I need some advice on wartime toolkits.

[SquirrelsTools]

My grandfather was drafted by the United States government. When he passed away, my "mother" (long story) emptied his trailer on the Rez in NC and sold off a great deal of his things. I didn't know anything was left until I saw this. In order to keep it from being pieced off I had to pay her more than retail, but it was worth it.

This roll was his at some point. Maybe during, maybe he bought it after, or got it from someone. I don't really have a way to tell and he never talked about it.

It had some tools in it, and its in rough shape. I can probably fill it with period stuff I've picked up here and there. That's not the issue.

Is there a way to safely clean it without destroying the printing on it? It's pretty special to me to have some of his stuff. I want to preserve it. She just kind of threw it in a tote when she couldn't sell it quickly. It's been in there for years. Any advice would be great.

 

[BrandonV]

Can't help with advice on cleaning but a cool find.

Images attached of what a similar roll says if some of the writing on yours is hard to read.

 

[SquirrelsTools]

Can't help with advice on cleaning but a cool find.

Images attached of what a similar roll says if some of the writing on yours is hard to read.

That's helpful, thanks a lot

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Is there a way to safely clean it without destroying the printing on it?

Yes. Soak it in mild soap (e.g., Dawn) and warm water only. That will loosen up the dirt. You can agitate it vigorously when it's submerged, but do not wash it by hand like you might a shirt or article of clothing by scrubbing parts of it against other parts of it or twisting, etc. Do not use Simple Green or anything like that. It will strip the stenciling. No brush, which will strip the stenciling.

A collecting colleague from Italy found a NOS one a few years ago with all the original, correct tools, missing only the Wiggy. Linked here.

 

[SquirrelsTools]

Yes. Soak it in mild soap (e.g., Dawn) and warm water only. That will loosen up the dirt. You can agitate it vigorously when it's submerged, but do not wash it by hand like you might a shirt or article of clothing by scrubbing parts of it against other parts of it or twisting, etc. Do not use Simple Green or anything like that. It will strip the stenciling. No brush, which will strip the stenciling.

A collecting colleague from Italy found a NOS one a few years ago with all the original, correct tools, missing only the Wiggy. Linked here.

Oh my gosh, I think I have everything to finish it out, thanks so much.

Maybe a stupid question, but what's a wiggy?

Also, the auger bits that were in it were various brands. I know that's normal in some kits, would it be acceptable/accurate to add a few bits that are period correct but not from said kit?

 

[BrandonV]

Maybe a stupid question, but what's a wiggy?

Solenoid tester for checking for the presence of voltage.

 

[SquirrelsTools]

Solenoid tester for checking for the presence of voltage.

Thanks! This roll had a brace and an extension rolled up in it. I'm gonna go ahead and assume that they went with it too. Thanks for the help guys, this stuff means a lot to me.

 

[BrandonV]

Thanks! This roll had a brace and an extension rolled up in it. I'm gonna go ahead and assume that they went with it too. Thanks for the help guys, this stuff means a lot to me.

I would have to do more research, but I think this early Square D or Knopp wiggy would have been included.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Maybe a stupid question, but what's a wiggy?

What Brandon said, and while the term has become channellocked into electricans' lexicon, used for any simple two lead solenoid voltage tester, regardless of the OEM, the Square D company did supply the namesake (Wiggington, original mfgr, which Square D acquired) to that kit during WWII. I have an antique, posted below, but you will want one that is a little more modern, as in this other partially complete wartime electricians' roll, owned by another friend and colleague, linked here.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Also, the auger bits that were in it were various brands. I know that's normal in some kits, would it be acceptable/accurate to add a few bits that are period correct but not from said kit?

More than acceptable, perfectly legitimate. It's exactly what your grandfather would've done when he was in uniform. Tools were lost and replaced all the time.

This roll had a brace and an extension rolled up in it. I'm gonna go ahead and assume that they went with it too.

High probability they were original, but even if they weren't, high probability your grandfather put them there, so I would still do it anyway.

 

[SquirrelsTools]

Thanks a lot guys. Some of my best memories as a kid were with him and learning about the land outside Qualla.

Kinda choked up because the only stuff he would say about that time in his life was that it was the one time nobody cared about his color, language, or ways. He did a job and was respected for it. He didn't like fighting other men's wars, but when he had an obligation for whatever reason, he fulfilled it. It's part of what made me who I am.

My "mother" has tried to erase him (and me coincidentally) however she can and hide her heritage. His story is important. This gives me a way to keep it alive in my family.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

There is no better reason than that for collecting and preserving. Good for the soul. Good for you. Good for the hobby. Good luck with it.

 

[SquirrelsTools]

Thanks, I appreciate it greatly.