Identify 1950's pliers

[mitch01]

Hi, I came across these old pliers that were saved by my family many years ago. I'm trying to identify the manufacturer. The only marking is on the pivot and says "Made in Western Germany". The handles were originally painted blue and I removed the paint. I've done quite a bit of searching ebay and etsy, but haven't found a match. I assume they're from the 50's based on the "Western Germany" marking, but maybe newer or slightly older?

thanks for any help

 

[Dave455]

That’s a tough one!

Part of the problem is that style of plier (combination pliers) while not that common in the U.S, is about the most common pattern made in Europe.

I really wouldn’t like to try and guess the manufacturer as there are so many. Knipex existed back then, as did VBW and NWS. There were also a host of other makers that you don’t see much from now such as Klauke. All top quality though!

What I like about the tools from that era, is that when they saved on cost, they did it sensibly. They maybe didn’t polish the tools, and saved on dip coating the handles, but the steel was first class, as was the quality of construction!

 

[mitch01]

Thanks for your help. They are very interesting and i like them.

 

[twertsy]

Is there a pattern on the handles? That's usually the best way without a mfgrs stamp. Also, I find that quality pliers with no mfgr stamp are almost always Utica. They stamped very lightly and it wears off, particularly from the late '40s on.

 

[mitch01]

There isn't pattern on the handles (maybe because they were came with painted covering). Would Utica have made pliers marked Western Germany?

 

[shanny19]

There isn't pattern on the handles (maybe because they were came with painted covering). Would Utica have made pliers marked Western Germany?

No, I don’t think he actually read your post.

My neck of the PNW is a long long ways from MD, but around here vintage German pliers are usually Boker.

 

[rlitman]

I own a number of Boker pliers, but they're all marked.
The marking on these pliers dates it between around 1949 through 1990.

 

[twertsy]

No, I don’t think he actually read your post.

My neck of the PNW is a long long ways from MD, but around here vintage German pliers are usually Boker.

Lol, I read it, but it obviously didn't sink in........

 

[mitch01]

I've done some more looking, and from what I've seen they look virtually identical to Harrold pliers.

thanks