MONSTER SHEARS

[Ridgegrass]

These were my Great-Uncle George's. (Some of you might remember his miniature tools and anvils.) He was a machinist for the WESTERN MARYLAND RAILWAY. Died at 90 years old in 1980. These shears are massive. Weigh about two pounds and are over a foot long. The castings are very complicated with the thumb and finger cuffs. They are very comfortable and fit the right hand perfectly. I have scoured them for a mark or stamp but can find none. They appear to have been enamel coated and maybe the brand was in the enamel. The pivot rivet is bronze or brass and they cut galvanized sheet like paper. Someone may have dropped them as the thumb cuff is broken. I just thought some of you metal smiths or tool collectors might enjoy seeing them. J.O'.

[cudgee]

Fantastic. Post these in the railway enthusiasts thread, they would love to see these with their history. Thanks for posting.

[Colonel26]

Those are great! Thanks for sharing them with us.

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks guys. Cudgee: Will do. J.O'.

[FRJ]

What a great old tool that is.

[GSPTOPDOG]

Thanks for the post! I have several old "R&R" marked tools from various Rail Roads. I don't necessarily collect them... I just love old tools, but getting one from an old Rail Road company makes it extra special to me.

[Ridgegrass]

TOPDOG: Didn't find any RR marks on them but you know how tools seem to "grow legs" sometimes. J.O'.

[rarefish383]

I found this, "PRR in the Keystone", at a farm auction just over the MD line in PA. I opened the bid at $5 and thought I had it. Just as the auctioneer was pointing at me and getting ready to say sold, an old Amish farmer went $10. I figured I was done, those Amish folk do not loose at auctions. But, I was willing to ride this one out, I've never seen another PRR axe, so I went $15. To my surprise he smiled and waved at the auctioneer, turned and left. To him it was just another axe. Maybe he saw how exited I was about it. Anyway, he let me have it.