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Rare Vintage Mid-Century, Possible Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test or USES Test (48-Hole Folding Variant)
A beautiful, rare piece of mid-century psychological and vocational testing history.This is the first-generation- closely related to theMinnesota Rate of Manipulation Test (commonly referred to today as the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test) manufactured circa 1946-1956.This could have also been manufactured for USES GATBThis suitcase is stamped "Office of County Supt. Schools, Wooster, Ohio. Probably used for vocational testing at the school.
Unique plastic end brackets to hold the pegs in.
Unlike the common 60-hole models produced after 1957, this early post-WWII vintage set features the harder-to-find 48-hole configuration (6x8 grid). These folding suitcase-style boards were heavily utilized by traveling school counselors and industrial psychologists in the late 1940's and 1950's.
The Case/Board: Built with robust layered plywood with a top template that mirrors a classic pegboard aesthetic. It folds completely in half like a portable suitcase.
Hardware & Accents: Features the original leather carrying handle on top and the signature white plastic end brackets/guards meant to hold the pegs securely in place when the case is locked shut.
The Pegs: Includes the thick wooden cylindrical blocks/pegs. Each is painted half vibrant on red one end and natural wood at the other end. This set is complete with 48 original pegs plus 4 additional pegs.
Provenance: This piece bears the name of the school that originally owned and utilized it, adding fantastic institutional authenticity and provenance to the item.
There are no corporate stamps or patent numbers, which is typical for this specific mid-century production run distributed by organizations like The Psychological Corporation or Stoelting.
Wood/Structure:The plywood frame is structurally sound, sturdy, and folds smoothly. Expect normal vintage wear, light scuffs, some blotching and aging to the finish consistent with school use over 70 years ago.
Leather Handle: The leather handle is intact and present (please see photos for exact condition)
Pegs/Blocks: Set includes all original 48 pegs and 4 additional original pegs
This is a fantastic display piece for collectors of vintage medical equipment, antique scientific instruments, or mid-century industrial Americana.
- 96 holes total, 48 on each half
- each half arranged 6 × 8
- approximately 5/8-inch peg holes
- approximately 20 3/16 inches wide when completely opened
- a central hinge
- peg-storage pockets at the ends
- four plastic retaining flaps covering the peg-storage pockets
