,I '

Displays from Springfield .... Page 6

Viewpoints from National Meetings .... Page 10

-A Publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association

Update on Disston Halfback Saws

story begins on page 14

March 2008 No. 130

Committee Reports .... Page 12

Update on Disston Halfback Saws ... . Page 14

Rinehart Museum Auction Yields Patented Saw .... Page 20

When & How to Dispose of Your Collection ... . Page 28

Collection Spotlight .. .. Page 32

Lest We Forget/Tool Family Trees .... Page 34

What's It .... Page 35

M-WTCA Auxiliary .... Page 36

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Chaff From The President I would like to start off by welcoming Bill Kolm as our new editor of The Gristmill. Bill and his wife Peggy live in Omaha Nebraska. Bill has been a mem­ber of M-WTCA since the early 1990's and collects Handyman tools. His son is also a collector and member, and they have a new grandson who will hopefully become a third generation member. (Think they are already buying tools instead of toys for baby presents.)

And speaking of our younger members, Nikki Borkovetz has stepped up and agreed to help out. Nikki is a relative­ly new member and has attended several semi-annual national meetings and collects Stanley planes. Since a lot of us are "getting on up in age," we are looking forward to getting a "younger perspective" on this hobby of ours.

Bill has a lot of ideas for The Gristmill (please don't miss the cross word puzzle) and is very interested in articles, letters to the editor, ideas, comments and suggestions.

Anniversaries can be special events in our lives and we are coming up on one that is very important to all M-WTCA

The Gristmill No. 130 March, 2008 Copyright 2007 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. AU rights reserved. www.mwtca.org

Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623

Contributing Editor: Nikki Borkovetz

Contributing Editor: Bob Roger

Graphic Design: Tracie Sis

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 knowledg_e and understanding with others, especially where it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions.

President Ed Hobbs 4417 Inwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27603-3315 (919) 828-2754 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 John Walkowiak 3452 Humboldt Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 (612) 824-0785 Vice-President of Scholarship George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893 (614) 888-0591 Treasurer LeRoy Witzel PO. Box 355, Humboldt, Iowa 50548-0355 (515) 332-3649 Secretary Larry Thorson 764 Stonebridge Avenue, Onalaska, Wl 54650-8813 (608) 779-0966z

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members. As many of you may be aware, M-WTCA will be celebrating it's 40th anniversary this coming May. I am rea­sonably sure that if you asked that group of 29 that were charter members, nobody would have predicted that in 2008, M-WTCA would be as large and as successful an organization as it is. It just goes to show what happens when you start an association that is founded upon a com­mon love and appreciation of antique and traditional tools.

As with other significant anniversaries, it is fitting to remember it through a gift. Some ideas include finding a new member, writing an article for The Gristmill, putting on a program or display at a meeting, being sure you renewed your membership (this is the last issue of The Gristmill you will receive if you have not renewed), con­tributing to our endowment and/or generally helping out with any of the many tasks that have to occur to keep M­WTCA operating. Remember, we are largely an all-volun­teer organization so we do need your help!

Just in case you missed it, membership renewals are past due. This will be your last issue and you will be dropped from the membership list so you will not get any future meeting notices.

continued on page 16

Directors

AreaA Carl Bilderback, 2009 AreaM Lee Osterbauer, 2008 Bill Marlow, 2009 Ronnie Glover, 2009 Eric Mattson, 2009 Richard Bradshaw, 2010 Hollis Feeser, 2010 AreaG

John Kesterson, 2008 AreaN AreaB Dennis Eckstein, 2009 Phil Baker, 2008 Bob Kloes, 2008 Ray Myers, 2010 Vincent Soukup, 2009 Gary Kane, 2009 William Morgan, 2010 Pete Hartmann, 2010 AreaH

Mark Hughes, 2008 AreaO AreaC Peter Habicht, 2010 Allan Foster, 2008 Michael Slasinski, 2008 Bob Weaver, 2009 Jim Crarnrnond, 2009 Areal Bob Valich, 2010 Del Galofaro, 2010 David McDonald, 2008

James Goodson, 2010 AreaP AreaD Vaughn Simmons, 2008 Larry Bolhuis, 2008 AreaJ Donald Stark, 2008 Fred Leu, 2009 Rick Kerns, 2008 Richard Weyrner II, 2009 William Rupert, 2010 Joel Hodapp, 2009 Jack Zimmerman, 2010

Lloyd Henley, 2009 AreaE AreaQ Robert Olesen, 2008 AreaK David Friday, 2008 Russ Allen, 2009 Monte Harold, 2008 Robert Oehman, 2009 Gary Johnson, 2009 David Howell, 2009 Torn Konsler, 2010 Ron Knorr, 2010 Bill Youart, 2010

AreaR AreaF AreaL Walter Karsten, 2009 Matt Borders, 2008 Dave Fessler, 2008 Jim Bode, 2010

Committee Chairman Elections George Wanamaker Directory Larry Thorson Meeting Planning Doug Cox Preservation & Education Phil Baker Membership John Walkowiak Marion Henley Award Ron Pearson Scholarship George Elsass Displays & Awards Bob Va!ich Gristmill Editor Bill Kolm Family Assistance Don Riley Special Publications Vincent Soukup Internet Don Bosse By-Laws and Policy Ray Nissen Address Labels Kerry McCalla What's It Ron White Scrapbook Barb & Mike Slasinski

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Coming Up M-WTCA National Meetings

Spring, 2008 June 12-14, 2008 Erie, PA Ron Pearson (814) 833-3290

2008 M-WTCA Area Meetings

AreaF Meet Mar. 1/2, Spencer, IN Matt Borders (812) 824-9318 AreaP Meet Mar. 29, Broadway, VA Vaughn Simmons (540) 432-0617 AreaD Meet Mar. 30, Omaha, NE Fred Leu (402) 592-1907 AreaE Meet Mar. 30, Loves Park, IL Gary Johnson (815) 703-2094 AreaQ Meet Apr. 12, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024 AreaA Meet Apr. 19, Hastings, MN Eric Mattson (651) 462-3955 AreaC Meet Apr. 26, Chesaning, MI Mike Slasinski (989) 781-1152 AreaF Meet May 3, La Porte, IN Carl Bilderback (219) 362-9869 AreaD Meet May 4, Humboldt, IA LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262 AreaH+R Meet May 18, Pittsfield, MA Jim Bode (845) 505-8665 AreaQ Meet July 26, Raleigh, NC Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754 AreaE Meet Aug. 3, LaFox, IL Dick Chapman (815) 492-2124 AreaA+B Meet Sept. 13/14, Rochester, MN Hollis Feeser (507) 282-3175 AreaD Meet Sept. 21, Cosgrove, IA Jim Escher (319) 656-3931 AreaE Meet Sept. 28, Summit, IL Ashley Kennedy (847) 475-2481 AreaD Meet Oct. 26, Omaha, NE Fred Leu ( 402) 592-1907 AreaE Meet Nov. 9, Carlinville, IL Bob Terry (618) 377-3421 AreaQ Meet Nov. 8, Waxhaw, NC David Fridy (704) 843-5024

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 mun­her or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone (615) 791-6198, E-Mail kmccalla@bellsouth.net Request The Gristmill copies from: Bill Baader,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 and advertising information to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail handymankid@cox.net Obtain scholarship information: Contact George Elsass 1315 Lakeside Place, Worthington, OH 43085-2893, Phone (614) 888-0591, E-Mail geoelsass@aol.com

Welcome to Erie, Pennsylvania on June 12-14! We eagerly await your arrival! by Ron Pearson and Mark Eastlick

Erie is easily accessible from the east and the west via I-90 and from the south via I-79. For those who plan to fly, Erie International Airport is just 6 miles from the Bayfront Convention Center/Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. A detailed map will be included in your registration packet.

Additional meeting highlights include noted speakers Roy Underhill and Paul Hamler. Bill Holden, our first president, will talk about the founding and progress of Mid-West Tool Collectors Association in conjunction with our 40th Anniversary.

Because we anticipate an unusually large attendance, prompt registration is highly recommended. The Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel reservation number is 814-454-2005.

See you soon!

Ron Pearson: 814-833-3290; cell 814-440-5698 Mark Eastlick: 814-734-7818; cell 814-490-9357

U. S. Brig Niagara - berthed in Erie, Pennsylvania

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THE SPRINGFIELD WAGON - Missouri Hosts Fall Meeting by Lloyd Henly

Hard work paid off with a great Fall Semiannual Meeting at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Missouri, October 11- 13, 2007. Fall was in the air but perfectly so, as the weather provided full cooperation, and nearly 400 old tool enthusiasts seemed to enjoy every minute of their stay in our corner of the Show-Me state.

The University Plaza Hotel, located on old Route 66 in downtown Springfield, proved to be a great venue for a major M-WTCA function, being not only comfortably and conveniently arranged, but with a staff that made our events happen on time, as promised, and with a minimum of change or disruption.

One late rearrangement, putting our open air tail-gating in front of the convention center proved to be an improve­ment, and many deals and conversations occurred there on Thursday. Much credit for the smoothness of this activity goes to Jim and Carol Davis who engineered fitting in early and late comers with fairness and ingenuity in the limited confines of the lot. With the beautiful weather and compact setup, the trading extended well into Thursday afternoon.

There were many references to the historic Springfield Wagon Company evident at this meeting, and a genuine example, kindly fur­nished by member Mike Brown, was rolled into the trade room to serve as the symbol for the meet. This tied in well with the display theme on wagon making tools, and with a program given by Louis Allen on some lore connected with the wagon company. More than that, Louis demonstrated in the trade room with his

4 The Gristmill

wheel bench, and was readily available to the many who stopped to discuss his craft and the wagon, knowing everything about each nut, bolt and board used in building the Springfield.

Speaking of programs, the Thursday evening presentation by Patrick Lasswell on 18th Century planes packed the room. This was a thoughtfully and expertly presented program, ending with a fascinating connection between some early Massachusetts makers and the American Revolution. A Friday afternoon program by Ralph Brendler and Russ Allen on patent research utilized the Internet for some real time demonstrations of new and important ways to find patent information.

A good number enjoyed one or both of the back-to-back tours arranged on Thursday. The first to the home and museum of Rose O'Neill, the Kewpie Doll artist, deep in the Ozark hills. A lunch at famed Bass Pro, followed immediately by a separate trip out to the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

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The huge trading room for Friday and Saturday was, as usual, the center of attention. Sellers and · buyers had plenty of room to set up and wander about, meeting old friends and making new ones in the wide aisles and over the many tables of old tools. The room was spacious enough for all the fine displays to be set up in a separate area, along with the old Springfield Wagon, demonstrators and a prominent space near the trade room door for the Saturday morning Whatsit session. That session was in fact a highlight of the meeting, with many participants.

Numerous comments were received on the physical setup with seating, sound system and lots of items for chairman Ron White to present for identifi­cation. Close by, Larry Williams and Don McConnell of Clark & Williams plane makers, showed their skills and work product.

Another highlight was the auction, and business meeting, held in one of the fine meeting rooms next door to the convention center / trade room on Saturday afternoon. An interval of fun time, with much benefit to the Preservation Committee, was an apparently notable(?) pair of hand saw that were bought and resold repeatedly. Chances are good it will resurface at a future meet. A word is in order concerning the fine way Nominations Committee chairman Willie Royal, conducted a contested election in the business prelude to the auction.

Host Paul Reichert, hostess Jan Dills, and co-hosts Jim Dills and Lloyd Henley learned the value of having good

help in charge of specific areas of need. Besides the parking lot stewards mentioned earlier, an especially big thank you goes to Bill and Cathy Pickett, for taking charge of the Hospitality Room with detailed planning, value shopping and keeping that busy suite of rooms just off the lobby running smoothly. It was a great place for visiting and renewing old friendships. Also, Randy Cook provided lots of help with technical matters, and assist­ing and tending to the needs of the various demonstrators.

The Saturday night banquet had one of the highest rates of registrants remaining to attend in recent years. It was a great way to install Ed Hobbs as the current President of M-WTCA. Ed and his gracious wife Kathy

seemed to be everywhere during the meet, always with big smiles and hearty enthusiasm for the organization. All the officers and directors were reminded by Ray Nissan of the importance of their positions and called on the membership to support our leadership as we build the future of our organization.

A real Ozarks treat also was in store for the banquet attendees, in the form of a concert by noted local music historian Gordon McCann, showcasing his young fiddle player, Ashley Hull, as they worked through a presenta­tion of many of the traditional styles that have been seen through the long history of hill music. Gordon has col­lected and recorded thousands of fiddle tunes across the Ozarks, and rightly regards Ashley as a master of the traditional fiddle music heritage of our region. There were many good comments about this program, and deservedly so we think.

And so The Old Reliable Springfield Wagon, "The Only Wagon With Second Growth Spokes" came and went at the 80th Semiannual Meeting of M-WTCA. We hope everyone found a tool to cherish, learned something new, and had a great time in Springfield, Missouri.

Host Paul Reichert carefully checks out the trade room.

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Springfield, Missouri Displays by Bob Valich

The displays at the Springfield, Missouri, fall, tool meeting were outstanding. A good variety provided much interest for the viewers.

A few members created exceptional displays using the theme: "Tools That Took us West - Wagon and Carriage Making". Among those members was Richard Cole, who was awarded the Best of Show and the People's Choice awards, for his display, which was titled, "Repair Tools for the Wheelwright".

As always, the judges found themselves with a very diffi­cult job, with so many great displays to decide on. We kindly thank them for their time.

Whether in theme or not, displays are a very important and educational asset to the tool meetings. Each one of them, at Springfield, was greatly appreciated.

We hope to see more of these wonderful displays at the June, 2008 meeting in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Bob Valich, Display and Award Chairman

Richard Cole Best in Theme, Peoples Choice Award

Repair Tools for the Wheelwright

Grace Jenkins Goss Most Unusual Display

Religious & Traditional Rite Scissors

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Dave Miller Best Out Of Theme

It's All About Advertising

Bill Kolm The Best Stanley Fred Curry Award

Evolution of The Stanley Handyman Smooth Planes

John Walkowiak Best Single Tool Award

The Marketing of George Washington

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Jim Mau Whats New In Collectable Hammers

David Heckel Stanley Junior Jack Planes

Cecil E. Holmes Block Planes

Jim Davis The Bow Drill

James Goodson Renovation of Centuries Old Structure

in Germany Yields Ancient 17th C. Tools

Judges Choice Awards

Mel Ring Locking Mechanisms & Variations on

The Cam Principle

~"...,••~,.._~ • •o "•••-;,.,,,..,,.,.,,,.,.,

Laurent Torno 19th Century Danish Farriers Butteris

Phil Baker The Convertible

Randall Harris Bailey & Stanley No. 1 Planes

Wayne Gustafson Davis Level & Tool Co.

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In Der Muhle Staubt's {In The Mill's Dust} by Jim Goodson

Renovation of centuries old structure in Germany yields ancient 17th c. tools

From within the ancient walls of a centuries old mill among the rotted and worm eaten timbers to be replaced or repaired at the base of the walls, were found the various tools

and implements on display here today.

The 'Dippelmuhle' project consists of the renovation of three connecting buildings originally constructed between 1650 & 1750 in Bad Hersfeld (Hessen) Germany.

The 'tear out' of old rotted building materials in the base of the walls yielded an ancient float (referred to originally as a saw), a sharpening stone and nails that were used in the original mid 17th c. construction. Later along in the project renovation a tiny shingling hatchet (Beilchen) was reclaimed from among the roofing materials being repaired beneath the tiles of the roof.

The float shows considerable wear and could date much earlier than the date of this project as it, and the sharpening stone were discovered in the base of the walls between the timbers. This would have been among the first areas of construction to have originally taken place.

The tiny hatchet found resting on a beam under the tile shingles of the roof could date a bit later as repairs here would have been likely over the centuries. It is of at least 18th c. design however and it's wooden handle had disintegrated into dust and was not of a condition to be rescued.

The story of the rescue of these tools is a tribute to the sub contractor Daniel Orlov, a Ukrainian immigrant to the Bad Hersfeld area of Germany. It was his appreciation for early tools and his personal efforts that rescued these items from the disintegrating debris found in the walls of this structure and offered them up for the historical significance that they bring with them. Jim Goodson

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The Marketing of George Washington Display by John Walkowiak

George Washington was a hero to the citizens of the new United States, beginning in the Revolutionary War.

Then, as now, Hero's were someone the public looked up to and wanted an association of some kind to keep the hero close to them. There has always been someone to help fill this need.

The industries of Europe were only too happy to provide mementos of George Washington. They commemorated every part of his life from treaty signings, inaugurations, war bat­tles, his birth in 1732 and his death in 1799.

This backsaw is one of those marketing efforts, directed at the patriotic mechanic.

The large medallion features a profile likeness of George with the wording:

Exported Solely By W Greaves & Sons Sheaf Works

The steel back is stamped:

Slack & Sellar Graysond Improved Sheffield German Steel

Slack & Sellar was in business from 1833 to 1856. The Greaves & Sons mark dates from 1839 to 1841.

The saw may have been marketed to commemorate the centennial of his birth date. It seems to have been made a few years later, but we must remember that things didn't happen as quickly then as now. The sawmakers working dates that I found may not be accurate.

I hope further research provides more information on this very interesting tool. I would welcome any information you may have about it.

"Then, as now, Heras were someone the public looked up to and wanted an association of some kind to keep the hero close to them."

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Viewpoints From National Meetings by Nicole Borkovetz

As a new member of the Mid-West Tool Collector's Association, I am proud to accept the position to be a con­tributing editor of The Gristmill, and I am excited to get started on the assignment that has been asked of me. This article will be the first of many to share with you the experi­ences of individuals, both members and non-members, that attend the national meetings. I hope that by sharing the per­sonal experiences of others it will provide a new insight into this organization other than just the love of collecting tools.

To start out let me tell you more about myself. My name is Nicole Borkovetz and I am a structural engineer living in Waukesha, WI specializing in precast concrete structures. I have attended tool meets in the past with my father, Tom Borkovetz, and my late grandfather, Robert Borkovetz. It is from seeing their passion for antique tools and the quests that they have set out on, that I have decided to become a member. I also intend to carry on the wonderful traditions and rich heritage of this organization.

The national meeting held in Springfield, MO was the first meet I attended as a member. I was also fortunate to find another female attendee, Holly Kilgour, who was kind enough to share her experience with me. Below is what Holly shared with me.

When the phone rang that autumn day, I asked neither where nor when. I simply responded, yes. I had yet to go on a road trip with my father, who of late has taken to gal­livanting around the country like a traveling salesman. My father, Jim Bode, buys and sells old tools.

We began our journey for Springfield, Missouri, where one of the largest tool conventions was to occur, the national meet of the Mid-West Tool Collector's Association. For my father and I, the 10th of October began long before the sun came up. Our objective was to leave Upstate New York at 3:30 A.M. and drive incessantly until we reached our destination.

When I arrived at his house that morning, I found my father in rare form. He was positively brimming with odd jokes and sporting a wild grin. Traveling westward, I teetered between conversation and sleep, while my father battled his way through six states and a time zone of ever changing radio stations.

Our arrival marked the culmination of a shared, universal passion; hundreds of tool collectors, thousands of tools and a bond among people unlike any other. They are a rare breed of men and women who share a sort of fraternal kin­ship, the boundaries of which I have not yet experienced.

By day, we were wheeling and dealing; my father hunting for treasures among the many wares brought by enthusi­asts. By night, we wined and dined in luxury; once at the prestigious Tower Club Restaurant, which luckily for us required no membership.

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The finale of the Mid-West Tool Collector's Association National Meet in Springfield, was a banquet of grand proportion. For me, the banquet brought heightened anticipation, for I knew my father was to be made a club director. My father, Jim Bode, may be contacted via his website: JimBodeTools. com - The Largest Antique Tool Website on Earth.

With all that said, I had yet to go on a road trip with my father. The time we spent together has . allowed us to share many interests, while much of the knowledge I possess of all things antique may be attributed to the same. This trip was an affir­mation of the importance of things I have chosen to devote my life to. It was a reassurance to meet so many individuals who indeed felt the same. I found that one doesn't have to belong to an organization to be treated like a member. Such is certain­ly so of the Mid-West Tool Collector's Association.

I can truly relate to Holly by saying that there is nothing more rewarding than being able to spend time with my father doing something we both devote our lives to.

As mentioned before, the meet in Springfield was my very first as a member and I left with many fond memories and stories to share. When I reminisce of the national meeting I am reminded of a man who was giving demonstrations of the rare art of blacksmithing in the parking lot of the hotel. My father and I stood there and watched as he explained the techniques and tools he was using to heat and manipulate a piece of iron into an object whose identity was concealed until the exten­sive process was complete. We unfortunately did not get to stay long enough to see the end result; however, the time spent learning something new was more than intriguing.

Later that evening, we attended one of the hospitality suites where we reconnected with this gentleman we had met earli­er that day in the parking lot. He was the bartender in the suite and remembered us from earlier that day and asked us what we would like to drink. After placing our order he reached in his pocket and pulled out a short metal rod with a hook on one end, which I realized, had been the result of what he was working on earlier. As he opened our beverages with it, I think he saw the amazement on my face and my prior inter­est in his talent. He handed it to me and said I could have it.

Not only did I leave Springfield with a couple of antique tools, I left with a souvenir to remind me of the new people I met, and the feeling of being accepted into a group of peo­ple that share a common interest. I hope that everyone can take something away from being a part of this organization as I have.

I am looking for volunteers to share their personal experi­ences at the national meets. The next upcoming meet is to be held in Erie, PA, so if you are interested in contributing please email me at borkoven@msoe.edu. I look forward to the next assignment!

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Stanley Tools Puzzle ■ by Bill Kolm ■■■■■■ ■■■■■

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Across 2 'fype of rules with concealed & riveted joints 3 Stanley book "How to work with __ & wood" 6 Seven tools in one compact & practical form 10 A planing mill within itself 12 The type of ratchet on bit braces #8ll, #901 & #921 14 Wood used to make Stanley rules 15 The Cadillac of Stanley Bench Planes 17 Name of The Bailey Tool Company's line of planes 19 This Stanley #72 plane has a 90 degree V bottom 20 Famous Stanley Trademark name 25 Name of the rule with extra large numbers 26 Stanley screwdrivers with a red stained handle 27 Name for the #7 & #8 planes 29 The Tool Box of the 31 A Stanley easy cutting,shaping,long life blade with 450 sharp teeth 32 The #850 Stanley Tool ___ holds 50 tools 36 Stanley's line of heavy hammers, sledges and stone hammers 39 " __ push" tape rules 40 Level, plumb, try square, bevel, depth gauge & more all in one 42 Stanley's line of spiral ratchet screwdrivers 43 Rule joint with longer wings than the square joint 44 The back end of the plane is called the __

answers on page 40

Down 1 Name of special fitted handle & knob on the 10 ¼ plane 4 Stanley's steel construction toy set sold in the 1930's 5 The front of the plane is called the _ 7 Best chisels ever made 8 Stanley screwdriver unsurpassed for strength 9 This type of plane has a flexible steel bottom 11 Tool handle with 12 to 20 tools inside 13 Joint cut by the No. 444 plane 16 Practically unbreakable Stanley screwdriver handle 18 The Stanley No. 80 is called a cabinet __ _ 21 The Red & Gray line of tools started in 1954 22 Name for the #5 plane 23 Stanley #37 plane nickname 24 Household planes made from 1935 -1942 28 Plane used to plane a board to a rough dimension 30 Outer shell cover over the level vial case 31 The ___ Rule & Level Plant 33 Leonard __ _ 34 Name for the# 3 & #4 planes 35 To get 38 charts, order the Stanley Tool _ _ 37 Part of the plane that the blade is fastened to 38 Name for the #6 plane 41 Planes with the self-setting feature

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Committee Reports Membership by John Walkowiak

A Happy Tool Year to everyone! Would you like in 2008, to attend bigger and better meetings? Would you like to find some different tools for your collection or shop? Would you like to have someone interested in those extra tools you have been trying to sell? Would you like to add some more friends to your life? Well, this is your lucky day!

Here is the one-step way to achieve all the above: Bring some new members to your Area Meetings! Think about it. New members will want to buy tools they haven't seen before. New members may have tools they want to sell. New members will be interested in old tools, the same as you are - friendships are bound to be formed. Hey, this sounds better than a dating service!

From the Editor Welcome friends, to the New Year from your new Gristmill editor. Please let me introduce myself. My name is Bill Kolm and I live in Omaha, Nebraska. I am married to my wife Peggy and we have two grown children and three grandchildren. Our son, Brian, is an M-WTCA member also. I have been a member of Mid-West Tool Collectors Association since early 1995 and have enjoyed reading The Gristmill from the very first issue. The thought of me ever being the editor of such an informative magazine never crossed my mind.

Peggy and I attended the Fall National Meeting in Springfield, Missouri this past October and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. All the people were so friendly and the meeting ran so smoothly that we were both impressed.

When we checked in and received our packet for the meeting, we read the M-WTCA Needs You! flyer inside about the editor of The Gristmill position opening up. The flyer went into detail about trying to find a new editor and after being asked to become the editor, I became intrigued. After much thought and conversations with Dave Heckel, LeRoy Witzel, John Wells and Ed Hobbs, I did agree to take on the editors' job. I hope I can fill the shoes that the past editors have worn to make The Gristmill what it is today or perhaps even better. I have received a lot of guidance from Dave and Judi Heckel to get this first issue into print and for that I am very grateful. I have also had many emails and telephone calls from members congratulating me and giving words of encouragement. Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your support.

With a new year upon us I am asking all members for help. I would wager you really enjoy reading The Gristmill like I do and probably have never thought about writing an article for it. I thought the same, but in the past I have sent in a couple of arti­cles that were printed. You can't imagine how proud you feel

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If you have a neighbor or co-worker who perks up when you talk about your tools, treat them to a guest pass at your next Area meet. There is a good chance they will become a mem­ber. Carry a few membership brochures in your car, to give to interested folks you may meet at an auction, antique shop, or woodworking meeting. Invite them to check out the M­WTCA website. If you sell online or on eBay, mention Mid West in your listings, and include a membership brochure in the tools you send out. Contact me and I will send them to you. I want to thank those of you who are already doing this.

When you look in the mirror every morning you are look­ing at the best person I know of to talk up Mid West. The fun we all have collecting tools will only get better with new members. Let's start talking about Mid West!!

when you get that issue and find YOUR article inside and at the same time your articles keep The Gristmill going. If you have an idea for an article but not sure how to write it, please con­tact me, we can work through it and hopefully get it published. The Gristmill is written by the members for the members, so please consider penning something about your favorite tool, a piece about a recent area meeting or something I would like to see become a staple in The Gristmill: articles from members on how you became interested in antique tool collecting, who introduced you to collecting tools, why did you start collecting a certain type of tool, a certain company's tools or did you start with one tool and change in midstream to collecting something else? I know I can trace the start of my tool collecting to the exact moment and plan to write an article on that.

Inside this issue you will notice a couple of new features. We are starting two series' of informative articles by Bob Roger entitled "Tool Family Trees" and "Lest We Forget". These articles will educate and entertain us while we enjoy reading about tools most of us have never seen, let alone know anything about.

Another Gristmill addition I am submitting for your approval is a tool related crossword puzzle. Beginning with this Stanley Tools Crossword Puzzle which is considered an eas­ier puzzle, I may progress to moderately difficult if your feedback is favorable. Please try the puzzle and let me know what you think If you have ideas for future puzzles let me know and I'll try constructing it. Remember this is your Gristmill, so please feel free to submit any and all ideas.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to edit The Gristmill. I will strive to keep it at the high level of profes­sionalism it is known for.

Enjoy! Bill Kolm

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RG

Area Meets Area D Omaha, NE Meet by Lee Kallstrom

What a great day for tools! The membership came in ready to go. A bright sunny day after the first frost found every­body ready to talk tools. After a couple hours browsing, buy­ing, selling, and trading we went to work on some of the trickiest "What's it's" I've seen for awhile. The session was led by Marvin Bales and Jim Shald. They cussed and dis­cussed a couple dozen oddities and oldies and gave us les­sons on how it used to be on the farm, on the roof, and in the carpenters shop. Here are Jim and Marvin analyzing one of the many What's its that were brought in by the group.

The crowd kept inter­acting with each other and until it was time for some cool presen­tations by our mem­bers and guests. Bill Kolm shared his award winning exhibit (The Fred A. Curry Award for the Best Stanley Display) straight from Springfield. This was an extensive type study, still in progress, of the "Evolution of the Stanley Handyman Smooth Planes". Bill showed us a couple dozen examples, still in their boxes, of the com­mon to rare Handyman planes. He discussed the need for boxes to date, price, and otherwise distinguish between the old and the new. Listings from 1953 through 1985 demonstrate how the plane evolved side by side Stanley's other lines of planes. This is a most extensive type study and Bill's data base accompanying the planes is most impressive.

Here's Bill with his first place award from Springfield. Thanks again Bill for all the work you put in and a fine presentation.

We also heard from Cecil Holmes who brought a new and different display of

block planes. Makes you wonder where he could possibly keep all of his different variety of planes.

Susan Witzal had a very cool display called "Ghost Writers of the Past" which included books about wizards and such way before the Harry Potter craze. The interest in wizards and magic continues today as it did a hundred years ago. It was nice to see vintage books as good as the ones being published today.

A special guest, Jim Hogue from Winterset, Iowa presented an out­standing workshop on carving. Jim spent the morning describing the steps in creating ten inch high figures. The various steps from a solid block to a completed Santa or elf or other creatures were shown with models at each of the carving steps. He also demonstrated the carving of golf balls for decorations. These colorful carvings can be used for Christmas decorations and you never know what colors can be obtained. Jim talked about the types of carving tools he uses, some styles dating back some three thousand years.

Jim is one of those woodworkers whose passion for his hobby is radiated to all who listen to him talk

A perfect lunch was served after a very busy morning. Thanks to Fred and Sally Leu and Al and Rose Fetty for again hosting an outstanding morning of tools, talk and friendship.

Area E Meet, Carlinville, IL by Bob Terry

The 27th annual George F Alton Swap-O-Rama tool meet took place on a clear morning N ov.4, 2007 in Carlinville, IL. The hall was almost filled to capacity with every sort of tool and like minded collectors.

This was the second year for the Carlinville meeting loca­tion (formerly in Virden, IL). Co-hosts Jim Ballinger and Bob Terry were pleased with the club turnout and fine weather.

Many thanks to Robert Green who called our auction. There was a good assortment of tools provided by dealers and a lively auction went off very well.

We had membership applications and back issues of The Gristmill magazines available for prospective members by John Walkowiak. Several guests showed interest in joining the M-WTCA and one person gave me a completed application at the meeting.

Hope to see many of you at the fall 2008 meeting in Carlinville. Jim and I are making it available, but you the members make it happen.

March 2007 13

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Update on Disston Halfback Saws by Phil Baker

The Disston catalogs of 1876 and 1914 list the halfback saw as being brass backed and 14", 16", 18" and 20" long.

The 1876 catalog lists it as Gents' Halfback Bench Saw. There is no number given to it. The 1914 catalog lists it as Halfback Bench Saw #8. However, a halfback in the collection stamped H. Disston & Son on the back has a clear etching showing it as a #8 putting it before the 1876 catalog. The label screw and etching on this saw are marked H. Disston & Sons indicating a transitional period.

It looks like Disston's original intent was to market the saw for home use but tradesmen thought it to be a good article for their tool box.

The earliest halfback in the collection has the first type Disston label screw. It is 14 inches long with a 4 inch brass back and apple handle. It is carved at the base and is ½ inch smaller in height and length than those that fol­lowed. I'd put its date of manufacture shortly after 1846. Photo #1.

I will include the saw that has been named the Fullback at this point despite the cast that it's back from handle to tip is 12 5/8 inches long on an 18 inch blade. The two cove handle design appears and is continued as long as the halfback was made. All other characteristics of a half­back are the same. It was proba­bly made sometime before or after 1854. Note - one other of this type is known. Its label screw is the first type putting it several years earlier than the one above. This saw to my knowl­edge was never listed. Photo #2.

14 The Gristmill

Now for another unlisted type. The 14 inch marked H. Disston & Son on the 4 ¼ inch back and Disston and Sons on the label screw and etching is ~ steel back nickel plat­ed, not brass. Photo #3.

Some time ago Carl Bilderback gave me a call. He had a halfback and the back was steel. After he gave me a full description, I asked him if he had removed the handle. I directed him to do so and call back Twenty minutes later he inf orrned me that there was nickel plating under the wood. So now we know Henry Disston and Sons made more than one. Are there any more out there?

Halfbacks to this point had the angle of the grip at 25 degrees off a plum line from the saws teeth. This was con­sistent with back saws to ca. 1846 when they changed the angle to saws 12 inches and under to 35 degrees off plumb. After this point, all halfbacks were 35 degrees off from a plumb line drawn from the teeth. The greater angle was more user friendly for working at a bench.

A 16 inch blade in the collection has a 5 ½ inch back ( ca. 1885) and another 18 inch has a 6 inch back ( ca. 1900) which seems to indicate the blade and back lengths were coordinated. The ca. 1900 saw is the first in my collection to be marked with the teeth per inch number, which is 12.

I acquired another half back recently. I latched onto it mostly because it was in better condition than the one I had from the same period. Later giving it the once over I noticed the handle looked smaller and yes, the blade looked shorter. So measurements were

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in order. The blade came first - sure enough it was just 12 inches (not listed). My first thought - had it been altered? My opinion was negative. Then on to the handle. It was the same design as all the oth­ers except the oldest one. Yet it was the same size as the 1846 period saw which is ½ inch less in height and width than those types in between. The brass back on this one is 4 ½ inches and the blade is marked with a 12 for the number of teeth per inch.

So now there is another unlisted half back Check your half backs to see if another exists. It looks like this 12 inch blade with a smaller handle may be rare.

To sum things up:

# 1 - Halfbacks have apple wood handles.

#2 - The hand opening in the handles 2 ¾ inch was the same in all saws.

#3 - Beginning in the 1890's the back of halfbacks were steel plated brass.

#4 - All models with the exception of the earliest had 2 cove handle design.

#5 - Look for the unexpected, take nothing for granted.

"If you have something rare or different share it with others, the rewards are marvelous. "

"Look for the unexpected, take nothing for granted."

#6 - If you have something rare or different share it with others, the rewards are marvelous.

My e-mail address is phillipw14@msn.com and telephone number is 941-485-6981.

March 2007 15

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Book Review Wrench Patents 1790 -1911 Steven Eckers. 290 pp., 8 ½" X 11" softbound, 2007

Available from Steve Eckers 11 Blythe Pl. E. Northport, NY 11731-3219 or www.wrenchbook@yahoo.com $35.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling in US. ($10 for Canadian postage).

Steve begins with a dedication and explains when, where and how he started collecting tools and later concentrated on wrenches. He can even trace the transition period to one auction which set him on a course to eventually write his wrench book.

Through his research, he discovered a multitude of differ­ent wrench names which led him to several years of work resulting in a very detailed informative book.

Wrench Patents 1790 -1911 features five chapters. The first three chapters contain lists of over 5200 wrench patents by numerical order, alphabetical by inventor, and alphabetical by state and town, making it easy to look up your wrench patent. In chapter four, Steve lists some very good information for the reader to use while doing research of their own including some very helpful tips for looking up patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office. The final chapter lists some wrench patents with drawings to fill out the book nicely.

--Bill Kolm

continued from page 2

And speaking of meetings, it looks like we have a good number of Area meetings scheduled for 2008, and they should be off and running by the time you read this. Area meetings are very important to the membership and a key benefit of belonging. Attending them is one thing, but think about being a part of them by doing a demon­stration, having a display, offering to put on a program or in some way helping out with them. I think I can guaran­tee that you will learn a lot and get a lot back in return! When Area meetings are more than just "swap meets" and include displays, demonstrations, programs and sharing sessions, I think everyone enjoys them more. I know that I do! Hope to see you at some of them this year.

As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions, questions or just want to "talk tools," please feel free to contact me at (919) 828-2754 or hobbsed@portbridge.com - east coast time.

--Ed Hobbs

16 The Gristmill

Wrench Patents

1790 - 1911 .2-i??,;/

J'lc,. 186!.

Compiled by Steven Eckers

STANLEY HANDLED HAMMERS

The heads are made of special steel, carefully forged, hardened and tempered.

The handles of selected second growth white hickory.

The improved method of fastening the heads to the handles makes it practically impossible for the heads to fly off.

The No. 12- 10 ounce is especially designed for Manual Training use.

We would w.elcome an;Jopportunity to tell you rr.ore about this exceptional line of hammers.

STAN LEY Ru LE & LEVEL Co. NEW BRITAIN, CONN. U.S.A.

Out Stanley ad takenfrom 1917 Industrial Arts magazine.

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Obituaries Ethel Judith ''Judy" Dauten

Ethel Judith "Judy" Dauten, 93, of Calverton Park, Missouri, died sud­denly November 17, 2007 a month short of her 94th birthday. Judy was born in 1913 in Southern England.

During WWII she worked for the British Admiralty and married Louis Dauten, Sr., a Major in the

U.S. 8th Air Force. She came to America with her hus­band after the war.

Judy was a stay-at-home mom for several years. Eventually she began substitute teaching at the Lutheran Grade School in north St. Louis County that her son attended.

Judy went back to school and graduated from Stephens College with a teaching degree when she was 64 years old. She earned certificates in Leaming Disabilities and Behavior Disorders.

Her husband, Louis, passed away in 1989.

Judy taught first in the Lutheran Schools of North St. Louis County and later in the St. Louis City school dis­trict. She taught until she was 82 years old. In her final year of teaching, she met Chuck Garrett and thru him became involved in the Antique Motorcycle Club and the Midwest Tool Collectors Association. Together she and Chuck made several trips to Europe for the annual Indian (Motorcycle) Rally held in Scotland, Holland, and England.

Phillis A. Ballinger

Phyllis Ann Ballinger, 64, of Atwater, IL. passed way November 27th, 2007 after a struggle with leukemia. She was the wife of M-WTCA Area E Carlinville, IL. tool meets Co-promoter Jim Ballinger. Phyllis was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Phyllis just retired in November 2007 after 35 years at M.J.M. Electric Coop. in Carlinville, IL. as a computer operator. She was a huge Elvis fan and memorabilia col­lector, she also enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by her husband Jim, one daughter Brenda Kromer of Carlinville, IL. and two sons Brett Ballinger of

In the weeks prior to her death, Judy and Chuck attended the MWTCA Semi-annual show in Springfield, Missouri where she regaled the ladies at the Women's Luncheon with stories about her life as a young girl in England dur­ing WWI and her life in London during World War IL She and Chuck also attended the MWTCA regional show in Carlinville, Illinois in November.

In addition to her involvement with the Antique Motorcycle Club and the Midwest Tool Collectors Association, Judy was a long-time member of the D.B.E. (Daughters of the British Empire) as well as a member of the Welsh Choir. She also volunteered at Christian Hospital Northeast right up to the end.

Judy is survived by her son Lou (Sue) Dauten; grandchil­dren Michael Dauten, Randy Fortin and Gary Arent; her companion, Chuck Garrett and countless friends.

Television station KETC has begun airing a series called "Your Stories - St. Louis Remembers WWII" in conjunction with the stations showing of Ken Bums' documentary film "The War." Members of the St. Louis community were invited to submit their memories of the war years. Judy went to a friend's home where the television station recorded her recollections. You can see the video by searching for Judy Dauten on the station's web site: http://www.ketc.org/yourstories/

Brimfield, IL. and Lance (Leisha) Ballinger of Carlinville, IL. Mother Louise Lard of Litchfield and Father Maynard Boedecker of Litchfield and one brother Maynard (Pixie) Boedecker of Kansas, IL. Three sisters Connie Niehaus & Judy Ragland of Litchfield and Linda & John Stewart of Gillespie, IL. and four grandchildren.

Services were held at Zion Lutheran Church in Carlinville at 10:00 AM on December 1st, 2007. Burial was in Bethel Ridge Cemetery near Atwater, IL.

March 2007 17

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Initials Used for Tool Markings by Tom Lamond©

Some of the more common initial markings encountered on axes and forestry tool.

On a number of occasions inquiries are received related to tool markings that are comprised of initials and what the groups of initials stood for. These initials were usually inde­pendent of any logos, designs or symbols. In most cases the questions received relate to axes but in many situations the markings were used on other tools as well. For this discus­sion past tense is used because the practice isn't very com­mon nowadays and, where it is, it seems to be a continua­tion of what was originated during the last century.

Of course the practice can be traced back considerably further but this discussion concentrates on letters that were die cut or machine made. In most cases the initials were stamped or pressed into the metal portions of the tool. In other cases the initials were pressed into the wood, sometimes with a hot stamp. That process is commonly referred to as branding. Generally speaking the initials were applied mechanically rather than being hand struck.

Determining the meaning of certain letter combinations is often somewhat challenging. One must consider that many of the markings that consisted -of initials represent entities that are no longer in operation. Other combina­tions were related to localized companies or agencies. Considering the general category of tools or what they were used for can be helpful. In the case of this discussion the types of tools are axes as well as similar and related tools. The term "similar tools" refers to bush hooks, adzes, Pulaski tools and some other fire fighting tools. "Related tools" refers to sledge hammers and picks. That doesn't mean the markings weren't used on other tools. They cer­tainly were especially when related to logging, railroading and public works. Construction and landscaping tools were often branded on the handles ( ex: shovels, rakes, etc.). When some tools broke or were worn out they were discarded and the branded handles frequently ended up being cast aside or burned. That would account for fewer

18 The Gristmill

examples of branded tools compared to tools marked on the metal components.

A major consideration involved when reasoning why axes and other tools were marked was to deter theft. Another was to keep track of which tools belonged to a specific group, especially if the group provided tools to transient workers and the tools were drawn from a common inventory. In some situations an organization might have had different crews working together so additional identification may have been required. Adding a marking that identified a specific crew could also provide such additional identification for overlap­ping groups. That could be accomplished by adding numbers or secondary initials. Rapid recognition could be accomplished by applying different colored paint.

Some groups required such large amounts of tools that they contracted to purchase them in bulk When that was the case a manufacturer or wholesaler would add the markings and they would tend to be uniform. When lesser amounts required identification a group would have their own employees add markings. That resulted in some irregularities; misaligned and/or unequally spaced lettering or markings applied in different places on different tools.

The most common groups to mark their axes and other tools with their initials were logging companies, usually the larger ones, railroads and government organizations.

Other circumstances in which initials were used involved some axe manufacturers when they marked their own products. Quite frequently the companies involved included a specific name accompanied by Edge Tool Co. or Axe & Tool Co. The end results then included E. T. Co. and A. & T. Co. after a lead initial.

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The use of initials didn't necessarily mean the axe or other tool didn't include additional identification in the form of a label or etching. Many did, some of which rep­resented the manufacturer while some represented the wholesaler or distributor.

When considered collectively, there are a number of agen­cies and organizations that may have used axes and other tools that bore identification initials. Some of those agen­cies and organizations may have had limited amounts of axes and or other tools that were marked and determin­ing their actual identity has yet to be accomplished.

Examples of axes and/or other tools identified with ini­tials that represent one specific company or agency may be quite difficult to find or possibly even impossible to validate. The reasoning behind the scarcity of such marked tools is that those administering the programs and dispersing the tools cast a very dim view on those that failed to return the tools after each and every use. Maintaining an accurate inventory in such cases was absolutely mandatory with the ramifications of failing to account for everything being a paramount consideration. Cases in point... road gangs and other overseers of "supervised" manual labor.

As always, I welcome comments and input. Resolution of what groups of initials stood for in regard to the unidenti­fied markings, along with any valid additions, will be appreciated. Please contact:

Tom Lamond at TomLamond@aol.com or at the address in the M-WfCA Directory.

A. A. & T. CO. American Axe & Tool Co.

A. F. & H. CO. K.A.& T.CO.

American Fork & Hoe Co.

King Axe & Tool Co.

W. A. & T. M. E. T. Co.

Mann Edge Tool Co.

Warren Axe & Tool Co. Examples of Manufacturers' Marks

SFS SOC State Forest Service State Dept. of Corrections

SDF State Dept. of Forestry

Some marks were used by more than one agency. Some added letters for a specific state.

us us MANN 1945 PLUMB

Marks used on military hatchets and axes.

U.P.R.R. N.Y.C.S. Union Pacific Rail Road New York Central System

There were scores of railroad markings.

US-OCHS CO. wus

Observed marks not yet unidentified

M-WTCA exposure at Woodcraft Store by Carl Bilderback

On December 8th Randy Brown and I spent some time at the Woodcraft Store in Merrilleville,Indiana.

We were there for a dual purpose.I was invited by store owner Alan Huls to demonstrate my band saw re-sawing method, as the advertised event, and we were also given an opportunity to promote M-WTCA membership.

I really enjoyed the re-sawing demonstration,since there were no embarrassing moments when things didn't go as planned.

Also it is not often that I can be the center of attention in a group of people who think I really know what I am talk­ing about.

Randy gave out several M-WTCA applications and signed up one new member Pat Thomas.

March 2007 19

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Rinehart Museum Auction Yields Patented Saw From Alton Illinois By Mike Urness

Last year marked the beginning of the end for the massive collection of tools and other historic artifacts amassed by the former Elmo Rinehart and displayed in the different buildings of his RRR Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Elmo was pictured in the February 1991 issue of Smithsonian Magazine with part of his 10,000+ wrench collection.

The Parker Braden Auction Company, of Carlsbad, New Mexico was contracted to sell the collection and real estate. After the first of several weekend auctions, Bus Haury, President of the Missouri Valley Wrench Collectors, and I were hired by the auctioneers to come down to Carlsbad and help sort out the tools. We were asked to identify and tag the better ones for the subse­quent three or four sales.

After three full days, our work was winding down. The computer bags and brief cases had been loaded into the rental car, and we were just about to leave to go back to the hotel, when I spotted an odd looking buck saw stick­ing out of a big drum filled with wood scraps, garbage and a few long handled gardening tools.

It was no ordinary looking buck saw; it had a single wood­en handle with an iron frame, consisting of an elliptical shaped member attached on one end to the middle of the wooden handle, and the other end to the end of the blade. An iron tensioning rod has been forge welded to the top of the frame. The end of the tensioning rod passes thru the top of handle. The tensioning rod is threaded on the end, and a wing nut is used to tighten or loosen the blade. Near the weld, and deeply stamped into the iron is "L. HAN­COCK MAY 9, 1871."

After scribbling down the name and patent date, we arrived back at the Best Western Hotel only to find the high speed network was still down (it was down for our entire stay), so there was no easy way to search the DATAMP site or the USPTO for the patent information. No information could be found on L. Hancock in any of the resource books we had with us, including the Directory of American Toolmakers. Only after arriving back in St. Louis days later and being able to go online, was I able to find the patent. It had been granted to Leonard Hancock who lived in Alton, Illinois, a scenic little town on the Mississippi River just a 40 minute drive from my home in west St. Louis County.

A few trips to the Hayner Library in Alton, yielded little information on the saw itself, but two feature stories about Hancock himself appeared in the Alton Evening Telegraph newspaper the first in 1908 and the last in 1912 just three years prior to his death.

20 The Gristmill

Leonard Hancock was born in 1825 in Lower Franklin, New Hampshire. He married Mary Hazeltine. In 184 7 the couple along with Hancock's uncle, David Sanborn, moved to Bunker Hill, Illinois in Macoupin County. Hancock worked as a laborer while in Bunker Hill and for at least a little while, he worked for his uncle who was in the cattle business. The 1850 Federal Census lists Leonard Hancock living in MacOupin (Macoupin) County, Illinois. This almost certainly refers to the town of Bunker Hill, Illinois which is located about 20 miles northeast of Alton & 70 miles south southwest of Springfield, Illinois.

The 1860 Federal Census shows the Hancock family as Leonard Hancock, 35; Mary Hancock, 38; Henry Hancock, 16; Ellen H. Hancock, 10; Mary A. Hancock, 8; Martha Hancock, 6; and Emily J. Hancock, 3. This listing is the

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first and only census that listed a son, Henry, living with his parents.

Hancock moved his family to Alton in 1864 after passing up a business venture with his uncle that involved ship­ping cattle by boat to New Orleans. He began working as a sawyer shortly after arriving in Alton.

He was granted the patent for his "Improvement in Saw Frames" on May 9, 1871. It is not known at this time who manufactured these saws, but there were a number of blacksmith's listed in the Alton directories during that time, so it may have been one of them.

Hancock assigned his saw patent to James Newman, a saloon keeper whose saloon was just around the comer from the Hancock residence. Interestingly enough, neither of the two feature stories about Hancock that appeared in the Alton Evening Telegraph Newspaper mentioned the fact that he had patented a saw. Both stories do, however, mention that Hancock worked as a sawyer and general laborer and that he was still working well into his 80s.

In one of the newspaper articles, Hancock is said to have sawn 7 chords of wood in one day at age 86.

The final Federal Census in which Leonard Hancock appears is the 1910 Census. At the time, Leonard Hancock, 85, is listed living with three adult daughters; Ellen H., 58; Mary A., 52; and Emily J., 49. Daughter Martha had died in 1907. Leonard's wife Mary had died in 1903.

Leonard Hancock lived to be 90 years old. He died in Alton on December 1, 1915 and is buried in the Alton Cemetery with his wife Mary ( d.1903) and four daughters. The head­stone on the family plot looks to be a modem replacement. It lists Leonard, Mary and the four adult daughters but gives no birth or death dates for any of them.

The 1912 feature story about Hancock, said he "hated slavery with all the strength of a New England repugnance." In the arti­cle, this was the reason given for his refusal to go to New Orleans to work for his uncle. He did not want to be put in a position of having to use slave labor. It is interesting to note that Hancock is buried just -down the hill from a monument honoring Elijah P. Lovejoy, a noted abolitionist and newspaper publisher, who was killed in Alton by an angry pro-slavery mob in 1837. [Sara J. Holmes and Robert St. Peters contributed to this story.]

l. HANCOCK. Improvement in Buck-Saw frames.

No . 114,554. ,.,utol llay 9, 1871

He was granted the patent for his "Improvement in Saw Frames" on May 9, 1871.

March 2007 21

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Live Free or Die Antique Tool Auctions The World's Largest Specialist Auctioneers oj'Antique Hand Tools

A Division of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools, Avoca, New York

(800) 869-0695 · Please Plan to Join Us at Our Auctions! · www.mjdtools.com

Eleven Great Auctions in 2008

Listed Auction: Friday, March 21 Auctioneer: Catalogue Auction: Saturday, March 22 Auctioneer: Listed Auction: Friday, April 18 Auctioneer: Catalogue Auction: Saturday, April 19 Auctioneer: Catalogue Auction: Friday, May 30 Auctioneer:

Ramada Inn Indianapolis, Indiana Bill Baxter Ramada Inn Indianapolis, Indiana Bill Baxter Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Holiday Inn Albany, New York Paul Wilmott

Mid-West Tool Collectors Semi-Annual Meeting Catalogue Auction: Saturday, June 14 Erie, Pennsylvania Auctioneer: Bill Baxter Open House Auction Martin J. Donnelly & Joint Tool Meeting Avoca, New York August 1 & 2 Auctioneers: Listed Auction: Friday, September 26 Auctioneer: Catalogue Auction: Saturday, September 27 Auctioneer: Listed Auction: Friday, October 17 Auctioneer: Catalogue Auction: Saturday, October 18 Auctioneer:

Bill Baxter & Paul Wilmott Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Holiday Inn Everett Turnpike Nashua, New Hampshire Paul Wilmott Ramada Inn Indianapolis, Indiana Bill Baxter Ramada Inn Indianapolis, Indiana Bill Baxter

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Our searchable CD Rom Antique Tool Value Guide, a $29.95 value, will be sent to you free of charge when you subscribe to our 2008 auction catalogues. More than 50,000 photos, descriptions and prices from our auctions over the past five years are included on the CD.

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Subscribe to our Tool Auction Catalogues for 2008 and Save! ~ Six Full Color Auction Catalogues ~ Five Listed Auctions of 901 to 17 51 Lots Each ~ Six Searchable Auction Preview Photo CD Rom Disks ~ Free 50,000 Item CD Value Guide with Subscription ~ All EIGHTEEN Publications Just $75.00 ($4.41 Each)

r-------------------------------------------• r - - - - - -: - - - - - - - , Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools · PO Box 281 · Bath NY 14810 · (800) 869-0695 1

Enclosed 1s $75.00 (Check, I 1 MOor Credit Card), Name: _________________________ : 1 Please send all Eighteen Address: I 1Auction Publications. Each City: _____________ State: __ Zip: ____ _ mailing is approximately 3 Credit Card (Visa/MC/ Amex/Disc.) Exp /

1 weeks be/or sale date. Order • • ----------- -.-1 online at www.mjdtools.com Hint: Leave this page open where a loved one can find it . • ~-------------------------------------------~

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........ ,)It"·••;;._• · .. .,,,r. . , '«:. --... ~· f L. ,• ". 't._'V ' \•. .. , , ...,,., .: •, .... ~ • • ... ,, -f - - .- - '\- . ..•• -- -----

Shown Above are a Few of the Select Quality Lots to Be Sold at the Erie Meeting

Please Plan to Join us in Erie!

At the request of the M-WTCA Spring Meeting Planning Committee, we will be hosting a catalogue auction of 601 Lots on Saturday, June 14, 2008 in conjunction with the 2008 M-WTCA Spring Meeting in Erie, Pennsylvania. Our auction will feature great tools

from the collections of Alvin Sellens of Augusta, Kansas; Mike Slasinski of Saginaw, Michigan; John Hawk of Cody, Wyoming, David Pierson of Woodland Hills, California and scores of other collections in the U.S., Canada and overseas.

Where: Bay Front Convention Center, Erie, Pennsylvania When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 What: Catalogue Auction of 601 Select Quality Lots Who: M-WTCA Meeting Attendees and the General Public Why: To help make the Erie Meeting the Biggest and Best Ever

Questions? ... Please Give Us a Call at (800) 869-0695

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RG

Roger Smith's Super Collection of Stanley Planes sold in Harrisburg John G. Wells© October, 2007

Roger K. Smith consigned his extensive collection of Stanley planes to the Brown 31st Auction, held October 27, 2007 in Ramsburg, PA. It included an almost complete range of Stanley planes, making up 256 Lots or almost one third of the auction. Roger's tools were in outstanding condition, many were in the original box, and caused a considerable stir among collectors who were eager to buy an example, or sev­eral, from one of the world's finest collections assembled by the man who wrote the definitive work on American patented planes, P-TAMPIA Vol's I, & II.

The auction included a wide range of other great tools, includ­ing four important plow planes, any one of which would be the star in any collection: a bronze Phillips plow plane, a Millers patent No.50, an Ohio Tool Co. ebony center wheel plow plane, and an Israel White three arm self regulating plow. In addition there were plenty of wonderful patented planes, levels, inclinometers, rules, wood plow planes, sur­veying instruments, catalogues, and promotional material to keep collectors of all interests happy.

Prices quoted in this articl£ include the 10% buyer's premium. Auction estimates, in square brackets, follow each item. Photos are courtesy of Brown Auction Services.

A small sampling of Roger Smith's Stanley Planes

Wood Bottom Planes in exceptional condition

Lot46

Lot 659

A Stanley Gauge No. G26 wood bottom jack plane (Lot 46), with 99%japanning and most of the original finish on the wood, almost new and shown in P­TAMPIA, was rated Fine+ and brought $275 [175-250]. A No. 26 wood bottom jack plane (Lot 659), in spectacular condition with 99% japanning, an almost perfect decal on the top front, and rated F ++ sold for $302.50 [ 150-250]. A rare Type 1, No. 5 Boston Bailey (Lot 192) wood bottom smooth

plane, with banjo spring, solid nut marked "Boston", 55% japanning, in extra nice condition and shown in P-TAMPIA I, p.50, was rated Good and brought $550 [300-500].

Bench Planes

A No. 2C smooth plane, (Lot 739), in the original box with some wear, rated Fine++ sold for $3,300 [ 1600-2200]. A No. A5 aluminum jack plane (Lot 489), in new condition, in the original box with light wear, not- Lot 739 ing a tear at the comer, and rated Fine++ brought $2,090 [1100-1500]. A No. 62 Low angle jack plane (Lot 616), in the original box, with a sweet heart trade mark, shown in P-TAMPIA I p.245, and in Fine+ condition sold on an absentee bid of $4,950 [1200-1600]. A No. 64 Butcher

24 The Gristmill

Block plane (Lot 570), with the rare serrated cutter, 100% japanning, and rated Fine ++, sold for $2,860 [2500-3500].

The No.164 Low Angle smooth plane (Lot 656), basically a short version of the No.62 and a nice plane to use because of its size and heft, was only offered from 1926 through 1943 and was high on most Stanley collectors want list. This example had the orig­inal graduated cutter, was in Fine condition, and was a good value at $2,970 [3250-3750].

Lot 570

Lot 656

The offering of Bed Rock planes included: a No. 602 smooth plane (Lot 245), late style with flat top sideboards, "Bed Rock" on the lever cap, nearly 1000/4 japanning,

Lot 245 and rated Fine went for $880 [900-1200]; a No. 604-1/2 smooth plane Type 3 (Lot 249), early style with round top sideboards, 97%japanning, and in Fine++ con­dition, sold for $467.50 [350-450]; a scarce No. 605-1/4, Jr. Jack plane (Lot 252), with 98% japanning, fine wood, and in Fine condition brought $495 [350-450].

Block Planes

A No. S18 folded steel block plane (Lot 483), doubly scarce in the orig­inal box-tool mint, box worn­and rated Fine++ sold for $550 [200-300]. Lot 39

A No. 120 Type 2 block plane (Lot 39), extremely rare and lit­tle understood, with an early six point star lever cap having the small central hole, a cast cylindrical receiver for the front knob, 70% japanning, and rated Good+ sold to an absentee bidder for $550 [ 400-700]

Rabbet Planes

A No. 10 Bench Rabbet, (Lot 650), with the scarce first lateral adjustment, and near 100%japanning, paired with a No. 5-1/4 bench plane, with 95% japanning, both planes Fine, sold for $715 [250-450]. The No. 10-1/4 rabbet plane (Lot 564), a 1930's example with tilting handle and knob, near 100% japanning, excellent wood, and rated Fine brought $1,320 [650-850]. A No. A78, Aluminum Duplex Rabbet plane (Lot 574), with a nice finish on the aluminum body, proper fence and depth stop, and in Fine condition sold for $495 [350-450]. The No. 90J bullnose rabbet plane (Lot 33), non-adjustable, made in the U.S.A, with 95% japanning, and in Fine condition was a good value at $632.50 [700-900].

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Specialty Planes

A No. 9 cabinet makers miter plane (Lot 323), with side han­dle, 92% japanning, nice pati­na-it sparkled-was in Fine condition, and sold for $3,740 Lot323

[1800-2400]. A No. 13 Circle Plane (Lot 315), a Type 2 and shown in Bailey's 1871 patent, in hardware store new condi­tion, with 96% japanning, polished smfaces clean and bright, was rated Fine and brought $412.50 [200-300]. The Bailey Victor No. 20 Circle plane (Lot 646), was designed and manu­factured by Leonard Bailey in Hartford, CT after he left

Lot 646

Stanley. This example had both original Bailey medallions, the later cam lock lever cap patent­ed Sept.25, 1883, 97% nickel plating, was in sparkling Fine++ condition, and was a good value at $880 [900-1500].

A No.72 Chamfer Plane (Lot 623), with the Bull Nose attach­ment, in the original box, sweet heart trade mark- tool mint, box had edge wear-in Fine++ condition sold to an absentee bidder for $3,850 [1200-2000]. The No.72 and box were shown in P-TAMPIA Vol's I and II.

A No. 87 Scraper plane (Lot 648), marked "Patent Applied For", with 100% japanning, perfect wood, correct almost new blade, and in Fine++ condition, sold for $1,980 [2000-2500]. Lot 648

AN o. 144, 1/4 inch size Comer Rounding Plane (Lot 320), "Patent Applied For" on the body, 94% japanning, and in Fine condition sold for $715 [225-325]. A No. 196 Circle Rabbet plane (Lot 331 ), with both cutters, fence, and depth stop, 92% bright nickel plat­ing, in Fine condition sold for $1,705 [1200-1500].

Lot 652

A No. 340 Furring plane (Lot 652); with 100% japanning, per­fect wood, shown in P-TAMPIA, near mint, and rated Fine++ brought $2,750 [2000-2400].

A No. 444 Dovetail plane (Lot 632), with 4 cutters in the origi­nal wood box, both spur blocks, 99% nickel plating, all packed in

Lot 632

the original card­board box with a nearly full label, a joint diagram in the lid, the color instructions, and rated Fine sold for $1,870 [1200-1400].

Combination Planes

A No. 41, Type 2, Miller's patent plow plane (Lot 709), with fillet­ster bed, wrap around and straight fences, 9 cutters, nearly mint and in Fine+ condition brought $2,860 [2500-3000].

A No. 42 bronze Miller's patent plow plane (Lot 707), with fillet­ster bed, bronze wrap around fence, straight cast iron fence, 8 cutters, 97% japanning, wood fine, shown on the cover of P­TAMPIA I, super nice, and rated Fine sold for $4,125 [3250-3650].

Lot 709

Lot 707

A rarely seen first model of the No. 46 Type 1 Dado plane (Lot 310), significantly different than Type 2, with the Girl Scout motif on a low rise fence, 45% japan­ning, crossover depth stop, in

Lot 310 Good condition sold for $2,090 [2200-2800]. A mint Stanley No.

46 Dado plane (Lot 621) in the original picture labeled box, 90% label, 12 cutters in a wood box, all in Fine condition went for $3,300; again condition wins over rarity.

The last model of the No. 143 Miller's patent convertible Bullnose plow plane (Lot 706), not made to hold a filletster bed, with "No 143" cast on the right side near the handle, "Made in USA" on a simple fence with a wood facing, both nose pieces, 98% nickel plating, fine wood, 8 cutters

Lot 706

in a wood case, and rated Fine+ brought$ 962.50 [900-1200].

The Stars

One of only two known ebony No.113 Ohio Tool Co. center-wheel plow planes (Lot 638), and the only one with six ivory tips, had a rosewood bridge, only a few small dings on the top of the nose, and was in Fine con­dition. Bidding opened at $18,150

Lot 638

and closed on a $34,100 bid from the floor [28,000-38,000]. The Ohio No.113 was shown on the rear cover of an Ohio Tool Co catalogue, published in the 1860's, where it was credited with winning the First Premium Award at the 1853 New York Worlds Fair, establishing that the Ohio Tool Co made center wheel plow planes well before Sandusky was founded in 1869.

Lot345

The Bronze Type 1 Phillips plow plane (Lot 345), one of three known examples with "The Phillips Plough Plane Co. Boston, Patented Aug. 31, 1867" and "Cast by the Metallic

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Compression Casting Co. No. 46 Congress St. Boston" engraved on the skate was found in a rubbish dump, it was cleaned, and the damaged walnut handle and fence piece were replaced with rosewood. It sold for $1,700 at the first Brown Auction held in San Diego, CA, in 1986. It sold again at this auction, 21 years later, where it opened at $19,250 and closed on a bid from the floor of $39,600 [27,500-37,500].

The Miller's 1872 patent No. 50 plow plane (Lot 705), unusual in a black japanned finish, and probably cast by the same Metallic Compression Casting Co. of Boston who cast the

Lot 705 . bronze Phillips plow, still had 85% of the japanning. It was in Good+ condition, opened on an absentee bid of $10,450, and closed on a bid from the floor of $15,400 [14,000-18,000].

The Israel White three arm plow plane (Lot 512), a very early and historically significant self regulat­ing plow in beech with ebony arms and wedge, was stamped with model "No.160" and "JS" for James Silcock. Silcock was the bench Lot 512

hand who made the plane, and later had his own plane manu­facturing business in England. It was rated Good+ for condi­tion, and sold for $9,020 [12,500-14,500]. The self regulating fence was adjusted by a central threaded screw that was cap­tive in the fence. This feature was covered by restored patent 7951X issued January 9, 1834, but the design obviously predat­ed the Nov. 12, 1833 broadside illustrating the plane.

Patented Planes

A Boston Metallic Smooth plane (Lot 296), with open slots in the bed, a clover leaf design on the lever cap, and a Stanley replacement blade in Good+ condition was a good value at $1,210 [1500-2000]

A 7 inch adjustable Boston Metallic block plane (Lot 298), having a six pointed daisy on the lever cap, the typical turned down blade,-this one

Lot298

marked "American Mfg. Co, Phila"- with 90% japanning, a tiny chip in one comer of the mouth, but otherwise in Good+ condition, sold on a bid from the floor of $1,320 [500-800].

Lot 300

26 The Gristmill

A scarce Meriden Malleable Iron Co. No.3 size smooth plane (Lot 300), with an adjustable cutter and throat, 93% japanning, a small piece off the edge of tote, and rated Good+ brought $935 [1200-1600].

A rare Union No. 44, 1/4 inch size Beading plane (Lot 305), plating worn but otherwise in Good condition attracted considerable interest and sold in the room for $2420 [ 1500-1800].

A 10 inch Morris smoother by Sandusky with parallel sides (Lot 553), the patent date "Nov. 8, 1870" cast in the throat and a dia­mond grid sole, was one of three Morris bench planes offered by

the Sandusky Tool Co. Examples are seldom seen in this condition, it had 90% japan­ning and exceptionally nice wood with much original finish, it was rated Fine, and sold for $3960 [2200-2800].

An unusually fine example of the Mayo's Boss plow plane (Lot 34 7), was finished in the typical gold colored paint and then decorated with fanciful scroll work in several colors, in Lot 34 7 addition the four engraved locking screws and the round arm were nickel plated; a rare plane made even more special. It was in Good+ condition and a good buy at $1,870 [4500-6500].

A. Bailey Victor No.12-1/4 fully nickel plated adjustable block plane (Lot 360) with 25% of the plating present, in Good con­dition went for $825 [450-850].

An L. Bailey Split Frame Shoot Board plane (Lot 364), one of only two known, this one was a later style with a lever lock lever cap, had a small chip in the side Lot 364 rail at the nose but otherwise was in Good+ condition and sold for $5,500 [12,000-15,000].

An L. Bailey No.5 vertical post jack plane (Lot 366), with a solid back lever cap, Butcher iron, 80% japanning, in Good condition, went for $2,090 [2500-3500]. An L. Bailey No.4 ver­tical post smooth plane (Lot 370) with 65% japanning and in Good condition sold for $2,310 [3000-5000].

An unusually small Knowles type smooth plane (Lot 546), only 7-1/4 inches long with a 2-1/4 inch iron, an open tote pro­jecting beyond the rear, almost new looking wood, and rated Fine, sold for $2,200 [2750-3750]. A rare Loughborough Fillister Plane (Lot 552), with the proper fence, but a rough re-placement depth stop and lacking the spring steel lever cap, was in otherwise Good condition and was a good value at $3,190 [2750-3250].

A Metallic Plane Co. adjustable Filletster plane (Lot 560), with a simply decorated fence, 90% japanning, in Good+ or better condition was a good buy at $1,980 [2750-3250].

Lot552

Lot 560

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A Metallic Plane Co. 15 inch, Type 1 bench plane (Lot 549), Palmer1s Patent May 14, 1867, with the three lever adjust­ment, the top of the handle shaped like a riding boot, 90% japanning, and in Good+ con­dition sold for $418 [250-450].

Lot 557

A Phillips plow plane Type 1 (Lot 557), listed as Type 3, had triangu­lar bosses on both the top and bottom of the frame, and was stamped "Babson & Replier and C.C. Harlow, Maker, Bridgewater, Mass." It had 55% japanning, proper beech wood, two depth stops, was rated Good+, and went for $1,210 [1000-1400].

An exceptional Rodier patented smooth plane (Lot 548), with the original paper label, 98% japan­ning, and excellent wood with most of the original finish, was in Fine+ condition, and sold for $3,080 [1600-2200].

Lot 548

Lot554

A very rare Sargent No.1506 bull­nose Lady Bug rab-bet plane (Lot 554)- the depth stop and fence were only furnished on the No.1506-1/2- with 100% · nickel plating, and in Fine condition brought $1,430 [600-800].

Levels, Inclinometers, and Rules

The extremely rare R. I. Frambes gravity inclinometer (Lot 532) labeled "Champion Graduating Plumb & Level", 16 inch, patent­ed September 2, 1884, with a pendulum type dial in front of a graduated scale, a beveled glass dial cover, and a hang hole, but otherwise in Good condition, sold for $1,760 [1500-2500].

-· .· Lot 532

A very rare Kraengel spirit inclinometer (Lot 534) patented August 17, 1880, Buffalo, NY, had two vials mounted at 90 degrees to each other that can be rotated and the angle read on a silvered dial. It was dense mahogany, 16 inches long, had a caliper rule that slides out of one end, was rated Fine and brought $3,740 [2000-2500].

Lot534

A scarce 24 inch Davis Level & Tool Co. combination level and inclinometer (Lot 516) with 85%japanning and in Good condi­tion sold for $412.50 [1200-1600].

Lot 516

A Stanley No. 85B Ivory two foot, four fold rule (Lot 426), rare with brass hinge and tips, which dates it 1859 or before, with very light yellowing, strong markings, and in Fine condition brought $1,980 [1200-1600].

A very unusual one foot, three fold, Ivory arch joint rule (Lot 4 70), by T. B. Winter of Newcastle on 'lyme, with light yellowing but otherwise in Good+ condition went for $660 [150-300]. The deal­er from England who bought it said he had never seen one before.

Miscellaneous

A Stanley 1939 Happy Carpenters win­dow display (Lot 612), very colorful, with 10 carpenters each performing a different task using the appropriate Stanley tool (not included), in unused and Fine condition was a good value at $3,850 [5000-8000].

A prototype for the Stanley No.610 hand drill (Lot 649), without the caddy for drill bits that was added in the pro­

Lot 612

duction model, and with a differently shaped handle and gear wheel than was used in the production model, with 95%

Lot 65

Japanning and paint, rated Fine, sold for $770 [800-1200].

A lovely Whitney's hand drill patent May, 4, 1886 (Lot 65), black japanned with gold and red decoration, by Tower & Lyon, in the original wooden box with a good inside label, 98% finishes, most of the original drill bits, and in Fine condition brought $1,155 [800-1200].

Auction Summary The auction contained 793 lots, and yielded an average price of $544 per lot. Prices for Stanley items from Roger Smith's Plane Collection were generally strong; especially for lots rated Fine to Fine++. Important and rare patented planes continue doing well.

Several items were purchased by the D'Elia Antique Tool Museum in Scotland, CT, where they will be on display for all to enjoy. Go to www.deliatoolmuseum.com for details.

1"It is interesting to note that the Sandusky Tool Co. was begun in 1869" from John Moody, The American Cabinet Makers Plow Plane, p.33. Also see: Direcwry of American Toolmakers, Robert E. Nelson, editor, published by EAIA 2John G Wells, "Who Made the Miller's 1872 Patent No. 50 Plow Plane?" The Gristmill, June, 2006. 3Moody, op. cit, pl6-17.

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When & How to Dispose of Your Collection by Bob Roger

The following is a presentation given at the November 17, 2007 meeting of tool collectors in Broadway, VA. Because of its gen­eral interest, it is being submitted to the Gristmill.

The Rules of Collecting

Collecting tools is like going to school - you have the opportunity to learn a lot but you probably won't leave it having made a lot of money.

First rule of collecting - buy what you want to learn about and have fun with, NOT as an investment. Why? Assume you collect only top end tools for 20 years at an average cost of $100 a tool, ending up with 1,000 tools. Your total investment was $100,000. You luck out and the prices double (100% increase), so you auction the collec­tion for $200,000. You pay the auctioneer 30% ($60,000), leaving you with $140,000. Then you pay a $10,000 capital gains tax on the $40,000 profit. Your net profit is now $30,000. Now let's assume that instead of buying tools over those 20 years you invested the same $5,000 each year in tax-free bonds that return a measly 4%, and you compound the interest. Your net profit would be well over $50,000 versus the $30,000 from your tool collection.

Second rule - tool collections are worth nothing if nobody wants them. Where will new collectors will come from? Collectors must be developed - if they did not grow up see­ing their grandparents or parents using the tools, they may have few memories to pull them into collecting. Because of rapid changes in technology, we may be the last genera­tion to have those memories. New collectors must see tools in use (demonstrations), they must handle them and see how they were made (displays), and they must be able to read about them and associate with other tool collectors (EAIA, MWTCA). Our organizations are very important, but we must reach wider than our current membership.

Third Rule - acquire and preserve a quality collection. Buy high quality and uncommon items. Cull and upgrade on a regular basis. You will not get back what you pay for common/inferior/broken tools. Collect those items only for research, learning, parts, etc. Keep records on each tool - number it, record purchase information, add what you know or learn about it. Clean your tools carefully, keep them in a humidity-controlled environment if possi­ble, and protect them. Let your tools live - don't bury them. Research them, document them with patent infor­mation and references, display them, talk about them, use them in demonstrations, write about them. Put a label on each tool where significant information is known. The label on some could end up being worth more than the tool. Why collect if you aren't learning about your collec­tion? And if you are learning about it, please leave that information with the tools, so it doesn't become lost. Remember, WE are STEWARDS of The PAST.

28 The Gristmill

Fourth Rule - taxes may be avoided. Your collection may be worth more than you think, so taxes should be understood.

• Federal estate tax - it is 45% if the current total market value of the estate is over $2 million (through 2008) or $3.5 million (2009).

• Federal capital gains tax - it applies when your collection sold. The capital gain (selling price minus cost basis) is tax­able on the tax return for the year sold (schedule D)You're your collection is 'passed' to a joint owner ( e.g. spouse) the same cost basis applies, so it is important that she/he have access to your records and understands them. She/he will have to pay the capital gains tax using your original cost basis when she/he disposes of the collection. If your collec­tion is inherited by someone who is not a joint owner ( e.g. your children) the cost basis is automatically stepped up to the value at the time of inheritance. If the collection is sold during the settling of the estate ( usually within about 1 year) there is no capital gain and no capital gains tax. If the prop­erty is to be kept, it should be appraised to establish new cost basis for their tax records for when they do divest of it. For major collections, official written appraisals should be obtained using qualified appraisers recognized by the IRS.

Options for WHEN to Dispose of a Collection

There are only two options for when to dispose of your collection - while you are alive or after you pass on - and there are pros and cons with each option.

1. While you are able to inform the new owner or seller about the items.

Pro: Some of what you know about them can be passed on.

If selling, you can ensure that appropriate reserves are set and that sale lots are appropriately arranged.

Con: May have to pay capital gains tax unless you donate the collection.

2. Let it pass to your heirs.

Pro: If not a joint owner, their cost basis is increased so taxes reduced.

If they don't sell, they have the pleasure of ownership.

Con: Possessions mean less when not involved in acquiring them (the fun is in the journey).

They will have to handle the disposition process.

If more than one heir, there is a chance of disputes

They may know nothing about the stuff and sell it for much less than it should bring.

What you have learned about the tools may be lost

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Options for HOW to Dispose of a Collection

You have three general options for how to dispose of your collection - donate it, let it pass to your heirs, or sell it.

If you choose to donate it to a museum, you will receive a tax write-off. But there is a huge IF involved - IF you can find a museum that is interested in it. IF you do, in all like­lihood you must give up all rights to it, unless you also endow the collection with funds for its upkeep, storage, etc. Even if the museum is interested, it probably will keep the few items that fit its theme and needs and will sell the remainder. And what happens over time if/when the museum's interest changes? We all have seen what happens to a museum collection that doesn't get cared for. Don't misunderstand, I am all for museums and for donat­ing to them. But you should be aware that there is not a line-up of museums waiting for every collection, and there are usually strings attached.

The second option is to let it pass to your heirs or desig­nated recipient. That option was just covered and, if you remember, there were more Cons than Pros to that option. But if you have heirs who are interested in it and have the means to take care of it, it can be a very good choice. But notice that there is an IF it that statement also.

The third option is to sell the collection. A wise father told his collector son "It is much easier to buy than to sell". Amen to that! Harry Rinker 1 recently discussed how the historical perspective on selling has changed from when many of us started collecting to today's selling environ­ment. A collection used to be worth more as a unit than if broken up. Collectors would value each item, add it up, and then add a 20-30% premium to determine the final sell­ing price. This premium was based on two assumptions -that the collector was to be rewarded for the time and effort spent in building the collection, and that the buyer would save time and effort assembling a collection by buying one as a unit.

If the buyer was already an advanced collector, the assumption was that he/she would trade or sell the dupli­cates to other collectors. Trading and swapping was prevalent throughout much of the 20th century.

But two things began happening in the 1970's. Many col­lectibles began to have significant price increases, and the size of many collections began growing - an average-size collection in the 1950s or 60s might be 50-100 items, while today an average-size collection may be 500-1,000 items. These two factors combined to result in an average collec­tion no longer being affordable as a unit by most collectors. So, beginning in the 1990s the way we thought about selling reversed itself. Instead of selling at a premium, collections being sold as a unit started selling at a discount and buyers began expecting a 30-40 % discount for 'buying it all'.

Some additional factors supporting this reversal are:

1. Most collections contain many commonly found items that are a glut in today's market, thanks to on­line auctions, and are hard to sell at book value.

2. Many collecting categories are failing to attract a steady supply of new collectors, so existing collec­tors tend to be more advanced and generally not interested in the common items.

3. Trading and swapping has become less prevalent. Attendance at annual conventions (where most trading occurs) is slowly decreasing for many clubs, and that trend may continue (travel problems, inter­net forums). Trading today is usually between two high-end collectors for scarce items.

4. Today's collectors get instant gratification by buying common items on the Internet.

So, what used to be true - the whole is more valuable than the sum of its parts - is no longer true for most collections. In the 21st century the sum of the parts is far more likely to worth more than the whole.

Many of our current collectors specialize more than in the past. Their focus has narrowed due to the cost and space required for building a significant collection. That means if you have a general collection for sale, your potential buyers may be made up of many different specialists rather than one generalist. A buyer is only interested in items that he/she does not already have, or that are in bet­ter condition. A dealer is only interested in what can be quickly (3 months or less) re-sold at a decent profit. More than half the value of most collections rests in the top 10-15% of the items. These are the easiest to sell, and today most buyers only want those items. And they also want a discount! After a collection has been 'cherry picked', what remains may be difficult to sell.

Options for How to Sell a Collection

As just discussed, collections don't usually sell as a unit. They are usually broken up into lots. But there are notable exceptions, so you may want to look for possibilities before resigning yourself 'individual' sales.

Here are six ways to sell your collection 'by the piece'.

1. Open an antique mall booth. There are tool booths at many antique malls, so it is being done successful­ly, or so it seems. Pricing may be tricky, stocking and attending may be time consuming, and if many of your tools do not sell quickly and you have to pay a monthly mall fee, the effective result will be an increasing 'commission' paid to the mall.

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2. Sell individually or in small groups at an on-line auc­tion service such as eBay. EBay fees may range from 4% to over 500/4 depending on selling price, and if using Paypal you may add another 3-6%. For example, for a $50 sale today the eBay plus Paypal fees would total approximately 12% ($6.06). If you choose to use a list­ing agent to do the work, you will also pay a commis­sion to them. You will achieve better results if the per­son listing your items (you or your listing agent) is both knowledgeable about your tools and is known and respected by the tool collectors who will be bid­ding. Trust is important for achieving the highest prices on-line where the items cannot be inspected.

3. Sell individually or in lots privately to other tool collec­tor( s) or dealers. This takes a lot of work and a good network, and you better know how to price your tools.

4. Have them sold at a Public Tool Auction ( e.g. Donnelly, Brown, etc.). Know your auctioneer, and expect to pay 10-25% of total sales to the auctioneer. Get ( and understand) a written contract that covers your interests, and have your lawyer approve it. One potential drawback is that the auctioneer, because of the huge volume of tools that are auctioned, may group many items into large lots ( sometimes 30-40 items) that may sell for maybe $60, which is maybe $2 a tool, and after their fee you may realize $1.50 a tool for the· items in the lot - probably a lot less than you paid for them. However, they will probably get very good results for your high-end items, and judging by the number of these auctions this is a popular choice.

5. Consign them to a dealer to sell for you. In this option, make sure you know your dealer very well.

6. Consign them to a 'private' auction at a tool group gathering. There are several of these every year ( e. g. PATINA, RATS, Ed Hobbs' Area M-WTCA event, etc. in the mid-Atlantic area). Expect to pay a 10% fee, but you may be able to arrange the groupings of the lots yourself.

At a recent tool meeting one of our members shared his records from selling part of his tool inventory over the past two years. These were mostly not his top-of-the-line tools. He sold via four different methods - personal con­tact sales, a mall booth, consignment to a tool dealer, and a public tool auction. During this period he sold 686 tools ( spread well over the four venues) for an average sale price of $100 per tool. After subtracting his cost and any commissions he paid, his net gain (loss) was as follows: Personal sales + 11 %, Mall sales -12%, Commissioned Dealer sales -21 %, and Public Auction sales -43%, for an average net profit (loss) of -25%. Again, remember that these were good tools but not exquisite tools.

At the same meeting a few other collectors/dealers who have divested recently reported similar or better results (e.g. breaking even or a very small profit), but no one reported making a killing.

I would encourage The Gristmill to perhaps consider a reg­ular feature where collectors who HAVE KEPI' RECORDS and have divested could report anonymously on their results. I think it would be very inf orrnative over time.

And, in closing, please go back to the beginning of this article and read the First Rule of Collecting again.

Notes:

1. 'How Should I Sell My Collection?' Harry Rinker, Antiques & Collecting Magazine, July 2007

A Bicycle Garage

THE GARAGE IN USE ON "l'HE SCHOOL GROUNDS.

From arwther p!,ace and time when teerwgers actually rode bicycles to High School is this photo taken from a 1923 Industrial-Arts Magazine. It shows a bicycle garage built by sophomore boys at the Penn High School in Greenville, Pa. The structure held 75 bicycles on any given day and ''provid­ed proper care and protection of the many bicycles". The approximate cost, including lumber, roofing, nails and painting was $67. Now think way back, how many bicycle garages have you ever seen?

30 The Gristmill

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ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION May 2 & 3, 2008 Humboldt, Iowa (Fairgrounds Building)

The Bob Elgin collection from St. James, Missouri and select consignments from collections in OK, MO & IL. Thousands of tools & tool related material to be sold in 1400+ lots. Preview Friday 8 -11 :35 AM & Saturday 6:30 to 8:35 AM

Stanley Planes: #2, 3, 3C, 4, 4C, 41/2, 41/2C, 5, 5C, 51/4, 5 1/2, 5 1/2C, 6, 6C, 7, 7C, 8, BC (5), 10, 10 1/2, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 27 1/2, 28, 31, 33, 39 1/2, 40, 40 1/2, 45 (9, one in tin box), 46 (3), 48, 49, 50 IOB, 55 (2 , one in tin box), 60 1/2, 65, 71, 71 1/2, 72, 79, 80 scraper (4), 81, 85 scraper, 90, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 110, 112, 113 (3), 118, 122, 127, 140, 190, 203, 248, BEDROCK 603; 603C;, 605C (3), 605 1/2C, 607, Other planes: Union #2, Siegley #2 plow w/cutters; Chaplin's, Winchester W220; Sargent 73 mini router, 106, 407, 3740, Union 33 & X6; Marsh M4 1/2, KK6C, Zenith; Ohio Tool Marks Patent block plane; many others. Other Stanley Items: No. 1 Odd Jobs (3 different), rosewood panel gauge; marking gauges; butt gauges; scrapers; catalogs, spokeshaves, fine #993 corner brace;

Wooden Planes: Fine Ohio Tool #105 ivory tipped boxwood plow; Ohio #104 boxwood plow; Bensen & Crannell rosewood plow; 40+ wooden molders inc. complex, dado, beads, hollows & rounds, plus a full range of wooden bench planes .. Edge Tools: Slicks; long and short handled adzes; Axes inc. D.R. Barton & Beatty broad axes, Hatchets, coopers chamfer knife; assorted beading tools & Cincinnati Tool shaves; Bob's extensive assortment of chisels, carving gouges & scarps used in bowel making; 20+ drawknives inc. 8 with folding handles. Levels: Davis 6-in. inclinometer in pasteboard box; Davis 4 1/2-in. machinist; Davis & Cook; Davis Robinson No. 8, More than 40 other levels some rosewood or mahogany, several to be sold in lots.

Saws: Over 100 hand saws several like new inc. Disston, Atkins, Bishops, Wheeler; back saws, buck, crosscut, keyhole, saw sets, vises Boring Tools: Braces, breast drills, chain drills, push drills, hollow augers, dowel pointers, patented auger handles, auger bits, ''T" augers, boring machine (needs work), Keen Kutter ratcheting screwdriver, Decatur Coffin Co. screwdriver ...

Wrenches: 30 plus adjustable bicycle wrenches, numerous adjustable pipe & nut wrenches, unusual pliers, other wrenches. Ephemera: 1 00s of tool catalogs including originals by Stanley, woodworking books and 1 00s of magazines inc. Fine Woodworking; Popular Woodworking, Wood, Popular Science ... Misc. Tools: Treadle-powered jig saw, small wooden carvers bench; two lots NOS axe handles; Winchester grinder; tool chests, tool boxes, vises, bench screws

For complete list with links to photos: http://homepage.mac.com/ratdaddy/Auction2008.htm

Stick around for the MWTCA Area D Tool Show on Sunday in the same building.

Don Ervin's Antique Wrench Auction April 18-21, 2008 - York, Nebraska

(in conjunction with the Missouri Valley Wrench Club Spring Meeting)

AUCTION STARTS AT 1:00 P.M. FRIDAY ( approximately I hour after Wrench Club Meet ends)

AND AT 9:00 A.M. SATURDAY and 8:30 A.M. SUNDAY AT THE CITY AUDITORIUM, 6TH & NEBRASKA AVENUE YORK, NEBRASKA Tork i,s located 40 minutes west of Lincoln, 90 minutes west of Omaha, and 60 minutes east of Grand Island ( two

miles north of J-80, Exit 353). The Tork City Auditorium i,s I block east of the Courthouse on 6th Street.

Auctioneer Greg Kastli Waterloo, Iowa Phone: 319.230.0719 www.kastliauctions.com ratdaddy@mac.com

Sale Manager Mike Urness Great Planes Trading Co. St. Louis, Missouri Phone: 314.434.4325 KAZZCAM@gmail.com

Auction Manager: Don 'Bus' Haury 7913 SW 24th, Halstead, KS, 67056 316-283-5876 or 316-284-7345 donhaury@southwind.net

Collection owner: Don Ervin 1395 Newbury Neck Road 207-667-3716 donhaury@southwind.net dervin@miniat.com

Don Ervin of Surrey, Maine has been collecting wrenches for almost twenty years and attended most of the major wrench meets and auctions during that time and amassed a large collection of rare and unique wrenches, both adjustable and farm implement types. Included in this first of two sales are rare cutout wrenches including: Zenith, Bradley's Wonder, Ames, and a very rare Deere variant with two hammer polls. There are a large number of other John Deere wrenches including: a King Corn Silo and both large and small letter Dains plus examples from almost all the other farm implements manufactures.

Among the nearly 2000 wrenches in this auction are rare and interesting wrenches from all the different categories of antique wrenches with examples for the most advanced collectors to those just starting to collect. Already cataloged are over Seventy buggy and wagon wrenches including a No. 1 Oliver and a Kinsman and Merrill patented combination adjustable wagon wrench with an oilier. Especially well represented are examples of quick adjusting type wrenches and combination type wrench/tools and by far the largest collection of "enhanced" Crescent type wrenches that we have had the opportunity to catalog. Other categories include; a large number of H. D. Smith Perfect Handle wrenches and tools, many "double-enders" including Baxters, Crescents, etc., a large selection of automotive wrenches, many ratchet wrenches including a "one off" Bemis and Call monkey wrench and ratchet prototype, A nice selection of adjustable alligator wrenches including a very scarce Whitman and Barnes, and several impressive looking foreign made wrenches.

The Auction Catalog with all lots pictured will be on the web at www.wrenchingnews.com A printed catalog with all lots pictured will be available by March 15. Absentee bids will be accepted.

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Collection Spotlight by Dave Heckel

Kerry McCalla likes to call his collection "eclectic." It contains a varied group of woodworking tools along with a large selec­tion of Edward Preston & Sons tools. He started collecting woodworking tools that he liked back in the early 1970s. Trips to the Nashville, TN flea market started him on col­lecting the tools that began his collection.

Kerry and his wife Lynne joined M-WTCA in 1976 when they met Ken Wasson, who was a member who lived in Indianapolis, and he encouraged them to join. They met Lynn Hazelwood from TN and he showed them some slides from a M-WTCA semi-annual meeting, and then they went to their first meeting. Frank Flynn sold him a "mini" collection of Preston tools and Kerry then found out that Preston was a British manufac­turer of tools that was located in Birmingham, England. Since he was living in Birmingham, AL at the time, a con­nection was made. Preston made tools, cutlery, and other hardware items. In 1912, Preston made 362 boxwood rules, 64 ivory rules, 228 brass and steel rules and 333 levels. In 1979 Ken Roberts published a reprint of the Edward Preston & Sons catalog, and Kerry began to hunt for more Preston items. The collection grew with the hopeful pur­chase of a Preston tool at each meeting he attended. There are now 112 tools made by Preston in the collection.

Kerry collected tools that he could use in giving programs to non-collectors on the transition of a tool from its incep­tion to its final form. He began to give programs on various tools to groups. Sometimes he presented to technical col­lectors who wanted to know every detail and nuance of a particular tool, and sometimes to complete novices that were told about the functions of woodworking tools.

32 The Gristmill

Kerry's wife Lynne began collecting musical tools to go along with Kerry's woodworking tool collection. These were tools that either made or repaired musical instruments. Her education background is in Musical Therapy, which uses music as a different form of expression in therapy.

Kerry related that the most important thing that he has learned about tool collecting is that " ... examining the item is more important than the acquisition part of collecting." Kerry and Lynne started going to M-WTCA meetings for the tools, but keep coming back because of the people. When people come to their home, they both like to share the collection of tools with the visitors. "The lore, the learning, and the love of tool collecting," are the things that make the collection important.

I asked David how he got started in Winchester collecting. He replied, "Back in 1992 my neighbor gave me a 1923 Winchester catalog reprint, and as I looked through it, I saw a claw hatchet that caught my eye. I went to my father's old toolbox and pulled out that exact Winchester hatchet. I searched some more and also found two Winchester wood chisels." That started the collection.

As David obtained more Winchester tools and other Winchester items, the need devel­

oped for a place to display them. Rather than sitting in storage boxes, David wanted to let them be seen. David looked for a building to use, but finally decided to build in the side yard of his home. Due to neighborhood associa­tion requirements, the building had to match the existing house and be attached by a breezeway.

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In addition to some original display cabinets, David dis­plays some of the items in an antique pie safe that was purchased in Illinois at a farm sale for 75 cents. That pie safe has traveled the world. It has been with David to Libya, Indonesia, and all over the United States. Represented in the collection are tools, fishing tackle, golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats & gloves, knives, razors, cutlery, paint & brushes, fans, a heater, a toaster, flashlights, garden tools, a wagon, a scooter, and lots of advertising items. Winchester Repeating Anus Company started 11The Winchester Store11 to market all of these items back in the 1920s. It was developed to provide a use for the physical plant that went unused after World War I ended.

David related, 11I have enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for the tools. The telephone calls from people answering my ads, attending auctions and M-WTCA meetings, and the unan­nounced items coming in the mail are what make the collecting fun. 11

"The lore, the learning, and the love of tool collecting," are the things that make the collection important.

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Lest We Forget by Bob Roger

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

The Bread Rasp

Early brick and wood stove ovens often did not uniformly heat the baking area, and bread having one side burned or charred was a common result. Thus was invented the bread rasp, a do.mestic and bakery tool that was used to "scrape off' the charred portion of the crust. They were usually home made although some were factory made by the late 1800's. Some homemade versions used a "punched out" portion of a tin can for the rasp. They were made in a variety of shapes and were also called bread graters.

Tool Family Trees By Bob Roger

Shown below is a set of 3 tools that have a common connec­tion to each other. Can you figure out what the connection is for the three tools? If you need a hint on this set think "nephews of Eli Whitney". The answer to this intriguing Tool Family Tree can be found on Page 40.

34 The Gristmill

This example is made from a single piece of pine 11 inch­es long. The block at the end of the handle is about 4½ inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 ½ inches thick. The rasp side of the block is curved along its length by ½ inch ( chord to surface). The rasp surface consists of 232 teeth, made by driving 116 flat staples through strips of¼ inch thick leather and nailing the leather strips to the pine block. The staples are ¼ inch between legs, each leg being ¼ inch long on one edge and 3/s inch long on the other edge, resulting in a 1/s inch long point on each leg. When driven through the leather only the 1/s-inch points project to form the rasp. The staples are aligned with the points sloped toward the handle. There are 29 rows of staples, 4 staples in each row. The rows are 1/s inch apart and every other row is offset from the previous row by 1/s inch side to side.

Bread Rasps were probably used for a variety of purpos­es. This one took a lot of work to make and, because of its excellent condition someone must have taken great care not to abuse it.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob has graciously agreed to supply us with Tool Family Trees and Lest We Forget articles for future issues making this a new series. We sincerely hope members will enjoy and learn from them. Member feed­back is welcome.

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What's It First - I want to thank all the folks who identified Item 129-2 as the Thayer Universal Tool, Pat. No.241893, a combo kitchen tool and trivet. There isn't enough room to give all of you credit. Your response was great. I got copies of the patent and copies of advertisements. Your participation is what enables me to write this column. I know very little about most tools and nothing about the rest of them. Please keep sending in your valuable input.

Fig. 130-1

Convex side

Fig. 130-1: This item seems to be mostly made of wood with metal adjustment fittings and four holes near the top. The foot pieces are adjustable. The threaded metal rod coming up from the bottom looks as if it could have adjusted the foot piece up or down by 5 to 6 inches although it is not moveable at this time.

Fig 130-2

Fig. 130-2: The information on this item is: overall length is 12", handle 4 ½" oval shaped wood, "blade" is 1" wide and ¼" thick along the center. The distance between points is 5/16". Both sides ground as depicted (note secondary grind along one set of sharp teeth), and very sharp rounded end.

Fig. 130-3

Fig. 130-3: (Measurements are approx.) The total item: base is 7 ½" L & 14" H. The insert shows the top as it closes over inner parts of base. The inner part of the base is a triangle shaped piece 2 ¼" long and ½"wide at base and not sharp. The two blades in the top are approx. 4" long and sharp from the point where they meet to about 2 ¾" toward the hinged end. When the top is closed, the two cutting blades pass closely by the base, cutting tip and sides of triangle, but not the bottom. Note, even when closed, it is open all the way through from front to back, with front & rear open­ings ¾" wide and widest width between cutters is 5/s" wide. It is not known if the desired product is what is cut out or what is left after piece is cut out. The cutters are not heavy.

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.

Please keep sending your ideas and answers or pic­tures of future "what's its" to: Virginia White, PO Box 1418, Angels Camp, CA 95222 Phone (209) 728-2142. E-mail: vwhite1557@earthlink.net.

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M-WTCA Auxiliary Lynne's Lines From The President

I send all of you my heartfelt wish for a Happy New Year! Seems like ages ago that I was writing my first greetings to you; so much has gone on since then. Here in Tennessee, we have actually seen some snow this week (Feb 12th) which makes us feel real wintery down here. For some of you it is not a big deal to even mention; to others you may feel smug because you do not get snow and do not want it. I'm happy to have winter when we are supposed to have it! Now that's what we Nashville folks talk about in January.

Thank you to all the women who stepped up to a commit­tee assignment as follows:

Audit - Sue Bacheller Awards - Jan Dill, Pat Feezer, Kathy Voght Book Review - Jeanne McDonald By-Laws - Kathy Hobbes Program - Paula Cox Social - Doris Hardy Ways/Means - Miriam Seevers Webmistress - Rita Myers

Riverbluff Cave by Susan Witzel

Jan Dills certainly followed her Show Me theme in Springfield, Missouri, by introducing Matt Forir, the lead paleontologist for what is believed to be the oldest known fossil cave in North America. Riverbluffcave.com makes for very interesting reading. The cave, accidentally dis­covered on 9/11/01 when road crews were blasting a new road outside of Springfield, Missouri, was brought to life by Matt. He explained his excitement to over 70 members of the auxiliary and their husbands while using slides to illustrate his points.

In order to preserve this ice age time capsule in its pristine condition, the county covered the entrance and created an airtight locked door and passageway to guard against intruders. Everything in this cave has gone untouched for at least 55,000 years. Findings have been dated in the

Auxiliary Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

36 The Gristmill

Lynne McCalla Judi Heckel Jane Giese Barb Slasinski

I am sitting here thinking about something else too. How did I ever get to be the Hostess for the Erie Meeting in June 12-14, 2008? I am only supposed to be the President for the first time! Well I may be coordinating it, but many of you will be the real hostesses. Please say yes to being asked to do some little part in making this meeting hap­pen! Our Theme for the Auxiliary displays and programs will be Fancy Things, for Fancy Ladies. As I said at Springfield, fancy does not mean expensive, ornate or frilly things or people. Fancy is just a high-faluten' way of saying SPECIAL. So think of something special that maybe a special lady in your life owned or did for you. Have Fun!!

We will have a "Meet and Greet" which is our regular Show and Tell program, some special speakers, our Book Review of Delia Parr's A Place Called Trinity and a New Time we are calling "Work, Play and Talk" You will just have to come and check it all out.

See You in Erie!

--Lynne McCalla

Pleistocene Age - 1.8 million to 11,000 years ago. They include snake skeletons, fossilized turtle shells, small rodent tracks and skeletons, tracks of a 300-pound pecca­ry, and numerous bear and large cat claw marks. Matt believes extinct short-faced bears that stood 15 feet tall and weighed 1400 pounds once hibernated here to escape the Ice Age winters. These findings have all come from the very top layer of mud found inside the cave. The Caver's Creed: "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot­prints, kill nothing but time" assures us that the scientific value of the cave will be preserved for future generations of scientists to explore when research tools and tech­niques are more advanced and high-tech. Matt and his capable staff will continue to explore and Show Us newly discovered treasures that lie under the surface of the land called Missouri.

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

Bill Kolm, Editor, The Gristmill 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623

handymankid@cox.net

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Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon - Springfield by Jean Royal

Our lovely hostess, Jan Dills welcomed us to Springfield. Once again we welcomed back Maggie Risley to give our invocation. It was so good to see and hear her give a spe­cial prayer again. We had a lovely luncheon with the Officers at each table, to be sure there are no strangers in this group of ladies.

Susan Witzel, President, opened our business meeting. Judi Heckel gave out the names of the winners of the displays -eight wonderful tables. Harriot Baker welcomed Julie Kesterson as a new member to the Preservation and Education Committee. Phil and Harriot Baker will stop at Mt. Vernon on the way home and the toolbox will be completed. Barb Galafaro presented the motions made in the Executive Committee. First, that the Book Discussion Group be a standing com­mittee. That motion was approved and a new motion pre­sented that there be a standing committee formed for Membership. That will be voted on in the next meeting.

Lynne McCalla announced the next meeting in Erie, PA and said that she and Paula Cox would be assuming the hostess responsibility for this meeting. The theme for this meeting will be "Fancy Things for Fancy Ladies." The book for the discussion will be "A Place Called Trinity."

Wilson's Battlefield Tour by Susan Witzel

Two busloads of M-WTCA members and wives arrived at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, to learn more about the battle which marked the beginning of the Civil War in Missouri. A battle map showing troop movements, along with a film, told the story of the battle at the visitor's cen­ter where pictures of various generals and arms were dis­played. Missouri's strategic position on both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers gave it strategic importance to the outcome of the Civil War.

The Ray house, which was used as a field hospital after the battle, still stands on a hillside surrounded by rock walls and split rail fences. From this vantage point, the battle on Bloody Hill was visible. The women and chil­dren of the household were sequestered in the cellar while the battle raged. The men watched from the vantage of the front porch. General Lyon, the first Union General to

Barb Galafaro thanked every­one for the books for the sale and reported a profit of $321. 00 from the three book sales and $124.00 from pins. As the meeting adjourned, Harriot Baker installed our new officers in a candlelight ceremony, which has become tradition. Our new officers are: Lynne McCalla, President, Judi Heckel, Vice President, Jane Giese, Secretary, and Barbara Slasinski, Treasurer. Our new president was presented the presi­dent's pin and gavel, and Susan Witzel, as outgoing presi­dent was presented with a plum bob necklace, with thanks from everyone for an outstanding term of office.

Our hostess, Jan Dills introduced the program, which was Folk Style Music, a program enjoyed by all. We heard music about the Missouri River consisting of vocal with accompaniment on the autoharp and guitar. Members were encouraged to take books about Missouri that were the table centerpieces. It was an enjoyable addition to a wonderful meeting in Springfield, Missouri.

die in battle during the Civil War, was brought to lie in state after the gunfire ceased. Benjamin McCulloch, com­manding the Confederate troops, won the battle on the field, but was not able to pursue the N orthemers. Missouri remained under Union control.

The Civil War Museum contains many artifacts collected by Dr. Thomas Sweeney and his wife Karen. Many med­ical artifacts were displayed, including an area depicting the field hospitals of the time. Fighting was at close range, making battle wounds lethal. Medical treatment was primitive. While Clara Barton treated soldiers in the field, many died from infection and gangrene due to the unsanitary conditions. Many weapons and guns, as well as pertinent information of the battles and the trials of the soldiers were shown clearly in the thoughtfully executed displays. It was a time of learning for all.

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First Timers Welcome and Show & Tell by Jean Royal

One of the best parts of our meeting, is when we first get together to meet our newest attendees and do a "Show and Tell" program. It is always a nice opportunity for these new ladies and fun for everyone. Some of the mem­ber's secrets came out, and lots of interesting hobbies and collections are shown.

Not to be unusual, this meeting started with a witch. Our own president Susan Witzel appeared under the witch's hat and opened the meeting for us. Susan had the new attendees introduce themselves and gave them pins with green ribbons to help identify them. These ladies were: Pat Smith from Omaha, Nebraska; Carolyn Bourgeois from Houma, Louisiana; Betty Sronce from Ft. Worth, Texas; Linda Dillwith from Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Liz Depoy from Crawford, Virginia.

"Show and Tell" opened with a yodeling squirrel that Jean Royal had brought for her husband Willie from Germany. It was the perfect gift, and just what Willie needed for his garden, another squirrel! Neville Peterson shared her quilt and had auction tickets. Phyllis Moffet suggested that we get fabric from upholstery shops to make pillows and she shared her creations. They were lovely and a

Springfield Women's Displays by Judi Heckel

The women did an amazing job of following the theme, "Show Me." The eight displays ranged from very personal sharings to museum-ready collections. Each told a story, and each provided the viewers with a wealth of fun and information.

Four of the displays will be featured here and look for­ward to featuring the other four in the next Gristmill.

Phyllis Moffet shared samples from the Moffet Museum

38 The Gristmill

great idea. Beverly Egbers gave us a look at her favorite pig. Kathy Hobbs explained how she had gotten into Genealogy. Carolyn List showed the bracelet she had made out of old unused or broken pieces of jewelry and suggested we all make one.

We were entertained with stories by Judy Dauten, our nine­ty plus lady. She remembered WWI and WWII and had some delightful stories. Sad to say, we lost Judy later in the fall. She was an amazing and special lady. We will miss her.

New members wandered into the meeting, and they were given their pins and ribbons. All the ladies left with smiles on their faces and a few giggles - as always!

and taught us about apple parers. Perfectly matched to the fall season and surrounded with tempting apples, the display featured the work of George Bergner. He was a man of many talents who owned and operated a machine shop in Washington, Missouri. He made the only apple parer manufactured west of the Mississippi River. He was also a gunsmith who was known for making high quality rifles. Both the apple parers and the rifles are highly sought by collectors. Phyllis even has patent papers in her collection.

Kathy Vogt warmed all of our hearts when she decided to "Show Me How To Shop Till You Drop." As the oldest of eight siblings and one of five girls, Kathy realized shop­ping seemed a natural social and practical adventure for all the sisters. Beginning in 1987 the sisters established this new tradition for the day after Thanksgiving.

Formal invitations would appear in anticipation of the event. After a whole day of shopping in Madison, Wisconsin, they would have glazed eyes at 9:00 p.m. when they finally ate dinner. They always had to end in the hot tub and talk some more. Over the years, it became a race to see who made the first purchase and time on the receipt proved the winner. They stayed at a Holiday Inn in the beginning, but then found that the Hampton Inn best suited their needs.

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There were certain "musts" during the shopping spree. Two sisters would treat for Gloria Jean coffees, and one bought chocolate turtles for energy. A keepsake item marked each yearly event. Items included socks, sweat­shirts, coffee mugs, fanny packs, and even matching paja­mas. They looked forward to this special time together and tried to get all or most of the Christmas shopping done. The tradition continued until 2002, but recently a sister has hinted at reviving the "Shop Till You Drop" adventures again.

Susan Witzel also included the fall theme in her display of "Ghost Writers of the Past." She presented examples of juvenile literature that appealed to most of the female audience who passed her display. But research into the authors of these classic favorites produced some surpris­es for Susan. The results of her research follows.

What is the Stratemeyer Group? In researching the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew authors, it seemed that there was no such person as Laura Lee Hope , the person who had penned The Bobbsey Twins series of books from childhood days. Likewise, the Nancy Drew, girl detective series, was not written by Carolyn Keene. What a disap­pointment! Those delightful sets of twins and the intrepid teenaged detective Nancy, were only a figment of, Edward Stratemeyer's imagination.

Edward Stratemeyer, soon after he had written some Horatio Alger, Jr. books himself, decided he could make more money by hiring "ghost writers." Inside his head were hundreds of story plots and ideas, just waiting to come to life. He was able to put together the funding and had con­nections in the publishing world. Thus was born the Stratemeyer Syndicate. The syndicate was a "book pack­ager" established in 1905, to supply publishers with series of books for both juveniles and adults. It was responsible for more than 1600 series book volumes between 1904 and 1984. They were published under 100 pseudonyms. Syndicate writers would expand as little as a title, and a few sentences of plot description into a juvenile novel complete with "snappy dialogue" and cliffhanger chapter endings.

The Bobbsey Twins series was written by many authors with the first being written by Edward Stratemeyer. Howard Garis wrote most of the early volumes. He was the most prolific "ghost writer" for the syndicate, with

over 315 books to his credit. He created the Uncle Wiggly books under his own name.

The Nancy Drew books we so enjoyed were being written by Mildred Wirt Benson, an Iowa girl. She wrote and sold short stories to help pay the cost of her college education. In 1927 she became the first woman to receive a master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. She wrote 23 of the first 25 Nancy Drew books and received a flat fee of $125 for each book. Many of her manuscripts were given to the university upon her death.

Today the "ghostly" writer is J.K.Rowling, creator of the Harry Potter phenomenon. The series, spanning 10 years, has sold over 325 million books. In 2007, Rowling's fortune was estimated at $15 billion. She has sparked a new inter­est in reading among the young readers of today. How dif­ferent from the flat fee paid to syndicate writers of the past.

Kathleen Holmes shared her display on "Hats Off!" It was a tribute to the Wonder Hat Stretcher Machine from Rosen Sussman Hat Corp. Kathleen displayed several examples of hats and the stretcher's ability to match the hat to the head. Her advice is priceless. Whenever your husband returns home bragging about his finding and buying the perfect tool, you may need this machine for his swelled head.

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Tool Family Trees Answers

The Blake brothers (Eli, Philos, & John) of New Haven, CT were nephews of Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin in 1793. Eli Blake helped Whitney set up and run the Whitneyville, CT Armory. After Whitney's death in 1826, Eli & Philos Blake continued operating the Armory. In 1836 the three Blake brothers started the Blake Brothers hardware manufacturing business.

Philos and his brothers were granted numerous U.S. patents for a very diverse group of things including a lantern, a car­riage coupling, a cabinet door fastener, and a corkscrew. The three items shown in Figure 1 are all Blake patents. The patent drawings are shown in Figures 2-4.

The furniture caster was patent number 821, issued to all three brothers on June 30, 1838. It was reissued as RE7 4 on July 30, 1845. The example displayed in Figure 1 is unmarked.

The nutcracker patent was number 9,985 issued to all three brothers on September 6, 1853. The example displayed in Figure 1 is marked 'BLAKE PATENT 1853'.

The patent for the oyster knife was number 10,798 issued to Philos Blake on April 18, 1854. The example displayed in Figure 1 is marked 'P. BLAKE PATENT 1854', as shown in Figure 5.

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Figure 5. Oyster knife marking.

Stanley Tools Answers

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Knife Patent

40 The Gristmill

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M-WTCA.O

RG

DAVID STANLEY AUCTIONS

51st INTERNATIONAL AUCTION

approx 1100 Lots of Quality Antique Woodworking and Allied Trades Tools on SATURDAY, MARCH 29th 2008 At the Bretby Conference Centre, Nr Burton upon Trent, England

• 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

• Good selection of 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 1100 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.

$35 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.

Visit our web site at www.davidstanley.com

M-WTCA.O

RG

Ji~or 1 r tf!fonno..tit.m. t:o ./ind. a <lcaler fr:. yo • ·ea, 01 w place an order. c:•cmtact:

JOHN T .. KRAMER P.O. Box 8715/Sugar Creek, MO 64054

(816) 252-9512 kramer{:i1krameri:w.com www.kramerlze.com

16-P.;l()f.; BOOK 01" lNSTlWCUONS &, lJSl!;S .fREE; Wfl1I PURCHASE.

CRAFTS Antique Tool Auction

Sat. May 3rd 9:30 a.m.

Over 600 Lots of User, Antique & Collectible

Tools! ELKS CLUB ROUTE 31

FLEMINGTON, NJ.

Visit craftsofnj.org For Photos of Tools Offered

Info: Greg Welsh 1-908-439-3266 Steve Zluky 1-908-534-2710

42 The Gristmill

IT#S H£R£f

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

Wa.lnut Grove, MO 65770 417.788.1111 - oldrichard@juno.com

Quality Tool Auction

Usable and Antique Tools

DATE: Saturday - May 10, 2008 At Fairgrounds, Baraboo, WI.

Auction starts at 9:00 AM with household items.

Tools include: Snap-on, Craftsman, Stanley, Winchester, Proto, Starrett and others with lots of Misc. and

unusual items.

Information: Call 608-592-3239 evenings or write Ralph Luck, P.O. Box 45, Lodi, WI. 53555

M-WTCA.O

RG

Wanted 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

Wanted: "The Micrometer" Scale O to 5 lb. capacity size. Made in Yonkers, New York Don Monnier, PO. Box 772 Sidney, Oh. 45365 Telephone (937) 492-1420.

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: 1800's to Pre WWII harness and saddlemakers tools and catalogs, Dick Sherer, PO. Box 385, Franktown, CO 80116; sherersaddles@solucian.com

Alway, buying Alway, Selling Pete Niederberger

UHd and Antique Tools aad Parts for Same

Mail Order Call Me and Come to tlae Sbop

415-924-NOJ paiederber@aol.com

Custom IIAKEBS STA.NPS Plane Makers Floats

Chisels - Irons t more Send for brochures

MAZZAGLIA TOOLS 12 Palmer St. Salem, NH 03079

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 : a1 level@mlec2.net Website: www.a1levelrepair.com

"WE'RE ON THE LEVEL!"

Marketplace

ISSUE March June September December

BE PART OF THE EAIA'S 75th ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION The Early American Industries Association is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to the study

of early trades and tools.

Wednesday, May 28 thru Saturday, May 31, 2008 Albany, New York

This could be the Best 4 days of Tailgating, Demonstrations, and Talks

You have ever attended! Presented By EAIA Members for EAIA Members

Not a Member?~ Join Today! For more information- Go to the Website

www.EAIAinfo.org ~ The Early American Industries Association~

Advertising Information

COPY DEADLINE January 10 April 10

DISPLAY ADS - RATES Size Cost Full page, 4-color,

Word Limit

July 10 ( when available) $275 900 October 10 Full page $180 900

Half page $105 450 CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES $ .18 per word - ALL words. $3.50 minimum per ad.

Quarter page* $60 225 Other sizes $9.50 per column inch (1 column approx. 2-1/41' wide.) 25 word limit.

NEW POLICY: The Gristmi ll will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, that will occur during the month of The Gristm i ll'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 double­spaced. 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 Paul Gorham 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: Bill Kohn 3105 Cottonwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68134-4623, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail handymankid@cox.net

March 2007 43

M-WTCA.O

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Brown Auction Services _.TOOI.SALBA ... ~. -~ AN'IIQ1JBTOOI. A.UCl'ION

IIADIISON INN CAMP BPI., PA APRIL 4 & 5, 2008

THE TOOL SALE on Friday features about 60 dealers from across the coun­try and around the world. For many, this show is the first show of the season and they will be exhibiting some of the great finds of the winter. Plan to come, search the show for the one item you have been looking for, and preview the auction after you have scrutinized every table.

THE AUCTION on Saturday features great tools from several world-class collections. Some highlights: Chaplin No. ½ bench plane, Ohio Tool Co. No. 113 center wheel plow in ebony with ivory tips, mint Bailey No. 7 split-frame jointer, E. W. Carpenter Improved Arms & Patented Handle plow plane, spe­cial-order Gurley compasses, Brown & Berry marking gauge, Rodier bull­

-.....====-------------- nose block plane, Bundy's patent plane, Stanley/Miller's No. 50 light plow

1---------~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;__ ______ __

with copper wash, three-arm plow planes by Israel White, William Ward, and H. Chapin. Stanley planes including Nos. 1, 2, 9, 11 ½, 41, 42, 43 Hook, 47, 51/52, 56, 64, 85, 87, 90A, 141, 164,196,212,340,444, 602C, and most of the others. Stanley No. 110 developmental series block planes. Large selection of complex molders and other selected wooden planes. Patented planes by Bailey, Rodier, Bundy, Chaplin, Miller, Phillips, Davis, Pike & Dean, Holly, Foster, Morris, Bridges, Foss, Gladwin, Rust, and many others. Inclinometers and lev-els by Fuller, Bradford, Gibson, Davis, Russell & Kimball, and others. Gauges, squares, and special layout tools, boxwood and ivory rules by Stanley, Stearns, Rabone, and others. Tool chests, Ohio Tool Co. bench, shaving horse, etc. And, as always, a good selection of high-quality box lots. 750 lots of outstanding tools. All offered for your consideration without reservations or reserves.

OR ORDER BOTH 2008 CATALOGS. The 32nd and 33rd International Auctions. Just $50 US & Canada, $60 USD for Overseas Airmail. Prices Realized promptly after auction.

LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #32 mails in early March. All tools fully described and fairly graded with estimates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auction. Many items illus­trated in full color. Absentee bidding available.

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

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

Don't forget to enter the Price The Postcard Contest, see page 39 in the

Winter Fine Tool Journal or our website for details.

Brown Auctions 27 Fickett Road

Pownal, ME 04069 Email: ceb@finetoolj.com

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

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

Radisson Inn 1 (717) 763-7117. Be sure to ask for the special room rate.

M-WTCA.O

RG