Cast Steel

[greg Forster]

When did "cast steel" marking first show up on tools?

[James Taglienti]

Benjamin Huntsman, a Brit, came up with crucible steel in 1740. I think he melted some high grade Swiss or Swedish steel and added some carbon to it. That's cast steel. I'd imagine they started stamping it shortly afterward. I've seen it on things as late as the 1940's. If you look up crucible steel you can find out all about it.

[Adam Cherubini]

When did "cast steel" marking first show up on tools?

Very late 18th c. The "cast steel" stamp isn't typical of 18th c tools. Usually it's cause for 19th c attributions.