Another old multi-tool..........

Ray S · **on:** April 10, 2014, 12:58:44 AM

While cleaning out my shop today looking for invoices for my income tax returns I came across this little gem tucked away in one of my drawers.I don't remember exactly when or where I obtained it but it was a long time ago.
Marked,"Hibbard" on one side of the housing,it unscrews to display 5 tools that can be inserted into the housing.Tools consist of a straight screwdriver;a round and square awl;auger;and what looks like a small chisel.The bits have two flats cut into the end that fit into a slot in one side of the housing and then the other side of the housing is screwed on affixing the bits securely.
Not sure how old it is but the maker could have made it for Hibbard,Spencer,&Bartlett;a major hardware chain in the 1920's. If anyone has additional info it would be greatly appreciated.

ducttapetech · **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2014, 01:32:24 PM

That is neat. Thanks for sharing.

live from Nate's mobile

kkokkolis · **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2014, 01:39:33 PM

I see many older multitools (and the Polish demolition multitool too) contained wood drills. Why they stopped implementing drills in the modern multitools? Victorinox awls are as good as drills but Leatherman tools might have no awl or the awl is quite wide.

enki_ck · **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2014, 08:46:46 PM

We had a discussion on that kind of tools a while ago.

Here's one I found in the EDC thread, but there are a few others floating around.

http://forum.multitool.or....msg496374.html#msg496374

Here's one similar one, an old Russian spy kit. Carried where the sun don't shine.

J-sews · **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2014, 05:39:56 PM

Cool old tool handle you got there Ray! I think your Hibbard, Spencer, & Bartlett theory makes the most sense. I did some searching, was not able to find another tool handle like yours, but I did spy this old Hibbard padlock on eBay that uses the same lettering font as the one used on your handle:

Ray S · **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2014, 12:44:58 AM

Thanks for posting the picture of the lock! I was pretty sure that was who it was as I have several pocket knives with the Hibbard name on them but they are standard letters and not a logo.