Description: Vlchek Tool was founded in 1895 as a blacksmith shop in Cleveland by Czech immigrant Frank J. Vlchek. The highly motivated Vlchek developed his skills and built his business by investing in a power hammer and a drop forge. Despite loosing his business in a fire his reputation for doing quality work enabled him to find investors who backed his renewed venture. The Company was especially active in the burgeoning automobile industry of the 1920s and 1930s providing tools for production and service. The shape of Vlchek’s Combination Pliers remained consistent for decades, specifically the curvature of the Handles (see images). Combination Pliers were produced by Vlchek to be included in tool kits provided in Chevrolets until the mid-1960s when the practice was discontinued. In "Vlchek Tools: Catalog No. A 4 by Vlchek Tool Co., 1938-04" (https://archive.org/details/vlchek-catalog-a-4/page/26/mode/2up) the Pliers appear and are described as having “(n)ew perfect grip.” The Handles are still described as “new perfect grip” in the 1959 Catalog (https://archive.org/details/VlchekToolsCatalogNo11/page/n5/mode/2up). With such a long period of production of the same style Pliers dating would be difficult but for the distinctive Vlchek Forged-In V-Shield Trademark which, despite being heavily worn, can be seen on the Handles (see images). The Trademark was issued in 1929 and was used into the 1920s. On Pliers it appeared, perhaps into the mid-1940s, but no definitive records exist. The additional numbers next to the Trademark, “92” and “90” (see images), are forging numbers and do not represent year of manufacturer. We are certain of this since Vlchek tool production ceased when the Cleveland facility closed in 1969. Vlchek is known to have used a master die system for making dies and it is suggested that such numbering relates to that process. The Pliers will function as designed; basic and sturdy. There is minuscule lateral movement at the Pivot Point. The Handles move smoothly and shift easily. The Pliers have been used but there is no evidence of misuse or abuse. There is some remaining evidence of plating (see images). The Pliers would fit properly in a Restoration Project, a Show-and-Tell Collection or a Working Toolbox. There’s little doubt that they have to potential to outlast the next several owners. We will ship the Pliers by USPS Ground Advantage on the next regular business day following receipt of payment.
Price: 25 USD
Location: Gainesville, Florida
End Time: 2025-01-27T21:56:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Vlchek Tool
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
