Ray,

I have no absolute answer to your question. What I can say is that both tools are present in a 1977 Eric Leiser 'The Rivergate' catalog I have. The Thompson is listed as "one of the first whip finisher tools", and commands $5.00. The Matarelli whip finisher is listed at $4.75.

Again, I have no absolute answer, but I would be very surprised if the Thompson design does not pre-date the Matarelli.

Cheers,
Hans W


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