Bronson Square Bezel Combo 1866

[Rxadrian]

Hi all, I need some help with this tool I recently acquired. I really can't find anything other than the patent application. Austin Bronson Square Bezel combination. The tool is in great shape with storage case, stamped A. Bronson Pat. Feb. 19,1866. Patent I found it to be patent number 58,056 but don't know quantity and value. Interesting that the square and application granted are different and 2 slight differences. (prototype?
Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
A

 

[Rxadrian]

 

[RTM]

Not unusual to see two slightly different designs between the patent description and reality. Nor unusual to see the wrong patent date stamped on the thing. Probably the date applied for.

No idea on quantity or value.

 

[Rxadrian]

Thank you RTM.
Just don't how unique this item is. Just amazed at the craftsmanship.

 

[Leviton]

I agree with RTM that the date on the tool, February 19, 1866, is probably the date the patent was applied for. Here is why:

The first photo below is a page from the February 28, 1866 issue of the Artisan & Patent Record. This date is shortly after the suspected Application date of February 19, 1866. The article mentions the application of the patent and says that "Parties are wanted to manufacture this instrument."

(In the March 7, 1866 issue, the same journal made some corrections to their previous article (see second photo) ).


Later that year, in the September 26, 1866 issue, it mentions that the patent was issued (third photo). This "squares" pretty well with the September 18, 1866 patent issuance date.


Dang, that square is in great shape for being that old. Great find!

 

[Rxadrian]

Wow, what great information and insight.
Couple of questions:
Why the slight deviation from the patent? Does this usually occur and would slight deviations warrant a need for a new patent.
Would the lack ofa stamped patent number confirm its date of mfg between February and September?
Can this be the only one produced?
And the million dollar question, any estimate on market value?
Thanks again for everything.

 

[Leviton]

Wow, what great information and insight.
Couple of questions:
Why the slight deviation from the patent? Does this usually occur and would slight deviations warrant a need for a new patent.
Would the lack ofa stamped patent number confirm its date of mfg between February and September?
Can this be the only one produced?
And the million dollar question, any estimate on market value?
Thanks again for everything.

In my limited explorations of patents it is not at all uncommon to see slight deviations between the patent image and the actual tool and no new patent would be required.

Not sure on your date question. Often if this were the case it would say "Patent Pending".

Only more research will let you know if this is the only one produced.

Edited to add. An Austin Bronson, also of New York, had a patent for an improvement to cooking stoves...

 

[Rxadrian]

Thanks for everything Leviton!
I guess I'll continue scouring the internet for other ones. If it is the only one produced, market value estimates would be difficult to impossible to determine.
Thx again

 

[RTM]

My previous search turned up one other, but I couldn’t dig it up today.

 

[Rxadrian]

Hi all, I have been looking extensively and no match.
If anyone spots one, please let me know. That being said, with most antique rarity is a commodity but does the same apply for tools? If a tool doesn't "make" it into production is it really worth anything? Or does it fall into the realm of a novelty.
Thx all