Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Monday, May 5, 2014

History of F.H. Crafts, Rochester, New York

F.H. Crafts products 1904
Frederick (or Frederic) Henry Crafts (1848-1913) was a Rochester, New York, manufacturer of high quality tools for cement, paving, and asphalt, and contractor's tools and machinery. His cement tools were made of cast iron, brass, and bronze. F.H. Crafts was in business from 1896 through at least 1906, and in 1899 the business address was at his home, 97 Glenwood Park, Rochester.

Mr. Crafts was born in Maine and was a graduate of the Thayer School of Civil Engineering at Dartmouth College, and Assistant Engineer, New York State Engineer Corps. He had at least 3 cement tool patents, including the distinctive coil spring handle shown below. Mr. Crafts also wrote articles for construction trade magazines, and his name is in The Engineering Index, Water and Sewage Works, Municipal Engineering, and Directory of American Cement Industries, 1909.
Google Patents US D24892
The Crafts Family A Genealogical and Biographical History
Google Patents US D24893
Google Patents US D26830
How to Lay Portland Cement Steps, Curbs and Similar Structures" by F.H. Crafts

F.H. Crafts indent roller

Annual for 1911 of the Thayer School of Civil Engineering


F.H. Crafts No. 30 Jointer
F.H. Crafts No. 30 Jointer patent date
F.H. Crafts invoice 1899

 F.H. Crafts No. 50 Edger
 F.H. Crafts No. 50 Edger
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 17, 2014 at 5:24 AM

    bellota of spain are another maker of excellent one piece forged brick trowels and other masonry products

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 30, 2021 at 9:28 AM

    I own a FH. CRAFTS jointer no 44. Pat march 80 1897. Any idea what i could be worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark StansburyMarch 30, 2021 at 9:49 AM

      No, I have not tried to see what they have sold for.

      Delete

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