Illinois Iron and Bolt Co. Vulcan Brand Swage Blocks:
Glossy flier from the 1960's. Prices marked on the original averaged about 85 cents per pound.
What we do not know is if these were all made by II&B or if they sold blocks made by others.
If they cast them all then this would make II&B the largest maker of blocks in the U.S.
II&B made quite a number of tools so this IS a distinct possibility.
Illinois Iron and Bolt Co., Carpentersville, Illinois manufactured Vulcan anvils with arm and hammer logo from about 1875 until about 1969*.
These are not to be confused with the Arm and Hammer BRAND anvil.
The Vulcan anvil was a steel faced cast iron anvil made in the mold like the Fisher-Norris "Eagle" anvils.
As a manufacturer this indicates positively that they had a captive foundry.
There is still a distinct possibility they sold others blocks OR had bought others patterns by the time this flyer was printed sometime in the 1960's.
The No. 0½ block is identical to the Little Giant No. 2 from 1899.
II&B's number system for anvils was similar to the blocks above starting with 00 and including a 17½ model.
Since they were also known to make cone mandrels then the numbers on the
Geo. B. Carpenter & Co. Catalog page may have also originated with
II&B.
Source : Frank Turley
* Anvils in America, Richard Postman 1998, p.204
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Unusual Rectangular Block:
This block was thought to be a personal pattern but has proven to be commercial (above). more
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Unusual Industrial Swage Block:
Triangular and rectangular holes mark this as an unusual block.
Possibly an II&B Vulcan brand no.0½ with the cores rearranged for strength.
OR another version of the Little Giant No. 2.
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