Irwin Auger Bit Company: Markings and Sets
This page describes the stamps that the Irwin Auger Bit Company used on its bits and the sets of carpenters' bits it marketed. The report covers the years 1887 through 1983 and is based on five Irwin catalogs, ten examples of the company's How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklets, a dozen ads in hardware publications, thirty-two sets of Irwin bits, and photos from 14,501 on-line auction transactions.
The information presented is comprehensive, rather than complete, and despite the herculean effort involved in putting it together, new bit stamps and assortments of carpenters' bits pop up from time to time.
Bit Marking (not to scale)
1887-ca. 1894 bit stamp
- bits stamped parallel to stem
- no rectangle around text
1894-ca. 1900 bit stamp
- bits stamped at right angle to stem
- no rectangle around text
ca. 1900-ca. 1904 bit stamp
- bits stamped at right angle to stem
- text within single-line rectangle
ca. 1904-1907 bit stamp
- bits stamped at approximately 60-degree slant to stem
- text within single-line rectangle
- lines of rectangle may be either dashed or solid
1907-ca. 1914 bit stamp
After the original Irwin patents expired, the company trademarked the Irwin name to prevent imitators from using it.
- bits are stamped "more or less" parallel to the stem
- The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat Off. appear within single-line rectangle
- the word IRWIN appears in quotes
ca. 1914-ca. 1917 bit stamp
- bits are stamped more or less parallel to the stem
- The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat Off. appear within double rectangle
- the word IRWIN appears in quotes
ca. 1917-1923 bit stamp
- bits are stamped parallel to the stem
- The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat Off. appear within double rectangle
- no quotes around the word IRWIN
1923-ca. 1930 bit stamp
- bits are stamped parallel to stem
- The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat. Office appear within double rectangle
- no quotes around the word IRWIN
- Borfamily designation MAINBOR, SURBOR, etc, appears under double rectangle
ca. 1930-1937 bit stamp
- bits are stamped parallel to stem
- The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat Off. appear within double rectangle
- MADE IN U. S. A. designation appears under rectangle
- Borfamily designation MAINBOR, SURBOR, etc., appears under MADE IN U. S. A. designation
- BLUWIN marking (deluxe grade) begins 1932, CLINTON (economy grade) begins 1937. Appear under MADE IN U. S. A.
- BLUWIN bits are marked with size number and the letter "M" (for molybdenum) on tang
- Variant: MADE IN U. S. A. stamped at right angle to stem rather than under double rectangle
ca. 1938-ca. 1948 bit stamp
- bits stamped parallel to stem
- The IRWIN bit appears in double rectangle
- MADE IN U. S. A. designation appears under double rectangle
- no mention of U. S. Pat Off.
- no Subfamily designation except MAINBOR still exists and appears under MADE IN U. S. A.
- BLUWIN (deluxe grade) and CLINTON (economy grade) stamping continues. Grade markings appear under MADE IN U. S. A.
ca. 1948-1951 bit stamp
- bits stamped parallel to stem
- no rectangle
- location is U S OF A
IRWIN - U S OF A
1951-ca.1960 bit stamp
- bits stamped parallel to stem
- no rectangle
- location is U. S. A.
IRWIN - U. S. A.
ca. 1961-ca. 1966 bit stamp
- bits stamped parallel to stem
- text appears within a set of double bars
- IRWIN
- MADE IN USA
ca. 1966-ca. 1983 bit stamp
- Bits stamped parallel to stem
- double rectangle
- IRWIN
- location is U S OF A
ca. 1983-19?? bit stamp
- Bits stamped parallel to stem
- double rectangle
- Fractional size of bit to the left of word IRWIN
- location is U S A
- size no longer stamped on tang
1892-1893 Cylindrical Case
cylindrical case, closed
cylindrical case, open
cylindrical case bit holders
- a spool with a highly finished hardwood top and bottom
- cloth roll backed with highly finished wooden slats is attached to center post
- ornate brass hardware
- bits are held in place at two points
1892-ca. 1900 Model Case (type 1)
Model Case, type 1, pivoting lower tray
Model Case, type 1, lid detail
Model Case, type 1, hardware
- Highly finished hardwood box with pivoting lower tray
- top tray features short transverse slots
- smallest bits are stored to rear of top tray
- pivoting lower tray attached by single simple hinge
- lid features triangular inserts
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- hook-and-eye closure
- domed tacks with large heads hold closure hardware in place
- red and black interior label
- two sizes available: one with a standard set of 13 bits, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
ca. 1900-ca. 1904 Model Case (type 2)
Model Case, type 2, interior
Model Case, type 2, domed tacks
Model Case, type 2, brass catch
- highly finished hardwood box with pivoting lower tray
- top tray features short transverse slots
- smallest bits are stored to rear of top tray
- pivoting lower tray attached by two simple hinges
- lid with breadboard ends
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- lid and lower tray are now equipped with brass catch
- large domed tacks are decorative
- black & gold interior label
- two sizes available: one with a standard set of 13 bits, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
ca. 1905-ca. 1918 Model Case (type 3)
Model Case, type 3, top tray
Model Case, ornate hasp, types 3-4C
Model Case types 2-early 3, simple tray hinges
- highly finished hardwood box with pivoting lower tray
- top tray features short transverse slots
- smallest bits are now stored to front of top tray
- pivoting lower tray on early type 3 cases attached by pair of simple hinges
- pivoting lower tray on later type 3 cases attached by pair of ornate hinges
- lid with breadboard ends
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- lid and lower tray are equipped with ornate hasp-type closure
- large, decorative domed tacks are gone
- black & gold interior label
- For most of production, two sizes available: one with a standard set of 13 bits, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
- An 11-bit case introduced ca. 1909-ca. 1918.
ca. 1905-1923 Roll
early Irwin roll of bits
Irwin bits in roll ca. 1915
orange interior label ca. 1915
- outer shell fabricated of canvas or cotton duck
- interior liner is flannel
- Three sizes available: a standard set of 13 bits, an 11-bit set, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
ca. 1918-ca. 1923 Model Case (type 4)
Model Case type 4, top tray
Model Case type 4, lid
Model Case later types 3-4C, ornate tray hinges
- highly finished sycamore box with pivoting lower tray
- no transverse slots in top tray
- pivoting lower tray
- pivoting lower tray attached by pair of ornate hinges
- lid with breadboard ends
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- lid and lower tray are equipped with ornate hasp-type closure
- black & gold interior label
- Three sizes available: a standard set of 13 bits, an 11-bit set, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
ca. 1918-1923 Model Case (type 4B)
Model Case type 4B
Model Case type 4B, exterior
Model Case type 4B, label
- stained sycamore box
- no transverse slots in top tray
- pivoting lower tray attached by pair of ornate hinges
- pivoting lower tray for 9 and 13-bit sets
- single tray for 6-bit sets
- lid with breadboard ends
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- lid and lower tray equipped with ornate hasp-type closure
- plain green and buff-colored interior label
- available sets:
- Set A: sizes 4-8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit
- Set B: sizes 4, 5, 6(2), 7, 8, 9, 10(2), 11, 12
- Set C: sizes 4-12, 14, 16
- Set D: sizes 4-16
- Set AA: sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12
- Set BB: sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16
- set CC: sizes 4-12
- Set DD: sizes 4-6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
- not all sets were available in wooden boxes
1923-1932 Borchest (Model Case 4C)
Model Case type 4C, Borchest
label, Model Case type 4C, Borchest
decorative strap hinges used on all Model Cases & type 4C Borchest
- The box is a Model Case type 4C with Borchest label
- stained sycamore box
- no transverse slots in top tray
- pivoting lower tray attached by pair of ornate hinges
- pivoting lower tray for 9 and 13-bit sets
- no transverse slots in top tray
- single tray for 6-bit sets
- lid with breadboard ends
- lid attached by decorative strap hinges
- lid and lower tray are equipped with ornate hasp-type closure
- ornate green and buff-colored interior label
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Farmer's Set (9 SURBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Country Kit Set (6 SURBOR bits sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 MAINBOR bits sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
- ca. 1930-ca. 1933 "C" Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16)
1923-ca. 1936 Borcases
Borcases, front
Borcases, back
13-bit Borcase, open
- shellac-finished hardwood box, glued and nailed
- separate compartment for each bit
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Farmer's Set (9 SURBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Country Kit Set (6 SURBOR bits sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16),
- Little Six Set (6 MAINBOR bits sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
1923-ca. 1936 canvas Borkit
early Borkit bits in roll
early Borkit label
early Borkit protective flap
- outer shell fabricated of canvas
- interior liner is flannel
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Farmer's Set (9 SURBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Country Kit Set (6 SURBOR bits sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 MAINBOR bits sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
- ca. 1930-ca. 1933 "C" Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16)
- Three sizes available: a standard set of 13 bits, an 11-bit set, and a Farmer's Set with 9 augers and one screwdriver bit.
1924-1933 Bench Set
1924 bench set rack
from Hardware Retailer Oct. 1924
1924 bench set
- predates Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
- metallic rack sized to fit into box containing set of 13 bits
- sold with MAINBOR bits only
1932 BLUWIN Borchest (Model Case type 4C)
first BLUWIN Borchest, label
first BLUWIN Borchest, interior
BLUWIN bit stamp
- Deluxe-grade BLUWIN bits introduced December 1, 1932
- Bluwin bits first made available in rolls and BORCHEST
- IRWIN's BLUWIN printed on small label pasted over MAINBOR designation on Borchest's interior label
1933-ca. 1936 "fair competition" Borchest
full-size Borchest, 1933-ca. 1936
six-bit Borchest, 1933-ca. 1936, breadboard ends on lid
American Institute of Fair Competition label
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
- full-size chests are boxes divided in half, featuring radiused corners, two hasps, and three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with breadboard lids, square corners, a single hasp, and two decorative strap hinges
- 1935 and 1936 chests American Institute of Fair Competition notice
- 3 grades of bits available: Master Mechanic (premium), BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard)
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1936-ca. 1939 "Genuine Irwin" Borchest
six-bit Borchest, genuine Irwin, ca. 1936-ca. 1939
six-bit Borchest, ca. 1936 gold-colored lid stamp
genuine Irwin label. ca. 1936-ca. 1939
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
- full-size chests are boxes divided in half, featuring radiused corners, two hasps, and three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two decorative strap hinges—breadboard are gone
- "Genuine Irwin" sticker inside
- “THE IRWIN BIT” stamped on lid in gold ca. 1936
- “THE IRWIN BIT” & "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped on lid in gold after 1936
- 4 grades of bits are available: Master Mechanic (premium), BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard), and Clinton (utility)
- later production features cutting heads covered with protective corks
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
1937-ca. 1947 leatherette Borkit
Borkit, leatherette roll of bits
leatherette Borkit identification stamp
leatherette Borkit interior
- outer shell fabricated of synthetic leather
- interior liner is flannel
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1939-ca. 1941 "glossy liner" Borchest
full-size Borchest, ca. 1939-ca. 1941
full-size Borchest interior, ca. 1939-ca. 1941
glossy Borchest liner, ca. 1939-ca. 1941
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests are boxes divided in half, featuring slightly rounded edges, two hasps, and three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two decorative strap hinges
- glossy red & black box liner
- “THE IRWIN BIT” & "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped on lid in gold
- 3 grades of bits are available: BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard), and Clinton (utility)
- cutting heads covered with protective corks
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1941-ca. 1947 "no liner" Borchest
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests are boxes divided in half, featuring slightly rounded edges, two hasps, and three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two strap hinges
- no interior stickers, label, or liners
- “THE IRWIN BIT” & "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped on lid in gold
- 3 grades of bits are available: BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard), and Clinton (utility)
- chests manufactured for U. S. Navy have no interior paper or booklet
- chests manufactured for U. S. Navy may display exterior label marked ONE U.S. NAVY AUGER BIT SET on side of box
- stems of bits in U. S. Navy sets may or may not be polished
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1947-ca. 1951 "black stamp" Borchest
Borchest interior with how-to booklet, ca. 1947-ca. 1951
black lid stamp, ca. 1947-ca. 1951
matte Borchest liner, ca. 1947-ca. 1951
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests fitted with two hasps, and three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two decorative strap hinges
- box liner is red-orange and black; liner is matte rather than glossy
- “THE IRWIN BIT” & "MADE IN U.S.A." stamped on lid in gold
- 2 grades of bits are available: BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard)
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet
- chests manufactured for U. S. Navy have no interior paper or booklet
- chests manufactured for U. S. Navy may display exterior label marked ONE U.S. NAVY AUGER BIT SET on side of box
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1951-ca. 1956 Borchest
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests with slightly rounded edges, a draw latch, three surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two strap hinges
- ca. 1951-ca. 1952 box liner is red-orange and black; liner is matte rather than glossy
- ca. 1953-1956 box liner is green
- ca. 1951-ca. 1952 word IRWIN stamped in black inside single-line rectangle on lid
- ca. 1953-1956 small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- 1955—red "As seen in the Saturday Evening Post" sticker applied to box liner2 grades of bits are available: BLUWIN (deluxe) and Irwin (standard)
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet
- chests manufactured for the U. S. Navy have no interior labels, or liners
- chests manufactured for U. S. may display exterior label marked ONE U.S. NAVY AUGER BIT SET on side of box
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1957-ca. 1959 "minimal paper" Borchest
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests with square corners, a draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with radiused corners, a single hasp, and two strap hinges
- partial green box liner
- small green lid-label attached to interior of box lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- Bluwin grade bits eliminated leaving only the Irwin standard grade
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
- Little Six Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)
ca. 1959-ca. 1977 Borchest
full-size borchest, ca. 1959-ca. 1977
full-size borchest lid, ca. 1959-ca. 1977
full-size borchest interior, ca. 1959-ca. 1977
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests chests with square corners, a draw latch, and two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit chests are simple boxes with square corners, a single hasp, two decorative strap hinges
- full green box liner reappears
- small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- ca. 1956-1970 shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet (hand-with-bit cover)
- beginning 1971 shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
- Home Set (6 bits, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16)
ca. 1977-ca. 1983 Borchest
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests full-size chests with square corners, a type 2 draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit sets packed in rolls, rather than boxes
- full green box liner
- small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
ca. 1983-19?? "red liner" Borchest
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chests full-size chests with square corners, a type 2 draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- six-bit sets packed in rolls, rather than boxes
- full red box liner
- small red label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Company
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)
- available sets:
- Carpenter's set (13 bits, sizes 4-13)
- Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 plus 1 screwdriver bit)
Later variations of the "red liner" Borchest have not been studied.
ca. 1976-ca. 1980 Variants
ca. 1966-ca. 1980 "expansive bit" Borchest
- chest includes an expansive bit and has a clip for its extra cutter
- lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- full-size chest with square corners, a draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
- contains 13 auger bits, 1 expansive bit, and a second expansive bit cutter, allowing user to bore holes from 1/4 to 3 inches in diameter
- separate clip for second expansive bit cutter
- ca. 1977-ca.1980 fitted with type 2 draw latch
- no box liner
- small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- ca. 1966-1970 shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Bits booklet (hand-with-bit cover)
- beginning 1971 shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)
ca. 1976-ca. 1980 "steel" Borchest
- chest includes an expansive bit with an extra cutter
- steel chest equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
- no specialized clips to hold extra expansive bit cutter
- full-size chest with square corners, piano-type hinge attaches the two halves of the box.
- contains 13 auger bits, 1 expansive bit, and a second expansive bit cutter, allowing user to bore holes from 1/4 to 3 inches in diameter
- fitted with a draw latch
- no box liner
- small green label on lid lists manufacturer as: The Irwin Auger Bit Company
- shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)