RHarrer@a... wrote:
<snippage>
> (For cabinetry, of course, I use old tools with wooden handles:  a Stanley
> 100-Plus

<more snippage>

I have several Stanley (and many other maker) hammers, but the only
"100-Plus"
I have is gold plated (with a nice, light-colored handle).  Picked it up
at
the Canton (TX) flea market last week for $4.00 (including the walnut
plaque it was mounted on).  Evidently a 1960s era presentation piece
(golden hammer award) according to the brass plate on the plaque.

Anyone know the background on these?

Frank (Fort Worth Armadillo Works)

Frank-
As I recall, the Golden Hammer was awarded by a magazine, Popular Mechanics or
Mechanix Illustrated, (likely the latter, since I don't think the rag is
around any more.) Anyway, it was awarded monthly for the best submitted reader
project that month. Of course, the competition varied from month to month,
with awards going to everything from master-class marvels to the prototype
Pukey Duck, back when they were a cool idea.
Quite a find. Somebody was very proud of that thing once upon a time.

Jim Lemon

Thanks to all who answered on and off-list.  The consencus seems to
be that Mechanix Illustrated awarded the Golden Hammer awards.  Too
bad the hammer head isn't SOLID gold - there would be a real gloat!

Frank (Fort Worth Armadillo Works)

In a message dated 98-09-11 01:31:10 EDT, Frank Sronce wrote:

<< the only
 "100-Plus"
 I have is gold plated  >>

My 100-Plus Stanley hammer is definitely not gold plated and as a matter of
fact picked up a very nice patina when a lumber yard in Moscow, Idaho, burned
down in about 1968.  It was the only thing I collected from the ashes (while
watching two other guys load up a unit of red birch plywood that was chared
about an inch around the edges).  I re-handled it and it seems not to have
developed any difugulties from the heat.

Roger Harrer