I started collecting tool handles probably 10 years ago and have quite a few... some common, some not so common. This particular one falls into the 'not so common' area. It has been on my want list for quite some time, but usually either the price is too high or the condition is poor. This one checked both boxes, condition is good and price was ok, so now it sits on our coffee table.
The original patent(April 9, 1878 no. 202,109) was for one made of wood. This style, made of cast iron, was available in a jappaned finish as well as the nickel plated version. They did not come with a knob so I made several, since I think it gives it a more finished look. They apparently came with 7 tools, but were made to accept most anything out there. The claim was they would hold a pin...I have not tried that, but since I had a bunch of extra tools I put some of them with it.
Length is 5 in. by 1 1/4 in. the plane iron is 1 in.
The box I found at a flea market several years ago. I had no use for it at the time, but the quality was exceptional. It is made entirely of stainless steel and brass with the dividers hand soldered into place. I had to add some spacer blocks in the bottom to get it up to a convenient height. I still need to rig up something inside to hold the tools in place, although that isn’t really high on my "to do" list.
Mike
