Antique Tool Trio

Here's a trio of old tools: a sheathed fishing knife from Finland; a folding wood carpenter's rule and an old Morrill (Morrill patents 1880s-1890s) saw set tool probably dated in the 1890s.

The Morrill's Saw Set is similar, but not identical, to the old sketch shown in the photo below. I have not researched it thoroughly, but there are markings on three sides of the flat portions of the 'palm' handle (the one nearest the rule in the photo). The markings are "Morrill's Trade (three symbols) Mark," on one surface, "Patented Dec. 20 1888," and two or three other patent dates on the other two surfaces that may be visible if the tool were well cleaned (I have chosen to leave it in the condition I found it.)

The Finnish Knife is well worn, both the blade and the sheath, indicating it probably has an interesting story hiding in its history. Laplanders have always valued harmony with Nature. For them the knife is an essential tool that both women and men carried. They are also staus symbols, many handcrafted by master smiths. This one has writing on one side of the blade stating it was made in Finland. The remainder of the writing is obscure without intense cleaning, but I have chosen to leave the finish as found.. My guess it indicates the name of the place and signature or mark of its maker. Perhaps a collector can read it with magnification.

The tip is broken off and the wooden handle's finish is well worn.

The Carpenter's Folding Rule is also well worn from much use in someone's creative hand. It folds to 6" and opens flat to 24" via three hinged joints. The hinged joints work smoothly.

One side has inch and fractions markings from 1" to 24" (in sixteenths of an inch). The other side is marked in eighths of an inch.