Today's Rusty Purchases

[rxh]

It was a sunny Saturday morning and I felt the inclination to buy tools. This is what I bought:
- Cabinet handled screwdriver, 16” overall length, W H Clay Ltd., Sheffield.
- Screwdriver, 10” overall length, D Flather & Sons, Warranted.
- Spokeshave, James Howarth, Sheffield, looks like boxwood.
- Firmer chisel, 5/8”, W Marples & Sons, cast steel, shamrock brand.
- Firmer chisel, 5/8”, maker’s name illegible but the first four letters appear to be: NEAR, John Bull brand.
- Firmer chisel, 3/8”, I & H Sorby, Sheffield, cast steel. The brand or logo looks like some sort of animal, possibly an ox.
Not my most exciting expedition but I think they are good tools that will be quite nice when cleaned up. The cost was £10.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

That's a quality haul!

The 3/8" I&H Sorby chisel is a nice one. The shape of the shoulder - long curve from the bolster to the full width - is early 19th century, and Goodman gives the firm of John Sorby trading from 1824 - 1881. The trademark device is the 'Golden Fleece' - a sheep being lifted by a sash round it's middle as if being loaded aboard a ship. I think that one's pre-1850. The handle (octagonal, tapered, beechwood, no ferrule) is typical of the period, too; probably craftsman made - chisels were usually bought unhandled. It's survived the years rather well.

 

[rxh]

Thanks for the info.,CC.
I discussed with my family what kind of animal it might be but a sheep with a golden fleece was not among the suggestions
I wonder if anyone still sells unhandled tools. More than 20 years ago I bought some unhandled gouges and other carving tools from Henry Taylor and Ashley Iles then made my own handles, mostly of fruit wood. I think the motive at the time was money saving but I think it is quite nice to have some personalised handles and a variety of shapes and colours can make finding a tool easier on a crowded bench.

 

[NickWelford]

Thanks for the info.,CC.

I wonder if anyone still sells unhandled tools.

Ashley Iles certainly does.

 

[Spindle]

rxh wrote:

Thanks for the info.,CC.

I wonder if anyone still sells unhandled tools.


Ashley Iles certainly does.

Thanks for the info.,CC.

Hi

As do Robert Sorby

Regards Mick

Ashley Iles certainly does.

 

[britinfrance]

Nearly drooled over your purchases. I live in France and had been on the lookout for a decent drawknife. They sell some baby versions at a local DIY chain store, but I wanted a "proper" sized one. Anyhow, about 6 months ago, was wandering through a local brocante (carboot sale) and found an unused (in need of a cleanup) Peugeot Freres full size drawknife. Priced at 20 euros (about £16.50 sterling) managed goodheartedly to get him down to 15 euros (£12.50 sterling). Should have got an oscar for the nonchalent look on my face as I sauntered away with my purchase. Any tools I buy have to earn their keep in my house renovation, but have to say, I was a dog with two tails, that day. Keeps its edge beautifully, even on old oak.

 

[Willum]

I have a spokeshave like that in form and colour but it is beech . The cutter is lovely quality but the mouth was worn badly , it was not new when I got it but came from a secondary school though not abused. A careful job with a bit of Box to remake the mouth and there are many years of life in it yet .

 

[rxh]

Thanks for all for your replies. Welcome to the forum brittinfrance and Willum -. After you have posted a few messages you will be able to upload photos of your own. We like to see pictures of old or unusual tools and also of projects (complete or in progress).

 

[jimi43]

The James Howarth spokeshave is a real find. Howarth anything sells at a premium. That alone is worth three times what you paid for the whole lot.

The Sorby carving chisel is gorgeous and very old too!...again...these are becoming very sought after.

Jim