DRAW LOCK CHISELS
The first reference to these chisels that I can find is in the 1897 catalogue, but they were probably introduced earlier, unfortunately I am unable to locate any earlier catalogues. They are not listed in the 1873 catalogue. They are called ‘Double-ended draw lock chisels’ because they have 2 cutting ends which are at right angles to each other. The cutter which is at right angles to the shaft is 5/8″ wide.
The other chisel end is in line with the shaft and is 5/16″ wide. The whole tool is 5 inches long. The 1897 Item number is 836A and that is because at the same time MARPLES produced Single-end draw lock chisels which had Boxwood handles and were numbered 836B and 836C, sold individually…..see below:
In 1909 the item numbers were changed to #886 for the Double ended and to #887 for the Boxwood handled pair. At this time #886 was sold for 8/6d per dozen. 1909 catalogue entry is below:
By 1921 the boxwood pair #887 is no longer listed and #886 is still 8/6d per dozen.
The 1928 listing is below:
By 1938 item #886 is listed at 12/9d per dozen, and by December 1959 they cost 4/6d each, after that date they are discontinued.
The later chisel [above] looks as though it has been sharpened many times!
Button Hole Chisels:
As the name suggests these chisels were purpose made to cut various widths of button holes. They seem to only be listed in Catalogues 1888–1909. In the 1888 and 1897 Cats. the item number is 109A, changing to #885 in 1909.
They were only produced in 6 sizes.
