Who pays $150 for three wooden clamps? THIS GUY!

Guelph antiques are rare to begin with. Actually wooden clamps with makers marks (these ones are marked “R. Bliss, Pawtucket, R.I.”). More importantly, they are marked “W.Bell & Co.” forerunner to the “Bell Piano and Organ Co.” of Guelph. It was more than 25 years ago on Locke Street in Hamilton that I bought a beautiful hanging chest in ash and black walnut that was an apprenticeship piece that came from the Bell factory. About 15 years ago, I picked up an 1871 Stanley advertising pamphlet which had a testimonial from the Bell Piano Factory. Stanley began making planes in 1869, so it shows the reach of American marketing organizations.