Bell system

[Provincial]

At one point in my life, I flew telephone installation crews all over Alaska, and helped with the installation of systems in small communities. I learned a lot from the crews.

I believe that many of the tools you show are related to splicing cables, and some seem to be used for "shielded" or "armored" cable. When we worked at Gustavus (near Glacier Bay) there was an extensive network of aerial cable that had been installed during WWII, when Gustavus was an important air base defending the upper part of the Alaskan Panhandle. All this aerial cable was armored in case of bombing/strafing. It was encased in a spiral layer of steel. The cable splicers dreaded having to deal with it!

 

[Old Radar]

What a treasure trove, Lugz! Congratulations!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

At one point in my life, I flew telephone installation crews all over Alaska, and helped with the installation of systems in small communities. I learned a lot from the crews.

I believe that many of the tools you show are related to splicing cables, and some seem to be used for "shielded" or "armored"...

Thanks for your input, and I remember that bush pilot story, Jock. I am hoping southalabama or some of these other guys can prod their pops and pop-pops to be more specific, especially about the three knob jobbies, the cleaver and the triangular chipper.

What a treasure trove, Lugz! Congratulations!

Thank you, sir.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Lugz I'm actually seeing my old man this weekend. I'll show him the pics and let you know what everything is.

 

[Outlawmws]

So much cool plunder Lugz!

That Corbin lock is an interesting variant. it does't snap open like most locks. You insert the key, push in (which opens the shackle a bit), and twist the key, which turns the shackle so you can remove it.

I have two of similar design, one Corbin (uses a different blank than yours) and one Yale. Both USN. cool locks!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

So much cool plunder Lugz!

That Corbin lock is an interesting variant. it does't snap open like most locks. You insert the key, push in (which opens the shackle a bit), and twist the key, which turns the shackle so you can remove it.

I have two of similar design, one Corbin (uses a different blank than yours) and one Yale. Both USN. cool locks!

Thanks, Outlaw. Needless to say, I was stoked. When I first saw the box - in a truckload of stuff from a house liquidator's lot - my heart skipped a beat. I started taking some of the more interesting things out as I spotted them, and soon realized I would have to make a play for the whole box. Haha. My ploy was I didn't want it all (which wasn't entirely untrue - the receptacles, etc), just some things, and that turned out to be unnecessary. They wer pretty much letting it go.

On the lock, thanks for that. I have seen bigger examples of the same type, but haven't had the pleasure of owning any, yet.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Lugz I'm actually seeing my old man this weekend. I'll show him the pics and let you know what everything is.

Perfect. Thanks. Here's my list! HAHA.

- 12" OAL gas and burner pliers. Okay, I know what they are. But what did a Bell mechanic/technician use them for?

- The wooden "implement" (stock number KS-6320). Maybe it's my marlinspike experience speaking, but intuition tells me it was used for picking and/or separating things, but what? Wires? It's naturally insulated, but it's not very strong. See pics.

- The cleaver and chipper/scraper.

- The Numberall punch tool. I know what it does, but what would they have used it for? Proprietary markings? Maintenance dates? Or to mark pieces they were working on with unique descriptive numbers for identification purposes, for the next time, or for the next guy, so the type of connection etc was known?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I may have figured out what the tools with the knurled round knobs and the Western Union & Telegraph patent license references do, but I'm still not sure for what purpose.

I disassembled one and discovered that the pin sticking out of the top of the knob is spring-loaded. See Pics 1 through 5.

And, when I popped the other ones hard with my thumb, a little piece of lead dropped out of each one! See Pic 6.

When that pin is pushed flush with the top of the knob, the other end of the pin is flush with the end of the opening of that tube with the split ends, which is sleeved inside and held on the tool by the hex nut.

For soldering? Maybe for doling out a carefully controlled amount? Or is it a punch? For boring?

Found what may be a part number inside the knob of one of them. See Pic 7.

 

[bmwrd0]

Lugz, that little stick (KS-6320) looks to be some version of what is semi-offically called a Spudger. It is used to tuck the connection wires out of the way and into the channels in a B-box.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Perfect. Thanks. Here's my list! HAHA.

- 12" OAL gas and burner pliers. Okay, I know what they are. But what did a Bell mechanic/technician use them for?

- The wooden "implement" (stock number KS-6320). Maybe it's my marlinspike experience speaking, but intuition tells me it was used for picking and/or separating things, but what? Wires? It's naturally insulated, but it's not very strong. See pics.

- The cleaver and chipper/scraper.

- The Numberall punch tool. I know what it does, but what would they have used it for? Proprietary markings? Maintenance dates? Or to mark pieces they were working on with unique descriptive numbers for identification purposes, for the next time, or for the next guy, so the type of connection etc was known?

I know for a fact that the punch was used to Mark the work that you did each technician had their own number unique to them. My dad told me it was for accountability purposes.When I see him this weekend I'll ask about the rest.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Lugz, that little stick (KS-6320) looks to be some version of what is semi-offically called a Spudger. It is used to tuck the connection wires out of the way and into the channels in a B-box.

Thanks, Beemer. Good to know my marlinspike intuition was good! Very similar to separating strands when splicing.

I found a few references to it being called an "Orange Stick", to include a Bell System B Best Practices Guide from the early 60's. Here is one excerpt...

And this funny Worthpoint description from an old eBay ad suggests its purposes were infinite!

"Nearly every telephone man had at least one of these at one time. A versatile tool if there ever was one! The good old "KS 6320" orange stick. Good for separating wires, flicking solder off the frame block, and even for cleaning your ears (ouch!)".

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I know for a fact that the punch was used to Mark the work that you did each technician had their own number unique to them. My dad told me it was for accountability purposes.When I see him this weekend I'll ask about the rest.

Thanks, NYBODYMAN! I really appreciate it. I forgot the mirror in my list. Hygiene? Or for seeing around obstructions? Or perhaps hand signaling from one pole to another? (Don't laugh. Signal Corps issued them in WWII!)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Square-head bolts with 5/16" AF heads must have been a popular fastener within the Bell System, as I picked up another (that makes three...) 5/16" brace type square socket bit this morning, this one made by Billings, which I did not know was a supplier. The only other size I have found is 1/4". See Pic 1, 2, & 3.

After I cleaned it up, I gathered up all my miscellaneous Bell System B tools for a photo opp (see Pic 4) and re-stowing. I think I will put the lineman's wrench in the Klein bag with the belt and climbers, and maybe the hack saw frame, but put everything else in the new toolbox.

 

[Username already in use]

D@mn Lugz! Talk about a one fell swoop collection. Nice!
I guess I know where I’ll be sending all my random Bell Systems stuff.

 

[Leviton]

Were all Bell System tools made in the US, or was that not a requirement for their suppliers?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

D@mn Lugz! Talk about a one fell swoop collection. Nice!

Haha. I see what you did there... Thanks. Note, though, that I have collected a dozen or so pieces prior to this kit scattered throughout this thread since 2018. See Pic 4 in Post #298 for a group shot of the stuff I am going to put into the case, and I have a pair of BELL SYSTEM B climbers and a belt in a Klein Bell System bag.

Were all Bell System tools made in the US, or was that not a requirement for their suppliers?

I have never seen that in writing, and I don't collect Bell System 'C' or beyond tools, but I know that I have never seen anything but US made in the early Bell System A and B stuff.

 

[bmwrd0]

Or perhaps hand signaling from one pole to another? (Don't laugh. Signal Corps issued them in WWII!)

Mmm... More likely two linemen would just call each other. That is what the **** set was for...

 

[smalltown]

Lugz, that little stick (KS-6320) looks to be some version of what is semi-offically called a Spudger. It is used to tuck the connection wires out of the way and into the channels in a B-box.

X2 it's a spudger. Later on they were made of plastic with a stiff bent wire on one end. Just a handy tool to separate wires etc. as previously stated.

 

[jeffmoss26]

ooooh those padlocks!!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Mmm... More likely two linemen would just call each other. That is what the **** set was for...

Yeah, I was mainly being facetious; I think the Signal Corps mirrors were holdovers from WWI/Interwar years; and they didn't use them, they supplied them.

X2 it's a spudger.

Thanks. Funny how what you guys are saying is more of a street name sounds more formal than the name Bell System actually used for it ("orange stick") in the manuals, which I'm assuming is derived from when they came earlier in an orange colored wood.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

ooooh those padlocks!!

Which one do you want?!

Seriously, I have a proposal for you. They are both locked with no keys. If you make me keys to open them, I will send you one of them and also some duplicate Bell System B tools I have. Your choice. And from my perspective, it's a win-win, either way. I like the Corbin 'USN ELECTRIC' just because it's so cool-looking, but it is military, probably older than the case (looks wartime), and doesn't really belong on this case. The lock marked 'NEW YORK TERMINAL' (guessing a Bell System facility; the Driver's Manual that was inside the case is New York Telephone Company) is not as old or as unique as the 'USN' two-step shackle, but it is more fitting for the case, and probably the same time period. So I would be happy ether way.

 

[Old Radar]

Lugz I'm actually seeing my old man this weekend. I'll show him the pics and let you know what everything is.

If it's not too late and you don't mind me piling on, I posted this ID query back in February but got no response.

I understand the file--but it's also got a chisel end and has obviously been use for one because the other end has been hammered upon.

The little thing on the right looks like some kind of tap and it has a threaded cover.

No idea what the two tapered pipe things are.

Thanks!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Which one do you want?!

Seriously, I have a proposal for you. They are both locked with no keys. If you make me keys to open them, I will send you one of them and also some duplicate Bell System B tools I have. Your choice. And from my perspective, it's a win-win, either way. I like the Corbin 'USN ELECTRIC' just because it's so cool-looking, but it is military, probably older than the case (looks wartime), and doesn't really belong on this case. The lock marked 'NEW YORK TERMINAL' (guessing a Bell System facility; the Driver's Manual that was inside the case is New York Telephone Company) is not as old or as unique as the 'USN' two-step shackle, but it is more fitting for the case, and probably the same time period. So I would be happy ether way.

I have a couple of the USN Corbin push key locks in my collection but don’t have one of the New York Terminal Warehouse (don’t think it’s telephone related, see here https://www.google.com/search?q=new+york+terminal+warehouse&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari)

I’m not sure either code is in my software, I may need the locks sent to me so a key can be made by hand. PM me and we can go from there.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

....PM me and we can go from there.

Roger that!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

NYBODYMAN: Did you get a chance to talk to your dad? Eagerly awaiting your report!

----------// BREAK // --------------

In the meantime, I picked up another BELL SYSTEM B box at the flea market today. I really only wanted the box, the Western Electric headset, and the Bell System B snips sheath that the PO had made into a snips-and-knife sheath with some electrical tape, but the seller insisted on treating the whole thing like a complete toolkit. It was peanuts, so machts nichts. Now I have a bunch of testing clips and leads (ceramic!) and other obsolete stuff. Sometimes you gotta take the BAD with the GOOD!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here are the sheaths.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have no idea what this is or even if it's telephone related. It looks more like lube or gas to me.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

NYBODYMAN: Did you get a chance to talk to your dad? Eagerly awaiting your report!

----------// BREAK // --------------

In the meantime, I picked up another BELL SYSTEM B box at the flea market today. I really only wanted the box, the Western Electric headset, and the Bell System B snips sheath that the PO had made into a snips-and-knife sheath with some electrical tape, but the seller insisted on treating the whole thing like a complete toolkit. It was peanuts, so machts nichts. Now I have a bunch of testing clips and leads (ceramic!) and other obsolete stuff. Sometimes you gotta take the BAD with the GOOD!

****!!! Sorry I completely forgot. I will send him the link to this and get back to you.

 

[Old Radar]

Here are the sheaths.

After an application of Neatsfoot oil?

 

[Old Radar]

****!!! Sorry I completely forgot. I will send him the link to this and get back to you.

NYBODYMAN-- I'd like to tag along on the inquiry with post #302. Thanks!

 

[Outlawmws]

Lugs, I'm guessing that chain and Schrader is for test purposes? Strap it against a hole, pressurize and see if it bleeds down?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

After an application of Neatsfoot oil?

Of course!

I'm guessing that chain and Schrader is for test purposes? Strap it against a hole, pressurize and see if it bleeds down?

You nailed it. But there's more. So much more! Stand by...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The “GEN. MACH. PRO. CO.” stamping...

...stands for General Machine Products Company, which started outside of Philly in 1918 as the George M. Pfund Company. It’s a little confusing, but apparently they changed their name to something that would retain the acronym (GMPCO) they had always used. The important part is that they have been making all kinds of tools (everything you can think of from lashers to cable splicers to aerial linesman tents, etc) for Bell since their inception. In 2004 they were bought out by Klein! If you want to dig deeper, they have an excellent website, linked here.

As a tool collector, in a hobby where ya gotta beg, borrow, and steal information off the internet wherever you may find it, and queries to tool mfgrs about historical information rarely comes back positive, ya gotta love a company that is so proud of its heritage and legacy that it posts excerpts of its own vintage catalogs on its company history page!

I found the pressure tester (used on gas-filled pipes and cables!) in the 1952 catalog.

Here is the whole page it appears on. Lower right corner. But check out the fiber case! And, check out the tool about half way up on the right hand side!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Sometimes collecting just has these magical synchronicities, and this is one of them. If I hadn’t picked up this box today, and if it hadn’t had the GMPCO pressure tester inside it, and if GMPCO didn’t maintain an amazing history-proud website with vintage catalogs, I would never have seen this! These are drills (okay, I said "punch"), as I suspected.

 

[Outlawmws]

AWESOME! That's a great hit Lugz! and so the seller was closer to right than he may have known, about the "kit"...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

AWESOME! That's a great hit Lugz! and so the seller was closer to right than he may have known, about the "kit"...

Well, the drills were in the box I found last Thursday, see posts #272-288 on page 14 and 15, but yeah, it's pretty cool to reunite task-oriented tools!

 

[Outlawmws]

Yeah, but it was clearly MEANT to be that you found them both so close together! Tool DESTINY.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

For sure. And who knows, maybe they did come out of the same house liquidation. One guy got the basement and the other the garage. They're always cutting deals with each other.

 

[Old Radar]

I love it when things come full circle! Truly serendipitous in this case!

 

[Leviton]

A few pages back (post 270) I posted a Bell System marked hacksaw that had no manufacturer's identification. I asked if anyone could ID it.

Freakishly, I just found a second virtually identical Bell System marked hacksaw that DOES have manufacturer stamping.

It says: "Forsberg Manufacturing Co. Bridgeport, Conn. No. 70" - with a whale logo.

The only difference between these two saws is the width of the "backbone' of the saw - one is 21/32" wide and the other is 26/32". The handle and all other parts are exactly the same.