“The Original Leatherman”

[Mcfal12]

On eBay tonight I came across an incredibly unique tool I’ve never heard of or seen before. Scouring the internet, I could not find much information about it or the company which manufactured it.

I nearly purchased it outright, just for the uniqueness and posterity... then I thought about it being. A complete impulse buy and will give it some contemplation over night.

Anyway, very cool tool and thought I’d share!

[Mcfal12]

Picture of the logo

[Mcfal12]

Picture of the implements in leather wallet

[Mcfal12]

Picture of the implements. The hammer really catches the eye. I can’t tell, and asked the seller for more information on how, the implements attach to the handle.

[gregozedobe]

Nice find, but not super rare at all.

Yes, these type of tools do predate the famous Leatherman tools.

There are many similar tool sets around, IIRC most were made in Germany.  Usually the tools clip into the handle on one end, and are released by opening the blade that is not removeable.

Several different brands, and lost of variations on the end that locks into the handle (and some that look the same but are different enough that you cant mix and match).

I have the following brands (but there are lots of others):
Hugo Berns
Hubeo
Hoffritz
Barlow
 
The earlier ones seem to mostly have a rounded hammer head, while later hammers were often square section.

The classier sets often had a shield/guard for the saw made out of thin folded metal.

[Mcfal12]

Thanks Greg! Good to hear there is wealth of information about these types of tool as I’ve been unable to find much.

[Mcfal12]

With Greg’s leads, I’ve located a number of offerings, just no others with the ‘Leatherman” stamp. I’m so intrigued by these and will find a less expensive version for my collection for posterity purposes.

[gregozedobe]

I suspect that "Leatherman" logo is referring to the leather case, not the tools, particularly when you look at the outline around the "man".  I've seen that style of outline on other leather goods.
eg:   https://www.designevo.com/logo-maker/

The case in your photos is in much better condition than most of the cases I've seen. I suppose most have the kind of wear and tear that you would expect for something that old.

[gregozedobe]

Here's a cheap one (cheap price, I have no idea about the quality.  It is Made in Japan if that is relevant to you)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193445176487

[Mcfal12]

thanks Greg. Hadn't seen that listing. May get it for a keepsake/cool factor.