Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!

[mustangSR70]

Awesome score, but man did you pony u for them. I bet the seller **** his pants watching that bid run up.

When Twersty and I started searching and scanning 1926 was the oldest we could find and it was labeled catalog #6. I don’t know if catalogs were produced annually like the were later on, or only periodically, but I would be interested to know.

So both of these catalogs do not have catalog numbers. The bigger one is 33 pages, and most of the tools are priced by the dozen. Makes me wonder if this was a catalog for a hardware store or whatever to purchase from. Also I noticed that there are not many mechanic tools, it's largely chisels and plumbing with few mechanics tools.
The smaller one, the Garage one, which says Plomb has been making tools for 18 years, does not have 1/2" drive tools, in fact they have 9/16" and 7/8" drive listed. The 1926 catalog 6, on page 10 for the "new" 1/2 drive sets, says Plomb has been making tools for 20 years.
So, the larger catalog looks to be 1923, while the small one actually says "copyright 1925 Plomb Tool Company" on the 2nd to last page.
And yes, I paid quite a bit, but I knew that these had to be incredibly rare, and figured I may never have the chance to get these again.

 

[Rileysan]

So both of these catalogs do not have catalog numbers. The bigger one is 33 pages, and most of the tools are priced by the dozen. Makes me wonder if this was a catalog for a hardware store or whatever to purchase from. Also I noticed that there are not many mechanic tools, it's largely chisels and plumbing with few mechanics tools.
The smaller one, the Garage one, which says Plomb has been making tools for 18 years, does not have 1/2" drive tools, in fact they have 9/16" and 7/8" drive listed. The 1926 catalog 6, on page 10 for the "new" 1/2 drive sets, says Plomb has been making tools for 20 years.
So, the larger catalog looks to be 1923, while the small one actually says "copyright 1925 Plomb Tool Company" on the 2nd to last page.
And yes, I paid quite a bit, but I knew that these had to be incredibly rare, and figured I may never have the chance to get these again.

That is a fantastic purchase! I saw (and watched) that auction as well, but knew early on I wouldn't be in the running so never bid.

If you have a decent selection of Plomb catalogs (especially those not digitized in the public domain), might I suggest creating a DVD and selling it, a la David Maher with the 1927-2013 Craftsman catalogs? I gladly paid $75 for his DVD and would gladly pay for a Plomb DVD as well.

 

[Rileysan]

For all of you vultures who have already sent rileysan pm’s I am alive and well much to your chagrin [emoji23] paint it cured


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Surprisingly, there were zero bets on the Smokeshow death line in Vegas. I should have set the odds to a more favorable payout; 3-2 odds didn't draw enough interest!

 

[Conductor562]

So both of these catalogs do not have catalog numbers. The bigger one is 33 pages, and most of the tools are priced by the dozen. Makes me wonder if this was a catalog for a hardware store or whatever to purchase from. Also I noticed that there are not many mechanic tools, it's largely chisels and plumbing with few mechanics tools.
The smaller one, the Garage one, which says Plomb has been making tools for 18 years, does not have 1/2" drive tools, in fact they have 9/16" and 7/8" drive listed. The 1926 catalog 6, on page 10 for the "new" 1/2 drive sets, says Plomb has been making tools for 20 years.
So, the larger catalog looks to be 1923, while the small one actually says "copyright 1925 Plomb Tool Company" on the 2nd to last page.
And yes, I paid quite a bit, but I knew that these had to be incredibly rare, and figured I may never have the chance to get these again.

Nothing wrong with paying what they’re worth to you. Been there done that.

Don’t quote me on this, but back when we were buying, scanning, and posting all the old Plomb catalogs we could find, we found an article somewhere that talked about Plomb shifting it’s focus at some point in the 20’s to capitalize on the rise of the automobile market. Don’t ask me where it was I ran across it, but that would totally coincide with that statement.

Awesome that you scored the 2 oldest cats the internet knows about. If you decide to share them with the masses, please keep me in mind. I spent about $500 amassing catalogs to freely share, but I got a lot more than 2 for that money. Kudos to you for the info and congrats on the super rare score

 

[Private Lugnutz]

In time I might even scan these so they can be viewed by others.

Congratulations on a stunning acquisition, 'Stang! And thanks for your inclination to contribute the contents of your catalogs toward the spirit of a free and open library among tool collectors that sites like Tool Archives, vintagemachinery, and others have embraced. That is very magnanimous of you in understanding that the value in vintage catalogs, especially the rare ones, is in owning the paper artifact itself, not the information.

In case you don't realize it, you could send your scans directly to the Internet Archive. Or you could send them to Todd. In addition to making his own catalogs accessible to everyone on Tool Archives many years ago, people may not realize that he also uploaded many, many catalogs that other collectors sent him from their personal collections. I sent him several, but I know that other much more major catalog collectors than I, such as tin medic, for example, sent him well over 50. All of the catalogs that were once available on TA 1.0 have now been linked to the Internet Archive on TA 2.0, but I still use the catalog index in TA 2.0 to get to them, finding it handier.

The upshot of all this for Plomb guys is that Plomb catalogs from 1925, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1936, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949 are all available for anyone to view at any time right now.

Your 1923 and possibly earlier 1925 would certainly help shore up our insights into the early history.

 

[Steven67fr]

So both of these catalogs do not have catalog numbers. The bigger one is 33 pages, and most of the tools are priced by the dozen. Makes me wonder if this was a catalog for a hardware store or whatever to purchase from. Also I noticed that there are not many mechanic tools, it's largely chisels and plumbing with few mechanics tools.
The smaller one, the Garage one, which says Plomb has been making tools for 18 years, does not have 1/2" drive tools, in fact they have 9/16" and 7/8" drive listed. The 1926 catalog 6, on page 10 for the "new" 1/2 drive sets, says Plomb has been making tools for 20 years.
So, the larger catalog looks to be 1923, while the small one actually says "copyright 1925 Plomb Tool Company" on the 2nd to last page.
And yes, I paid quite a bit, but I knew that these had to be incredibly rare, and figured I may never have the chance to get these again.

I’m glad the knowledge was kept around here. I thought for sure my 325 would have it and did not set a reminder for end of auction. If you have a smartphone there’s a 4.99 app called TurboScan that does an amazing job scanning catalogs to pdf. My plan with them was to scan them up using that app because they look like the earliest catalogs I’ve seen. Definitely share here whatever you can/are willing.

 

[mustangSR70]

I’m glad the knowledge was kept around here. I thought for sure my 325 would have it and did not set a reminder for end of auction. If you have a smartphone there’s a 4.99 app called TurboScan that does an amazing job scanning catalogs to pdf. My plan with them was to scan them up using that app because they look like the earliest catalogs I’ve seen. Definitely share here whatever you can/are willing.

I'll have to check out that app. I have a flatbed scanner at home as well, so either way, I'll find a way to get these scanned, in time.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Surprisingly, there were zero bets on the Smokeshow death line in Vegas. I should have set the odds to a more favorable payout; 3-2 odds didn't draw enough interest!

There was not even an eye brow raised[emoji23] just a question of if I was going to be curing any more paint in the house again. I said nope, I hope not for a while [emoji23]


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[Smokeshow69]

That is a fantastic purchase! I saw (and watched) that auction as well, but knew early on I wouldn't be in the running so never bid.



If you have a decent selection of Plomb catalogs (especially those not digitized in the public domain), might I suggest creating a DVD and selling it, a la David Maher with the 1927-2013 Craftsman catalogs? I gladly paid $75 for his DVD and would gladly pay for a Plomb DVD as well.

I agree and second the motion for someone to create a plomb/ Proto empire dvd! I would pay $75 in a heartbeat! Those DVD’s are invaluable for quick research and are portable unlike pricey original catalogs


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[Conductor562]

I agree and second the motion for someone to create a plomb/ Proto empire dvd! I would pay $75 in a heartbeat! Those DVD’s are invaluable for quick research and are portable unlike pricey original catalogs


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Twersty and I scanned and distributed over 20 years worth of Plomb and Proto catalogs a few years back. You can find most of them here:

http://https://forum.toolsinaction.com/tags/plomb%20tools/

 

[Smokeshow69]

Twersty and I scanned and distributed over 20 years worth of Plomb and Proto catalogs a few years back. You can find most of them here:

http://https://forum.toolsinaction.com/tags/plomb%20tools/

The link is not working...do you have another one ? It sounds like a fantastic resource.

 

[SilverDeck]

The link is not working...do you have another one ? It sounds like a fantastic resource.

Try this:

https://forum.toolsinaction.com/topic/11452-tools-in-action-vintage-catalog-collection/?tab=comments#comment-157494

...not sure that link is fully funtional either, though but you can get to most of the catalogs there.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Try this:

https://forum.toolsinaction.com/top...talog-collection/?tab=comments#comment-157494

...not sure that link is fully funtional either, though but you can get to most of the catalogs there.

That link worked! Thanks


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[Steven67fr]

I'll have to check out that app. I have a flatbed scanner at home as well, so either way, I'll find a way to get these scanned, in time.

Definitely do. It makes it super easy to gently open the catalog, snap a pic, crop it (it auto crops pretty well but sometimes needs tweaking), and rotate if needed. It also allows scanning different size pages easily (for example a more modern catalog with a foldout in the middle). It does a good job auto adjusting out shadows and correcting the lighting. It was worth every one of the 499 pennies it cost. Plus it allows simple saving on different formats and emailing directly out of the app.

 

[r_olson_06]

A couple more additions. A 247 pliers that I thought I needed but had a case mistaken identity for a 246 so now I have a pair of 247s.
A 3/8" LA bar that was posted on here about a week ago from DD T/A. Thanks again for the trade.

Looking for a Round Beam Plomb 1068 Double Box End Wrench

 

[Smokeshow69]

I got the Proto tool mailers separated from their envelope adhesive! I need to scan these some time



If you read the text in this it tells about how a vendor made their own advertising signs. Interesting how they were not complaining about any copyright issues. I don’t mean in terms of the lawsuit, more in terms of the times. I don’t know if anyone is aware of other brands allowing this but I think everyone was more lose with their trademark and logos back then



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[DD T/A]

If you read the text in this it tells about how a vendor made their own advertising signs. Interesting how they were not complaining about any copyright issues. I don’t mean in terms of the lawsuit, more in terms of the times. I don’t know if anyone is aware of other brands allowing this but I think everyone was more lose with their trademark and logos back then

My opinion is: There's a reason why the whole ©® started for many companies in the 1960-1970's; that's when everybody started getting tired of appropriation of their property, so the complained.

Squeaky wheels gets the grease. When it's not a problem, people don't care; that customer was doing something to help Proto sales, so why complain?

 

[Smokeshow69]

I got my tool tote about 90% done. I will do some final aging once the exposed metal has some time to oxidize before I seal it. I want to deal it just because it was so rusty before. I used Lugz barn find thread for inspiration! That is a fantastic resource in case you haven’t checked it out yet. I wouldn’t restore a nice original like this but since it was so rusty I had to clean it up and there was virtually no paint left. It started out reall rough and mr.x dubbed it the css hunley . My goal was to make it look like a 20 year old used tote that was fairly straight but not mint.



I got some turpentine, a little bit of left over flat black that I had and used a foam paint application pad to apply and then a rag to dab/ wipe. I even applied a darker stain in the socket tray and in the corners like you find on old boxes even after they are degreased. You still see the darker spots from oil. I darkened up the handle as well. I will do the black shoe polish trick maybe in a year once the exposed metal has time to oxidize a bit before I deal it. I also used some 90 year old wood from my old house for a liner in the bottom to support the weight






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[Smokeshow69]

Pictures ctd







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[Rileysan]

Pictures ctd







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That turned out fantastic! Excellent work!!

 

[Smokeshow69]

That turned out fantastic! Excellent work!!

Thanks! I am sure you will see it in person soon enough!


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[Catfishdan]

Nice save! That looks great.

 

[r_olson_06]

I got my tool tote about 90% done. I will do some final aging once the exposed metal has some time to oxidize before I seal it. I want to deal it just because it was so rusty before. I used Lugz barn find thread for inspiration! That is a fantastic resource in case you haven’t checked it out yet. I wouldn’t restore a nice original like this but since it was so rusty I had to clean it up and there was virtually no paint left. It started out reall rough and mr.x dubbed it the css hunley [emoji1787]. My goal was to make it look like a 20 year old used tote that was fairly straight but not mint.



I got some turpentine, a little bit of left over flat black that I had and used a foam paint application pad to apply and then a rag to dab/ wipe. I even applied a darker stain in the socket tray and in the corners like you find on old boxes even after they are degreased. You still see the darker spots from oil. I darkened up the handle as well. I will do the black shoe polish trick maybe in a year once the exposed metal has time to oxidize a bit before I deal it. I also used some 90 year old wood from my old house for a liner in the bottom to support the weight






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Looks amazing sir. Well done. Good to see no flowers planted in it!

Looking for a Round Beam Plomb 1068 Double Box End Wrench

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Fantastic job Smokes!

 

[Smokeshow69]

Looks amazing sir. Well done. Good to see no flowers planted in it!

Looking for a Round Beam Plomb 1068 Double Box End Wrench

No hipsters were harmed in the restoration of this tote[emoji23] . I certainly enjoyed working on it! It was uncommon enough it was worth the effort !


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[Smokeshow69]

Nice save! That looks great.

Thanks! It was a labor of love


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[bmwrd0]

Nice job Smoke. It looks good, especially once you consider what it looked like when you got it.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Nice job Smoke. It looks good, especially once you consider what it looked like when you got it.

Thanks! It lead a rough life but I brought it back from the dead. It really gives me more confidence if I find other rusty boxes that are worth saving. I like original paint very much but there wasn’t much left so my goal was to make it look 20 years old. If I can’t remove the spray bomb off that 9990 I got recently I can do something like this and hopefully my wrinkle finish will come out better next time


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[Smokeshow69]

Thanks! It lead a rough life but I brought it back from the dead. It really gives me more confidence if I find other rusty boxes that are worth saving. I like original paint very much but there wasn’t much left so my goal was to make it look 20 years old. If I can’t remove the spray bomb off that 9990 I got recently I can do something like this and hopefully my wrinkle finish will come out better next time . Now I am done with this I need to get back to work on the craftsman stack you sold me [emoji23]


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[misterbill]

Wow, how often does the Plomb thread make it to three pages back in history?! As reported in the 2020 Garage Sale Thread I found this Plomb 9990 in a Craigslist ad.

I started going through it tonight. Lot's of cool stuff there. Any way to narrow the date on the box? It's obviously post-war and the items inside are Plomb, Proto LA, and Proto (among many others).

Bill

 

[Catfishdan]

Oops. Got so excited I posted twice.

 

[Catfishdan]

Wow, how often does the Plomb thread make it to three pages back in history?! As reported in the 2020 Garage Sale Thread I found this Plomb 9990 in a Craigslist ad

I started going through it tonight. Lot's of cool stuff there. Any way to narrow the date on the box? It's obviously post-war and the items inside are Plomb, Proto LA, and Proto (among many others).

Bill

Dang! Thats a nice find. Lovely box and full of goodies too?!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice haul!

 

[Catfishdan]

Here’s something I got off the bay recently. Its a pretty ho-hum partial set but it had a 4709 deep that I needed for my 1/4” drive goal. When only the tough stuff is left things get expensive...
The ignition wrench with the raised lettering is pretty cool too.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Dang! Thats a nice find. Lovely box and full of goodies too?!

Yup agreed... he *****!


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[r_olson_06]

Wow, how often does the Plomb thread make it to three pages back in history?! As reported in the 2020 Garage Sale Thread I found this Plomb 9990 in a Craigslist ad.

I started going through it tonight. Lot's of cool stuff there. Any way to narrow the date on the box? It's obviously post-war and the items inside are Plomb, Proto LA, and Proto (among many others).

Bill

I believe that would 40s due to the color and logo and if I had to narrow further I would guess on the tail end of the 40s.

Very nice box!!!! Don't forget to post up some detailed pics of the tools!

Looking for a Round Beam Plomb 1068 Double Box End Wrench

 

[Smokeshow69]

I believe that would 40s due to the color and logo and if I had to narrow further I would guess on the tail end of the 40s.

Very nice box!!!! Don't forget to post up some detailed pics of the tools!

Looking for a Round Beam Plomb 1068 Double Box End Wrench

I know the drawer pull scallops also help date it. I think at one point they where the d rings like is on the little drawers on the left?


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[Private Lugnutz]

I believe that would 40s due to the color and logo and if I had to narrow further I would guess on the tail end of the 40s.

Agreed, and the corners on the box and lid are rounded as well. That didn't start until 1948.

I know the drawer pull scallops also help date it. I think at one point they where the d rings like is on the little drawers on the left?

I saw that as well. I guess it's time for all the guys with chests to go check and report back, because the pulls are strange feature in the catalogs to begin with.

The pulls for the larger 9998 are scallops through 1949 (Cat 4920). But the pulls for the smaller 9990 are never scallops in that same timeframe. They are swinging D rings, as on the two smaller drawers.

First we should see if that's empirically accurate.

Then someone who has later catalogs should see if they ever put scallop pulls on the smaller 9990 box.

If so, Bill's box is later than 1949. But does that makes sense with the logo? When did they stop using Plomb Tool Co on boxes? Same as the lawsuit timeline? I have to admit, I never included boxes in that study, per se.

If not, is it possible that those drawers might be from a 9998 box? Would they fit? (EDIT: No, just checked.) I have neither, obviously.

 

[bmwrd0]

I have a Proto LA version of this, and, yes it has the D rings. But, those drawers have pretty small fronts, and a louver punched in them would be really small. Not worth it in my opinion, and I can see why they went with the D rings.

Edit:


I would say Bills is '47-'48.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I have a Proto LA version of this, and, yes it has the D rings. But, those drawers have pretty small fronts, and a louver punched in them would be really small. Not worth it in my opinion, and I can see why they went with the D rings.

I thought I remembered your beautiful Proto la top chest having the rings... my not so easy on the eyes one has the scallops



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