Author Topic: squares  (Read 3300 times)

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Offline amertrac

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squares
« on: October 24, 2011, 06:24:06 AM »
I have uncovered a large box of squares , most of them are of the smaller size . stanley, union a brass one marked durys & shinn, some with cherry stationary handles some with cast iron moveable handles and a couple ofbevel square . i have no idea what they are worth . if someone would help me i would appreciate it, i would like for them to have a new home. they need a good cleaning but otherwise in good shape.  bob w.
TO SOON ULD UND TO LATE SCHMART

Offline Branson

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Re: squares
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2011, 09:22:19 AM »
Need pictures!  There are so many variations, and quite a few of the older ones have no maker's mark.  The collets around the rivets is one distinguishing feature.  The earliest I have documented on factory made squares is diamond shaped.  Many makers of these, maybe most,
did not mark their tools.  I found this style in an 1812 carpentry book.  I have a couple of 18 inch rosewood and steel squares in this pattern, down to one with a three inch bar.  Because of the documentation, I was able to use and display these at Sutter's Fort.

The Micky Mouse ears pattern generally identifies the tool as Stanley, but not always.

Southington adjustable squares came in both rosewood and steel handles, with a cam-lock that makes them my favorite bevel squares.  I friend found one recently,  and checked the auction records -- the last one sold at auction was five years ago.  Pricey creatures.

We really must have pictures to adequately advise.   Some of the smaller ones are quite rare.

Offline amertrac

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Re: squares
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2011, 09:31:11 AM »
some pics
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Offline Branson

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Re: squares
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2011, 10:09:15 AM »
Here's a picture of a square and a bevel square made by C Hubbard, circa 1850.

Offline Branson

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Re: squares
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2011, 10:45:38 AM »
Photos 2 and 3 are probable Disstons.  Check the blades on these and the combination squares for a maker's name -- the usual place for a name stamp.  Starrett marked the slide on the bottom edge.

Offline Branson

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Re: squares
« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2011, 09:46:04 AM »
On eBay:

Starrett combo square, currently bid at $10   #310352731876
Stanley #20, 8"  Starting price, $5.85              #140623228899
group of squares & bevels  $36                       #280758813295  Good lot, currently at 8 bids, should realize more.
group of squares, one bid at $24.99               #180741071077  Bet it goes higher
pair of all steel Stanleys BIN $19.95              #280758745411
Stanley all steel, over priced @ $37.46        #200447779812
5 Stanleys, starting bid of $5.99                     #140625888907 Will realize more, though some are common and quite used.
3 UK small squares, at 5 pounds                  #350501038297 Two of these have the diamond pattern I mentioned.

I don't know if this helps much, but you can begin to see a range of prices.  Common combination squares at flea markets tend to go for $2 -- $5.

Offline amertrac

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Re: squares
« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2011, 11:16:33 AM »
do you have any idea what the brass one is worth IT HAS FIVE DIFFERENT MEASURING CAPABILITIES
durys &  SHINN MFG CO
PAT MAY 13 1902
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Offline Branson

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Re: squares
« Reply #7 on: October 25, 2011, 09:24:28 PM »
Jon Zimmer sold one for $65.  His description was: "DURY & SHINN MFG. CO, NY, UNIVERSAL SQUARE, Pat'd May 18, 1902. 11 inches long. Has 90 and 45 degree edges and an offset 90 degree angle that can be setto different rafter pitches to mark the ridge-cut, bird'smouth and rafter tail, G+ .......... $65.00

Another was in the May, 2010 Antique Auction, no description.

Worthpoint lists two, (attached picture captured from there).  One describes the tool as: "Rare Universal Carpenters Square by Duby & Shinn patent date May 13, 1902. This was the early 20th Century answer to the combination square and the modern day speed square. All steel construction. It was a handy framers tool for roof layout, scribing lines and other carpentry tasks."

Another went at 3rd Annual St. Charles Antique Tool Auction, Oct 02, 2010 St. Charles, MO
For a measly $10

All these are specified as being made of steel, so if your's is brass, I think you have a seriously rare item.

I know I've seen one before, and I thought it was made more recently, but I sure can't find anything else.  I think Jon's price is closer to the mark.  He's not anything like cheap or bargain, but I think he knows what he has, and is fair.