Rare Matched Set Of C. E. Jennings Arrowhead Chisels (1914 - 1920)
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:42440997 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
| Brand: C.E. Jennings | Original/Reproduction: Antique Original |
This is an offering for a very rare matched set of vintage C.E. Jennings Arrowhead Firmer Chisels. The old tool catalogs I've found indicate that this set was probably manufactured between 1914-1920. The condition is better than you normally find in hand tools of that period. I have tried to include enough photos to allow you to make an informed decision.
This set of chisels contains the following sizes: 1 1/2", 1 1/4", 7/8", 3/4", 5/8", 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8". The handle ...for the 7/8" chisel has a crack (see photo) that does not run from end and could probably be stabilized with CA glue if desired. This is a socket style of chisel, much like the old Stanley Sweethearts. They range in length from 14" to 12". Although most often used for paring cuts they can be struck with a mallet as they all have sturdy leather striking caps, reinforced with end grain dowels, at the top of the handle.
The old catalogs from the period show that Jennings sold a set of 10 cabinetmakers chisels that included all of these chisels plus a 1" and a 3/8" missing from this set. If you really want to complete the set these chisels are occasionally available from vintage tool sellers although they will be pricey.
The blades are a high-carbon steel that sharpens easily and, in my experience, compares favorably with modern O1. There is some surface rust but nothing aggressive and nothing that interferes with putting a sharp edge across the width of each plane. These have been lapped on the back of the blades and the primary bevel has been ground at 25° with a 2° micro-bevel for a cutting angle of 27°. If you intend to use these with a mallet you may want to consider putting a 30° primary bevel on the smaller 1/4" and 1/8" chisels to provide a stronger edge. It may not show in the photos but each blade has been sharpened through 6, 000 grit and then polished with a 10, 000 grit waterstone.
I am including a new canvas tool roll that I just purchased from Lee Valley Tools. This will give you the choice of storing them in a rack with the edge guards or in the roll (without the edge guards) if you want to transport them.
This set of chisels contains the following sizes: 1 1/2", 1 1/4", 7/8", 3/4", 5/8", 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8". The handle ...for the 7/8" chisel has a crack (see photo) that does not run from end and could probably be stabilized with CA glue if desired. This is a socket style of chisel, much like the old Stanley Sweethearts. They range in length from 14" to 12". Although most often used for paring cuts they can be struck with a mallet as they all have sturdy leather striking caps, reinforced with end grain dowels, at the top of the handle.
The old catalogs from the period show that Jennings sold a set of 10 cabinetmakers chisels that included all of these chisels plus a 1" and a 3/8" missing from this set. If you really want to complete the set these chisels are occasionally available from vintage tool sellers although they will be pricey.
The blades are a high-carbon steel that sharpens easily and, in my experience, compares favorably with modern O1. There is some surface rust but nothing aggressive and nothing that interferes with putting a sharp edge across the width of each plane. These have been lapped on the back of the blades and the primary bevel has been ground at 25° with a 2° micro-bevel for a cutting angle of 27°. If you intend to use these with a mallet you may want to consider putting a 30° primary bevel on the smaller 1/4" and 1/8" chisels to provide a stronger edge. It may not show in the photos but each blade has been sharpened through 6, 000 grit and then polished with a 10, 000 grit waterstone.
I am including a new canvas tool roll that I just purchased from Lee Valley Tools. This will give you the choice of storing them in a rack with the edge guards or in the roll (without the edge guards) if you want to transport them.
