I found these in a jar in my Dad's garage. I don't know how old they
are, possibly '60s vintage. Anyone seen them before?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...ream/lightbox/

They are marked with the screw gage and length, and are tapered for
the threads, shank and countersink, and some even provide for an
extended hole, presumably to accommodate a plug. One is shown with
what must be a removable stop.

I don't know how well these would work in hardwoods, but I used one to
make the pilot holes to attach the back panels to my (plywood)
bookcases. The screws fit perfectly. On a side note, the screws were
"found" items as well; they were in the house when we bought it. Score
one for frugality, even if I did have to drive them by hand, with a
slot screwdriver.