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Q 001
     The cast head patented by O. Bucklin, Nov 12. 1901 and used on rope machines sold by such companies as Bendyke, Thomas, Arcade, etc. I have heard it suggested that each of these companies made their own machines. This would seem to suggest a patent violation. In my opinion there are two possibilities:

1. They bought the machines from a central supplier who stenciled the wooeden base for them.
2. The machines were bought complete from a supplier and the purchasing company would stecil the wooden base.

     This would explain why some machines show up with no name on the base at all. Any thoughts or comments?

Q 002
     Submitted by: Mike Speranza

1. What year was ABACA first imprted to the US commercially?
2. What year was Hemp replaced by ABACA (Manilla) for maritaime use?
3. What year was wire rope first used for standing rigging.

     Any thoughts or comments?