Just dont bring any damned Vodka!
BTW It looks as if this is going to happen, I recvd a PM! Hoooah!
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These stones do have a known history. It is great to see someone with the interest to bring them back from the dead.
If your going to sell a few, put me on the list.
Some research:
The best grade of Hindostan is named "Washita". Stone has a creamy white color. Most are light to bluish-gray and softer than the Washita. Some are called Orange Stone because of an orange tint. There was also a red stone that was not used for whetstones but was made into decorative items.
Pike had contracted for the entire output of the Hindostan quarries, of which I've been able to identify four that were operating in the 1880's:
Chaillaux's in Huron, Braxton's in Paoli, Moore's in French Lick, and Jackman's in Roland.
It is interesting how few of these stones survived until today, considering how many were produced until the 1950's.
Here is an ad from 1912. The writing around around the Pike logo reads "Export Extra Quality Hindostanstone", and the writing on the left "A fine cutting natural stone for Carpenter's and Mechanic's tools. Use with water for a quick edge. Use with oil for a fine edge". Translation into German on the right side.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/...0f806e0a_b.jpg
Ok that about does it for my walk down memory lane today. I'm just glad there are people with interest and a forum devoted to stones and hones. History like this falls on deaf ears in most other places.
My fault, sorry.:gaah:
I would love to see what that label says...
This is about as good as I can get it:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/...54e14d85_b.jpg
This info. is the reason I searched out the "ironstone" form of Hindostan:
The Indiana Stone and Building Industry, 1886