I was out hunting fleas this morning and came across this," how much", " $4.00 its a wheat thatcher". I don't have one and I know its not a wheat thatcher. Just from looking at the blade and its sharpness my guess is it is used for making flutes in wood. The tool has two holes that possibly has additional handles or attachments that don't appear to ever been used..

 The tool measures 8 5/8" wide & 7" in between the tongs. The blade is 6 3/4" with the teeth measuring 1/4" long and 11/16" on center. The blade does adjust up & down as well as the frame it is attached to. Removed the blade and it is stamped New Britain Conn uSa, patent 3-7-15. No other markings found and the patina doesn't appear to be 2 years old. Time to research.

 

 

That's the stone age version of one of these-  

They're both baffling to me.

 

@DuckSoup...Interesting find. Might it be a decorative molding blade/handle to cut flutes in plaster molding? Wasn't the original Stanley Co. located in New Britain, Connecticut?

Hope you had your flea collar on too!

 

7 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Might it be a decorative molding blade/handle to cut flutes in plaster molding

 I think you have me going in the right direction. No manufactures name on it. Blade is cut too flat to be used for wood. The handle indicates a lighter touch.

I agree with Dave.  Can be set a little deeper each pass.

  Well after some looking around I was able to track down the original tool patent at "Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents", link provided by MWTCA.

Patent #344,937.  The tool is a "Clapboard Marker" and was a Stanley tool works product. Mine has 3 screws holding the blade and the original has 2. Also the one I have has a newer patent date so more research is needed.

US344937.pdf

 Update-This is a Stanley #88 Clapboard Marker.

 

Edited June 15, 20179 yr by DuckSoup

28 minutes ago, DuckSoup said:

Update-This is a Stanley #88 Clapboard Marker.

Well now that you mention it, it sure is!

 

Pretty cool Bob and great job on the research. After reading the original Patent Application it does make sense. I could have used one of those about 40 years ago replacing several walls of cedar beveled siding. Very unique and one-of-a-kind find. Who knows I may have passed one over during the years thinking it was some kind of curry comb or something.

 

I appreciate you sharing the find and the solution. Thanks!

Yep, I didn't reply, but that would have been my guess!

Edited June 15, 20179 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

After looking at some pictures of this I noticed that some have "Stanley" stamped on the back & some on the front. Mine is not stamped Stanley & my patent date is centered while others are stamped to the left side of the handle. I'm guessing it has something to do with the time of manufacturing.

11 minutes ago, DuckSoup said:

After looking at some pictures of this I noticed that some have "Stanley" stamped on the back & some on the front. Mine is not stamped Stanley & my patent date is centered while others are stamped to the left side of the handle. I'm guessing it has something to do with the time of manufacturing.

Bob, it's possible yours was made prior to becoming an actual part of Stanley...kinda', sorta' like North Bros. on the Handyman Push Drill. IDK that for sure, just making a guess...or even after Stanley acquired the patent rights for manufacture and selling off inventory before they put their brand on one? If either, likely would be even more rare.

The logo on it was used by Stanley between 1912 - 1918.

 

 

This is referred to as the "V" logo.

 

 

Now that is a cool logo

Cal