These have some ornate marking on the handles. Since they caught my eye I fiqured they might as well be mine. They are marked on the side as DREADNOUGHT, made by KRAEUER & Co. Newark NJ USA, No. 2801-81/2, Nickel Steel.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6046613815_2aee073a45.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38228545@N03/6046613815/)
. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38228545@N03/6046613815/) by radguy1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/38228545@N03/), on Flickr
Dan
Just had someone start a post on Krauter pliers over at the other forum. Consensus was Krauter really knew steel and how to forge it. Top quality pliers.
The little bit of information I could find showed they were produced from 1914-1921.
Dan
I was involved in that conversation at the other site. They are remarkable pliers. I have a pair I got from my maternal grandfather. They have to be 70 years old since I have some idea of the provenance. The jaws still have good serrations and the box joint has no play. I hope I'm in as good a shape when I get to be that age. Come to think of it I hope lto get to be that age.
JAFE, my joints creak daily! I will be 69 in December, not quite as old as your pliers.
I am somewhat younger but some of the bendy parts like to remind me they're there every now and again. Not much fun but the alternative has no appeal whatsoever.
Very cool pliers and they look like they mean business. Perfect time frame in the era of dreadnaught battleships.