Who made this chisel?

[Martin Cash]

Here is one for the chisel specialists.
I have a very nice old US Socket chisel by AETCO USA.
I've not heard of this maker before and thought perhaps that it was made by one of the other manufacturers for a hardware chain.
Can anyone help with information on this chisel's background please.
Many thanks
MC

[Bob Smalser]

I believe yours is from a wartime government contract, perhaps a company that didn't usually make tools.

Probably for the USN Bureau of Ships during late WWII as earlier tools were mostly used up and recycled during the war. Remember the Navy went from a couple major shipyards to dozens in a short time span, tools were at a premium, and even steel battleships had teak decks and gobs of other woodwork.

The Army also issued woodworking tools in engineer and pioneer tool sets and to maintenance units earlier when wooden gun carriages and horse cavalry were common (as late as 1942), but these weren't as well cared for as shipyard tools and likely didn't survive in the same numbers.

I have several New Haven Edge deck chisels like yours marked USA and all are best quality. I'm sure yours is too.

[Martin Cash]

Many thanks Bob.
You are a mine of information and I like hearing your responses to questions as they reveal the treasure trove of knowledge.
Much appreciated,
MC

[Nancy Holman]

I believe yours is from a wartime government contract, perhaps a company that didn't usually make tools.

Probably for the USN Bureau of Ships during late WWII as earlier tools were mostly used up and recycled during the war. Remember the Navy went from a couple major shipyards to dozens in a short time span, tools were at a premium, and even steel battleships had teak decks and gobs of other woodwork.



The Army also issued woodworking tools in engineer and pioneer tool sets and to maintenance units earlier when wooden gun carriages and horse cavalry were common (as late as 1942), but these weren't as well cared for as shipyard tools and likely didn't survive in the same numbers.

I have several New Haven Edge deck chisels like yours marked USA and all are best quality. I'm sure yours is too.

I also have a question and a chisel marked a little differently it is AETCO but with a five pointed star before and after the letters. Would this be the same answer or maybe a little different? I was lucky and picked it up with 5 others, one TH Witherby and one PS&W three unmarked ones.