Let's show our wood (screwdrivers)
- Thread starter gungatim
- Start date
RTM
Well-known member
3-6 are HD Smith Perfect Handle, or knock offs
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithPerfectHandleTools1914/page/n1/mode/2up
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithAndCo1922
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithAndCo1905
This speaks of the Circled S logo
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithCoCatalogue1893/page/n9/mode/2up
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithPerfectHandleTools1914/page/n1/mode/2up
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithAndCo1922
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithAndCo1905
This speaks of the Circled S logo
https://archive.org/details/HDSmithCoCatalogue1893/page/n9/mode/2up
Last edited:
RTM
Well-known member
On the right side, second from left is a turn screw, usually flat, often w an ornate shape on the flat blade. Tip was often a point, to accommodate filed slots. Often thought a dull chisel due to the tip shape.
Here and following.
https://archive.org/details/wm-marples-and-sons-1928/page/51/mode/2up
Here and following.
https://archive.org/details/wm-marples-and-sons-1928/page/51/mode/2up
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Interesting idea for a thread. The holy grail for WW2 screwdriver collectors are the wood handled ink stamped Irwin screwdrivers. Here are pictures of some of mine. It’s hard to find screwdrivers with the ink stamping still visible since it is usually worn off by usage. Irwin perfect handle screwdrivers that are stamped on the shaft are postwar. Some are found with a Federal Stock Number. Those are Korean War era.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Tobrin is an alternative brand to Irwin that was used during WW2.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here are some earlier Irwin perfect handle screwdrivers.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That forged-in number on Tobrin screwdrivers is typically the length of the shank from the tip to the ferrule.
It is vintage 40's. They made handles for files and bearing scrapers and awls etc. Somebody stuck a screwdriver shaft in it.
It should have a Phillips license # and patent number on it on the shank. If it is 2,046,837 or 2,046,840 it was made after 1936. These Vlchek screwdrivers with the Flying V logo are very desirable to WWII collectors, for GMTK's and also Dodge trucks. If it is 2,507,231 it was made after 1950.
Me neither, but it's freakin' awesome.
EDIT: I will have some contributions in time..
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
How about some Plomb and Proto wood handled screwdrivers? The first picture is a Chevron marked screwdriver.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here are a couple more Vlchek Phillips screwdrivers with the Flying V and the pre 1950 patents. The first one is a #2 and the second one is a #3.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Did someone say Proto screw drivers?
I also have a set as my daily users, along with a bunch of MAC, Wilde, Grace and others. Infact, all of my user drivers are wood.
I also have a set as my daily users, along with a bunch of MAC, Wilde, Grace and others. Infact, all of my user drivers are wood.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I like to use old baking pans to organize my drawers and tool boxes. The cookie sheets work well for screwdrivers.
I'd like to pull out some favorites and share some more photos later on.
The two on the left are flying V Vlchek, with the earlier patent dates.
The one on the right is not marked, but the handle shape is quite similar.
The #1 Phillips is the one of the nicest examples in the trays, in terms of condition.
I have some with knurling similar to the OP's, but the handle shape is slightly different. These are marked Yankee on the ferrule and it is stamped into the handle as well.
The knurled one on the far right was made by Crescent. It's got some interesting scratch marks in the fluting and a little Googling showed that's typical.
The Winchester screwdrivers are sure nicely made. They're on the left hand side of that first tray.
Tom
I'd like to pull out some favorites and share some more photos later on.
The two on the left are flying V Vlchek, with the earlier patent dates.
The one on the right is not marked, but the handle shape is quite similar.
The #1 Phillips is the one of the nicest examples in the trays, in terms of condition.
I have some with knurling similar to the OP's, but the handle shape is slightly different. These are marked Yankee on the ferrule and it is stamped into the handle as well.
The knurled one on the far right was made by Crescent. It's got some interesting scratch marks in the fluting and a little Googling showed that's typical.
The Winchester screwdrivers are sure nicely made. They're on the left hand side of that first tray.
Tom
d42jeep
Well-known member
Those are some really great wood handled screwdrivers. The Winchester drivers are nice looking. Here are my Winchester and Crescent drivers along with a Crescent awl.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here are some Bridgeport and Stanley screwdrivers.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here are a few more brands I haven’t yet posted. The last Apex is an unusual clutch head screwdriver. I’ve never yet seen a screw that it fits.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
d42jeep
Well-known member
Even more brands.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
[/QUOTE]Mintgrun said:
Gee, I am so ̶g̶r̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶e̶n̶v̶y̶ happy for you guys.
Which is saying something, given all the clutch head screws there are keeping your Corvairs together!
Years ago when I was doing more flipping than keeping, I made some hefty flea market pocket cash on a bunch of wartime BHM clutch heads I had found. All the wartime Chevy trucks (G504, G506, etc) had them. The sizes were 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8. This is the only one I have left.
Couple more close-ups pics attached below.
Attachments
RTM
Well-known member
Here are the majority of my wooden handled vintage screwdrivers. First up we have my stash of large Perfect Handle type screwdrivers, some actually HD Smith, many German made, one Lenox, forget the rest, many unmarked. Top left was rehandled in Wenge, as it only came with one scale, seen lower right. (Junior sized workmate for scale)
Here are my smaller Perfect Handle, a few HD Smith, many German. Left most was rehandled in Cherry, and the rivets failed, so need to touch it again.
Here is a pile of general use screwdrivers, lower left is a Winchester, great two toned ferrule on it. Stanley, Taiwan are also represented here.
These are the ones that usually are out over my wood working bench, quick at hand. The turnscrews have generally pointed tips, almost all are reground. The big adjustable is German made. I prefer the big fat tips for splitting plane blades from their lever caps.
Not shown are my Grace gunsmith set, and whatever tools are scattered around the benches and work surfaces.
Here are my smaller Perfect Handle, a few HD Smith, many German. Left most was rehandled in Cherry, and the rivets failed, so need to touch it again.
Here is a pile of general use screwdrivers, lower left is a Winchester, great two toned ferrule on it. Stanley, Taiwan are also represented here.
These are the ones that usually are out over my wood working bench, quick at hand. The turnscrews have generally pointed tips, almost all are reground. The big adjustable is German made. I prefer the big fat tips for splitting plane blades from their lever caps.
Not shown are my Grace gunsmith set, and whatever tools are scattered around the benches and work surfaces.
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Here are some of my oldest, strangest, and ‘prized possession’ woodies.
The first driver from the bottom in Pics 1 & 2, from the left in Pics 3 & 4, with the hexagonal shank is hand-forged and very well made. From the handle to the ferrule to the shank mounting in the ferrule, it might be the sturdiest screwdriver I own. It is only and simply marked “HOBSON’S” on the shank. I don’t know how old it is. Given the choice between using it or not, I choose not. Additional photos and info in a previous thread linked here, which makes me miss notlob’s wit and whimsy.
The second driver from the bottom/left, with the flats forged in the shank for turning with a wrench, was made sometime between 1898 and 1911. The stamping on the shank, which is very tiny, reads, “Sawyer Tool Co." over “Fitchburg, Mass." in a fancy font. The tips are replaceable. Talk about ingenuity ahead of its time! Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The driver in the middle with the crude unusual fluting and the wire ring at the end of the handle is a bit of an oddball. It is marked ”Grover Handle” on the ferrule, in reference to the Grover Handle Company, which was located in Nashua, NH, at least as early as 1905. I believe the marking on the ferrule (Nashua Paper Box Company Nashua, NH) was most likely the customer of the handle. The original shank may have been a box cutter or pry. Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The second driver from the top/right, with the long brass telescoping body, and the octagonal wood handle, is a spiraling screwdriver. Unlike most spiraling screwdrivers, the shank is round and smooth, using a unique gearing mechanism inside. It is the oldest screwdriver I have. And easily the strangest. It only spirals/screws one way: IN. That’s because the screws it is meant to turn are permanent. It is marked “DECATUR COFFIN COMPANY over DECATUR ILL. over PAT. OCT. 7, 1884”. The holder of the patent (306,096), Christopher H. Olson, was a member of the board and one of the founders of the Decatur Coffin Company. Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The screwdriver at the top is my only Stanley Sweetheart. A No. 100 with a [100 PLUS] banner. I’m guessing that is some kind of anniversary reference. I’m more of a North Brothers kind of guy, so perhaps a Stanley guru could fill me in.
The first driver from the bottom in Pics 1 & 2, from the left in Pics 3 & 4, with the hexagonal shank is hand-forged and very well made. From the handle to the ferrule to the shank mounting in the ferrule, it might be the sturdiest screwdriver I own. It is only and simply marked “HOBSON’S” on the shank. I don’t know how old it is. Given the choice between using it or not, I choose not. Additional photos and info in a previous thread linked here, which makes me miss notlob’s wit and whimsy.
The second driver from the bottom/left, with the flats forged in the shank for turning with a wrench, was made sometime between 1898 and 1911. The stamping on the shank, which is very tiny, reads, “Sawyer Tool Co." over “Fitchburg, Mass." in a fancy font. The tips are replaceable. Talk about ingenuity ahead of its time! Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The driver in the middle with the crude unusual fluting and the wire ring at the end of the handle is a bit of an oddball. It is marked ”Grover Handle” on the ferrule, in reference to the Grover Handle Company, which was located in Nashua, NH, at least as early as 1905. I believe the marking on the ferrule (Nashua Paper Box Company Nashua, NH) was most likely the customer of the handle. The original shank may have been a box cutter or pry. Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The second driver from the top/right, with the long brass telescoping body, and the octagonal wood handle, is a spiraling screwdriver. Unlike most spiraling screwdrivers, the shank is round and smooth, using a unique gearing mechanism inside. It is the oldest screwdriver I have. And easily the strangest. It only spirals/screws one way: IN. That’s because the screws it is meant to turn are permanent. It is marked “DECATUR COFFIN COMPANY over DECATUR ILL. over PAT. OCT. 7, 1884”. The holder of the patent (306,096), Christopher H. Olson, was a member of the board and one of the founders of the Decatur Coffin Company. Additional previous photos and info linked here.
The screwdriver at the top is my only Stanley Sweetheart. A No. 100 with a [100 PLUS] banner. I’m guessing that is some kind of anniversary reference. I’m more of a North Brothers kind of guy, so perhaps a Stanley guru could fill me in.
Attachments
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Most of my wood-handled screwdrivers are either WWII-era “perfect handle” Jeep (11” OAL, 6” shank), GMTK (15” OAL, 10” shank), or GMTK Extra Heavy Duty Machinists’ (9-1/2” OAL) or #2 and #3 Phillips (GMTK) by type and would be duplicates of examples already posted by others, but I do have a few brands not yet posted, such as the J.J. RYAN at the bottom of this group.
It is marked on one flat of the hex nut shouldered shank just under the scales for wrench-turning.
The longer one has the same hex shoulder and rivets as the J.J. RYAN, but is not branded there or anywhere else. It also has an \8”/ marking on the tip reminiscent of the Tobrin convention.
I have sorely lost the bead on this, but I have two conflicting notes on who inherited H.D. Smith, one of which says it was Ryan, and the other that it was Tobrin, and I have just not re-visited it. Given the rivets (which are not anything like those I have found on IRWIN or Federal "perfect handle" drivers...), maybe the relationship was even more convoluted. ?
The EHD Machinists’ screwdriver is also a bit special. It is a “Federal”. The meaning of the “W.F.” is unknown, with most observers taking a Wright Field or a WAR FINISH position. The first makes no sense, but the second is not exactly apparent, either.
The meaning of the “TGBXTA” marking on the flip side is well-known and definitive and what makes it special. It is an Interwar, prewar and early WWII US Army Ordnance Dept stock code ‘number’, in the “TAXI” ‘number’ system, so-called due to the first ‘number’ issued: “TAAXXI.”
This one still has the remains of a preservative shellac dip or possibly dried BLO on it. Both were used.
It is marked on one flat of the hex nut shouldered shank just under the scales for wrench-turning.
The longer one has the same hex shoulder and rivets as the J.J. RYAN, but is not branded there or anywhere else. It also has an \8”/ marking on the tip reminiscent of the Tobrin convention.
I have sorely lost the bead on this, but I have two conflicting notes on who inherited H.D. Smith, one of which says it was Ryan, and the other that it was Tobrin, and I have just not re-visited it. Given the rivets (which are not anything like those I have found on IRWIN or Federal "perfect handle" drivers...), maybe the relationship was even more convoluted. ?
The EHD Machinists’ screwdriver is also a bit special. It is a “Federal”. The meaning of the “W.F.” is unknown, with most observers taking a Wright Field or a WAR FINISH position. The first makes no sense, but the second is not exactly apparent, either.
The meaning of the “TGBXTA” marking on the flip side is well-known and definitive and what makes it special. It is an Interwar, prewar and early WWII US Army Ordnance Dept stock code ‘number’, in the “TAXI” ‘number’ system, so-called due to the first ‘number’ issued: “TAAXXI.”
This one still has the remains of a preservative shellac dip or possibly dried BLO on it. Both were used.
Attachments
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I don’t mean to side-track the thread with screw-holders, especially when jagwinn started a good thread on that subject already, linked here, but these are very early spring-loaded examples, and tightly coupled with the wood-handled screwdrivers they’re on.
I have yet to discover any information on the smaller blonde “GRASP-IT", but neither the screwholder itself or the ferrule or handle are branded beyond that. I suspect the product was the driver and the screw-holder as one single unit.
I am fairly confident that’s the case with the larger example. The screw-holder is rather ornately branded “The Campbell Driver”.
It was patented in Philadelphia in 1902 and just happens to be on a North Brothers "YANKEE" No. 10 ratcheting screwdriver, patented in 1897 (Furbish's second patent, 593,157), also in Philadelphia. I strongly suspect a business relationship there.
I have yet to discover any information on the smaller blonde “GRASP-IT", but neither the screwholder itself or the ferrule or handle are branded beyond that. I suspect the product was the driver and the screw-holder as one single unit.
I am fairly confident that’s the case with the larger example. The screw-holder is rather ornately branded “The Campbell Driver”.
It was patented in Philadelphia in 1902 and just happens to be on a North Brothers "YANKEE" No. 10 ratcheting screwdriver, patented in 1897 (Furbish's second patent, 593,157), also in Philadelphia. I strongly suspect a business relationship there.
Attachments
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I will leave off with two more...
First, a rather humdrum little close-quarter junk drawer model I like if only for the branding ("WARDS LAKESIDE")...
...and a large slot-tip I like because of the bulbous, ring-knurled end on the handle, and its unexpected (to me, anyway) source ("DISSTON") which I associate almost exclusively with saws and files.
First, a rather humdrum little close-quarter junk drawer model I like if only for the branding ("WARDS LAKESIDE")...
...and a large slot-tip I like because of the bulbous, ring-knurled end on the handle, and its unexpected (to me, anyway) source ("DISSTON") which I associate almost exclusively with saws and files.
Attachments
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here are before and after pictures of a bent and rusty Bridgeport Bell System screwdriver.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks, Tim!
d42jeep
Well-known member
Back in June an eBay seller listed five NOS ink marked 11” Irwin screwdrivers on a buy it now sale and thanks to a late night alert from another collector in the U.K. I was able to purchase one. These regularly sell to WW2 Jeep owners trying to add them to their onboard toolsets in the neighborhood of $100.00 so the buy it now price was a bargain.
-Don
-Don
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Here's an example of a half-round handle or "no roll" screwdriver, so-called because when you put it down, it doesn't roll off your workbench and underneath something where you can't reach it, causing you to bump your head standing up, cursing, and making your wife holler down the basement to see if you're okay.
Also has a sort of two-tone dove-tail jointed ferrule, which I have never seen before - until looking at the jealousy-inducing Winchester ferrules upthread.
Marked only "MADE CHAMPION INC." on the cabinet type (implying electrical work...) shank.
Could it be Champion as in Spark Plug related?
Also has a sort of two-tone dove-tail jointed ferrule, which I have never seen before - until looking at the jealousy-inducing Winchester ferrules upthread.
Marked only "MADE CHAMPION INC." on the cabinet type (implying electrical work...) shank.
Could it be Champion as in Spark Plug related?
Attachments
Last edited:
Mintgrun
Well-known member
That is a nice one. The handle looks like beech wood.
Here are a few photos of the Winchester screwdrivers that I have.
The one on the right is not marked and the ferrule is not the fancy keyed style, but the shape is quite similar, so I added it to the group for a photo.
The one that needs to be put back together was made by Winchester (model 7171 2 in.), but it has a simple ferrule as well.
The first two black handled ones below also have that ribbed bulbous bit of wood above the ferrule, but they do not have any makers marks that I can see. Someone on the forum bought a tool box recently and a photo showed one of this style in the tray. The two I have were found six months apart at the same second hand store. Makes me wonder if they came from the same owner.
They have a large hex head let into the top of the handle and so I grouped them with the others that share the through-shaft handle design. The five on the right are all Stanley Hurwood. I have not cleaned the longest one yet, so I cannot read the maker's mark (but it is there waiting for me!) The next one to the left is a Great Neck and beside that is a Blue Point. The red handled one to the far left is a Millers Falls 4 in..
These three are unmarked and somewhat unusual. I like the tapered-top design on the two shorter ones. The longest one has a rosewood handle. It seems like it might be one of the oldest ones I have here.
Here are a few photos of the Winchester screwdrivers that I have.
The one on the right is not marked and the ferrule is not the fancy keyed style, but the shape is quite similar, so I added it to the group for a photo.
The one that needs to be put back together was made by Winchester (model 7171 2 in.), but it has a simple ferrule as well.
The first two black handled ones below also have that ribbed bulbous bit of wood above the ferrule, but they do not have any makers marks that I can see. Someone on the forum bought a tool box recently and a photo showed one of this style in the tray. The two I have were found six months apart at the same second hand store. Makes me wonder if they came from the same owner.
They have a large hex head let into the top of the handle and so I grouped them with the others that share the through-shaft handle design. The five on the right are all Stanley Hurwood. I have not cleaned the longest one yet, so I cannot read the maker's mark (but it is there waiting for me!) The next one to the left is a Great Neck and beside that is a Blue Point. The red handled one to the far left is a Millers Falls 4 in..
These three are unmarked and somewhat unusual. I like the tapered-top design on the two shorter ones. The longest one has a rosewood handle. It seems like it might be one of the oldest ones I have here.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Keyed. I like that. More accurate and descriptive than dove-tailed. I have grown so tired and impatient from looking through old toolboxes for spec-correct WWII GMTK screwdrivers (#2 and #3 Phillips, and 2-1/2" and 5-1/2" cabinet/electrician's) for so many years on end at flea markets that I have been passing them by for the last few years without even pawing, but I may just have to start diving in again to try to find me a Winchester.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
Speaking of Phillips, I grouped some of those for these photos.
(I'm not sure why I put the two natural wood Hurwood flat blade drivers there. Similar handle shape, I guess).
The two largest are marked Bridgeport, with the #3 having Stanley on the shank as well (#H1823). The big #4 actually has a hollow shank, presumably to keep it lighter (#394-B). Both of those are marked "Cross Point".
The two on the other end of the row are both Reed and Prince drivers.
The three littlest ones all say Made in USA on the ferrule, but only the blonde one has STANLEY stamped on the handle.
(I'm not sure why I put the two natural wood Hurwood flat blade drivers there. Similar handle shape, I guess).
The two largest are marked Bridgeport, with the #3 having Stanley on the shank as well (#H1823). The big #4 actually has a hollow shank, presumably to keep it lighter (#394-B). Both of those are marked "Cross Point".
The two on the other end of the row are both Reed and Prince drivers.
The three littlest ones all say Made in USA on the ferrule, but only the blonde one has STANLEY stamped on the handle.