The Piece

Vintage EKADE No. 1059 Paint Scrapers with Red Devil Scraper, c. 1940s–1960s

This pair of vintage paint scrapers represents a classic era of American hardware manufacturing when tools were built for durability and repair rather than disposal.

The first scraper features a natural wooden handle stamped “EKADE No. 1059.” Its solid handle and fixed steel blade plate reflect the straightforward design favored by mid-century craftsmen. The tool was intended for removing paint, adhesives, and surface buildup from wood, metal, and masonry.

The second scraper bears the iconic Red Devil branding, a company long associated with American painting and finishing tools. Its painted red handle still carries remnants of the original label, partially reading “Red Devil – Union, N.J. – No. 1041.” The brand became widely known throughout the mid-20th century for professional-grade paint tools and contractor supplies.

Both tools retain their original wooden handles and steel scraping plates, showing decades of honest wear that only working tools acquire.

Together they form a small but compelling example of mid-century American craftsmanship — utilitarian objects that carry the quiet history of tradespeople and restoration work.

Historical Context

During the mid-20th century, American tool manufacturers produced a wide range of specialized hand tools for painters, carpenters, and builders. Companies such as Red Devil Tools, founded in the late 19th century, became staples in hardware stores across the United States.

Paint scrapers like these were essential equipment for preparing surfaces before repainting. Before the rise of electric sanders and chemical stripping agents, painters relied heavily on rigid steel scrapers to remove layers of old paint from windows, doors, siding, and furniture.

The Red Devil Company, based in Union, New Jersey, became one of the most recognizable names in the trade, producing putty knives, scrapers, and caulking tools used by professionals and homeowners alike.

Today, vintage hand tools like these are appreciated both by collectors and by craftspeople who value the durability and ergonomics of older tool designs.

Product Details

Type: Paint scrapers / restoration tools
Brands: EKADE and Red Devil
Model Numbers:
• EKADE No. 1059
• Red Devil No. 1041

Origin: United States
Date: c. 1940s–1960s

Materials

• Hardwood handles
• Steel scraper plates
• Metal mounting hardware

Approximate Dimensions

Length: ~7–8 inches each
Blade Width: ~2–3 inches

Condition

Good vintage condition with visible signs of use consistent with working tools.

• Wear and patina on wooden handles
• Surface oxidation and wear on metal plates
• Partial label loss on Red Devil scraper
• Blade edges remain intact

These signs of age reflect the authentic working history of the tools.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

Vintage tools bring something modern décor rarely does: authenticity.

Whether displayed in a workshop, used as functional restoration tools, or incorporated into industrial-style décor, these scrapers carry the tactile history of craftsmanship and manual work.

They’re especially appealing for:

• woodworking studios
• vintage tool collections
• rustic or industrial interiors
• restoration enthusiasts

Objects like these remind us that tools were once designed to last decades — not a single renovation project.

From Viridian Eclection

At Viridian Eclection, we curate objects that reflect the character of everyday craftsmanship — pieces that once served a purpose and still carry the marks of the hands that used them.