Thought I scored a gem at the flea market

[handfuldad]

Little story time rant
Last weekend’s flea market run started off like any other and not so long after, I spotted a wooden box holding what looked like a pristine set of old Irwin pattern auger bits. The price was low enough to make me feel like I was getting away with something, so I handed over the cash and headed home already picturing these bits in action
But once I got them on the bench and started checking the shanks for markings, not a single one matched the maker’s stamp I expected and funny thing, he box was definitely branded, but the bits themselves? a mix of faint markings, mismatched fonts, it hurts

 

[mumlikebenny]

oof, that’s always a letdown. Wel..looking at least the box is authentic lol, but yeah, mixed sets can be frustrating. Still, if the bits are in good shape, they might turn out to be good users even if they’re not a true matched set

 

[Theartfullcodger]

Little story time rant
Last weekend’s flea market run started off like any other and not so long after, I spotted a wooden box holding what looked like a pristine set of old Irwin pattern auger bits. The price was low enough to make me feel like I was getting away with something, so I handed over the cash and headed home already picturing these bits in action
But once I got them on the bench and started checking the shanks for markings, not a single one matched the maker’s stamp I expected and funny thing, he box was definitely branded, but the bits themselves? a mix of faint markings, mismatched fonts, it hurts

We've all done it [not too often] you think you've got a "scoop" & turns out to be a lemon, but over the years of Autojumbles the "scoops" make up for the lemons.

 

[farmer Pet3r]

Little story time rant
Last weekend’s flea market run started off like any other and not so long after, I spotted a wooden box holding what looked like a pristine set of old Irwin pattern auger bits. The price was low enough to make me feel like I was getting away with something, so I handed over the cash and headed home already picturing these bits in action
But once I got them on the bench and started checking the shanks for markings, not a single one matched the maker’s stamp I expected and funny thing, he box was definitely branded, but the bits themselves? a mix of faint markings, mismatched fonts, it hurts

Ouch. The ghost of an excellent deal haunts your workbench now. That's rough!
next time, always shake the box! If they rattle too much, it usually means replacements have slipped in over the decades. Either way, hope those oddball bits still cut clean and you can find the perfect lid for the perfect box!

 

[handfuldad]

Thanks guys
You're right though, the bits themselves cut fine, I tested a couple on scrap oak and they work well enough, just bugs me that the set isn't what it was sold as
At least the box looks good on the shelf I guess, maybe I'll eventually find the right bits to fill it properly, or just accept it for what it is and use them anyway
Appreciate you guys making me feel less dumb about it haha