Antique Manual Training Woodworking Tool Set Manual Trainer No. 972A -1900's
Antique Manual Training Woodworking Tool Set - "Manual Trainer" No. 972A - Early 1900s School Kit. Authentic early 20th-century manual training woodworking set, housed in its original wooden instructional box with the interior lid clearly printed. These kits were issued to schools and vocational programs to teach foundational woodworking skills such as measuring, layout, and controlled sawing. This is not a carpenter's personal toolbox and not a shoebox- it is a true educational artifact from the era when "manual training" was a formal part of public education.
This set was acquired at a local yard sale, where it was described simply as an old shoebox that a kid used to learn woodworking. That description reflects how these items often survive once their original context is lost. In reality, the printed interior label and the fitted instructional tools confirm this as a purpose-built manual training kit supplied to schools. After such programs declined, many boxes were reused for storage, and their educational history faded.
Examples that still retain their original labeled box and period-correct contents are increasingly uncommon. What's Included (Correct & Period-Appropriate).Original wooden box with printed interior label No. Instructional hand saws with wooden handles. Unbranded wooden try square (classroom type). Original wooden instructional blocks / jigs used for layout and guided cuts.
All included items show consistent age, wear, and construction appropriate to early classroom use. Honest wear from decades of educational use. No restoration or refinishing attempted. Tools show expected patina and oxidation. Please review photos carefully - they are part of the description.
"Manual Training" was the predecessor to modern shop and vocational education. Surviving examples with original labeled boxes are scarce today.
Original printed box Manual Trainer - No. Correct instructional contents (not a mixed junk box). Strong display and collector appeal. Ideal for collectors, educators, museums, or period décor.
Carefully packed to protect the box and contents.