Mystery of Felco 2 & Corona #82 Revealed !!

[M.D. Vaden]

Finally got an email reply that answered my question, shared in this thread about the mystery of the 2 hand pruners each stamped with "Felco 2" as well as "Corona #82" on the same piece...

The Felco / Corona Hand Pruner Thread

Images are attached on that thread link.

Here is the reply to my question about the history behind the marking...

Dear Mr. Vaden,
The history on how the FELCO 2 also became the Corona 82 is explained as followed. The information you received from Ana Luis of FELCO was not quite correct (Mrs. Luis was not familiar with the history)

In 1985 PYGAR INC. took over the sole US/CANADA importation rights for FELCO. Prior to 1985 Mr. Wirth of (New York and Florida) was the sole import agent. It was Mr. Wirth a German immigrant, who first brought a handful of FELCO 2 pruners to the US in 1951.

Mr. Wirth did not like California and refused to sell to that state during his agency years, but did make an agreement with Corona to have them market the FELCO 2 primarily to garlic growers and with the Swiss manufacturers approval the anvil blade was stamped Corona 82.

PYGAR INC. inherited this 'unwritten' agreement. In 1986/87 the two companies (PYGAR and Corona) mutually agreed to no longer market any FELCO products through the Corona Clipper Co.


Sincerely,
Peter Hillbricht
PYGAR INC. - FELCO USA

I'll save this answer for future reference, because some people over the years thought I was pulling their leg. (we need a smiley for that one).

 

[GiovanniSF]

I have a pair of the mysterious Felco/Corona sheers from the early 80's purchased in California. Thanks for clearing up the long-standing curiosity!