On Sun, Jul 27, 2014 at 4:02 PM, Thomas Conroy 
wrote:

>
> The 30A is supposed to be non-quick-return, but my new one does have a
> spring and the screw pops out when you release the latch. However, its a
> weak screw, whether from metal fatigue or because it was made that way. So
> what goes? Did the non-quick-return "Yankees" ever have a spring, just a
> weak one? Or is this some kind of user modification or aftermarket upgrade?
>

The parts list for the 30A and 130A are identical, except the 130A includes
a #24 Spring in Handle, and  #8 Spring Plug (collared at the far end, then
cylindrical, then a tapered tip toward where the spring goes). This sits in
the tail end of the handle, and keeps the spring in line?

I just took my 130A apart (Div of Stanley Works), and the spring is about
7" long. The plug about 1" overall.  8" rule in the picture.

http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Misc-Images/6241184_Bq2Vmm#!i=34
17433896&k=TTphpfk">http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Misc-
Images/6241184_Bq2Vmm#!i=3417433896&k=TTphpfk

Since the spring was available as a spare, maybe someone added it.  Do you
have the plug noted above?  Maybe its the right spring without the plug, or
maybe the wrong spring.



>
> FWIW, this 30A has a brass frame with the remains of a black paint job on
> it. On the other hand, it has a 1923 patent date as part of the mark. Do
> these details together help to date it?
>

The Dec 11, 1923 patent is number 1,277,337 for a spiral tool, by TJ Fegley
et al.  The book doesn't spell out specifics, but maybe you can decipher
the pertinent feature here.  Book also doesn't appear to have a timeline.

http://www.google.com/patents/
US1477337


The Book - North Brothers' Manufacturing Company Product Guide - Joe Ward.

Got my copy from David Erickson I believe

Kirk in HMB, typing slow as I slurp down home made strawberry ice cream