Some Current Research Questions and Topics
Wooden Clamps (Handscrews)

Questions are tagged according to the following scheme, in order to support searching:
{T} aspects of the clamps themselves
{X} cross relations between companies
{P} personal history of the makers
{C} corporate history of the makers
{D} dealers and distributors
{U} users

All Makers

What models were made, with what dimensions? {T} {X}

Aldrich (Milton, and William)

Who was, and when was, the unknown hardware store on Third Street, NYC? (see labels) {D}

Did William's brother, the doctor, leave any descendents in Boston? {P}
Can they tell family stories? {P}

Bliss companies

What variations occur in the makers marks? {T}
I know of short and long forms of Bliss Mfg Co (BM); are there others?
When did the change over to sans-serif face take place?

Denney

What is his personal history before he came to Lancaster, and after he left {P} Who bought these clamps? {C}

Dodge

Can we find more of the early history of the firm, with definite dates for the start and finish of making clamps? {C}

Gothauer

Can we find definitive dates for this firm? {C}
Who founded this firm, and why? {P}

Grand Rapids

When was the transition from the prominent, distinctive circular mark to the dullsville one liner? {T} {C}

Narragansett

When was the transition from the prominent, distinctive circular mark to the dullsville multi-liner? {T} {C}

Sargent and Sandusky

What is the significance of the similarity in chamfering? {X}
Did one make clamps for the other?

Webster and Butterfield

When did they start the business? end it? {C}
Who were they? {P}

Unknown makers

I have seen chamfering like Bliss, but with a change in width at the top of the angle, to produce a noticeable "diamond". The jaw bore a model number, which would seem to indicate factory made, not craft made. Who is the maker? {P} {C}

I own, and I have seen, clamps with "ziggurat" chamfering, bearing model numbers, implying factory made, without maker marks. There is some evidence that they might originate in Maine. {P} {C}

One of mine has a prominent "K". What does this signify? Who made it? {P} {C}

At a Mercer Museum Old Tool Day, I heard there was a clamp maker in the vicinity of Litchfield CT. Was this a reference to Chapin? Is there another? {C}

Individuals

Aldrich, William

Why did he move about in Lowell so often? Are there any descendents of his brother the doctor who can recount family history? {P}

Bliss, Rufus

His obituary and the family genealogist mention difficulties in his life; can more be found? {P}

Buttrick, N

What is the significance of the change from arch to circular mark? {P}
When did Norcross mill call itself "W. Norcross"? Did the Norcross Mill ever operate in Chelmsford? {U}

Leland, Levi N

What is the history of Levi Leland?
Did he make clamps, or just use them? {P} {C}

last revised and validated

Some Current Research Questions and Topics Wooden Clamps (Handscrews)