Oldest Craftsman tool/item anyone has?

[TexTJ209]

My square is probably a contender

So interestingly, that square isn't actually that old. Not sure of the exact era but these were released as a "future antique" collector item in probably the 90s or 00s. Here's one NIB on eBay. There was a whole line of these.

Vintage Craftsman Try Square "Future Antique Collection" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Craftsman Try Square "Future Antique Collection" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Jim C.]

Jim, how did you date it to 1948? And would you happen to have a better picture of the badge on top?

The late 40s era is where I'm not 100% sure of badge type transitions, so just curious. Thanks!

Hey Tex,

Right here on the motor spec plate, there’s a stamp (Circled in red). If you look carefully, it reads, J3 48. I believe that’s a date of manufacture code. Deciphered, I think it means September (J) 3rd (3) 1948 (48). I also have the advantage of knowing where the drill press has been since it was brand new. My brother-in-law’s grandfather bought it new from Sears. The motor is original to the drill press itself, so I’m pretty sure it was manufactured late 1948. Hope this information is helpful. I vaguely recall there being a 1948 or 48 cast somewhere on the drill press head, possibly beneath the decorative machined band. I’ll check it tomorrow.

Jim C.

 

[TexTJ209]

Hey Tex,

Right here on the motor spec plate, there’s a stamp (Circled in red). If you look carefully, it reads, J3 48. I believe that’s a date of manufacture code. Deciphered, I think it means September (J) 3rd (3) 1948 (48). I also have the advantage of knowing where the drill press has been since it was brand new. My brother-in-law’s grandfather bought it new from Sears. The motor is original to the drill press itself, so I’m pretty sure it was manufactured late 1948. Hope this information is helpful. I vaguely recall there being a 1948 or 48 cast somewhere on the drill press head, possibly beneath the decorative machined band. I’ll check it tomorrow.

Jim C.

Perfect, thanks! The motors don't always track perfectly but 48 sounds about right given yours has the center hole in the base and the first gen badge.

 

[Odd Job]

Not sure of the vintage, but still in use as recently as yesterday. Belonged to one of my Uncles. Man those guys had a ton of tools.

 

[Jim C.]

Perfect, thanks! The motors don't always track perfectly but 48 sounds about right given yours has the center hole in the base and the first gen badge.

Hey Tex,

I as mistaken about there being a year cast beneath the machined decorative head band. There is a date code, however I believe it only refers to the month and day the head casting was made. Mine says J25 which I believe means September 25th. That also lines up perfectly with the September 3rd motor build date. And again, knowing for sure where the drill press has been since it was purchased new gives me a great deal of confidence in its originality and authenticity. I think 1948 is accurate for this particular drill press.

Jim C.

 

[RTM]

So interestingly, that square isn't actually that old. Not sure of the exact era but these were released as a "future antique" collector item in probably the 90s or 00s. Here's one NIB on eBay. There was a whole line of these.

Vintage Craftsman Try Square "Future Antique Collection" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Craftsman Try Square "Future Antique Collection" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Not so sure. Here is my version of the reproduction square. Note the pin arrangement at the square joint.

 

[TexTJ209]

Not so sure. Here is my version of the reproduction square. Note the pin arrangement at the square joint.

There was a stickered version and a torch branded version. You can see in my eBay link it's identical to his. I haven't encountered any of the stickered versions in the wild but have been fooled by a branded version, ha.

 

[TexTJ209]

Not so sure. Here is my version of the reproduction square. Note the pin arrangement at the square joint.

I will say your version appears to be substantially better made than any of the torch branded ones I've come across though. The branded ones are pretty shoddily made.

 

[RTM]

I will say your version appears to be substantially better made than any of the torch branded ones I've come across though. The branded ones are pretty shoddily made.

Yeah, I liked the little knob for holding it on a surface instead of dropping under its own weight.

 

[wrenchguy]

My oldest Cman piece at this point. Early 30's, mfg'd by walker turner. Hoping to find the missing parts.

 

[RPR]

working on one