There is a type study that was done for Yankee Spiral Ratchet Screwdrivers
about 10 years ago by David M. Truesdale which contains some very interesting
information about the early varieties. Many dealers have #30's marked
"early", but there are definite clues you can look for to find out just
how early they are. The following is David's list in its entirety, and I
assume my reprinting it here should not be a problem, since it was provided
"To EAIA members & Other Interested Individuals". The commentary below
is from David's original list. I think the numbers themselves are a bit
futile, since what you really have is a continual evolution of a tool, but
nonetheless they help identify the sequence in which the features appear,
and help to date early examples.
-----------------------------------------------------
As best that I have been able to assemble data on the production of spiral
ratchet screwdrivers made by North Brothers, I present what I believe to be
visible differences along with different patent dates.
1. one patent date, full year date, 1897
does not indicate model number
straight sided shifter
handle bead
handle ferrule has an attachment screw
2. 1897
Others Pending
does not indicate model number
straight sided shifter
handle bead
handle ferrule has an attachment screw
3. 1895
1897
Others Pending
does not indicate model number
straight sided shifter
handle bead
handle ferrule has an attachment screw
4. 95 no longer uses full year date
97
99
00
first type to have model number, #30 at this point
straight sided shifter
handle bead
handle ferrule has an attachment screw
5. 95
97
99
00
straight sided shifter
handle bead
handle ferrule no longer has an attachment screw
6. 95
97
99
00
shifter with cross hatch checking
handle no longer has a bead
7. 95
97
99
00
Others Pending
now has indent shifter
8. 95
97
99
00
06
9. 95
97
99
00
06
08
10. 95
97
99
00
06
08
Others Pending
This series has been found on #130, the 1 of 130 signifies the
model with the return spring
11. 95
97
99
00
06
08
15
12. 95
97
99
00
06
08
15
Others Pending
This series has been found on no. 130
13. 95
97
99
00
06
08
15
23
This series has been found on model number 30A & 130A, I believe
the A designation and patent date 23 indicate improved internal parts
14 23
15 WWII version, w/o plating, brushed brass finish
nickel and chrome were the first to be out of supply
16 WWII version, blued steel
17 130A
R (in circle = registered)
North Bros. Mfg. Co.
Div. of Stanley Tools
----------------------------------------------------
End of D. Truesdale list.
I have run across other varieties not on the list above, and would
appreciate information on additional varieties. To complete the list
as I know it, I would add the following:
#6.5 halfway between #6 and #7, with indent shifter and no Others Pending.
#15 and 16 come in many varieties and combinations of plated parts,
blued steel parts and brass parts, probably not worthy of their own
varieties.
#16.5 similar to 15 and 16, except with some aluminum parts, e.g.
aluminum shifter barrel
#14.5 no patent dates at all, marked North Brothers Mfg. Co.,
Phila. Pa. U.S.A.
and of course, there are many post 1946 variations, made by Stanley,
including a model made in Germany that I recently heard about.
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