Help finding the "C.N. Co" (with an alligator logo)

[Leviton]

I bought a some metal files at a garage sale last weekend. One of the files is stamped "C. N. Co." and has a crocodile or alligator logo. I am trying to find out about the C.N. Company.

I've searched online and only come up with two or three mentions of the C.N. Co. - those are examples of files that are also stamped "Bell System" - see links (my file does not say Bell System). Those links have no additional information other than the mention of a lineman's kit. I can't find anything else about the company.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bell-System-File-telephone-tool-antique-vintage-old-lineman-kit-C-N-Co-Gator/202750849362?hash=item2f34e47152:g:QckAAOSw-xhdDoz5

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/bell-system-files-size-alligator-mark-1854500169

Any help learning about this company would be appreciated. My detective work has failed me.

(Since online references to the company are rare, and since there is no country of origin on the file, I am wondering if the files might have been be made in China or Japan?)

Thanks.

 

[Slinger646]

Searching for info as well. Being bell system marked, I doubt they are Chinesium based on age. If anything they are European

 

[DadsTools]

I found a reference online in a tool collection list of mfrs represented in the collection and one of the companies was Canadian National. No other info though. Generally speaking, USA-made tools are stamped USA.

Another possible avenue for research is that the alligator may be representative of the brand name like "Gator" because of how well the teeth bite and cut, the "CN CO" being the mfr name for the 'Gator tools'. So perhaps looking into a cutting or edge tool company.

 

[RTM]

Looking in Archive.org for alligator, Carson Newton of Newark NewJersey comes up, from 1935 ish. Not sure I can post a link, will try to add it in a minute.

Nope, too Junior, no links allowed yet. Lemme go harass another thread.

https://archive.org/details/CarsonNewtonFiles1935

 

[Leviton]

Looking in Archive.org for alligator, Carson Newton of Newark NewJersey comes up, from 1935 ish. Not sure I can post a link, will try to add it in a minute.

Nope, too Junior, no links allowed yet. Lemme go harass another thread.

https://archive.org/details/CarsonNewtonFiles1935

RTM, YOU DID IT! Nice job. The Carson-Newton Company, in various locations in New Jersey and later in Massachusetts.

It looks like mine is possibly an auger bit file.

Thanks RTM! - I will dig into this some more.
_

 

[RTM]

Yup, auger bit file, with 2 safe edges on each end. Have a handful in the garage, though mine are more extreme in width