Amongst the many things in my collection that need to be restored are several try and miter squares. The first of them being what can only be assumed as the 1220 given there is no model number on the rule as with the other two models ( 1221 and 1222 1/2 ). It’s not unlike Stanley to do this and there’s plenty of evidence of “re-used” model numbers across different tools. So barring the missing model number we still have a nice little 12″ try and miter square.
This is clearly one of the earlier Defiance tools as it does not have the “By Stanley” tag with the name, this is seen on tools from around 1929 to 1932 but is not a hard rule to follow as there are oddities all through the Defiance line. Scouring over the reference materials I have there is still no mention of this model.
The rule on this model is adjustable by means of a slot in the rule itself which is captured by an adjustment pin that locks the rule in place. After removing the rust on this model it appears the adjustment pin and knurled knob were blued. I didn’t attempt to remove the blueing on them, just cleaned up the rust. Perhaps the biggest difference between this one and the 1221 is that the adjustment pin and knurled knob are not removable, instead the bottom of the hollow retaining pin is peened out.
Identification of this between the other two models is the lack of the “By Stanley” marking on the blade, no model number, and the peened out adjustment pin. As far as I can tell from the two examples in my collection, these were offered in bright red and black, I have not seen this model in any other color to date. One additional characteristic of this model and the 1221 is that the frame has not been milled out to receive a level or marking pin as seen in the the 1222 1/2 model. The place for these items is present, just not milled out.
Cleanup was simple, I started by removing the rule which can be done by loosening the adjustment pin completely and pushing it up, turning the blade 90 degrees on end, it can then be slid off the adjustment pin. After that I rolled over the peened end of the adjustment pin and slid the knurled knob off then pushed the pin up through the top of the frame. That’s it, just 4 pieces: the rule, the frame, the adjustment pin, and the knurled knob. Once it was disassembled I removed the old paint and rust with a wire wheel on the bench grinder and drill press being careful to preserve the shallow markings on the rule.
Here’s the result of my restoration of this handy little try and miter square:
