I've seen these before , but I'd like to know the maker of this one before I attempt to sell it.
There are no maker marks that I can find, just a patent date of May 1871 on one side
and Improved 1878 on the other side.
Seems like somebody may have buffed out some detail with a wire wheel ?
If any one has some info , I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.
This looks like George Capewell's May 16, 1871 patent no. 114,759.
It was also manufactured by Capewell in Cheshire, CT.
Mike
Yep, Mike has nailed it. Cast around the pivot it used to say PAT. MAY 16, 1871
(http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8881.0;attach=24503;image)
Or at least, that's what mine says:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bobbys%20II/Capewellcombinedtool85-inchfancy_zpsa9d5e96c.jpg)
Thanks for the info. Quite a difference in color between the two examples.
I think mine must have been rusty and some one did some cleaning.
I like the rusty look (or maybe black oxide finish): it brings out the fine details. In any case, a fine speciman.