Worth * Tools

[woody 73]

Sometimes I get a little stuck when working on a story and I need a little help; A quick PM to GJ member Twertsy (special thanks) and his reply try posting over at the GG for additional help.

After posting my question on the GG has anyone ever heard of Worth * (Asterisk) tools two members came forwards with some much needed help.

A very special thank you to GG members Kwoswalt99 and GG member tool hunter for steering me in the right direction thank you both good job.

In this case Kwoswalt99 said "Rumor has it they were a house brand of Bigelow & Dowse Hardware from 1925-1945." and tool hunter said "And its also rumored that pexto was the Mfg. of Worth Tools for Bigelow & Dowse".

Both members were spot on good job I have the History of the Bigelow & Dowse (be sure and read the links) and be sure and look over the links for The Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.

One of the links is from a 1951 paper ad for the Worth * tool bar that sells more tools. That link is wonderful, glad it was saved for all these many years!

http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Bigelow_and_Dowse

https://books.google.com/books?id=w...CDQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Bigelow & Dowse&f=true

https://books.google.com/books?id=T...=History of Bigelow and Dowse Hardware&f=true

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Antique-F...258242?hash=item3ad6a54402:g:atoAAOSwB09YP33~

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1951-PAPER-...435131?hash=item4895a79cbb:g:dG4AAOSwcUBYOLf9

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2721

http://alloy-artifacts.org/peck-stow-wilcox.html

http://davistownmuseum.org/bioPeck.html

http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/SILNMAHTL_29555

http://www.toolarchives.com/node/580

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2721&tab=6

 

[3baygarage]

The other day I ran across an old Worth pipe wrench with the asterisk just like that above, Woody. I thought of Twertsy and his interest in that symbol on other wrenches.

 

[Strouty]

For posterity this info is from the eBay links:

Own these three antique ferrier's hammers, one from the turn of the century (with the Worth stamping), and two from the mid 1800s. The Worth hammer was marketed by Bigelow & Dowse Hardware Co. of Boston, Massachusetts and was their brand name of tools. Most of their tools were manufactured by Peck, Stowe, and Wilcox. Made of durable, high-carbon steel these tools were made to last and will make a fine addition to any tool collection. Own these pieces of history today!

 

[Strouty]

And some more:

 

[Strouty]

And the other auction:

1951 PAPER AD Worth Brand Tools Hardware Store Tool Bar Display Merchandiser

 

[woody 73]

Strouty Thank you again what you did is over the top and if the ads go away future readers will be able to see the original ads, good job!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Woody - At one time a few years ago, I thought I knew my way around a tool box. Between your articles and Twertsy's posts & pictures I am getting an education. Thanks, and some day I hope to be able to contribute

 

[four.cycle]

Worth / Bigelow & Dowse, 229 Franklin St., Boston, MA / manufactured by Peck, Stow & Wilcox / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6375720 / http://fishinghistory.blogspot.com/2011/08/52-for-52-bigelow-dowse-of-boston.html /

 

[mike_paxton]

The other day, was given 17 old hand saws, so was working on cleaning them up and ran across an etch on the blade that identified it as Worth* and spring steel warranted. Was looking for information on who mfg it and came across this link. Worth tool bar picture above shows a hand saw in it, so feel that have now identified the maker. Thanks for posting this information, as it was definitely helpful. Mike

 

[Username already in use]

The other day, was given 17 old hand saws, so was working on cleaning them up and ran across an etch on the blade that identified it as Worth* and spring steel warranted. Was looking for information on who mfg it and came across this link. Worth tool bar picture above shows a hand saw in it, so feel that have now identified the maker. Thanks for posting this information, as it was definitely helpful. Mike

Worth tools were a brand by Peck Stow & Wilcox (PEXTO)
See the PEXTO thread HERE for more information.

 

[mike_paxton]

Thanks Username and attached a pic of the Worth saw made by Peck Stow & Wilcox (PEXTO)

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Last Friday, I picked up an 8" Worth * drawknife. IIRC, it might be the 2nd one I have. I definitely know I have something with the "Worth *" logo. Will take a pick of my latest drawknife tomorrow. If I can remember. :0) Would love to learn it was made by Peck & Stow.

 

[Plombob]

I have a few Worth punches and a screwdriver. They are high quality tools.

 

[Mark Stansbury]

International Tool Catalog Library has these:
Worth Brand Tools c. 1936
Worth Brand Tools : 1950

 

[Cleave]

I just got a Worth * carpenters claw hammer, since I didn't have a claw hammer on the covered back porch work area. Got sick of walking to the shop to grab a claw for one nail...

 

[RTM]

Here is a nice clear shot of a Worth and asterisk off a drawknife . Looks like the 1950 logo in post #14. Not mine, just saw it online.

 

[d42jeep]

I found this Worth punch on Tuesday in with my Blue Point set.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a Worth punch I picked up at a yard sale today. It may not have always been a center punch.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I found these Worth nippers at a yard sale today. Sadly, no asterisk to be seen. They may be quite early. There is some play in the area of the pivot rivet.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I found an abused Worth cold chisel at yesterday’s estate sale. I got started on dressing up both ends. Sharpening is going take a while.
-Don
edit*** it’s as done as I’m going to get it.

 

[JMP]

Anyone happen to have any of these missing tools? Amazing Worth find by FloridaRusticRepairs:

Rare Discovery in Yard Sale Vintage Tool Haul

 

[four.cycle]

WORTH R1 10-inch pipe wrench

 

[Leviton]

Where does the BAKER name come from?

 

[four.cycle]

Not a clue. I assume owner markings. Very neatly done. If you blow it way up the spacing is just hair off.