Edge-tool manufacturer Collins & Co. of Hartford, Connecticut, produced the chisel shown here. The company's catalog ultimately had upwards of 1,200 different items and was actively involved in export as well as the North American domestic market. Founded in the early 1800s, the company remained in operation until the 1960s when the Mann Axe Company purchased it. In 2005, Lee Valley had the opportunity to add the magnificent Collins & Company display case shown below to its permanent collection.
It is thought that it was originally constructed for the 1876 United States Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was subsequently used in other trade shows. It remained in the possession of Collins & Co. and was displayed at its head office until the company's closing. It is filled with a representative range of the manufacturer's tools. This unique advertising cabinet is on display at Lee Valley's downtown Toronto,
Ontario, store.

D.S. Orr

Photo courtesy of Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools.

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