Show your "Long C" Craftsman!

[Rileysan]

Thanks, JoCo. So, no "T". It was amusing while it lasted, but "INSOLEN" makes much more sense than "INSOLENT".

There's a line at the end of the word that I mistook for the letter 'T' but the sixty four thousand dollar question is: what does "Insolen" mean and how does that make more sense, other than being a made up word?

Brian

 

[txlonghorn1989]

There's a line at the end of the word that I mistook for the letter 'T' but the sixty four thousand dollar question is: what does "Insolen" mean and how does that make more sense, other than being a made up word?

Brian

It may be a made up word but know that those handles are "genuine Insolen"!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...how does that make more sense, other than being a made up word?

Because, as I've been saying since you first posted it, it was a very popular era for branding composite handles (e.g., Blue-Point "Insuloid") in ways that semantically connote the insulated properties, and it seemed very strange to use an actual word with an actual meaning that did not connote that.

Edit: I wasn't ribbing your vision; I see a phantom "T" in your photo, too!

 

[Rileysan]

Because, as I've been saying since you first posted it, it was a very popular era for branding composite handles (e.g., Blue-Point "Insuloid") in ways that semantically connote the insulated properties, and it seemed very strange to use an actual word with an actual meaning that did not connote that.

Edit: I wasn't ribbing your vision; I see a phantom "T" in your photo, too!

I think it's also likely it was applying an adjective to the (future) owner which, in my case, might be complimentary.

Thanks for all the help, guys! I passed right by that ad in the '38 catalog. It really helps to have another set of eyes!

Brian

 

[JoCoSawdust]

It's easy to go crossed-eyed in those 1930's catalogs pretty quickly.

Sears seemed to like made up words in their advertising. "Fabrikoid" comes to mind.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Looks like just 37 and 38 for those insolent little bastards. 37 also had a pocket version. By 39 they were touting the amber handles as shock-proof.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Brian, what do you think that handle is made of? In the pic it looks like lead.

Doesn’t look like anyone answered this yet... they feel like a more modern screwdriver in terms of weight and density. The handle is not translucent like more modern ones.


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[JoCoSawdust]

Doesn’t look like anyone answered this yet... they feel like a more modern screwdriver in terms of weight and density. The handle is not translucent like more modern ones.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Thanks Smoke. I didn't mean to imply that I thought it was lead, only that it sure looks like an ornate tire weight in the pic. I wonder if that's the original color (or at least close to it) or if that's years of grease soaked into the handle as many of the amber handle drive tools seem to have. Whatever the case that is one cool find.

 

[Mintgrun]

a Long C table saw just came up on CL in Port Townsend, Wa., if anyone is in the market for one. (not needing table saw #6 here!)

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/d/nordland-old-style-tablesaw/7049071760.html




I really like that old dark blue paint. There is an old tool box at a nearby store that has dark blue crinkle coat paint and I now know it is an old Craftsman box. It is missing the top tray, the top handle and the badge, but I am still interested in picking it up. Maybe next time. (I need another box like I need another table saw... but at least it is small).
Tom

 

[Rileysan]

It's easy to go crossed-eyed in those 1930's catalogs pretty quickly.

Sears seemed to like made up words in their advertising. "Fabrikoid" comes to mind.

I have one of those "Fabricoid" covered boxes! And no, you're spelling is not wrong. It was spelled two different ways on consecutive years in the catalogs.

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

a Long C table saw just came up on CL in Port Townsend, Wa., if anyone is in the market for one. (not needing table saw #6 here!)

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/d/nordland-old-style-tablesaw/7049071760.html




I really like that old dark blue paint. There is an old tool box at a nearby store that has dark blue crinkle coat paint and I now know it is an old Craftsman box. It is missing the top tray, the top handle and the badge, but I am still interested in picking it up. Maybe next time. (I need another box like I need another table saw... but at least it is small).
Tom

I've driven that far for less! If you don't want it, I'm a rabid Craftsman tool box collector. Just tell me where it is!

Brian

 

[JoCoSawdust]

You can store your Insolen screwdriver in your Fabricoid box!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Sears seemed to like made up words in their advertising. "Fabrikoid" comes to mind.

It was not a trend confined to Sears in this era, as I've been saying. I believe Fabrikoid was made from Pyralin. I'd have to double check that. EDIT: No, both DuPont products, though.

Doesn’t look like anyone answered this yet...

See Post #1401.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Thanks Smoke. I didn't mean to imply that I thought it was lead, only that it sure looks like an ornate tire weight in the pic. I wonder if that's the original color (or at least close to it) or if that's years of grease soaked into the handle as many of the amber handle drive tools seem to have. Whatever the case that is one cool find.

I believe it to be the original color. This screwdriver is clean and not greasy. I thought it was old but didn’t think it was that old. You can tell this driver had an easy life and was not abused.


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[JoCoSawdust]

Thanks Smoke. Makes me wonder if I've ever passed one of these over. I'm pretty much zeroed in on amber handles and Plomb/Proto wood handles (not that I ever find any of the wood handles) when I'm pillaging piles of screwdrivers. One more thing to be on the lookout for now.

 

[Rileysan]

Thanks Smoke. Makes me wonder if I've ever passed one of these over. I'm pretty much zeroed in on amber handles and Plomb/Proto wood handles (not that I ever find any of the wood handles) when I'm pillaging piles of screwdrivers. One more thing to be on the lookout for now.

Now that we all know about them, I'm willing to bet none of us will pass one over again!

Brian

 

[Smokeshow69]

Now that we all know about them, I'm willing to bet none of us will pass one over again!



Brian

Well, when I was holding it I didn’t realize how old or rare it was either! Unless you know what to look for you would probably pass right over it


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[Outlawmws]

Been wondering if it's only me that gets excited about finding NOS hammer handles? I sure don't find them near enough. Nice finds LS!

I've been known to pick them up on occasion...

 

[Outlawmws]

a Long C table saw just came up on CL in Port Townsend, Wa., if anyone is in the market for one. (not needing table saw #6 here!)

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/d/nordland-old-style-tablesaw/7049071760.html




I really like that old dark blue paint. There is an old tool box at a nearby store that has dark blue crinkle coat paint and I now know it is an old Craftsman box. It is missing the top tray, the top handle and the badge, but I am still interested in picking it up. Maybe next time. (I need another box like I need another table saw... but at least it is small).
Tom

I've driven that far for less! If you don't want it, I'm a rabid Craftsman tool box collector. Just tell me where it is!

Brian

Make sure they have the fence. The miters are pretty easy to find, but not fences from those old 30's T-saws. (I'm still looking for one for my 35/36 7" tilting table) The other thing that gets pricey is the blade guard and splitter. (That I DO have)

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Now that we all know about them, I'm willing to bet none of us will pass one over again!

Brian

The question is will any of us find one again????

 

[Mintgrun]

You guys are a bad influence. I drove 40 miles round trip to get that box today.

The box is as I described it. No handle. No tray. No logo. Nice and straight though and well built.






No regrets, other than not picking up the half inch speeder that goes with it. The photo on alloy-artifacts clued me into the fact that they belong together. It was the "37-Piece" set. I guess I should go back and get that speeder too.

Here is the photo on AA, (I hope it is okay to borrow it, for educational purposes).



I did not see any other pieces from the kit, but there may have been some little 9/32" sockets from the midget kit. I did notice that they were larger than 1/4", but did not scrutinize their markings.

Tom

 

[txlonghorn1989]

That was a handle jackpot Outlaw!!!

 

[Rileysan]

You guys are a bad influence. I drove 40 miles round trip to get that box today.

The box is as I described it. No handle. No tray. No logo. Nice and straight though and well built.

No regrets, other than not picking up the half inch speeder that goes with it. The photo on alloy-artifacts clued me into the fact that they belong together. It was the "37-Piece" set. I guess I should go back and get that speeder too.

Here is the photo on AA, (I hope it is okay to borrow it, for educational purposes).



I did not see any other pieces from the kit, but there may have been some little 9/32" sockets from the midget kit. I did notice that they were larger than 1/4", but did not scrutinize their markings.

Tom

That's a nice score, Tom! Too bad about the tray, but I would have gotten it anyways.

Brian

 

[Outlawmws]

That was a handle jackpot Outlaw!!!

Twasn't all at once, but yeah as long as they have decent grain direction they are hard to pass up...

 

[Smokeshow69]

You guys are a bad influence. I drove 40 miles round trip to get that box today.



The box is as I described it. No handle. No tray. No logo. Nice and straight though and well built.













No regrets, other than not picking up the half inch speeder that goes with it. The photo on alloy-artifacts clued me into the fact that they belong together. It was the "37-Piece" set. I guess I should go back and get that speeder too.



Here is the photo on AA, (I hope it is okay to borrow it, for educational purposes).







I did not see any other pieces from the kit, but there may have been some little 9/32" sockets from the midget kit. I did notice that they were larger than 1/4", but did not scrutinize their markings.



Tom

We have been called way worse than bad influence [emoji41] we prefer the term enabler [emoji23] very nice find!


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[Outlawmws]

"Cheerleaders!"

 

[Smokeshow69]

"Cheerleaders!"

[emoji41][emoji38] I like it!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[JoCoSawdust]

You guys are a bad influence. I drove 40 miles round trip to get that box today.

The box is as I described it. No handle. No tray. No logo. Nice and straight though and well built.






No regrets, other than not picking up the half inch speeder that goes with it. The photo on alloy-artifacts clued me into the fact that they belong together. It was the "37-Piece" set. I guess I should go back and get that speeder too.

Here is the photo on AA, (I hope it is okay to borrow it, for educational purposes).



I did not see any other pieces from the kit, but there may have been some little 9/32" sockets from the midget kit. I did notice that they were larger than 1/4", but did not scrutinize their markings.

Tom

Nice find. Pre-war Craftsman boxes are hard to find in any condition. I'd have scooped that up in a heart beat!

 

[Mintgrun]

You guys are funny! I really do appreciate the enthusiasm here. The breadth of knowledge and willingness to share is inspiring.

I can get a lot of pleasure out of little purchases. This box at $8 was on the expensive side! I bought the smaller one for $5 and had a lot of fun tapping dents out of it for about an hour and a half. Cheap entertainment.



I don't know who made the black one. I like the rounded corners on the bottom. Sorry if I am polluting the Long C thread with the photos. At least the Craftsman box is in the background.



It took me a while to figure out who made the unmarked blue one. Once I knew, I grabbed it too.

Thank you for the input/encouragement.

Tom

 

[Rileysan]

You guys are funny! I really do appreciate the enthusiasm here. The breadth of knowledge and willingness to share is inspiring.

I can get a lot of pleasure out of little purchases. This box at $8 was on the expensive side! I bought the smaller one for $5 and had a lot of fun tapping dents out of it for about an hour and a half. Cheap entertainment.



I don't know who made the black one. I like the rounded corners on the bottom. Sorry if I am polluting the Long C thread with the photos. At least the Craftsman box is in the background.



It took me a while to figure out who made the unmarked blue one. Once I knew, I grabbed it too.

Thank you for the input/encouragement.

Tom

The smaller one appears to be a Ward's Master Quality box that would have had a transfer decal of the same type Sears used on their boxes. Was that your conclusion?

Brian

 

[bmwrd0]

"Cheerleaders!"

I prefer PusherMan!

 

[Outlawmws]

MG, is the socket rack in the black one for 1/2 or 3/4 drive?

 

[Mintgrun]

Well, it tapers from 1 3/4" to 3/4". The box is 16 1/2" long and 5" wide. Only 3 1/2" tall.

There is a little tan paint under some of the flaking black. I suppose that could be the original color, but there isn't much of it.

The black box only has the padlock hasp

The design of the tab on the Craftsman box would make sense on the black box, since its design encourages the flap to clasp the hasp. (or whatever)

Only one of the two latches on the Craftsman box still works. The one on the right apparently has a broken spring inside.


The black one does resemble a Wards box that Google Images turned up. Not a match, but close in some ways. Do you think this one is for a 3/4" set?

EDIT-- the Craftsman box is 18 1/2" long by 6" wide by 6" high.

 

[LesserSon]

I've been known to pick them up on occasion...

Been wondering if it's only me that gets excited about finding NOS hammer handles? I sure don't find them near enough. Nice finds LS!

That was a handle jackpot Outlaw!!!

Hunh. I nearly bought this little guy today, even though the head was a little loose. Then in line at the checkout, noticed the handle had a crack, too. Decided the photos were enough. I thought it was interesting how the handle profile is curvier than the standard machinist pattern. And I think it shows that the underline handle was used with the longC head. Is the underline just part of what’s worn off, or is that an even earlier logo in the handle?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I think it shows that the underline handle was used with the longC head. Is the underline just part of what’s worn off, or is that an even earlier logo in the handle?

There is nothing worn off on the marking on the cheek. See pic for a trio of hammers I had for a long time (now in the collection of another G member). And that logo (with the clipped Long C) and the logo on the decal on the handle (Underline or Longer C) are contemporary to each other. EDIT: Link to additional photos posted much earlier in this thread and a catalog excerpt as well, here. The Long C Party is a pretty big tent.

Classic Vlchek heads, by the way.

 

[LesserSon]

Thanks, Lugz. Great additional info - I feel better leaving it behind.
I didn’t mean to suggest there was anything worn from the cheek - just from the label on the handle. The underline is not there, and I just meant to ask for confirmation that it IS an example of the underline logo, and not some other logo.

 

[Outlawmws]

I think its original Long C, and I'd have bought it assuming it wasn't stupid $$

I've successfully glued split handles on short handled hammers and striking tools. I wouldn't for say an ax or sledge. or other long handled striking tools, or say a heavy engineer/drilling hammer, but I bet it would last if properly glued and wire wound.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Here's what the handle decal would have looked like a bit more complete. I've learned it's not uncommon to see variations of the logo in that era, even on the same tool. EDIT: Since Lugz mentioned Vlchek, notice the "BT" makers mark on this one.

 

[Rileysan]

There is nothing worn off on the marking on the cheek. See pic for a trio of hammers I had for a long time (now in the collection of another G member). And that logo (with the clipped Long C) and the logo on the decal on the handle (Underline or Longer C) are contemporary to each other. *snip*

Classic Vlchek heads, by the way.

Funny how that happens!

Thanks, Lugz. Great additional info - I feel better leaving it behind.

Out of curiosity, why? They aren't exactly common and that head looks to be in great condition.

If you come across it again, pick it up and I'll pay double that tagged price, plus shipping.

Brian

 

[LesserSon]

Thanks, guys. I’m sure I could glue it. I’ve got a Blackhawk that’s in 10x worse shape that I’m trying to save (probably end up whipping it with wire). This C’man is totally do-able. I’m just full up with little projects, and am trying to reduce their number, rather than add to them.
But I will probably go back, if only for Brian

Edit - brought it home. 12-1/2” overall length, 10oz total weight. Yellow arrows indicate the crack(s). On the up side, there is a bit of original blue paint clinging to the belly and spine of the head.