Posted 12 years ago
TheGateKee…
(222 items)
#1749B Patent #269,444 December 19, 1882 by Merrick A. Mihills of Painesville, Ohio. This 2" wide and 3" long wood block is grooved on the edges to retain the line wires. The eight point spur rowel rotates on a wire shaft through the wood block. This is the only known example of this wire.
#1683B Patent #216,294 June 19, 1879 by Noble G. Ross of Chicago, Illinois. Probably manufactured with blocks in 1880's. Only example I have seen.
#267B Patent #207,710 September 3, 1878 by Jacob Brotherton of Ames, Iowa. Probably manufactured with blocks in 1880's.
#570B Patent #176,120 April 11, 1876 by William Jayne & James Hill of Boone, Iowa. Probably manufactured with blocks in 1880's.
Fantastic specimen !!! I can't imagine how beautiful a fence of this would look back in the day. Do you know where Jim originally picked this up? Does the axle go all the way to the corners through the wood and if so, how does it attach to the main strands? Is it similar to the Hyde patent? Any guesses at to the type of wood used and how thick are the blocks ? Again, the ultimate wire in our hobby !!!
Have no idea where this was found. The axle does extend from edge to edge, but does not attach like the Hyde. Not sure what kind of wood it is. It has a very pronounced grain, so it is not a type of hardwood. It is 3/8" thick.
Thanks for the info. GateKeeper. When I obtained my metal Mihill's from Doug Ewald, I was thrilled. Some time later I heard of this single wood specimen and nearly passed out. It is truly spectacular and what a collector's dreams are made of.