Name/Title
Tap and Die set of John Ucovich from Montgomery Ward, 1900sEntry/Object ID
2025.77.3Description
Acc. No. 25.77.3
Subject Category: Tools; Businesses of Alameda, Carpenters
Date or Period: 1900s
Object: Tap and Die set
Description: A hinged wooden box with machine made slots with metal objects, and in the lid a red label stating: 'No. 7282 / Montgomery Ward Lakeside O.K. / Adjustable Die / Screw Plate', and then, 'Greenfield, Mass'. on tap handle.
Some of the taps seem to be newer replacements.
Largest object is marked OK Jr USA.
Box is plain. Closing with two metal hooks.
Size: W 21.3” x D 6" x H (closed) 1 3/4".
History of Object: Antique Tap and Die chest, with original taps and dies used by John Ucovich (1877-1938), grandfather of the donor, an immigrant carpenter from Montenegro. He moved to Alameda around 1925, and ran a trucking business in Oakland. By 1938 John (aged 61) lived with his wife, Myrtle May, at 775 Santa Clara. He died as the result of injuries sustained after being run over by a streetcar on March 28, 1938.
Donation Date: 12/8/2018
Catalog Date: 11/3/2025