Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Inno on December 04, 2016, 12:29:31 AM

Title: Mystery Cooper's Tools
Post by: Inno on December 04, 2016, 12:29:31 AM

I found these as part of a cooper's tool kit, used for barrel-making.

Can anyone tell me what they are?

First one is about 20" long, seems hand-forged (2 photos).

Second one has a wooden handle with iron grabber that pivots on a bolt.  I'm guessing it was used as some kind of lever for pulling something in.

Third item is a set of 4 punches with very sharp heads that look like saw teeth.  The set has 4 graduated sizes.

Also, I have a cooper's drawknife that is marked "J. A. Gürts Columbus", with a logo image above "Columbus".  I assume Columbus refers to the Ohio Tool Co.  But who was J. A. Gürts, and what was his connection to Columbus?  Can't identify what the picture is in the logo, looks like a sideways hand?  See last pic.

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Mystery Cooper's Tools
Post by: mikeswrenches on December 04, 2016, 05:37:27 AM

I believe the first one is a "flagging iron". It was used in caulking barrels or taking the heads off.
Not sure about the rest.

Mike

Title: Re: Mystery Cooper's Tools
Post by: wvtools on December 05, 2016, 05:34:28 AM

The second one is called a hoop dog, used to loosen the chime hoop or press a bulged stave into place for starting the chime hoop over the end of the barrel (Sellens, 2002).

Title: Re: Mystery Cooper's Tools
Post by: wvtools on December 05, 2016, 05:36:04 AM

I think the last ones are irons for a croze plane.

Title: Re: Mystery Cooper's Tools
Post by: Inno on December 05, 2016, 08:52:52 PM

Many thanks to all for the very helpful replies.  This is much appreciated.

Still hoping that someone knows about J. A Gurts whose name is stamped beside the Columbus logo on an old tool.