Irwin Auger Bits: Stamps 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 14,561 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.

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

text within dashed-line rectangle
bits stamped on stem at 20 to 90 degrees to stem

ca. 1904-1907 bit stamp

text within single-line rectangle
bits stamped approximately 90 degrees to stem

1907-ca. 1914 bit stamp

After the original Irwin patents expired, the company trademarked the Irwin name to prevent imitators from using it.

The IRWIN Bit & Reg. U. S. Pat Off. appear within single-line rectangle
bits are stamped "more or less" parallel to the stem
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, SUREBOR, 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, SUREBOR, etc., appears under MADE IN U. S. A. designation
BLUWIN marking (deluxe grade) begins 1932; CLINTON marking (economy grade) begins 1937. Both 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 Borfamily designation except MAINBOR exists, 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-ca. 1993 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

ca. 1993-ca. 2001 bit stamp

Bits stamped at right angle to stem
double rectangle
fractional size of bit to the left of word IRWIN
no longer stamped with U S A location
size no longer stamped on tang

Sets of Bits

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
holds 13 bits
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 at rear of top tray
pivoting lower tray attached by single simple hinge
lid features triangular inserts
lid attached by 2 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 at rear of top tray
pivoting lower tray attached by two simple hinges
lid with breadboard ends
lid attached by 3 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 at 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 3 decorative strap hinges
lid and lower tray are equipped with ornate hasp-type closure
large, decorative domed tacks are gone
black & gold interior label (border design varies)
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 3 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. 1923-1932 Model Case (type 4B)

Model Case type 4B

Model Case type 4B, exterior

Model Case type 4B, label

The box is a Model Case type 4 with a green-lettered "sets of bits" 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 3 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 type 4C)

Model Case type 4C, Borchest

label, Model Case type 4C, Borchest

>3-hinged lid, Model Case types 1-4C, Borchest

decorative strap hinges used on all Model Cases & type 4C Borchest

The box is a Model Case type 4 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
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 4-16)
Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-16)
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 4-16)
Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-16)
Handy Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, plus 1 screwdriver bit)
Farmer's Set (9 SUREBOR 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 4-16)
Cabinet set (13 SMOOTHBOR bits, sizes 4-16)
Handy Set (9 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, plus 1 screwdriver bit)
Farmer's Set (9 SUREBOR 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.

1924-1932 Bench Set

1924 bench set rack

Hardware Retailer Oct. 1924 advertisement

from Hardware Retailer Oct. 1924

1924 bench set

metallic rack designed for mounting on wall
10 x 3 inches
sized to fit into pasteboard box for shipping with bits
predates Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
sold with 13 MAINBOR bits only

1932-1933 BLUWIN Borchest (Model Case type 4D)

first BLUWIN Borchest, label

first BLUWIN Borchest, interior

BLUWIN bit stamp

The box is a Model Case type 4 with a Bluwin label
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

1932-1937 Irwin Shop Board

wooden rack designed for mounting on wall
half-inch thick green-stained plywood
11 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches
equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
logo and lettering applied by decal

available sets:
13 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4-16
shopboards of other sizes or other combinations of bits have yet to be seen

1933-ca. 1936 "fair competition" Borchest

full-size Borchest, 1933-ca. 1936

Six-bit Borchest, 1933-ca. 1936, exterior

six-bit Borchest, 1933-ca. 1936, breadboard ends on lid

American Institute of Fair Competiton label

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 4-16)
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, gold-colored lid stamp

six-bit Borchest, ca. 1936 gold-colored lid stamp

genuine Irwin auger bits label. ca. 1936-ca. 1939

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 ends 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 4-16)
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 4-16)
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. 1941 orange wall rack

metallic rack designed for mounting on wall
equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
12 x 12 inches

available sets:
13 MAINBOR bits, sizes 4-16
orange wall racks of other sizes or other combinations of bits have yet to be seen

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 4-16)
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 4-16)
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

full-size Borchest interior, ca. 1947-ca. 1951

Borchest interior with how-to booklet, ca. 1947-ca. 1951

full-size Borchest, ca. 1947-ca. 1951, black lid stamp

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 4-16)
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 fitted with a draw latch, 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 4-16)
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. 1954-1987? Workshop Set

gold-wall-rack

gold wall rack with bits

small size gold wall rack

metallic rack designed for mounting on wall
equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip—United States Patent No. 1,927,110
standard size rack measures 10.25 x 8 inches
small size rack measures 10.25 x 3.25 inches
smaller rack not as common and reflects period when bits and rack were packed together in a compact pasteboard box

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 4-16)
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 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 4-16)
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
square corners, a type 2 draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
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 4-16)
Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, plus 1 screwdriver bit)

ca. 1983-ca. 1993 "red liner" Borchest

full-size red-liner borchest, ca. 1983-ca. 1993

lacquer-finished chests equipped with Bannister and Robinson's patented bit-holding clip
full-size chests with square corners, a type 2 draw latch, two surface-mounted butterfly hinges on back of box
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 4-16)
Handy Set (9 bits, sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, plus 1 screwdriver bit)

ca. 1993-ca. 2001 "center stamp" Borchest

full-size red-liner borchest, ca. 1994-ca. 2001

wooden chest 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
full red box liner
small red label on lid replaced by a centered and stamped rectangle containing the word "Irwin"
shipped with How to Select, Use and Care for Wood Bits booklet (three-bit cover)

available sets:
chest available with 13 bits, sizes 4-16

Variant Borchests ca. 1966-ca. 1980

Irwin Auger Bit Company: Markings and Sets