Pictures and Descriptions of Wooden Clamps made by Bliss and Co

Top Page > Clamps as Products > Makers of Wooden Clamps (WC) > Bliss and Company

This page contains pictures and descriptions of

handles of stopped spindles,
handles of through spindles,
end of through spindle,
jaws,
maker marks.

Handles of stopped spindle

Bliss and Co Handle of Stopped Spindle

There are several things to note about this handle. The first is the flat end. The second is the uniform diameter for most of the length of the handle, with rounded transition to the shaft.

This example is lathe cut, and the lathe was set up so that the cutter withdrew at the end of travel, leaving an ever more shallow groove at the end of the threads. I have examples of hand cut as well.

Handle of through spindle

Bliss and Co Handle of Through Spindle This example has the flat end, barrel shape, waist, and distinct collar, characteristic of Bliss.

End of through spindle

Bliss and Co End of Through Spindle

The tip is flat, with an abrupt transition to the threads.

This example has a slight central pit, and other markings, caused by the lathe while the handle was turned.

Jaws

Maker Marks

R Bliss and Co Mark in two cartouches This is typical of the marks of the early company, from 1845 to 1874. It is clear that the two cartouches were separately applied.

(The circle is the common hole strengthener or re-inforcement for papers in 3 ring binders. It is used to provide a scale.)

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