Posted 8 years ago
OzzieGary
(3 items)
The things you find in unexpected places. I was clearing out my elderly Brother in Laws house here in suburban Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Dodging the cobwebs and rather impressive spiders that had taken up residence I made my way into a dark corner where an old work bench rested precariously on its remaining three legs. My intention was to just drag it out and throw it on the wood heap, but a rather dingy looking item clamped onto the far corner caught my eye. I unclamped it and put it to one side.
Once I had finished I retrieved the item and discovered a "Handy Andy No.4" hand operated grinding wheel made by the "Pike Manufacturing Company, Pike NH". I had never seen anything like it before so brought it home and wiped the dust and grime off of the label. I discovered that that the "Pike Mfg.Co" had been operating since the 1800's and in 1932 had been purchased by the "Norton" Company and became "Norton Pike". The grinder is complete with rest and is approximately 1o" x 8"' + the 6" diameter wheel that I don't think is original.
My quandary now is, do I attempt a restoration without damaging the label, or do I just wipe it down and lubricate the moving parts and have a go at actually using it? I would like to mount it on the end of my bar but I'm sure somebody will end up grinding their fingers after a cold one or two.
So, should I attempt restoration or just leave it be?
Leave it be! Get it working but don't restore and lose that great age patina.
These work well - we dressed many a piece on one of these. They wind up well!
Thanks "racer" I think you just confirmed what I was feeling was 'right'. I will get it greased up and working but don't want to risk damaging the label as that indicates (to me at least) it's pre 1932.