Challenger tool boardq
- Thread starter jwilson645
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jwilson645
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Does anyone have an idea of the time period this may have came from?
BD55
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No idea on the time period but that is a super cool toolboard!
OP
jwilson645
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Thank you. It's the first tool board I've ever had. I'm searching for the tools to fill it. So far, I have only found them on ebay. None found in the wild yet.
four.cycle
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^ I am going to guess prior to the Ingersoll-Rand acquisistion, when it was still part of the Penens group.
The graphic with the Corinthian helmet was used as early as 1951 and as late as 1965 from the scant documentation I have, but it may have been used prior or later - that's all I have documentation for.
Inexplicably, neither their 1963 or 1978 catalog show any display boards.
I do not believe I own any 1/2" drive Challenger, although I do have complete 1/4" and 3/8" drive sets.
correction:
After looking at these graphics more closely, I noticed that the part numbers on the sockets were changed at some point, so your board cannot be as early as 1951. I do not know when the change in their part numbering system took place, but the 1963 catalog shows the same part numbers as those silkscreened on your board.
The graphic with the Corinthian helmet was used as early as 1951 and as late as 1965 from the scant documentation I have, but it may have been used prior or later - that's all I have documentation for.
Inexplicably, neither their 1963 or 1978 catalog show any display boards.
I do not believe I own any 1/2" drive Challenger, although I do have complete 1/4" and 3/8" drive sets.
correction:
After looking at these graphics more closely, I noticed that the part numbers on the sockets were changed at some point, so your board cannot be as early as 1951. I do not know when the change in their part numbering system took place, but the 1963 catalog shows the same part numbers as those silkscreened on your board.
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four.cycle
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A little venture into the International Tool Catalog Library turns up a 1955 Challenger product brochure which shows the same part numbers on 1/2" drive sockets and drive accessories as your board, BUT:
From the content of the rest of their promotional material from that era (1951-1963), it looks like they were pushing their "Wall-Ettes" program of wire racks (as opposed to flat-panel display boards like yours), which causes me to think your flat-panel board is probably mid-to-late 1960s.
Serendipitiously, I found a 1914 advertisement for the Chamberlain's Pliers-Wrench (patent 1042318) that is currently listed on ebay, so thanks for that!
From the content of the rest of their promotional material from that era (1951-1963), it looks like they were pushing their "Wall-Ettes" program of wire racks (as opposed to flat-panel display boards like yours), which causes me to think your flat-panel board is probably mid-to-late 1960s.
Serendipitiously, I found a 1914 advertisement for the Chamberlain's Pliers-Wrench (patent 1042318) that is currently listed on ebay, so thanks for that!
OP
jwilson645
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Thank you four.cycle. Those are awesome!
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I am still a bit puzzled but... it looks to ME like "Challenger" (which, if I am not mistaken, was originally marketed by Penens as a competitive price-point line) was pushing those "Wall-Ettes" - note the display on the pegboard wall on the front cover of the 1963 catalog.
Boards are really expensive - those pegs are all inserted and assembled by hand at the factory.
I managed to negotiate a deal on all new boards for our stores: I got them all free of charge with a $12,000.00 order (that was about 1981 or 1982). They cost an ungodly amount to ship via common carrier.
I do know that we had Challenger boards at 38th Street at some point in the 1960s, but I cannot recall exact dates.
Boards are really expensive - those pegs are all inserted and assembled by hand at the factory.
I managed to negotiate a deal on all new boards for our stores: I got them all free of charge with a $12,000.00 order (that was about 1981 or 1982). They cost an ungodly amount to ship via common carrier.
I do know that we had Challenger boards at 38th Street at some point in the 1960s, but I cannot recall exact dates.
OP
jwilson645
Well-known member
I will! So far, it's looking like I'm going to have to fill it from ebay. I got in September and have yet to find 1 Challenger tool of any kind.
Do not give up - one day you will get a break!
I am in the same situation with older Blackhawk tools - see them in other states, but nothing in MA. The worst one was either South or North Dacota box - somebody had an old box full of tools for only $100, but the price of shipping (if the owner agreed) would be a killer...
May be make a list of everything you need, post it on wanted and see if anybody has extras to sell here (or, even better, exchange for other tools you have and do not need)
I am in the same situation with older Blackhawk tools - see them in other states, but nothing in MA. The worst one was either South or North Dacota box - somebody had an old box full of tools for only $100, but the price of shipping (if the owner agreed) would be a killer...
May be make a list of everything you need, post it on wanted and see if anybody has extras to sell here (or, even better, exchange for other tools you have and do not need)
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jwilson645
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Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
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I've got a couple Challenger tool boards if you're interested. I'm in the Atlanta area, send me a PM if you want to know more.