HTPAA

HAND TOOL PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Robert McConnell

mcconnell

Robert McConnell

The Robert McConnell story ..........

Robert McConnell was a prolific inventor, who lived in Brisbane. A letter Head of his proclaims him as "Inventor and Manufacturer of: McConnell Roller Skates, McConnell Automatic Gramophone, Sundowner Tent, Maxable, Max Rubber Heels, The Ammunitionless Gun, McConnell Nail Bits, McConnell Gold Cleaner, McConnell Tin Concentrator, McConnell Scrub Planes, McConnell Mitre Box, McConnell Frictionless Pump, McConnell Stringer Cutter, McConnell Coat and Vest Combination, McConnell Cistern, etc, etc".

McConnell's patents span the years 1927 to 1951. The Planes and nail bits were patented in 1942, in the middle of WWII when imports of quality tools was impossible.

.

 

Robert McConnell smoother, riveted sides.

Type 1, patent info behind front tote.

 

Robert McConnell smoother, riveted sides.

Type 1, patent info behind front tote.

Variation, Clipped front

Dimensions:

Length = 240mm

width =63mm

height= 95mm

blade width =44mm

Image courtesy Robert Saint, used with permission.

Robert McConnell Jack Plane, riveted sides.

Type 1, Variation

Robert McConnell smoother, welded sides.

Type 2

Robert McConnell smoother, folded sides.

Type 3

Range of McConnell Planes showing the three basic types, plus a significant variation in the type 1 riveted model. There are other minor variations with slightly different knobs or missing the patent stamp etc.

Patent Drawing for McConnell Smoother

The McConnell Nail Bit

 

Notes

Thanks to Rod Thomas for providing examples from his collection

The HTPAA welcomes any additional information, pictures and ephemera relating to this maker or any other Australian makers.

Contact the Australian Curator by email Webmaster

back | home

This Webpage was last updated on 26 November, 2011

Copyright © HTPAA 2011