Bob spent £2 on a pair of chisels at the fête on Sunday. They were in dire need of restoration [my word for this year] The blades were blunt and rusty and the handles were grubby. One side read "Marples", the other "Wm. Marples & Sons, Sheffield, Eng,." with a shamrock logo.
Bob had recognised the brand when he first saw them, and did further research when he got home. Marples were reckoned the foremost tool manufacturing company in England for 200 years.
These ones are from the mid 1950s and feature the distinctive " split proof" red and yellow plastic handles introduced then. If you really want to know more about the company, this site will tell you every minute detail! The Hibernia Works were amazing.
I said no, I have no problem with it. I know he will fix things then find a good use for them himself, or give them to other people who will use them. And furthermore, as I have four sewing machines, and associated equipment, I cannot complain!
My embroidery machine is being serviced at the minute, but my main one has been in use this week. Pictures will follow!
We love using old gardening tools, from the swan-necked hoe which had been my late mother-in-law’s favourite tool to the ‘scrattler’ (minus one tine)found in the garden when we moved here in 1971 and all the others purchased in between from flea markets. The beauty and quality of the tools, with all their blemishes and the sense of all those people of the past having used them is special. Hopefully they will go on being used after we’re gone. Charmaine
ReplyDeleteI have some tools that look like the first photo. Shall I send them to Bob to be restored??
ReplyDeleteHe would love that - but the cost of carriage is prohibitive. Sadly TWAM have no collection points within 25 miles of you, or I would suggest contacting them!
DeleteWe have some of those chisels in the workshop-I recognised the handles under all the dirt! I am setting myself the task of shortening 3 pairs of trousers today-1 for Leanne and 2 for Norrie. Catriona
ReplyDeleteYou are a good woman! I have some domestic sewing to complete this morning before Bob returns from Shed
DeleteI think it is wonderful to renovate and reuse old tools. When we cleared out my foster Dad's shed there were piles of old rusty tools. We took them to a boot fair and sold all of them and several people said how thrilled they were with them. Tools are so expensive. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteTools ARE expensive, and often discarded because they are rusty or dirty. Better that they are taken out of sheds and passed on to be useful again
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