Good call, I think, on several points, Tom.  The "only a tool" turn of
mind seems to have been at work in the Dominy workshop.  About 30 years
ago I had the opportunity to examine some of James Marshall's personal
tools -- they had seen a tough life.  Kept well enough to do the work,
but only that.  And Marshall was a Master Coachwright as well as a
Master Mechanic and a better than fair blacksmith. 

Mike in Woodland