cap leverage on cutting iron. FROG • MOUNTING: Side mounting pms at 1 3/8" or 1 5/16" from plane base. IRON (13) • MARKINGS: 1/2" diameter "SIEGLEY'S PAT'D DEC. 5, 93." stamp unchanged, but moved up closer to top of iron for Types 7 and up. • SHAPE: Longer bevels at top corners extend down about 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" from top of iron for Type 7 and up. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • A pattern makers plane based on a Siegley No. 6 was marketed around 1896 with removable beech soles that screwed though the plane base.

TYPE 8: Toe and Tail Reinforced

Types 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13

MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 7) • Toe and tail reinforced • Lever bar lowered BODY

circa 1898

• TO El TAIL: Raised reinforcing ribs added to body casting across toe and tail. • LEVER BAR*: Lowered from 1 9/16" to 11/2" from base of body on some examples, further improving cap leverage on cutting iron. FROG • MOUNTING: Side mounting pms at 1 3/8" or

1 5/16" from plane base. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • On some later Type 8 examples, the throat was modified for strength by machining about 1/16" less from the throat opening. Throat insert thickness was machined about 1/16" thinner to offset the narrower throat.

TYPE 9: No Adjustable Throat MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 8) • Adjustable throat eliminated. • Frog casting change at base. MODELS/ SIZES*

circa 1898

No. 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 & 12: continue unchanged No. 7: 10" smooth, previously No. 4 No. 4: 9 1/2" smooth, new size (9 5/8" actual) BODY • SHAPE: Side profile lowered and softened again. • FROG RECEIVER: Arch shape receiver eliminated from casting to accommodate full width frog base. • THROAT (TH5): Adjustable throat eliminated. Reinforcing cross rib added before throat. • LEVER BAR*: Lowered to 1 15/32" from base of body for all remaining types. FROG (FR4) • SHAPE: Frog base widened to full plane width. • MOUNTING: Four pins through body sides; two on top (1 3/8" from base) and two near base. LEVER CAP (LC5) • SHAPE*: The sides of the neck are straighter on lever cap LC5. KNOB (KN4)* • SIZE: Diameter reduced to about 1 5/8" to 1 11/16". • SHAPE: Base is now flared instead of square shouldered. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • Examples of both KN3 and KN4 knobs found in this type as earlier knob inventory was depleted. • Either flared neck (LC4) or straight neck (LC5) lever caps may be found in Types 9 - 13. • No. 4 and No. 7 model changes are assumed to start with elimination of the adjustable throat (Type 9) since only a Type 10 was studied.

TYPE 10: Top Corrugations Removed MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 9) • Top corrugations removed from body. BODY

circa 1899

• CORRUGATIONS: On bottom only. Corrugations removed from top face of body. However, many have faint lines as though the form for the corrugated casting was hastily altered to smooth the top surface.

TYPE 11 Pin Lateral Adjust circa 1899 - 1901 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 10) • First lateral adjust, "pin type". • Frog changed for lateral adjust • Slot in cutting iron • Two piece steel iron adjust lever

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FROG (FR5) • SHAPE: Lateral adjust "head" added to top of casting. Additional unique casting widths used to cover the size range instead of only two for FR2 - 4. • LATERAL ADJUST LEVER: Stamped steel lever with a pin to engage cutting iron slot. Secured to top of frog by one flat head screw. • IRON ADJ. LEVER: Two piece (split) steel lever for cutting iron replaces 1 piece cast iron lever. IRON (14) • SHAPE: Vertical slot cut into left side of iron to accept lateral adjust pin.

TYPE 12: Body Numbered circa 1900 - 1901 MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 11) • Model No. added to body. BODY • MARKINGS*: Model number (e.g. "No 5") is cast in the body. On smooth planes, it is located on the toe rib before the knob facing forward. On larger planes, it is between the knob and the throat on a raised rectangular pad facing forward.

Types 12 & 13 Size No. Markings

LEVER CAP (LC6) • MARKINGS*: Model number sometimes cast in cap face, sometimes not and sometimes ground off. LC6 has no number on cap. *EXCEPTIONS/ NOTES • The model No. appears on the body of Type 12 and 13 planes and begins to disappear from the cap. At least one location had the number, and some had it on both.

TYPE 13 Rack Lateral Adjust MAJOR CHANGES (from Type 12) • Frog design change to squared shape. • Lateral adjust changed to "rack" design. FROG (FR6)

circa 1901

• SHAPE: Major casting change to squared shape with "Y" shaped lateral swing area. • LATERAL ADJUST LEVER: Rack lateral adjust. Instead of a pin through a slot in the iron, it uses 2 raised tabs to straddle a rack of teeth screwed to the

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back of the iron. • IRON ADJ. NUT (AN4): Some examples are made of steel (AN 4) instead brass. IRON (15) • SHAPE: A rack of teeth are attached to back of iron with 2 flat head machine screws replacing the machined teeth for height adjustment. Vertical slot eliminated.

STANLEY PRODUCTION circa 1901 + Although this study is focused on Siegley's planes made in Wilkes-Barre, it seemed appropriate to distinguish those from the later Stanley production. The major distinguishing features are: • Bold markings are cast in the body. The tote is flanked by "SIEGLEY" on one side and the size No. (e.g. "No. 4") on the other. • Model numbers aligned with Stanley's. • Lever cap casting is changed with a dimpled inset.

Stanley Production, No. 4

RARITY So how rare are these planes? Generally, any iron bench plane made by Jacob Siegley in Wilkes-Barre, PA is relatively rare. Bench planes of Siegley design made in Connecticut by Stanley are more common. On average, just a couple dozen Siegley manufactured bench planes are sold on eBay annually (fewer than the Stanley No. 1). That's not many considering there are more than 75 Siegley type/size combinations. The following rarity estimates are based on a studied population of about 75 planes and years of monitoring e-bay and auction traffic.

RARITY BY TYPE: EXTREMELY RARE = One or two of each type studied. • Types 1, 2, 3, 9 VERY RARE = 3 to 9 of each type studied. • Types 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 RARE = 10 or more of each type studied. These three types accounted for almost 50% of studied population. • Types 8, 10, 11

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RARITY BY SIZE: VERY RARE = 3 to 9 of each size studied. • 9 1/2" medium smooth No. 4 (Types 9 - 13) • 14" small jack No. 5 (Types 7 - 13) • 18" small fore No. 8 (Types 7 - 13)

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1. PATENTED TRANSITIONAL & METALLIC PLANES IN AMERICA Vol. 1 & 2 by R.K. Smith

• 20" large fore No. 10 (up to Type 7), No 9 (Types 8 - 13) 2. SIEGLE¥ BLOCK, JACK, JOINER, AND SMOOTH PLANES 1893 - 1920's by George Wanamaker, The Gristmill March 1989

• 22" small jointer No. 10 (Types 8 - 13) • 24" large jointer No. 12 RARE = 10 or more of each size studied. • 9 1/4" small smooth No. 3 • 10" large smooth No. 4, No. 7

3. Special thanks to John F. Rumpf for strengthening this study by sharing his Siegley collection and research.

• 15" large jack No. 8 (up to Type 7), No. 6 (Types 8 - 13) 4. Cover photo and contributing photos by Frank Lauri.

QUICKLOOK TYPE TABLE - SIEGLEY IRON BENCH PLANES

MAJOR FEATURE/ SIZES: FROG LEVER THROAT KNOB

TYPE CHANGE Model NO.'s TYPE

CAP TYPE BAR INSERT HEIGHT, HEIGHT HEIGHT DIAM.

Knob 1 Sides Riveted to Base Smooth FR1 LC1 Adjusted

Throat

2 One Piece Body,

Jack FR2 LC2, Round Top 1 3/4 15/16 21 /16,

No Top Grooves 1 11 /16

3 Top Grooves Added Jack FR2 LC2, Round Top 1 3/4 15/16 21 /16, 1 11/16

Smooth: 3, 4

4 Model No. Added to Jack:8

FR2 LC3, Round Top with

1 3/4 13/16 2 1/16,

Lever Cap Fore: 10 Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12

Smooth: 3 , 4

5 Adj . Throat Receiver Jack: 8

FR2 LC3, Round Top with

1 3/4 13/16 21 /16,

Improved Fore : 10 Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12

Smooth: 3, 4

6 Knob/ Tote Supports Jack: 8

FR3 LC3 or LC4, Round or

1 5/8 13/16 1 7/8 ,

Improved Fore : 10 Flare Top with Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 12

Smooth: 3, 4

7 Body Profile & Lever Jack: 5, 6

FR3 LC4, Flare top

1 9/16 11 /16 1 7/8 ,

Bar Lowered Fore: 8, 9 with model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4

8 Toe/ Tail Reinforced Jack: 5, 6

FR3 LC4, Flare top

1 1 /2 11 /16 1 7/8 ,

Fore: 8, 9 with model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4, 7

9 Adjustable Throat Jack: 5, 6

FR4 LC4 or LC5, Flare or

1 15/32 NIA 1 7/8,

Removed Fore: 8 , 9 strait top with Model No. 1 11 /16 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4, 7

10 Top Grooves Jack:5, 6

FR4 LC4 or LC5, Flare or

1 15/32 NIA 1 7/8 ,

Removed Fore: 8 , 9 strait top with Model No. 1 5/8 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4, 7

11 Pin Lateral Adjust Jack: 5, 6

FR5 LC4 or LC5, Flare or

1 15/32 NIA 1 7/8 ,

Fore: 8, 9 strait top with Model No. 1 5/8 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4, 7

12 Model No. Added to Jack: 5, 6

FR5 LC4 or LC5, Flare or

1 15/32 NIA 1 7/8 ,

Front of Body Fore: 8 , 9 strait top with Model No. 1 9/16 Jointer: 10, 12

Smooth: 3, 4, 7

13 Rack Lateral Adjust Jack:5, 6

FR6 LC4 or LC5, Flare or

1 15/32 NIA 1 7/8,

Fore : 8 , 9 strait top with Model No. 1 9/1 6 Jointer: 10, 12

September 2007 21

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September 21 & 22 2007 October 19 & 20, 2007

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Quimby S. Backus: Part 2 by Randy Roeder© 2007

Another Law Suit Just six weeks after the loss of the Millers Falls case, the attorneys for Quimby Backus were again back in Judge John Lowell's courtroom. John E. Sinclair and his associates were suing Backus for infringement of D.M. Moore's patent for a ratcheting wrench. At the time, Backus was marketing what may have been the first commercially viable American brace to incorporate an enclosed ratchet in its design, and that ratchet was virtually identical to the one used on Moore's wrench. The case is especially interesting in that Moore and Backus had once worked in the same shop, and it is likely that Backus appropriated the idea.

D. M. Moore had developed his ratchet wrench in 1859. Manufactured for his personal use, he took it with him as he traveled from job to job. In 1861, when Moore moved to Windsor, Vermont, to join the influx of workers who signed on at Lamson, Goodnow & Yale for the Samuel Colt musket project, his wrench accompanied him. Moore used the wrench regularly, lent it to others when asked and made a duplicate for the armory tool room when it became popular with his fellow workers. Proud of his wrench, Moore was known to have disassembled it to show others the details of its ratchet. Although he

Fig. 1 Moore Ratchet Patent Drawing

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

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

24 The Gristmill

Fig. 2 Backus copy of Moore Ratchet

Other Ratchets

the wrench was "in public use or on sale for more than two years before the application of the patent." Judge Lowell disagreed, ruling that Moore's attempts to interest investors in the wrench did not translate into its being "on sale" and that its limited use was not "public" and amounted to little more than evaluation and testing. The Backus Company's use of the ratchet was found to be infringing. 2 (Fig. 2)

At the time of the Moore lawsuit, Backus was also manufacturing tools with an exposed ratchet wheel, double-pawl arrangement. The direction of rotation and the ratchet lock were set by means of a small lever attached just beneath its spring­loaded pawls. In use as early as 1879, its design had enough commonalities with the Moore patent to preclude its continued manufacture. Inattentive observers sometimes confuse this lever-adjusted, exposed-pawl ratchet with that patented by Edgar H. Whitney in 1885. The Whitney ratchet, covered by United States Letters Patent No. 319,159, featured concealed, roller-type pawls rather than the exposed ratchet dogs seen on the 1879 Backus

Fig. 3 Ratchets: Moore-Type, Lever, and Single-Pawl

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ratchet. Although Whitney lived in Winchendon, and may well have been an employee of Q.S. Backus, the writer has yet to see a Backus brace with the Whitney patent. (Fig. 3)

The Backus lever-adjusted ratchet became the basis for one of the more unusual tools that the company marketed-an adapter that converted a standard bit brace into a ratcheting model. Given that the most expensive and time-consuming part of manufacturing a ratchet brace is the machining and fitting of the ratchet and chuck, the economics of the adapter's manufacture are hard to understand. With the efficiency and convenience of a brace with an integral ratchet available to a worker for a comparatively reasonable price, the market for the device must have been limited. Although the adapter could have been used to convert a standard breast drill into a ratcheting model, it appears that sales were anything but robust. Adapters with a post-1880 chuck have yet to be observed. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4 Backus Ratchet Adapter

On November 29, 1881, Quimby Backus was issued United States Letters Patent No. 250,047 for a bit stock ratchet with a ring shifter adjustment. The ratchet, in use since at least August of 1880, was elegant in its simplicity and featured a single concealed pawl with a tooth on its leading edge that engaged the notches of the ratchet wheel. Three sides of the tooth were parallel, and one side was cut with a beveled face. As the ring shifter was rotated, the pawl turned with it. Depending on its position, the beveled notch allowed ratcheting to the right or left. When parallel sides were engaged in the wheel, the ratchet was locked. A single heavy duty spring provided tension for both pawl and ring shifter. The 1881 ratchet functioned well and stood up to hard use. It was, perhaps, the finest of the Backus tool patents. (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5 Cross-Section: Backus Single-Pawl Ratchet

Adjustable Socket Wrench In 1879, Quimby Backus patented an attachment for converting a bit brace to a socket wrench. The drawings accompanying the published document illustrate both non-ratcheting and ratcheting versions of the tool.3 The ratchet depicted is the lever­adjustment design used on his adapter for converting a standard bit brace into a ratcheting model. The wrench patent covered the design of the chuck, and its text indicates that Backus planned to use the device on bit braces, angle borers, and tool holders. Capable of handling nuts from 1/4 to 1 1/4 inches, the company's promotional material made it clear that the chuck was " ... peculiarly adapted to the use of mechanics, blacksmiths, carriage builders, agricultural implement manufacturers, millwrights, and in fact all braches of trade where nuts and bolts are used ... "4

Although the ratcheting version of the socket wrench attachment was manufactured and sold, its longevity is suspect as no examples with the 1881 single-pawl ratchet have been observed. The non-ratcheting attachment, with a longer production history, is more frequently seen, and braces with integral socket wrenches were developed and sold as well. Billed as "bit brace wrenches" these tools were offered in ratcheting and non-ratcheting versions in both economy (domestic hardwood) and premium (tropical wood) grades. When used to loosen a stubborn nut, a fair amount of downward pressure was required if the chuck was not adjusted properly or the nut was hexagonal in shape. Examples of lignam-topped brace wrenches with heads broken out by users applying excessive downward force are not unusual. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 6 Adjustable Socket Wrench and Attachment

An interesting variant of the socket wrench chuck was an adapter described as an "adjustable socket angular wrench." Designed to allow a brace user to turn nuts and bolts in corners, the device differed from the Backus angular bit stock in that it was manufactured to operate at a fixed angle. The torque generated in tightening 1 1/4 inch nuts would have played havoc with the delicate angle adjustment

September 2007 25

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mechanism used for the original Backus adjustable angular bit stock. By 1884, if not earlier, the casting for the angular socket wrench had become the norm for the angular bit stock

Fig. 7 Fixed-Angle Attachments as well, and the less-

1884 Catalog

useful, fixed angle tool was referred to as an "improved" rather than "adjustable" angular borer. (Fig. 7)

In late 1884, Q.S Backus published a small thirty-two page catalog divided into two parts. The first nineteen pages were titled Q.S. Backus' Patent Portable Combination Cabinets and consisted of promotional material for bathing, washing, and toileting fixtures enclosed in elaborate wooden cabinets. The next thirteen pages were titled Q.S. Backus 1880 Patent Improved Boring Implements. A perusal of its contents reveals that, true to its title, the tool section includes only braces, adapters and brace wrenches. The Backus adaptation of the Draper chuck is nowhere to be seen-an obvious indication that it was no longer in production. The Backus boring tool manufactory was never large, and at the time of the publication, it employed just twelve workers.5

The boring tool section includes: ratcheting and non-ratcheting braces in economy and premium grades, a bit brace extension available in three lengths, the non-ratcheting socket wrench adapter, fixed -angle versions of the angular borer and socket wrench attachments and a premium version of the brace wrench. Certainly one of the most interesting tools pictured is the Backus brace drill. Similar to the Millers Falls brace drill patented by Wallace Lyon in 1881, Backus used his 1880 chuck design and the 1881 single-pawl ratchet for his version of the tool. Heavily nickel plated and fitted with a lignam vitae head and rosewood sweep handle, the tool was visually stunning. An example owned by the author exhibits the remnants of a paper disc that was glued to the inside surface of the drive gear.

Fig. 8 Backus Brace Drill

26 The Gristmill

For the most part illegible, enough text remains to indicate that the disc identifies Backus as sole proprietor of his business and includes instructions of the operation of the ratchet. (Fig. 8)

The first dozen pages of the catalog document the results the Backus entry into the world of indoor plumbing. At the time, residents of the typical American home bathed in water heated on a kitchen stove and indoor toilet facilities were rare. Businessmen wanting to exploit the market for a convenient and comfortable bathing and toileting experience needed to be cognizant of the fact that most housing did not contain a separate room for these purposes. One solution to the problem was to develop wooden cabinets that contained the necessary fixtures and could be easily installed in an existing room. By 1884, the Backus factory in Winchendon was heavily involved in the production of "portable" plumbing cabinets.

Available in ash, cherry, and walnut, the plumbing cabinets presented "a neat and ornamental appearance as an article of furniture for a bedroom, sitting-room or parlor. "6 A seventy-five gallon reservoir atop the larger cabinets supplied water to an eighteen- gallon boiler that was heated by a nickel-plated kerosene stove and provided more than enough water for a comfortable bath in a full­sized tub equipped with a sliding wash bow I. Models with swing-out commodes were available, as was a water closet disguised as a wardrobe. Of course, the cabinets containing these latter amenities needed to be connected to "soil-pipes." (Fig. 9)

Fig. 9 Cabinet with Ba th, Lavatory & Commoe

Shortly after the 1884 catalog was issued, Quimby Backus patented two unusual bedsteads. Design patent no. 16203 was issued for a Murphy-type bed, that when folded up to the wall looked like a fireplace mantel with a mirror hung over it. Intended for small apartments, the faux fireplace was an attempted to beautify the underside of a folding bed. Not to be outdone, Backus patented an asbestos-lined bed that folded into the front of a functional fireplace just five months later. 7 There is no evidence at present to indicate that either bed was manufactured.

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

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manufacture his bit braces for him. Headquartered in Winchendon, Mason and Parker continued making the braces in the same building that Backus had used. In 1891, Backus joined with A.D. Hermance, E.A. Rowley, and J.J. Crocker to form the Backus Manufacturing Company in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The new company manufactured a steam radiators, mantels, tiles, fire places and gas logs. By 1892, sixty workers were employed at the site. The financing and sales end of the Backus bit brace operation was folded into the business, although the production of the boring tools remained with Mason & Parker in Winchendon.

In 1900, Backus moved his successful heater operation to his childhood home-Brandon, Vermont. There he established a plant and foundry that employed sixty-five workers on a five-acre site. The business, now known as the Q.S. Backus Company, had branch offices in Philadelphia, New York, Boston and San Francisco; dealerships were scattered across the country. Fred Ellsworth Backus, Quimby's only son, managed the plant. The elder Backus was responsible for the sales operation and financial management.

The Williamsport and Rutland businesses were responsible for the manufacture of a number of small S-shaped combination wrenches on which the word "Backus" is cast. Examples include wrenches marked Backus Mfg. Co., Williamsport, Penn.; Q.S Backus Co., Brandon, Vt.; and Backus, Brandon, Vt. The wrenches vary little in size, and it unlikely that they were ever offered to the general hardware trade but were manufactured instead to open valves and cocks on heating devices. Those simply marked "Backus" may post-date the departure of the elder Backus from active participation in the business. (Fig. 10)

Fig. 10 Backus Combination Wrenches

Q.S. Backus was a Republican at the time of his election to the Vermont Senate in 1902. His party had dominated the state's political landscape for decades. Backus affiliated himself with Percival Clement, the publisher of the Rutland Herald and an opponent

of the state's prohibition on the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. Clement favored local option-a system of allowing town governments to determine whether or not alcoholic beverages would be sold locally. Since prohibition in Vermont was unevenly enforced and corruption was evident, public sentiment was moving in the direction of the "wets." Clement hoped to capitalize on it. A bit of a renegade, the well-to-do newspaper owner challenged established party leaders in a divisive bid to win the nomination for the governorship. Though his effort failed, the popularity of his position on local option led to the election of a number of his supporters. Quimby Backus, a member of the Local Option Committee, was among them. 8

Six years later, Backus abandoned the Grand Old Party to run for Vermont state governor on the Independence League ticket. A brainchild of yellow journalist William Randolph Hearst, the Independence League was a reform party that attracted a good deal of attention during the early years of the twentieth century. Hearst hoped to parlay his leadership of the organization into the governorship of New York-and eventually the presidency-by capitalizing on the favorable publicity given him by his national newspaper syndicate. Unfortunately for Quimby Backus, the Independence League imploded in 1908, and his candidacy for the governorship attracted just 2.1 percent of the votes.

Quimby Silas Backus died at Brandon on December 29, 1912. He had been ill for some time. The heater business he had established had failed, and its factory was sold to satisfy creditors just a month earlier. His son, Frederick, and a group of investors re-established the business several weeks after the funeral. They named their business the Backus Heater Company.9 Fred Backus left the operation shortly afterward.

L Thurston, Benjamin F. John E. Sinclair, et al. vs. Quimby S. Backus: Notes on the Closing Argument for the Defendant. Providence: [s.n.J , 1879. 2- United States Patent Office. Official Gazette. June 29, 1880. p. 205-206. 3. United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 216,776. 4- Advertisement. Carpentry and Building. August, 1880. 5. The catalog, housed in the Minnesota Historical Society, consists of 32 consecutively numbered pages without a unify­ing title page or cover. 6. United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 275,011 . 7- United States Patent Office. Letters Patent. 233,504. 8. Green, Mason A. Nineteen-Two in Vermont: the Fight for Local Option, Ten Years After. Rutland, Vt. : Marble City Press, 1912. p. 49, 97,179. 9- "The Backus Heater Company." Merchant Plumber and Fitter. Feb. 10, 1913. p. 134.

There was an error in part one. The Fig. 6 caption for two of the chucks was transposed. --Author

September 2007 27

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COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT by Dave Heckel

Cecil Holmes began collecting tools in 1994 when his brother Jack, a M-WTCA member, got him started. Cecil began to collect Starrett machinist tools because

he was already using them in his business. His metal fabrica­tion business used machinist tools and levels, so he started collecting those tools with which he was already familiar.

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

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

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

28 The Gristmill

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September 2007 29

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Unusual Jackson Gorham #37 Hand Saw by Henry Caudle photos by Dennis Fisher

This 1s a very unusual #37 Jackson Gorham hand saw. To my know ledge, no one has ever seen another on like it, or even any advertised for sale in any Disston catalogs. Is this a prototype #37 combination hand saw made before the manufacture of Disston's famous (1875) #43 model combination saws? I believe that this saw was made by Diss ton for Jackson Gorham before Disston acquired all the rights to manufacture and sell saws having the Gorham patent, sometime after 1860.

The unusual "tapered pin saw/nuts"

No. 27,354,

.7l

H, OISSTON.

Saw and Square.

Patemed March 6, 1860.

® I

---t)

are a March 6, 1860 patent of Disston's. The "tapered pin screws and nuts' were used for a short while in the early 1860s and then dropped. The unusual "plumb level" brass plate cover placement is entirely different from the Disston #43 model combination saws. This #37 plumb-level brass plate could not have been taken from a Disston #43. If you remove this plate and place it on something like a Disston #43, the writing would be upside down. If anyone has seen and other saw like this one, or have any informa -tion about it, please contact me.

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

The "tapered pin saw/nuts" (about a 3/8" piece of wood

missing from bottom of handle).

The Pat. 6th March 1860 for the "tapered pin saw/ nuts" used for a short while

in the early 1860s and then dropped.

The Disston & Morris plumb and level vial plate Patented May 25, 1858. This plate is

very unusual because it is placed backwards compared to the one

on a Disston #43 hand saw.

0, 11 ,,11,r 1•,1 ,, 111 ,1,1« 11 1~()0

I OH I \l'I tHll!'.( HI W" ,1 1"-

Jackson Gorham #37 Pat. May 12th 1856 Warranted

Cast Steel

30 The Gristmill

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DAVID STANLEY AUCTIONS

50th INTERNATIONAL AUCTION

approx 1500 Lots of Quality Antique Woodworking and Allied Trades Tools on SATURDAY, MARCH 29th 2007

At the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Bardon, Leics, at 10.30am

• A good selection of Stanley and Preston planes and tools.

• Many planes by Spiers, Norris, Mathieson, Marples, Holtzapffel etc.

• A large selection of decorative levels and unusual plumb bobs, sets of carving tools, chisels and gouges.

• Early dated planes and others by Wooding, Phillipson, Perdew etc.

To include

• Austrian goosewing axes plus many French, Dutch and other European tools.

• Early and important ivory and boxwood rules.

• Fine quality chariot and other metal planes.

• Many wide and complex moulders.

• Early miniature boxwood and brass planes.

The entire catalog of 1500 lots available ON-LINE 3 weeks prior with full absentee bidding instructions at:

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

Still only $32 from The Mechanicks Workbench, P.O. Box 420, Marion, Mass. 02738 USA.

USA Tel: (508) 748-1680 E-mail: wing@mechwb.com

or Australia and New Zealand for £24 from David Stanley Auctions,

Osgathorpe, Leics. LE12 9SR England from Australia Tel: 00-11-44-1530 222320

New Zealand Tel: 00-44-1530 222320

E-mail tools@davidstanley.com quoting your mailing address and credit card details.

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Kansas Patented Plane Oiler Discovered in Oklahoma by Mike Urness photos by Tim Hoss

While attending the recent S-WTCA tool show in Tulsa Oklahoma, I had the good fortune to spend a few hours visiting with Tim Hoss, the show's host. The day before the show started, Tim took me to his house to show me the progress being made on its remodeling.

After walking thru the house, we retired to the garage where Tim's tools are temporarily being housed. In one of the totes of planes was an Ohio Tool Co. No. 04 smooth plane that has a brass front knob. It didn't look like anything special. In fact it is a plane that I and many other tool collectors might have walked past if we had seen it on a table at a tool show. It seemed the brass knob was an owner-made replacement for the wooden original, but it turns out to be a rare and perhaps unique patented plane oiler. Tim recalled buying the plane for $12 at a flea market in Tulsa about 12 years ago.

There is what appears to be a normal screw on top of this knob, but it is actually a spring-loaded plunger

32 The Gristmill

that, when depressed, allows a few drops of oil to be released through a small hole in the bed directly below the knob. The knob/oiler is threaded on the inside at its base and so is the outer portion of the boss that is cast into the bed of the plane. The knob screws onto the outer threads on the boss.

After arriving back at the hotel, I logged onto [http://www.google.com/patents] the new Google patent site and typed in "wood, plane, oiler." Up came several patents, the first being an 1891 patent for a plane oiler by a man named Oliver Longval, of Worcester, Massachusetts. This wasn't it. I then tried the words "plane, oiler, knob" and up came another list. The second patent shown was the one I was looking for.

The patent of the oiler on Tim's plane is No. 940,324. It was issued to David James, of Coffeyville, Kansas on November 16, 1909 for what he called an "OIL-CUP FOR PLANES."

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Shortly after buying it, Tim took the oiler apart and studied the valve mechanism in it. Later he purchased and took apart a Schrader air pressure gauge and he noticed a similarity between the two valve designs. He now owns 30 or more different air gauges. Coincidentally, the plane the oiler came on has the name Wm. Schrader engraved into the left side.

It is possible that David James owned one of Schrader's tire pressure gauges and used it's valve design as an inspiration for his oil-cup design, however, the name on the side of the plane and any direct association between George H.F. Schrader,

Saw Etchings by Carl BIiderback

If you have a saw with an etching that is visible only when it is held in the light at a certain angle, here is a way to improve the etching.

Get some paste type gun bluing and rub it over the

Planning an Auction or Sale? For best results, place your advertisement or auction listing in The Gristmill, where you will find fellow tool collectors who are anxious to buy your tools. If you are looking to buy or sell tools, or looking for information or research, check out the Marketplace, our advertising page.

Information and deadlines are listed in the back of this issue, and in every issue of The Gristmill.

There is a new policy regarding advertising. 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.

of New York, New York and David James, of Coffeyville, Kansas or the plane's former owner Wm. Schrader are almost certainly nonexistent.

Between 1892 and 1909 David James invented or co-invented 10 items with the plane oiler being the last. He was granted other patents for the following items: register for grain measures (#4 73,465), grain weigher (#485,632), attachment for thrashing-machines (#490,075), grain door for [railroad] cars (#714, 705), vending machine (#738,685), coin controlled operating mechanism (#764,056), and two for gates (#862,167 & #934,814).

area of the etching. After it is dry use 600 wet or dry sand paper on a hard block to remove the bluing from the surface of the saw blade. Use the paper dry and all the bluing will come off the surface of the blade leaving only that which is below the surface.

Favorite Tool or Tool Anecdote Everyone has a favorite tool or an anecdote about a tool in his or her collection. What's yours? Share a story with other tool collectors. Maybe it is a one-of-a-kind tool that you have been hunting for a long time, and finally found at a price that you could, or couldn't really afford.

Perhaps it belonged to your grandfather and has a special meaning for you. Or was it just an oddball tool that you wouldn't think of giving up. Maybe the tool has a story behind it that would interest other tool collectors, as well.

Just send a short story and a picture of the tool to Dave Heckel, Editor, The Gristmill, 1800 McComb Street, Charleston, II 61920 - 3137.

The deadlines for copy to reach the Editor are January 10 for the March issue, April 10 for the June issue, July 10 for the

September issue, and October 10 for the December issue.

September 2007 33

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Talking about Tools and Trades: Woodworking as a Metaphor for Teaching by Thomas N. Kluwin © April 2007

Teaching is a lot like working wood. You need • A goal • A plan to reach that goal • And flexibility in the plan.

Most woodworking projects do not start out with an idea like "I'm gonna make something." Rather, the woodworker has a cursory goal is in mind like "I'm gonna make a spoon." When a tool fancier approaches teaching about

tools and their uses, he also has to have a specific goal.

The person who says I'm going to make a spoon out of green cherry using the technique that Roy Underhill describes in his book will tend to finish the job faster, better, and with fewer mistakes than the person who is just "gonna make a spoon." The same logic applies to teaching about tools. When you're goal is "to talk about tools", you limit yourself to centuries of human invention, a multiplicity of trades, and an infinity of likely projects.

A better approach to setting your teaching goal is to ask yourself quite honestly, "Why am I doing this?" You will be more successful if you start with a very general question and work towards more particular goals. If I asked myself that same question, I would tend to answer in the following order ... • To have fun • To be outdoors • To share what I love with others • Because I believe in learning from concrete experience.

Next question to ask is "Who am I doing this for?" Answering honestly, I would have to say again in order of importance ... • Myself • To support the living history site I volunteer for • To give school kids a different perspective than

a classroom

Having done this little bit of self-examination, you can begin to formulate some specific goals. The first step in goal setting is to pick what best interests and suits you.

For myself, I want to have fun and be outdoors, so I opt for 18th century wood working and more specifically green woodworking. This decision controls, both in the sense of informs and limits, my tool chest. If I had said

34 The Gristmill

I wanted to demonstrate 16th century woodturning, techniques, tools, and materials will have to be different.

Next question to ask yourself, what is the essential content of my trade? In green woodworking, please don't let John Alexander see this article, it seems to me the essential ideas are: • Getting green wood out of a tree • Shaping the wood • Fitting the wood together • Keeping the project from falling apart or tearing itself

apart as it dries

So, how does one communicate these kinds of ideas to 40 or 50 squirmy fourth graders while 20 feet away, there is a musket firing demonstration?

Part of the answer is a principle in educational psychology that says memory span for discrete items is 7 items plus or minus 3 items. If you counted what I listed above, it comes to four. If your list runs more than three or four bits of information you are likely to lose your audience. You can provide more bits of information by structuring them, but three concepts broken up into three sub-topics each is asking a lot of your audience, so focus on the high spots and the essential information. Obscure details are what you trade with the old guy who tells you how his grandpa did it or the thirteen year old kid who hangs around afterwards to "talk shop."

The next step in goal setting is going to involve consid­ering some of the other priorities mentioned earlier like supporting a particular living history site or giv­ing school kids a different perspective on learning than in a classroom. For example, if the site I will work with is a nineteenth century southern planta­tion home, my real interest in 18th century green woodworking will be out of place since I am a white man. My choice of my skill set and interests limits me to "frontier" settings which is fine with me, but if your first choice does not mesh with your site, then you will have to re-think what you are doing or where you want to do it.

Once you have set the context for your work, you need to consider who your audience is likely to be. One of my personal goals is to work with school kids. Yours might be to talk to adult males about a common passion. Both are fine, but make sure you are meshing with the needs of the site. Some places will run 2,000 school kids past me in less than 6 hours, but others won't let me near the fourth graders because they don't feel my demonstration fits their needs. Adjust to the site needs or look for another site. I have done both.

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Having defined the audience, you're back to your priorities and the realities of your type of audience. In addition, you will be working without overheads, PowerPoint presentations, or gorgeous assistants to hold up large scale drawings. Further, you have to do this with one hand while holding a tool or a project in the other hand. Again, the solution is to limit the number of topics you present. As I said before, three is a good number, but two is better because you can divide two into to subtopics each and cover four topics without losing your audience. For example,

"The wonderful thing about the 18th century rn that everything is made out wood is that trees are everywhere. Unfortunately, there are two problems. First you have to get the wood out of the tree and sec­ond you have to put the wood together in the way you want it."

This little homily will allow me to cover my four topics and will give me a way to check the attention of my young audience by asking them "What are the two problems with working wood in the 18th century?"

You are now done the first requirement: You have a specific goal. In my case, I am going to teach green woodworking techniques to 10 and 14 year olds in school groups. What is going to be yours?

Like any woodworking project, you now need a plan to reach my goal. Again you need go back to your priorities and consider the interplay of site, audience, and your goals in figuring out a project that will fit what you want to show about toll usage and what your audience will accept.

Most trade activities are either dangerous, require skill and experience, or are both. In addition, the attention span of most kids is measured in nanoseconds unless they are directly involved in doing something. The attention span of adults these days can be microseconds. Consequently, you need somehow to balance these realities - hazards, skill set, and audience attention - in a project that will still allow you to demonstrate what you need to in order to communicate the content you want to get across.

Some criteria for a "good project" rn no particular order are: • It is useful, real, and reflects the activities of the site.

• It contains or reflects techniques used on different scales that have other representations around the site.

• Some of it can be done with minimal tools, practice, or hazard to an audience member.

• All parts of the project can be completed in advance to illustrate key ideas or represent specific procedures.

In the green woodworking demonstration, two projects I have found that work well are niddy noddies and chair parts especially legs. Niddy noddies are hand reels that spinners use to stretch and measure wool after spinning. The object is small, 18 inches in length with arms 13 inches wide, so the green woodworking technique of riving wooden parts is easily demonstrated and can be attempted by smaller children. Since it is a spinner's tool, children will see it elsewhere on the site. The mortise and tenon joint that holds the arms to the handle is a classic construction device and leads easily to a discussion of various kinds of wood joints. Chair parts, both stick and board chairs, also lend themselves to demonstration for the very same reasons although the size of many parts may preclude children from actually riving them out or squaring them up on a shaving horse.

You now have a plan for a project that reflects your goals. Before you pass on to the third point, let me point out that people will watch some trades, like blacksmithing, simply because they are exciting like watching a tight rope walker and wondering if he'll fall. The more elaborate through required for a woodworking project is for those of us who are in less exciting trades.

The third point I started with was flexibility in the plan. I believe it was General Eisenhower, the great planner of the D-Day invasion, who said that no plan survives the first five minutes of contact. The same applies to your plan. Best to apply Murphy's Law as well. If it can go wrong, it will. For example ... • The one tool you need will be dull, will break, or will

simply be missing from the tool chest. • The material you so carefully selected to be straight

grained and green has hidden sap pockets, defects, and rot.

• The tiny screw that holds your period appropriate reading glasses together will fall out into the grass never to be seen again.

• Some child will go off on a tangent about something that you never anticipated.

Your flexible plan should include a back up project, spare raw materials, other tools that can do the job "in a pinch", and samples of completed parts of the project so you can show them if unable to do them. Teaching is a craft, and like any craft requires practice in addition to goals and flexible plans. With practice, your demonstration will get better as long as you remember the first rule of good teaching: I'm here to learn.

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

Whenever I "take the risk" and join a group it seems to place a certain sense of responsibility on my shoulders. That's how I ended up being president of the auxiliary for the M -WTCA. I was asked to take someone else's place. After discussing it with my husband, I said "yes." It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I went from one office to another, meeting more ladies and making more friends each year. In taking responsibility for an office, it only meant that I was willing to support the auxiliary by "doing my part." It didn't mean I had any special talents or gifts. It just meant that I would be willing to volunteer my time to see that something important to me was able to continue as a viable organization. That is how many of you are keeping your local historical museums and festivals vital and alive. Congratulations on being a VIP in the life of your community! Be sure to keep track of your hours and report them to Phil Baker so we can use them as part of the tax free status data for M-WTCA.

This spring I was unable to "do my part" for the Area D tool meet because I was "laid up" with severe sciatic nerve pain. I knew LeRoy had the men's speaker and his part of the meeting lined up. There was also to be an auction, an open house, and the meet on Sunday where there is usually a special

Auxiliary Reads by Kathleen Holmes

Over sixty women gathered in Milwaukee, WI for the discussion of the book, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It is Depression years; the circus feels the pressure of the times, as does the general public. Yet, the circus usually draws a crowd as families find the atmosphere of the circus diverting from the troubles of the day. Many of the women attending the book discussion were of an age to remember the

Auxiliary Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

36 The Gristmill

Susan Witzel Jean Royal Helen Devitt Barb Slasinski

event planned for the women. I kept hoping I would feel better and able to do what I had planned, a program on barn quilts in our county. However, when Sally Leu called on Thursday, I told her I wasn't going to be able to be there. Immediately she said that she and Peggy McBride would take care of registration and do a program on quilting. It was wonderful to have them volunteer! Thelma, Kathleen and Cathy contributed food and I know there were others who helped with both the open house and the meet. The concern from everyone and the well wishes were overwhelming! I felt like I was enveloped in a warm quilt of love, prayers and concern. Doesn't it make you proud to be part of such a caring group like the M-WTCA?

At the Fall meeting in Springfield, there will be new officers assuming duties for the Auxiliary. Please support them and say yes if asked to help out. Our organization is only as strong as the individual members and their willingness to serve. Whether we are on the "giving" or the "receiving" end of the equation, it is important to remember that we can do most anything, together. I so appreciate the officers who said yes. All of them have all done a great job. They have been enthusiastic, helpful, ingenious, and wise. They have made it fun to be an officer. Thanks to all of you who have made my job easy and enjoyable. Thank you for serving! I'm proud to call you my friends!

--Susan Witzel

difficulties of the 1930s and could recall going to see the circus train arrive, unload, and the performances given by the "stars of the big top."

The Springfield, Missouri Fall meeting of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association Auxiliary will find the ladies discussing a biography about Laura Ingalls Wilder. The selection is a juvenile book that

All materials for The Women's Auxiliary Pages should be sent to:

Dave Heckel, Editor, The Gristmill 1800 McComb

Charleston, IL 61920-3137 E-Mail heckel@consolidated.net

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

Pabst Mansion Tour in Milwaukee by Jean Royal

On Thursday morning at 9:30, the first of two tour buses left for the Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion of Capt. Frederick Pabst. We had a short visual tour of Milwaukee en route. The mansion sits on a hill, which viewed much of the city when it was built. It is one of a very few of the prominent residences still standing and the only one that has been restored.

The tour of this furnished mansion showed off many of its special effects. As you enter the reception hall, you are overwhelmed with the enormous gas and electric wrought-iron chandelier festooned with elk antlers. You immediately know that you are going to see many other outstanding features in this home. We were all impressed with the cutwork window shades throughout

Ways & Means Committee by Barbara Galofaro

Our Milwaukee experience with the used book sale was another great success. This function helps the auxiliary add a few dollars in our treasury so that we are able to continue our many projects furthering the edu­cation and preservation of our heritage through all manner of tools. We would like to have the auxiliary

the mansion. We found a butler's pantry, servant's hall and separate servant's dining room. There is also

a musician's nook, a music room, and Mrs. Pabst's own parlor. We all remarked on the ornate corner cabinets and lovely glass and china in the most formal dining room set and ready for guests.

Upstairs in one of the bedrooms was a most amazing dollhouse, with nineteen elaborately decorated interior rooms. The outside shows a Victorian family enjoying their gazebo and an arriving auto, everything in minute detail. Who wouldn't love to have played with this dollhouse! They are still restoring the third floor, but to see what is open is worth the trip. If you

missed this tour and you are ever in Milwaukee again, be sure to add this to your "things to see."

members and men also to bring their used paperback or hard cover books to the Springfield meeting. We are also selling M-WTCA pins for $4.00. Every member should have one and wear it proudly at each tool meet. I am encouraging everyone to do so, and am looking forward to seeing everyone at Springfield.

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Auxiliary First Timers and Show & Tell by Jean Royal

Our Hostess, Sue Nelson, opened our meeting and welcomed all to Milwaukee and issued a special welcome to our first timers. We had five new members attending and each of these had a "Show & Tell" item for us. This is certainly a first time for this and it was really a nice way to meet them.

Susan Witzel, our president, again welcomed the first timers and opened the "Show & Tell" with her hat and

On the Other Side of the Bed by Kathleen Holmes

Cecil's eyes light up when a packet comes that contains a new antique tool auction catalog. When the spring Brown auction catalog came, I lost him for a couple of evenings as he browsed through listings of delights for an antique tool collector. He would put the catalog down ... then a few hours later, pick it up and shop again.

When- Mike Urness was here in mid-March to add to the "stufr' that was going on the auction in Humboldt, he also OOOhd and AAHhd over the color photos and the listings. It just doesn't take much Gust dollars) to enthrall a couple of antique tool collectors.

Another series of catalogs that keep Cecil out of bars and from chasing women are the ones put out by Martin Donnelly under the Live Free or Die title. There are others that come but are not as creatively done as these two practioners of the art of selling to antique tool collectors.

As Cecil shopped the catalog (the sale was on March 31st), he noted the ones that he wanted. So we began calling his items Cecil's Lust List. I would imagine that other husbands have a similar Lust List going as they shop through the catalogs that come. I don't know much (that means almost nothing) about the collecting of antique tools but I can appreciate the

38 The Gristmill

collection of hat ornaments. Most of us have seen ornaments like these, but never knew exactly what they were. Maureen Henze showed us her grand daughter's milk bottle art. Dell Edwards created a book about her husband to preserve memories for her children. We had a really unusual quilt shown by Helen Watkins depicting the Last Supper. Peggy McBride had an unusual darner, and no one would have guessed its use. There was a lot of old treasured silver made into jewelry and useful items shown by other members. Mariann Simmons brought the last quilt she had made for the Standiford Quilt Museum. This quilt has the most wonderful bright colors worked into it.

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

effort and energy that goes into preparing a catalog of this caliber. I also can enjoy the care with which some of the sellers of tools display items for sale at the various tool shows around the nation.

Ladies, take the time to walk around at the tool shows, learn a little about the tools that draw your husband's attention. It does not take much effort to learn the difference between a draw knife and an axe. One does not need to become an expert (unless you really want to) but being cognizant of the kinds of items that are hubby's fixation can let you become a part of his world. (Of course, there is always a two-way street when hubby needs to be aware of your particular interest.)

Some of the ladies prefer to go shopping or touring away from the tool show site ... and I can understand that. Then, I want to throw a "however" into the mix. However, I would urge taking some time to stroll the tool room to get a feel of the excitement generated by tables of "old stuff."

And, later, as you share the covers of your hotel's bed, you can mention (or question him about) an item that drew your curiosity. Then sleep soundly On the Other Side of the Bed and dream about your own kind of collection.

M-WTCA.O

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A Day in Greendale by Susan Witzel

A day in Greendale was enjoyed by two busloads of M-WTCA Auxiliary members and spouses. It is one of the first "planned communities" in the U.S. and was dedicated by Eleanor Roosevelt. It was considered a "green" community and contains a beautiful common green and lovely flower gardens throughout the village. The day started at the Reiman Visitor's Center. Reiman now publishes 12 magazines. The center was filled with an interesting display of birdhouse entries from the Birds and Blooms magazine contest, the big red wagon that traveled across the United States pulled by a team of Belgian horses, and a complete display of Saturday Evening Post covers by Norman Rockwell, guarded by a realistic life-sized Norman painting his self portrait.

The lower level contained the Taste of Home's Outlet Store and provided a shopping stop for many. By the looks of all the cookbooks that left the store that day,

Hats, Hats, and More Hats by Jane Giese

The Auxiliary was treated to a fun luncheon compliments of the Milwaukee hostess trio of Arlene Fritchen, Sue Nelson, and Jane Giese. It was obvious that the theme was Hats as members assembled in their chapeau finery. The center of each table was adorned with a straw hat and small felt hat hand crafted by hostess Sue Nelson was at each place setting. The first course was a delicious chocolate mousse inside a lovely cookie hat. What fun it was to have our dessert first. After the meal, Rita Zamzow introduced her friend Teresa "Teddy" Prichard. Teddy's impressive hat collection dates back to 1848. She modeled many of the hats she brought and gave

ladies will be "cooking up a storm" when they return home. Many restaurants and shops kept gals busy as

they discovered the delights of exotic coffees, home made breads, delicious chocolates and handmade candies. There was a store for pampered pets, as well as ones for pampered people. Those who scrapbook and make cards had fun checking out new items and ideas. Perhaps the most popular stores were the ice cream shops - one complete with an old fashioned soda fountain, high stools and booths. The tour concluded with a tour of the test kitchens at the visitor's center. Unfortunately, there were no delicious aromas in the air and there were no

samples for tasting on the day we were there since the cooks were doing a photo shoot in the city. However, we've now stood in the kitchen where every recipe is tested for the magazines and cookbooks. We surely "soaked up" some new cooking skills just by being there where the magic begins.

a short history of some of them. She has the same hat Nancy Reagan wore at the inauguration, but admits hers was far less expensive. After the presentation, Teddy allowed members to try on some of her fashions. An observer might think the room was filled with little girls playing "dress-up." Following Teddy's presentation, Five women were awarded prizes for their hats: Linda Sprague for her fine feather hat, Rhoda Rosin for her hat adorned with fruit, Francis Fite for her hat with a veil and Judy Gambrel and Joyce

Hunsaker for their hand crafted paper hats. Sue Nelson awarded door prizes and pictures were taken of the women from each table modeling their hats.

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Parts Left Overs by Phil Baker

I guess most of us are quite familiar with the manner in which the Stanley people sold new tools which may not have always been manufactured on the same date. Tool parts were probably located in bins with the new thrown in with the old. I have seen plane blades of one era used in a plane of recent manufacture. In those bygone days they didn't chuck a part that fit a newer model.

I have seen this same interchange in my study of the Disston back saw. The stamp on the saws back, frequently, is of a different time

frame than the label screw. A recent find indicated that Henry & Sons took this practice a bit further. The Disston people acquired numerous other saw makers in their years of operation (as did Stanley Tools). In 1893 Disston took over Woodrough & McParlin of Cincinnati, Ohio and Wheeler, Madden & Clemson of Middletown, New York.

The "find" was a 10" back saw with a Woodrough & McParlin label screw having Glover's 1887 patent date. That made it good enough to take home. At

home the dirty blade with some rust had to be cleaned. It cleaned up surprisingly well and exposed a nice etching of THE STANDARD BY by Wheeler, Madden & Celmson.

The nice apple handle and saw screws were all original to the blade. My conclusion is The Henry Disston & Sons saw works matched up spare parts that came with their purchases and put them on the market.

Has any other saw nut seen a similar use of non related parts? This re­enforces my desire to clean a saw provid­ing that it be done properly. I will set down my procedure at a later date.

This may be the first popular Meat Saw by Phil Baker

Meat saws may not yet be too collectable, but just wait a while.

The one shown is the earliest meat saw, by Henry Disston, that I have encountered. Maybe 1842 or 1843.

An apple handle with the hook and lower portion nicely carved has been attached with screws having 9/16" diameter heads. I believe Disston screw heads after 1844 or 5 were 1/2" in diameter. Contributed to my date of manufacture. The eagles stamped on the saws back are 1/4" in height. These were enlarged to 5/16" circa 1845.

40 The Gristmill

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

And now the real reason for bringing ones attention to this saw. Has anyone ever seen three eagles on a saw blade or back? It should be noted that the two outside eagles are located over cast steel and warranted which I believe Henry placed them before 1844 or 5 when he began to place the eagles outside cast steel and warranted. This is my first observance of an eagle under the Henry Disston arch. Beam me up if you have seen or own another such example.

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What's It The items and their pictures will be identified by the issue number of the Gristmill it first appeared in and their order listed in that issue.

Fig. 128-1: Sub- ..... -­mitted from the mid-west, this item is shown in 3 views. "A" is the item from the top. "B" is from the back showing thumb screws loosened and the bar slightly raised. "C" is an en­largement of the bar showing proportions of vertical lines on bar to horizontal lines on base. The first 8 vertical lines on the bar are numbered 1 thru 8.

Fig. 128-2

Fig. 128-1

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

it appear to be shorter and thicker than it actually is.

Fig. 128-3

Item 128-3: is a heavy plier-type tool 7 ½" in length which extends a bolt or pin when the handles are

squeezed. The pin just extends past the lower plane of the jaws when fully extended (see inset picture). A spring drops the bolt back down when the handles are released.

Previous Items Identified

Item 127-2 has drawn several responses. Tim Bonelli sent the patent No. 544030 and a picture for 127-2

Tim Bonelli picture of fig. 127-2

Fig. 127-2

James Moffet submitted pictures and the following: "The Broom & Cut Out handles" both have enjoyed great popularity as they have been sold as "POP CORN SHELLERS". Those that don't know have paid some big bucks to get a rare corn sheller. The seller always tells them the small tang off the end is for picking off just a few kernels, and that seals the deal."

No. 694,898. A. STROMDAHL

•u1o ■ATJC HA.MER. ~liudoa!l-t ._...-.1eo1.,

Patented Mar. 4, 1902.

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

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

Virginia White P.O. Box 1418

Angels Camp, CA 95222-1418

(209) 728-2142 vw hite 155 7@earthlink.net

September 2007 41

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r ntf<), rrm:tton. to find a dealt:r in 1 ,«, 01 to place un order. cont,1.ct:

JOHN T. KRAMER P.O. Box 8715/Sugar Creek, MO 6405 ..

{816) 252~9512 .k:ramrrt1kramerize.eom www .kramen.ze.com

16-l~AGl<,; BOOK OF JNS1''RtJCT10NS &. lJSBS HIBE Wil1l PURCHASE.

IT'S ff£R£1

Collector's Guide for Fencing Tools

880 Tool Pictures

Order your copy now!

$22 plus $2.50 S&H Price Guide Included

Richard Smith 14558 West State Hwy U

Walnut Grove, MO 65770 417.788.1111 - oldrichard@juno.com

Antique Tool Auction - Sat. Nov. 3, 2007 - 9:30 A.M. Held at Whalen Auction Building Neapolis, OH - 20 miles SW of Toledo, OH

7 miles West of Waterville, OH on Neapolis-Waterville Road Jack Devitt is selling most of the best tools from his Ohio antique tool collection. Write or E-mail Jack Devitt for a colorful flyer and a listing of tools to be sold.

Two auction lines all day - one selling household tools & the other farm & shop tools. 63 straight razors, many different kinds of knives, 73 irons> plus many other types of household tools, IS axes, 8 slicks

200 wood planes many 3 & 4 star ones, 35 metal planes, 50 + hammers 100 wrenches, 3 panels ofHerbrand tools~ 5 hay carriers, 5 hand held com shellers, many F. E. Myers & Bro. tools 35 saws, many cooper~s tools, two mitre boxes, mitre planer~ rare grain register't salesman's sample grain seed box, several museum type pieces and many more unusual tools.

~~&a ,)~• ~-·~~~. ' P~r ,; ~ I' n t ~

7 ~ Frr For flyer and list contact Jack Devitt at Box 116 Ottoville, OH 45876 or E-mail devitt@bright.net

Indicate if you want a household tools list or a fann and shop tool list or both. For web site list www. whalenrealtyauction. com

42 The Gristmill

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Wanted Wanted: Wooden Bottom Planes m restorable condition and/or for parts. My interest is repair and cleanup of these for appearance not value. Also need source for handles (tote) and knobs, original or reproductions. James Hansen, 2378 W. Hansen Rd Willcox, AZ 85643, phone 520.384.3725 fax 520.384.334 7

Wanted: Cutters for Stanley No. 171 Bill Baker 1764 N. Lansing Street; Aurora, CO 80010 Phone: 303.343.3607 Farrar3@earehlink

Wanted: Antique Metal Working Measuring Tools, especially Micro­meters. State Brand and Patent Date, Photo or Sketch. Dawson, 3524 SE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 344 71

Wanted: UNION No. 44 Combin­ation plane, parts or complete plane. Contact Robert Green (217) 665-3484 or write R.R. #1 Box 93 Bethany, IL 61914

A-1 LEVEL REPAIR Most brands repaired and restored

Bob and Diane Skogman 18639 - 327th Ave.

Isle, MN 56342-4784 Phone: 1-320-684-2078

E-mail: a1level@mlec2.net Website: www.a1levelrepair.com

"WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!"

Always buying Always Selling Pete Niederberger

Used and Antique Toob and Parts for Same

Mail Order Call Me and Come to the Shop

415-92+8"03 poiederber@aoLcom

Marketplace Wanted

Wanted: Tools of any sort made by the Sandusky Tool Co. I don't have them all yet! Also, catalogs, advertising and related material. John Walkowiak, 3452 Humboldt Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612)824-0785. John Walkowiak@comcast.net

Wanted: Winchester items, tools, sporting goods or advertising. No firearms. Collections or pieces OK. Please advise price and condition. David McDonald, 14211 Kellywood Lane, Houston, TX 77079 (281)558-5236 drdavidmcdonald@yahoo.com

For Sale For Sale: The one and only Farm Wrench Book 520 pgs, history of over 500 companies incl 176 page supplement listing 3300 part #'s & price guide. Price incl shipping $55 US and $65 elsewhere. Vol II, 320 pgs adds 183 companies, 1700 more wrenches + a supplement matching 5000 part #'s and a price guide. $50 US $60 elsewhere. Combo $105 & $125. P.T. Rathbone, 6767 Pershall Road, Marsing, ID 83639

Custom IIAKERS STANPS Plane Makers Floats

Chisels - Irons I more

Send for brochures

MAZZAGLIA TOOLS 12 Palmer St. Salem. NH 03079

For Sale: 1,000+ collectible tools for sale. Many outstanding. 30+ years accumulation. Buy one or all. Gary Coffey, Springfield, MO (417) 862-1000; GaryandLeta@att.net

Advertising Information ISSUE March June

September December

COPY DEADLINE January 10

April 10 July 10

October 10

CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES $ .18 per word - ALL words.

$3.50 minimum per ad.

DISPLAY ADS-RATES Size Cost Word Limit

Full page, 4-color, (when available) $275 900 Full page $180 900 Half page $105 450 Quarter page* $60 225 Other sizes $9.50 per column inch

(1 column approximately 2-1/4" wide) 25 word limit.

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 double-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly.

Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertising will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and membership application, contact Dave Heckel at the address below or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication. Send all ads to: Dave Heckel, 1800 McComb St., Charleston, IL 61920-3137, phone (217) 345-9112 after 6 p.m., E-Mail heckel@consolidated.net

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Brown Auction Services 31st TOOL SALE & INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION

SHERATON INN HARRISBURG, PA

October 26 & 27, 2007

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Speakers are Frank Kosmerl, world-renowned expert on tool­makers of western New York, who will be speaking on toolmakers from the Rochester area. Phil Baker and Bill Boltz, well-known saw collectors and researchers, will be speaking on the sawmakers from Philadelphia.

THE DEALER SALE is on Friday and features dealers from across the country, Canada, and England. With 100-plus tables of the finest antique and usable tools available in one place, at one time, this is the largest non-club show in the United States.

THE AUCTION on Saturday features an Ohio Tool Co. No. 113 center-wheel ebony plow plane with ivory tips. Phillips Patent Plow Plane in bronze. Millers Patent No. 50 Light plow. Three-arm plows by Israel White, Sandusky Tool Co. and Brown Tool Co. The Stanley tool collection of Roger K. Smith, a nearly complete set of Stanley planes in best of condition with many in the original boxes. Stanley Model Shop prototypes. Stanley 1939 Happy Carpenter window display. Bailey vertical post planes and a split-frame shoot board plane. Previously unknown Knowles smoother. Inclinometers and levels. Plow planes in rosewood, boxwood, and ebony; many with ivory. Large selection of ivory and boxwood rules. 18th-century wooden planes including I. and F. Nicholson, I. Jones, and many other rare marks. Patented planes by Evans, Knowles, Loughborogh, Rust, Boston Metallic, Bailey, Sargent, Philips, Traut, Sillcock, Miller, and many others. Patented braces and drills. English mitre and infill planes. Goosewing axes and unusual hammers. 793 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves.

ORDER BOTH 2007 CATALOGS. The 30th

and 31 st International Auctions. The 30th mails at time of order, 31st early Sept. Just $50 US & CANADA, $60 US for Overseas Airmail. Includes Prices Realized.

To reserve your copy, call, write, email, or fax us today at:

Brown Auctions 27 Fickett Road

Pownal, ME 04069 Email: ceb@finetoolj.com

LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #31 mails early Sept. All tools fully described and accurately graded with es­timates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auction. Many items illustrated in full color. All items have photos. Absentee bidding available.

Catalog $28 for US and Canadian addresses. $34 US for Overseas Airmail.

1 (800) 248-8114 Fax (207) 688-4831

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

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

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

M-WTCA.O

RG