SAT (screwdriver) fabrication variances?

[blackdeuce]

I've never really compared SATs closely until I received a couple of them with a model 10-5 box that I bought on eBay. The SATs obviously don't go with the model 10, but might be from the same era. The serial number on the box dates it to 1963 to 1965. The S&W model 10 owner's manual has a parts list dated 1960.

The odd thing about the two that came with the model 10 box is that they have "swirlies" at the ends of the flutes. I assume that it has something to do with the machining process These SATs also appear to be longer than most. The SATs on the left and right are the ones in question. The center one is more typical of what I see.

My question is this... Is the fabrication process of the SATs just kinda sloppy? Some appear to be well machined while others don't. I assume they aren't counterfeit, but I suppose anything is possible.

 

[blackdeuce]

Guess it was a silly question.

 

[ditrina]

Not a silly question...but maybe this will help some

Sight Adjustment Tool Identification (screwdrivers) - Smith & Wesson Forum

 

[snake803]

Could those be the elusive "Curly Cue" style of mfg. defect????

"Note: Missing from th above photos is the 1960-84 "Curly Cue" version of the fluted aluminum handles, wherein the cutting tool making the flutes, made a circular mark at the end of the flute, due to the tool be set incorrectly to complete it's cut in a smooth fashion. Very rare variation of the S.A.T.

Posted 08-29-2010 at 06:00 PM by opoefc "

 

[blackdeuce]

Could those be the elusive "Curly Cue" style of mfg. defect????

"Note: Missing from th above photos is the 1960-84 "Curly Cue" version of the fluted aluminum handles, wherein the cutting tool making the flutes, made a circular mark at the end of the flute, due to the tool be set incorrectly to complete it's cut in a smooth fashion. Very rare variation of the S.A.T.

Posted 08-29-2010 at 06:00 PM by opoefc "

Cool. So, what are these worth on eBay? About $300 each.

 

[blackdeuce]

Not a silly question...but maybe this will help some

Sight Adjustment Tool Identification (screwdrivers) - Smith & Wesson Forum

Interesting. Thank you.

 

[blackdeuce]

Could those be the elusive "Curly Cue" style of mfg. defect????

"Note: Missing from th above photos is the 1960-84 "Curly Cue" version of the fluted aluminum handles, wherein the cutting tool making the flutes, made a circular mark at the end of the flute, due to the tool be set incorrectly to complete it's cut in a smooth fashion. Very rare variation of the S.A.T.

Posted 08-29-2010 at 06:00 PM by opoefc "

LOL. I thought you made that up and were kidding me. I just read the post from ditrina's link and it was there. Apparently, the curly cues were an uncommon defect. It's odd that I got two of them in a model 10 box.

 

[Doc44]

I looked at thirty sight screwdrivers dating from 1960 to 1979 and about one-third of them have the curly cue on the handle. Sounds like a normal manufacturing variation to me.

Sight screwdrivers were give away items and S&W probably paid little attention to overall quality, but was only interested in functionality. Similar to the eight or nine knurls on the earlier sight screwdrivers.

Bill

 

[Aussie Collector]

I always thought the fluted aluminium handled sight adjusting tool handles were cast?
Well thats how I would have made them.
When I first saw the curl I instantly thought it an intentional mark to identify the foundry. Then waited for the experts to step in, how wrong can I have been……......

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I knew two of the men at Smith & Wesson that made the screwdrivers. One has since passed. If they knew you wanted a long handle with a twist on top they would have made it. They did have some interesting stories to tell. These guys were there working, to them it was a job.
i do hope someday to find one or two of the odd balls they said they made.

 

[opoefc]

That's my 8-29-10 post that is referred to above. The "curly que" SATs were the result of either the flute milling tool stopping it's run too early , or the SAT was not positioned correctly in the jig, creating the circular mark at the end of the flutes. I seldom see SATs with this defect, and am surprised Doc 44 found that many. I don't think they are much more valuable than a standard SAT, however if you want one of every SAT to fill in your collection, you need a Curly Que version. I had a couple on my table at the Columbus meet I think I sold one at $30 to a collector. Ed.