Louderback Combination Tool

[Plyerman]

Seems like there sure were a lot of different combination tools around in the late 1800's/early 1900's. I picked up my first one of these a few years ago. According to some old advertisements I've found online it was called the Louderback Combination Tool.






It is basically a set of heavy pliers, with a number of different tools built in. The plier jaws have wire cutters that can be removed and sharpened, or eventually replaced. There is also a hammer head on one side, and an adjustable leather punch on the other.






At the end of one handle there is a small pin vise, or clamp.






When needed, a flat screwdriver blade can be pivoted around and held in the clamp. The other handle has a prybar with a nail puller notch.






According to Datamp, this tool was patented by Robert Erdman and William Phillips in 1883.






And according to this April 15, 1886 ad from The American Stationer, they were available in two different sizes, with two different finishes.








Black Japanned 9" long....$15 per doz
Black Japanned 12" long....$18 per doz
Polished 9" long....$18 per doz
Polished 12" long....$21 per doz

[Papaw]

That's one I'll be looking out for!

[1930]

Do you have both sizes, that is too cool and what are the chances of finding one with screwdriver blade still there.

[Batz]

That's a really nice tool, I'll like to own that.

Batz

[Branson]

Oooh!  I want one of these.  Seems to be the most useful multi-task tool I've seen.

[bonneyman]

That tool will do everything but cook my dinner! Cool!

[gibsontool]

Looks like we all would like to have some of those. I'm sure that's the first time I've seen a multi tool with with a vise. Very cool.

[HeelSpur]

That's a masterpiece.

[Bill Houghton]

That tool will do everything but cook my dinner! Cool!

probly won't wash the cat.  But it sure looks like it'll do a lot of other stuff.  Kind of an odd mix - how often to you have to cut wire, punch holes in leather, and hold a small piece of stock for filing on the same day?

[Lostmind]

That tool will do everything but cook my dinner! Cool!

probly won't wash the cat.  But it sure looks like it'll do a lot of other stuff.  Kind of an odd mix - how often to you have to cut wire, punch holes in leather, and hold a small piece of stock for filing on the same day?

I have to tell you guys-There was an article in the local paper about how to wash the cat in the toilet.
Drop it in , slam the lid , flush a couple times . Open the lid and jump out of the way.
They got lots of nasty phone calls on that one. Oh , one more thing , it was signed " The Dog"

Off subject , but the truth!

[Plyerman]

That tool will do everything but cook my dinner! Cool!

probly won't wash the cat.  But it sure looks like it'll do a lot of other stuff.  Kind of an odd mix - how often to you have to cut wire, punch holes in leather, and hold a small piece of stock for filing on the same day?

I have to tell you guys-There was an article in the local paper about how to wash the cat in the toilet.
Drop it in , slam the lid , flush a couple times . Open the lid and jump out of the way.
They got lots of nasty phone calls on that one. Oh , one more thing , it was signed " The Dog"

Off subject , but the truth!

Funny story LM! I'll have to share that one with my daughter, the cat lover, heh heh.

Do you have both sizes, that is too cool and what are the chances of finding one with screwdriver blade still there.

I do not have the 9" version (yet). There was one listed last week on an ebay auction, but it was pretty beat up, and yet still sold for more than I could afford. )-:

Ah well, gives me something to watch out for at the summer estate sales.