Vintage Red Devil No. 40 Paint Scraper, Union New Jersey, c. 1950s–1960s
La Rue Tool & Supply Co
The Piece
A vintage Red Devil No. 40 paint and wood scraper, made in Union, New Jersey, with its original red-painted wooden handle, exposed natural wood collar, metal scraper head, and printed Red Devil maker’s mark. The tool shows honest working wear throughout, including paint loss, scuffs, darkened metal, surface oxidation, and age-related patina.
Compact, graphic, and deeply utilitarian, this piece has the kind of visual character that belongs in a workshop, studio, or collected tool display.
History
Red Devil began as Smith & Hemenway Company in the 19th century and became known for glazing, painting, and surface-preparation tools. The brand expanded into paint and wood scrapers in the 1930s, later operating from Union, New Jersey after relocating manufacturing there in the mid-1950s.
This No. 40 scraper likely dates to the late 1950s or 1960s based on its Union, New Jersey marking, painted wooden handle, and mid-century Red Devil branding. It represents the era of American-made hand tools built for repair, surface prep, paint removal, and everyday shop use.
Product Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maker | Red Devil |
| Object | No. 40 paint / wood scraper |
| Origin | Union, New Jersey, USA |
| Period | Vintage, c. late 1950s–1960s |
| Material | Painted wood handle with metal scraper head |
| Color | Red-painted handle with natural wood collar |
| Condition | Vintage working condition with paint wear, scuffs, scratches, oxidation to metal, edge wear, and surface patina throughout |
| Use | Decorative display or light workshop use at buyer’s discretion |
| Dimensions | Add final measurements |
Why It Belongs In Your Home
This scraper is a small piece of American workshop history: practical, graphic, and visually strong without trying too hard. The red handle, worn edges, and original Red Devil mark give it instant character, whether styled in a tool collection, studio shelf, garage wall, or restoration workspace.
It pairs especially well with vintage hardware, workbenches, old paint cans, industrial shelving, and collected restoration tools.
SEO & Metadata
SEO Title: Vintage Red Devil No. 40 Paint Scraper, Union New Jersey
Meta Description: Vintage Red Devil No. 40 paint and wood scraper made in Union, New Jersey, with original red-painted wooden handle, metal scraper head, and aged workshop patina.
URL Slug: vintage-red-devil-no-40-paint-scraper
Keywords: vintage Red Devil scraper, Red Devil No. 40 scraper, Union New Jersey tool, vintage paint scraper, vintage wood scraper, American made hand tool, vintage workshop decor, red handle scraper, old painter’s tool
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
