File:Trout Chicago Square Deal Escher outside2.jpg

This is a small Escher, rebranded for George W. Trout with the Square Deal trademark. Noteworthy: this is one of the few labels displaying both Escher's name and that of the subsidiary.

The hone itself has some size irregularities (it tapers a bit, as seen in the picture) and is bit harder than usual. Although this reduces wear, it also makes it a slower hone. The rubber that originally came with the hone is, unfortunately, missing. It seems to have been relatively small.

Box reads outside:

Square Deal trade mark

Square Deal * Finest Quality Water Razor Hones Manufactured expressly for

Trout Hdwe.Co.Chicago

by.J.G.Escher Sohn, Sonneberg.

Box reads inside:

Dieser Stein ist sehr feinkörnig und wird, nur mit Wasser gebraucht, eine sehr feine Schneide erzeugen. Oel und Fett müssen ferngehalten werden

This stone is to be used with water only which will impart a very smooth and durable edge.

Keep it free from oil and grease.
Made in Germany.