Friday, July 17, 2026

Norvin!


 John and his dad Jack admiring a Vincent-engine Featherbed special outside of Jack's motorcycle business.

Barcalo specialty wrench



I figured this was another Ford model T related tool, but Google Lens tells me it was actually made for the Delco Light Co. of Dayton, Ohio, a manufacturer of gas-powered generator systems used to provide electricity to rural farms and homes during the first half of the last century.
 There is a iron cross-type (or keystone?) logo next to the "nut" text (bottom image) that doesn't seem to relate to either company.




Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Grand Prix des Frontières


 The race at Chimay, Belgium was a road course and saw racing from 1926 through 1972. The 1951 event was a non-championship Formula 2 event and was won (for the second time) by Johnny Claes. Not much information to be found on the artist "Lomba".

A find!


 Found! Two pieces of 8 inch angle, 1/2inch wall, 6 inches long. 

"Leave them there, you don't need them. What do you want with more junk?"

 "But think what could I make if I had two big heavy pieces of steel!"

 "Sigh"

I'll think of something...






Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Spot the differences...

John Feirer and Earl Tetro,  Machine Tool Metalworking, McGraw-Hill, 1961


 Seriously...? This required an illustration? 

We pause for a commercial break and thank Williams for their support. 

Auburn for 1934


The price is indeed affordable, the average income in the US was about $946 in 1934.
 

Monday, July 13, 2026

Propeller for the Queen Mary

  One of four propellers destined for the liner Queen Mary. Each propeller was 20 feet in diameter, made of bronze and weighed 35 tons, poured in one shot, I presume... Those guys trust the rigging more than I do.
 

"Hey, Joe" Gelatin silver print, 1959


Artist,  Jan Saudek (born 1935).   Saudek made many copies, some hand-tinted, from 1959 into the 80s.