Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Branson on December 23, 2012, 08:27:04 AM

Title: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: Branson on December 23, 2012, 08:27:04 AM
Could this be an ancestor of the Perfect Handle? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271126429070?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
Title: Re: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: Papaw on December 23, 2012, 09:17:14 AM
I suppose it could have been. I wonder how old that really is?
Title: Re: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: rusty on December 23, 2012, 11:02:53 AM

Interesting, constructed more like a knife than a screwdriver.

Coes was using 'knife handle' designs before Smith in any case, the general idea wasn't all that original, Smith just refined it somewhat.

The fracture chipping aling the edges hints it is hardened carbon steel....

That 'cypher' looks more like a guild mark , if so, the digits under it tell a story about when and where....
Title: Re: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: john k on December 23, 2012, 11:54:22 AM
Papaw i think you're right, in that it is extremely old, as tools go.   Or does the blade seem to be reset in the handle?   Guess somebody is going to have to buy it to find out.   I just know if I see something like that at the anteek mall, its going home with me, dollars providing. 
Title: Re: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: Branson on December 24, 2012, 07:30:24 AM
I suppose it could have been. I wonder how old that really is?

Somewhere between 1837 and 1901 -- the reign of Queen Victoria (VR = Victoria Regina).  My WAG is somewhere around the middle of her reign.
The construction is somewhat reminiscent of the rondel daggers of the early Renaissance.   When new, it must have been an awfully pretty tool.  And very hefty, compared to the typical London pattern turnscrew.
Title: Re: Forerunner of the PH screwdriver?
Post by: Papaw on December 24, 2012, 08:21:01 AM
I'm sure I won't be the buyer at the opening price!