Toronto Type Foundry Cutter

Q: My partner and I own this old vintage plough paper cutter and we would like some information about its manufacturer. A metal plate on the machine says “Toronto Type Foundry Co. Limited.” A: Toronto Type Foundry Co. was in business from 1887 until about 1968. It was founded in Toronto but expanded to offices […]

Raisin Seeder

Q: We acquired this tool after my husband’s aunt died. We haven’t been able to identify it. It’s marked “Magic Factory Antrim NH” and “Pat. Feb. 13, 1894.” Can you tell us what this tool was used for? A: The patent for your tool was granted to Charles W. Thompson of Antrim, N.H., for improvements […]

Haines Gauge

Q: I have an antique sheet-metal-thickness gauge. It’s stamped “Haines Gauge Co., Philadelphia, Pa.” and “A 12614.” Can you tell me the approximate age and correct name of this tool? A: Robert B. Haines Jr. (1857-1932) of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, was granted a patent for this “micrometer gage” on Feb. 9, 1892. It was used in […]

Butcher Plane

Q: I have a wooden block plane I think is from the 1840s-1890s. It is marked “W. Butcher.” I would like to know something about the maker and the age of this plane. A: The William Butcher Co. and its successors were in business in Sheffield, England, from about 1821 until the 1900s. The company […]

Smith Premier

Q: I bought this desk in 1967 and was told it is a lady’s typewriter desk. The name of the company is marked on the top of the desk. How old is it? A: The Smith Premier Typewriter Company was founded in Syracuse, New York, in 1886 by brothers Hurlburt, Lyman, Monroe, and Wilbert Smith. […]

B’s and Top Hats

Beau Brummel is a trademark and name printed under the picture of two gentlemen in top hats. It was used from 1930 to 1952. The company, Bresduck of New York City, made straight razors and scissors. Look for the maker’s mark on a straight razor on the “tang,” the narrow end of the blade where […]

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