Inquiry on Period Finger/Toe Nail Trimmers

['Monterrey' Jack Brass]

All,

Now that I've figured out how to work photo uploads to this site and have a few minutes to spend on this project, here is my question for you all (yes, a bit obscure but here it goes...)

Does anyone have documentation (solid data & dated) regarding fingernail/toenail trimmers of the 1870s-1880s? Please nothing 'close enough', but the real deal only. Any information and good documentation is appreciated and will be helpful toward my impression.

Following is what I have regarding nail trimmers, and it dates from before and after but not during the 1870s-80s. My guess is that both styles of trimmers like those shown below might have existed concurrently but I can't say for sure – this is where your help is appreciated.

This is what I know from the reference limited info I have on the subject:

#1) c1845 tool catalog reprint (sold under the name "The Victorian Catalogue of Tools for Trades and Crafts" by Studio Editions Publishing)


#2) 1895 Montgomery Ward Catalog



Looking forward to filling in some knowledge gaps on this one.

Thanks

'Monterrey' J. Brass

[River City John]

Both styles are available today. The #880 in picture #1 is what I use on my toenails.

[Irish Dave]

RCJ:

Too much information.

[River City John]

'Course, that's before the wood rasp and the blowtorch.

[Delmonico]

Awww, but to really understand the time period, on must get down to the nitty gritty of things no matter how discussting it is.   I am just waitin' for that question on femmiine hygene so I can dig out the pictures I found in the 1877 Goodyear Rubber Products Catalog.  No surprise they made them, but the amount of styles to choose from, is rather bafflin'.

And no I will not start a topic on them, but will offer information if any one needs it.

[St. George]

Look for products made by the 'H.C. Cook Co.', of Ansonia, Connecticut.

They made a small pocket trimmer/nail file called 'The Gem'.

Mine is patented Oct 20, 1896 - but there are earlier ones.

This one's lever is locked down by a turning button.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

['Monterrey' Jack Brass]

Fellows,

Regarding the request for info above "Does anyone have documentation (solid data & dated) regarding fingernail/toenail trimmers of the 1870s-1880s? Please nothing 'close enough', but the real deal only. Any information and good documentation is appreciated..." I appreciate the commentary and understand this one is not really easy to find stuff on. Definitely a pickle.

Thanks for the efforts and hope someone can yet post an obscure picture, catalog reference, etc from the 1870s or 80s,

YM&OS,

'Monterrey' J. Brass

[St. George]

Finding a suitable reference may prove to be a problem until you can find a catalog from one of the big Mail Order houses that came to being after the Civil War.

The few reprints I've seen of that particular era are somewhat thin on illustration - gaining both numbers and pages as the years went by.

The thing that's going to help is that the little pocket-sized trimmers were more or less a 'novelty whose time had come', and you'll find patent dates and numbers on them, whenever their innovator figured that he'd found something unique enough to be saleable.

What that means, is that to locate one - you have to handle a lot of them at Antique Malls, Flea Markets and Antique Shows in order to see if they're marked.

The one I referenced - 'The Gem' - looked sufficiently different so as to invite a closer inspection - upon which, I bought it.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!