Tool Talk

Picture Forum => Picture Forum => Topic started by: Bulucanagria on September 04, 2014, 07:11:16 PM

Title: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 04, 2014, 07:11:16 PM
I was almost home, less than a quarter mile away when the wooden tool chest caught my eye. I thought, "Hm. I wonder how much they want for -FREE!!!!" Tires screeching, quick reverse up onto the sidewalk (no pedestrians were hurt in the acquisition of these tools). I was out of the truck and up to the pile at a speed I haven't reached in a decade or so.

The wooden tool chest was nice but not as nice as it looked at 35mph, but it went into the truck, as did the Craftsman 4-drawer base cabinet and Black & Decker Workmate.

There was also a milk crate with some tools in it. I grabbed it with only a glance at the contents, enough to see some braces and some wooden things.

One of the wooden things was the beauty pictured here, which I keep finding myself looking at in awe and thinking, "Who the hell could look at this and just put it by the curb?"

The other wooden thing I'll show you a little later and is probably the real score from this pile.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Papaw on September 04, 2014, 08:06:46 PM
What a score!!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 04, 2014, 08:29:28 PM
What a score!!

Especially when you add in this!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Papaw on September 04, 2014, 08:49:39 PM
You have won an award! Soon as I figure out what award to bestow on you!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Chillylulu on September 04, 2014, 09:26:40 PM
You have won an award! Soon as I figure out what award to bestow on you!
   Its a hoover maneuver, for sure.
My suggestion is that you give him a u-turn sign!

Chilly
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Papaw on September 04, 2014, 10:10:22 PM
Here ya go!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: jabberwoki on September 04, 2014, 10:26:38 PM
You so suck!!!!
I`d be giggling for hrs after a grab like that. I`m so glad you saved that beautiful stuff from quite possibly the trash!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 04, 2014, 10:57:25 PM
Here ya go!

Thank you. I'll treasure this moment forever. (Pun sorta not intended but why not.)

Quote
I`d be giggling for hrs after a grab like that. I`m so glad you saved that beautiful stuff from quite possibly the trash!

(Ignoring the first line) Honestly, I'm still grinning about the whole thing. Tomorrow when I wake up and see this stuff sitting on the desk, I'll start right back up again!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: john k on September 05, 2014, 12:01:31 AM
You got sharp eyes!   So glad you saved these fine tools, am afraid there are folks still out there that think: It's old, its junk, toss it.   Hopefully we can continue to intervene. 
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Chillylulu on September 05, 2014, 01:25:39 AM
Perfect recognition Papaw! 
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: bear_man on September 05, 2014, 01:45:13 AM
My gosh!  A beautiful, beautiful, beautiful score!  Are there any markings on the brace?  And I notice you didn't get close-ups of all the bits — l-to-r of the five side-by-side, #2 & #5 look like Boker's.  Curiously, to me, I don't recognize any of the other maker's names at all!  And the 4th from the left I don't recognize the pattern/intended-use at all!  Perhaps everything's European (which could include Boker-styles too, though he also worked in the US)?
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: oldtools on September 05, 2014, 01:49:53 AM
I find some amazing free stuff here, But nothing like what you found!! COGRATULTIONS! on your treasures...
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 05, 2014, 07:30:28 AM
My gosh!  A beautiful, beautiful, beautiful score!  Are there any markings on the brace?  And I notice you didn't get close-ups of all the bits — l-to-r of the five side-by-side, #2 & #5 look like Boker's.  Curiously, to me, I don't recognize any of the other maker's names at all!  And the 4th from the left I don't recognize the pattern/intended-use at all!  Perhaps everything's European (which could include Boker-styles too, though he also worked in the US)?

If there are any markings on the brace they're on the inside or so small I couldn't see them with a magnifying glass. two of the bits have no maker's mark that I could find. I think these are from a time when there were many small, independent foundries and smiths turning out tools and accessories. The last one says "J. Reaves & Son Heat Work" which sounds like a small family business.

#4 is the same as #2 & #5 (which I somehow cut off in the photo). It's turned on its side so you can see the spur which is perpendicular to the plane of what's basically a spade bit.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Branson on September 05, 2014, 10:32:10 AM
I don't know which scores the highest, the box of auger bits or the brace.  Sheesh!  Who cares who made the brace?  No matter which maker produced it it's fully brass bound with a solid brass pad.  Only one brace is more pricey -- the ultimatum or signature brace. 

After I get over the envy of your find, I gotta say that I'm really, really glad you got this haul before the junkers!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Plyerman on September 05, 2014, 11:37:09 AM
Oooooooh, ahhhhhh!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: amecks on September 05, 2014, 02:30:22 PM
I bet the original owner paid a good amount of his hard earned salary for that beautiful bit box.  He probably treated it like his pride and joy.

Al
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 05, 2014, 10:51:25 PM
I don't know which scores the highest, the box of auger bits or the brace.  Sheesh!  Who cares who made the brace?  No matter which maker produced it it's fully brass bound with a solid brass pad.  Only one brace is more pricey -- the ultimatum or signature brace. 

After I get over the envy of your find, I gotta say that I'm really, really glad you got this haul before the junkers!

Actually, the augur set is pretty common. There are several that have sold on Ebay for $60-$100 that are in much better shape than mine. Besides the beat up label the top of one latch is missing and one box joint has disengaged, although it's fully intact. I figure that it's worth around $40.

Your comments on the brace are interesting to me. I did a cursory search for "wood brass brace" on Ebay and was deluged with a ton of results that were all over the place. I didn't delve into them too deeply due to time constraints and the fact that I'm not really inclined to sell it because, in my mind, it's a ten on the "Holy crap look at that isn't it beautiful" scale!

I bet the original owner paid a good amount of his hard earned salary for that beautiful bit box.  He probably treated it like his pride and joy.

Al

I agree. You don't keep throwaways in a finely crafted cabinet like that. These were the tools of someones craft, the means by which he fed his family and put a roof over their head.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: RedVise on September 07, 2014, 08:37:36 PM
So, that's a multi level auger bit box ???  Oh my !!!  That's nice !!!

Brian
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Charles Garrett on September 08, 2014, 11:56:05 AM
It's called Curbside Thrift Shop,  Ranks right up there with Dumpster diving.   Chuck Garrett
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: rusty on September 09, 2014, 04:11:00 PM
Staley;T&W Staley; Maw & Staley is a Sheffield edge tool maker...(early 1800's)

Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 09, 2014, 11:04:28 PM
Staley;T&W Staley; Maw & Staley is a Sheffield edge tool maker...(early 1800's)

Really? Do you think that bit could really be that old? That would be something indeed.

Speaking of age, could anyone speculate on the age of the brace itself?
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Branson on September 10, 2014, 10:49:49 AM
> Speaking of age, could anyone speculate on the age of the brace itself?

Hard to say.  The earliest drawing I've seen is a plate from 1812 as I recall, and I have another drawing from a German export catalog of circa 1842.
But the style was made for many, many years, and I don't know an end date.  The earliest were Sheffield made though the pattern soon enough was adopted in other countries. 

The brass pad might help in dating this one -- it was not on the earlier examples.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 10, 2014, 08:33:08 PM
> Speaking of age, could anyone speculate on the age of the brace itself?

Hard to say.  The earliest drawing I've seen is a plate from 1812 as I recall, and I have another drawing from a German export catalog of circa 1842.
But the style was made for many, many years, and I don't know an end date.  The earliest were Sheffield made though the pattern soon enough was adopted in other countries. 

The brass pad might help in dating this one -- it was not on the earlier examples.

Thank you.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: scottg on September 12, 2014, 04:30:31 PM
Lordy mamma, light my fuse

    That is a nice brace at any price.  The shocking keeper of the lot.

   The small bits are old, and rockin too!
 
 The Russell Jennings augers? In the nice box? 
      I can't read the box label?
 
Anyway its a mixed set.
   The single twist bits?  with --no pole-- up the middle?     Like the biggest augers?
  One twisted ribbon?
  Those are Jennings pattern

 The smaller ones with a stick up the middle?  Are Irwin pattern.
 
  Look and see if there is a #3.
  That is always the hardest size to find.   
    yours Scott
 
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on September 17, 2014, 12:03:35 AM
Lordy mamma, light my fuse

    That is a nice brace at any price.  The shocking keeper of the lot.

   The small bits are old, and rockin too!
 
 The Russell Jennings augers? In the nice box? 
      I can't read the box label?
 
Anyway its a mixed set.
   The single twist bits?  with --no pole-- up the middle?     Like the biggest augers?
  One twisted ribbon?
  Those are Jennings pattern

 The smaller ones with a stick up the middle?  Are Irwin pattern.
 
  Look and see if there is a #3.
  That is always the hardest size to find.   
    yours Scott

Thanks Scott, both for your information and for your enthusiasm!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: bear_man on September 27, 2014, 11:12:06 PM
Talk about the "Jennings Pattern" bit reminded me of part of a page I cut-and-pasted from a vintage hdw. comp. catalog.  Sorry, I don't have the date of the catalog at my mental fingertips.  Too, I've yet to go through all my auger bits to see if I agree with Strelinger's rap on the two patterns, but I thought youse might be interested in it.  Too, check the pricing of one of each; say, the 1/4" dia.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: rusty on September 27, 2014, 11:56:33 PM
Page is from the 1897 edition.

>Strelinger's rap on the two patterns

The commentary in the catalog is as much fun as the tools Chas is quite a character ;P
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Batz on September 28, 2014, 12:26:28 AM
Very nice, enjoyed the original  pictures. Congratulations on you find. It's nice it has gone to someone who appreciates  this.

Batz
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: John Hough on October 01, 2014, 06:12:23 PM
Some long gone craftsman is breathing a sigh of relief (after several rotations in the grave) to see that his hard-earned, treasured tools have been rescued from the landfill.  Ya done good on many levels - nice gets!

John 

Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Bulucanagria on October 01, 2014, 08:57:33 PM
Thank you Batz & John Hough. I feel lucky to have had these things find me. They will be treated with respect, I assure you.
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: DM11 on November 27, 2014, 11:14:38 PM
Wow, what a score!
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Chillylulu on November 28, 2014, 12:54:37 AM
Talk about the "Jennings Pattern" bit reminded me of part of a page I cut-and-pasted from a vintage hdw. comp. catalog.  Sorry, I don't have the date of the catalog at my mental fingertips.  Too, I've yet to go through all my auger bits to see if I agree with Strelinger's rap on the two patterns, but I thought youse might be interested in it.  Too, check the pricing of one of each; say, the 1/4" dia.

Do you think the  "genuine" was worth 50% more?  That argument seems to lose to price every time.  Domestic vs foreign, union vs open,  local vs Walmart  etc.

I like quality. I would really like to know, first hand, how well tge original performed vs. the copy.

Chilly
Title: Re: The most beautiful tool I've ever owned...came from a "Free" pile this afternoon
Post by: Yadda on December 09, 2014, 09:53:39 PM
It's official.  I'm envious...