I have an Antique William Johnson Tools Bulb Planting Dibber Tool that is in excellent condition. The 5" point is forged cast iron while the handle is made of 'curly' maple. Overall length is 11". Curly maple is considered a rare genetic anomaly because the distinctive wavy grain pattern occurs in roughly 3-5% of soft maples and only about 0.5% of hard maples. $50
The dibber's history traces back to Roman times when it was a simple, pointed stake for making holes in the soil for planting seeds or seedlings. Over the centuries, it evolved from a rudimentary tool into a manufactured item, with farmers in the 18th and 19th centuries using long-handled versions in pairs for efficiency. Today, the basic design remains similar but is made from durable materials like stainless steel, with modern variations incorporating ergonomic handles or additional features.
William Johnson Tools started in 1830 in Newark, NJ. Mr. William Johnson was a prominent businessman in Newark by 1872. His company made hand tools and carpenters tools. Many of his tools were forged steel and cast iron in nature and he made a lot of tools for the brick and masonry trades. His company was sold in 1938 to the C.S. Osborne and Co. of Newark, NJ.
SOURCE: www.garagejournal.com
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