Alloy Artifacts

Alloy Steel and the CV Era

Fig. 14. Bonney CV Advertisement from Catalog, ca. 1927.

The development of alloy steel tools in the early 20th century was arguably one of the century's two most important advances in toolmaking, the other being the development of interchangeable sockets. Bonney was at the forefront of this development, as they worked not only at improving the alloys and toolmaking techniques, but also developed new types of tools made possible by the stronger steel.

One of the alloys widely favored for tool production was a chrome-vanadium alloy steel. This was Bonney's choice for their early alloy tools, and for their trademark as well. Bonney registered the mark "CV Chrome-Vanadium" in 1925 and used the mark with a CV-Circle logo.

Fig. 14 at the left shows the Bonney advertisement for CV Chrome-Vanadium tools, as it appeared on the cover of a catalog dating to around 1927. The scroll in the center shows the famous Bonney claim for the superior strength of their new CV tools.

Model SE-125 Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 15. Bonney SE-125 Nash Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1923.

Fig. 15 shows an early Bonney specialty wrench, the SE-125 Nash waterpump wrench. The shank has forged-in markings "Nash Water Pump Nut SE-125", with the B-Shield logo and "Chrome-Vanadium" on the reverse. A forged-in code "JO" also appears on the reverse shank (not shown).

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with some loss due to rust and wear.

The wrench has an unusual stepped opening, apparently required for its intended application.

An important detail to note with this example is that the "Chrome-Vanadium" marking is paired with the older B-Shield logo, rather than the usual CV-Circle logo. The CV-Circle logo was already being used in advertisements by 1923, and was registered (with "Chrome-Vanadium") as a trademark in 1925. Most of the early Bonney CV wrenches are marked with the CV-circle logo, and the absence of the mark here likely indicates an early production date.

Early 1407A CV 7/16 Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 16. Bonney 1407A 7/16 Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1923-1925.

Fig. 16 shows another early chrome-vanadium wrench, a Bonney 1407A 7/16 single-open wrench with the model number stamped (faintly) on the shank. The shank is marked "Made in U.S.A" with the B-Shield logo in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Vanadium" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is black paint.

Early CV 8924B Specialty Wrench

Fig. 17. Bonney 8924B CV Specialty Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 17 shows an early Bonney model 8924B specialty wrench, built with two drive tangs on arms spanning a 2-5/16 diameter semicircle. The shank has both forged-in and stamped markings, with "Made in U.S.A." and the B-Shield logo forged on one side, and "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The Bonney name and embedded shield with "Made in U.S.A" is also stamped on the front.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The application for this wrench is not yet known.

2525 CV Spark Plug Wrench

Fig. 18. Bonney 2525 CV 5/8x15/16 Spark Plug Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1926.

Fig. 18 shows an early Bonney model 2525 5/8x15/16 spark plug and head-bolt wrench, a style combining a small hex box-end with a larger open end. The face is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield, and the shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo on the front, with the "2525" model number and a forged-in code "JR" (not shown) on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The "R" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926.

1507A CV 7/8 Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 19. Bonney 1507A CV 7/8 Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1925.

Fig. 19 shows a rare Bonney 1507A 7/8 single-open wrench, marked with the B-Shield logo and "Made in U.S.A" forged into the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The face is stamped with the Bonney name and embedded shield, with the fractional size on the reverse face.

The overall length is 12.0 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to rust.

The reverse shank has a faint forged-in code "DP" (not shown).

2536 CV 7/8 Studebaker Brake Wrench

Fig. 20. Bonney 2536 CV 7/8 Studebaker Brake Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 20 shows a rare Bonney 2536 7/8 short single-offset wrench for Studebaker brake applications, stamped "Made in U.S.A" with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The model number and a "407 S" marking are forged into the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "ET." visible at the right.

The overall length is 4.8 inches. The original finish appears to have been nickel or chrome plating, but most has been lost due to rust.

The "T" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928. This wrench model was apparently made for a relatively short period, and currently our only catalog reference is from an automotive supplies catalog from around 1930.

2539 CV Bendix Brake Wrench

Fig. 21. Bonney 2539 CV Brake Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 21 shows a Bonney 2539 specialty wrench for Bendix brake applications, combining a 1/4x1/2 stepped slot and a 3/4 open end. The face is stamped "Made in U.S.A" with the Bonney name and embedded shield, and the shank has a forged-in code "GT..." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.0 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but much has been lost due to rust.

The "T" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

9267 CV 7/8 Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 22. Bonney 9267 CV 7/8 Single-Open Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1926.

Fig. 22 shows a rare Bonney 9267 7/8 offset single-open wrench, with the Bonney name and embedded shield and "Made in U.S.A" stamped on the face. The model number is stamped on the shank, and the reverse is stamped with the CV-Circle logo and "Chrome-Vanadium", followed by the B-Shield logo. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "JR." near the open end.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is nickel (or possibly chrome) plating.

The "R" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926.

Tappet Wrenches

402 1/2x1/2 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 23. Bonney 402 CV 1/2x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1925.

Fig. 23 shows an early Bonney 402 1/2x1/2 tappet wrench, stamped on the face with the Bonney name and embedded shield. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo and a "DQ" code, and the reverse is marked "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The original finish appears to have been nickel plating, though most has been lost due to wear.

402A 17/32x17/32 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 24. Bonney 402A CV 17/32x17/32 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 24 shows a rarely-seen Bonney 402A 17/32x17/32 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LS" on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The shank has a forged-in code "LS" at the right.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

403 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of the Bonney model 403 tappet wrench.

Fig. 25. Bonney 403 CV 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1924.

Fig. 25 shows an early Bonney 403 9/16x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo at the left and a forged-in code "EP" at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is nickel plating with some losses due to wear.

The "P" year code and B-Shield forge mark indicate production in 1924.

Fig. 26. Bonney 403 CV 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1929.

Fig. 26 shows a somewhat later Bonney 403 tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "FU.." at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is nickel plating with some losses due to wear.

The "U" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1929.

Fig. 27. Bonney 403 CV 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1930.

Fig. 27 shows a Bonney 403 9/16x9/16 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "DV" at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The original finish has been lost due to rust.

The "V" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1930.

404 5/8x5/8 Tappet Wrench

The next figures show two early examples of the Bonney CV 404 tappet wrench.

Fig. 28. Bonney 404 CV 5/8x5/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1925.

Fig. 28 shows a Bonney 404 5/8x5/8 tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LQ" at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but all has been lost due to rust and pitting, except for a few traces on one edge.

The "Q" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1925, in the first cycle of Bonney's date code system.

Fig. 29. Bonney 404 CV 5/8x5/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1926.

Fig. 29 shows a Bonney 404 5/8x5/8 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LR..." at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with losses due to rust.

The "R" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926, in the first cycle of Bonney's date code system.

405 11/16x11/16 Tappet Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Bonney 405 tappet wrench.

Fig. 30. Bonney 405 CV 11/16x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Detail, 1926.

Fig. 30 shows a Bonney 405 11/16x11/16 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LR.." on one side (not shown), with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with losses due to rust.

The year code "R" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926.

Fig. 31. Bonney 405 CV 11/16x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1928.

Fig. 31 shows another example of the Bonney 405 11/16x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "AT." visible at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with minor losses due to rust.

The year code "T" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

1503 9/16 Long Tappet Wrench

Fig. 32. Bonney 1503 CV 9/16 Long Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 32 shows a Bonney 1503 9/16 long tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "BU" on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 12.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The year code "U" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1929.

426 CV 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 33. Bonney 426 CV 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Detail, 1930

Fig. 33 shows a Bonney 426 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "EV...." on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The year code "V" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1930.

Open-End Wrenches

Bonney offered a wide selection of open-end wrenches in its Chrome-Vanadium product line. These wrenches were given model numbers in a 1xxx series derived by adding 1000 to the industry-standard number for a given size.

We'll begin this section with two very early examples of Bonney's CV open-end wrenches, then proceed in approximate size order. (Subject to availability, of course.)

1027-C Early CV 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 34. Bonney 1027-C Early CV 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse, ca. 1923.

Fig. 34 shows a rare early Bonney 1027-C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo at the right, with a forged-in code "FO" visible at the left. The reverse is marked with "Chrome-Vanadium" forged into the shank, but without the usual CV-Circle logo.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, and a few traces are visible on the faces and shank.

The reverse faces are stamped with the sizes as "3/8 S.A.E. 3/8 [HEX]C" and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size conventions.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, and some marks from the trimming operation can be seen on the edge.

1731-A Early CV 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 35. Bonney 1731-A Early CV 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse, ca. 1923.

Fig. 35 shows another rare early example, a Bonney 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo at the right, with a forged-in code "JO" visible at the left. The reverse is marked with "Chrome-Vanadium" forged into the shank, but without the usual CV-Circle logo.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, and a few traces are visible on the faces and shank.

The reverse faces are marked with the sizes as "1/2 S.A.E. 1/2 [HEX]C" and "9/16 S.A.E. 5/8 [HEX]C", references to the older S.A.E and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

1020 CV 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 36. Bonney 1020 CV 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1940.

Fig. 36 shows the smallest of the Bonney's standard open-end models, a Bonney 1020 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LR." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The year code "R" and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1940.

1723 CV 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 37. Bonney 1723 CV 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1927.

Fig. 37 shows a Bonney 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face, and with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "LS" visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The year code "S" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1927. A later version of this model can be seen as the Bonney 1723 Bonaloy Wrench.

1723-A CV 3/8x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 38. Bonney 1723-A CV 3/8x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1927.

Fig. 38 shows a Bonney 1723-A 3/8x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "IS" visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 4.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The year code "S" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1927.

1725B CV 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrenches

Fig. 39. Bonney 1725B CV 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 39 shows an earlier Bonney 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "IT.." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. The original finish was probably nickel plating, but the plating has been lost completely due to extensive rust.

The year code "T" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

Fig. 40. Bonney 1725B CV 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1937.

Fig. 40 shows a later Bonney 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "JO..v" visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The year code "O" and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1937.

1025 CV 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 41. Bonney 1025 CV 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1941.

Fig. 41 shows a Bonney 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "DS." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.1 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, but with some pitting probably due to contact with a corrosive substance.

The "S" year code with the CV and plain Bonney name markings indicate production in 1941.

1727 CV 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Bonney 1727 wrench.

Fig. 42. Bonney 1727 CV 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1930.

Fig. 42 shows an earlier Bonney 1727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "FV." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The original chrome plated finish has been lost due to extensive rust, leaving only a few traces.

The "V" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1930.

Fig. 43. Bonney 1727 CV 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1937.

Fig. 43 shows a somewhat later Bonney 1727 wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "BO..." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with some loss due to wear.

The "O" year code with the CV and plain Bonney name markings indicate production in 1937.

1027-C CV 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench

We opened this section with a rare Early Bonney CV 1027C Wrench, and the next two figures show later generations of the CV 1027C model.

Fig. 44. Bonney 1027-C CV 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1926.

Fig. 44 shows a Bonney 1027-C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "ER.." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches.

The reverse faces are stamped "3/8 S.A.E. 3/8 CAP" and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size conventions.

The year code "R" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926.

Fig. 45. Bonney 1027-C CV 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1941.

Fig. 45 shows a later Bonney 1027-C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "LS..." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "S" year code and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1941.

A still later version of the 1027C model can be seen as the Bonney 1027C Bonaloy Wrench.

1027 CV 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show three examples of the Bonney CV 1027 wrenches, with minor difference in markings.

Fig. 46. Bonney 1027 CV 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1925.

Fig. 46 at the left shows an earlier Bonney 1027 19/32x11/16 wrench, stamped with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face, and with "Made in U.S.A." and the B-Shield logo forged into the shank. The reverse shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo. The shank also has a forged-in code "HP" visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The reverse faces are stamped "5/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

Fig. 47. Bonney 1027 CV 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail, ca. 1926-1929.

Fig. 47 at the left shows an intermediate version of the Bonney 1027 wrench, stamped with the Bonney name and "Made in U.S.A." on the face, but without the B-Shield and "Made in U.S.A." markings on the shank. The reverse shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The reverse faces are stamped "5/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

Fig. 48. Bonney 1027 CV 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 48 shows a later version of the Bonney 1027 wrench model, with markings similar to the previous figure, but with the opening sizes expressed in fractional inches.

The shank has a forged-in code "CT" (not shown).

The "T" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

1729 CV 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 49. Bonney 1729 CV 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 49 shows a Bonney 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "JT." visible at the left.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The "T" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

1028-S CV 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 50. Bonney 1028-S CV 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 50 shows a Bonney 1028-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank on the reverse. A forged-in code "AU" is visible on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with losses due to rust.

The "U" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1929.

1731-A CV 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 51. Bonney 1731-A CV 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 51 shows a Bonney 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "BT..." visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The original finish has been lost due to rust and wear.

The year code "T" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

We opened this section with a very early example of this model, the Bonney Early 1731-A CV Wrench. A much later version of this model can be seen as the Bonney 1731-A Bonaloy Wrench.

1033-C CV 15/16x1 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Bonney CV 1033-C wrench.

Fig. 52. Bonney 1033-C CV 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1925.

Fig. 52 shows an early Bonney 1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. A forged-in code "AQ" also appears on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 9.4 inches. and the finish is nickel plating.

The opening sizes are stamped on the reverse faces as "5/8 S.A.E." and "11/16 S.A.E. 3/4 [HEX]C", references to the older S.A.E. and Hex Capscrew conventions.

Fig. 53. Bonney 1033-C CV 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1930.

Fig. 53 shows a somewhat later Bonney 1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face, The shank has a forged-in code "CV" visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 10.4 inches. The original finish was probably nickel or chrome plating, but has been lost due to rust.

The "V" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1930.

1035 CV 31/32/1-1/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Bonney 1035 CV 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1925.

Fig. 54 at the left shows an early Bonney 1035 31/32x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in USA" with the B-Shield logo on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. A forged-in code "AQ" also appears on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 10.5 inches. The original finish was probably nickel plating, but has been lost due to rust.

The reverse faces are stamped "9/16 U.S.S." and "5/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

1037 CV 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 55. Bonney 1037 CV 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1936.

Fig. 55 at the left shows a Bonney 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank also has a forged-in code "IN...v" visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 11.9 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, and some traces of the finish can be seen on the faces.

The "N" year code with the CV and plain Bonney name markings indicate production in 1936.

Obstruction Wrenches

Obstruction wrenches are an interesting subtype of open-end wrenches, typically designed with large offset angles for work in cramped spaces. A number of companies experimented with different designs for obstruction wrenches, and several styles were popular during the 1920s and later. Bonney's design is notable for its use of openings on opposite sides of the shank.

Two of the alternate styles for obstruction wrenches can be seen in the Williams 2731-A Obstruction Wrench and Herbrand 1827 Obstruction Wrench.

Bonney's obstruction wrenches are believed to have been introduced in the late 1920s, and our earliest catalog reference is a Bonney catalog sheet (binder insert) believed to be from around 1927. The catalog lists the wrenches in 27 models ranging from the 2722 (5/16x7/16) up to the 2731-B (13/16x7/8), and the description includes a "Patent Applied For" notice. (Despite a lengthy search, no patent for the Bonney wrenches has been found yet.)

We'll begin this section with several examples believed to represent the early production, based on the patent applied markings and the use of the older S.A.E. and U.S.S. sizing conventions.

2727 CV 9/16x5/8 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 56. Bonney 2727 CV 9/16x5/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. Late 1920s.

Fig. 56 shows a Bonney 2727 9/16x5/8 obstruction wrench marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. App. For" on the faces, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank. The shank also has a forged-in code "AS.." at the left.

The overall length is 6.5 inches.

The sizes are stamped on the faces as "3/8 S.A.E." and "7/16 S.A.E." for the older S.A.E. convention, though a bit difficult to read due to wear.

The patent applied notice indicates that a patent was filed for this design, but the corresponding patent (if issued) has not yet been found.

2027C CV 9/16x11/16 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 57. Bonney 2027C CV 9/16x11/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. Late 1920s.

Fig. 57 shows a Bonney 2027C 9/16x11/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. App. For" on the faces, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank. The shank also has a forged-in code "IR" (or possibly "JR") at the right.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is nickel plating with some loss due to wear.

The sizes are stamped on the faces as "3/8 S.A.E." and "3/8 U.S.S." for the older size conventions.

The patent applied notice indicates that a patent was filed for this design, but the corresponding patent (if issued) has not yet been found.

2542 CV 5/8x3/4 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 58. Bonney 2542 CV 5/8x3/4 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. Late 1920s.

Fig. 58 shows a Bonney 2542 5/8x3/4 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. App. For" on the front faces, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse shank. The shank also has a forged-in code "ET...." visible at the right.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The model number of this wrench is in the 25xx series typically used for specialty tools, but currently we don't have a specific Bonney catalog reference for this model. Blackhawk also offered a Model 2542 Obstruction Wrench of this same 5/8x3/4 size, which their 1929 catalog described as a Chevrolet brake wrench. It's likely that this Bonney model was also intended for that application.

The standard obstruction wrench for the 5/8x3/4 size was the model 2729, and a later example of this can be seen in the Bonney Bonaloy 2729 Obstruction Wrench.

2031 CV 25/32x7/8 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 59. Bonney 2031 CV 25/32x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Insets for Detail, ca. Late 1920s.

Fig. 59 shows a similar Bonney 2031 25/32x7/8 obstruction wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. App. For" on the faces, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank. A forged-in code "BS" appears on the shank at the right.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The sizes are marked in the older U.S.S. system as "7/16 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S.", corresponding to the modern 25/32x7/8 sizes.

As with the previous example, the patent notice indicates that a patent was filed for this design, but the patent document has not been found yet.

2731-A CV 3/4x7/8 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 60. Bonney 2731-A CV 3/4x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Insets for Detail, ca. Late 1920s.

Fig. 60 shows a Bonney 2731-A 3/4x7/8 obstruction wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. App. For" on the faces, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank. A forged-in code "LR" appears on the shank at the right.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The original finish has been lost except for a few traces of nickel plating.

The reverse faces are stamped "1/2 S.A.E. 1/2 CAP" and "1/2 U.S.S. 5/8 [HEX]C", references to the older size conventions.

2725B CV 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 61. Bonney 2725B CV 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1928.

Fig. 61 shows a somewhat later Bonney 2725B 1/2x9/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "FT" visible at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with some losses due to wear and rust.

This wrench is not marked with the patent applied notice seen on the previous examples, suggesting a later origin. In addition, the openings are marked with the across-flats sizes rather than the S.A.E. or U.S.S. bolt sizes. The "T" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1928.

Ignition Wrenches

In the late 1920s Bonney began offering a series of miniature wrenches for electrical and ignition work. These wrenches initially included models in the open-end and obstruction styles, and by 1936 miniature box wrenches had been added as well.

In the 1920s and early 1930s the ignition wrenches were part of the CV line, but with the introduction of Zenel steel in 1933 the ignition wrenches moved to the Zenel line.

H10 CV 3/16x7/32 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 62. Bonney H10 CV 3/16x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1941.

Fig. 62 shows the smallest of the Bonney wrenches, a dimunitive Bonney H10 3/16x7/32 ignition wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "BS" visible at the left, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 2.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "S" year code and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1941.

H12 CV 1/4x9/32 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 63. Bonney H12 CV 1/4x9/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1932.

Fig. 63 shows a Bonney H12 1/4x9/32 ignition wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The reverse shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo, as seen in the inset.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome (or possibly nickel) plating.

This wrench was not marked with a forged-in code, but the embedded shield marking indicates production before 1933.

Waterpump Wrenches

Bonney developed a 12xx model series of single-open thin wrenches intended for waterpump service, apart from the Nash specialty wrench shown earlier. These wrenches were designed with a 30 degree head offset and short handles, making them effective for work in confined places.

Later on these wrenches proved highly useful for aircraft service, so much so that this style of wrench is sometimes called an "aircraft wrench".

Early 1246 CV Waterpump Wrench

We'll begin this section with two early examples of the waterpump wrenches, both marked with the B-Shield forge mark.

Fig. 64A. Bonney CV 1246 1-7/16 Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1924.

Fig. 64A shows an early Bonney 1246 1-7/16 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Shield logo on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "FP" visible at the right.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The "P" year code and B-Shield forge mark indicate production in 1924.

Early 1272 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 64B. Bonney CV 1272 2-1/4 Water Pump Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail and Marking Detail, 1924.

Fig. 64B shows an early Bonney 1272 2-1/4 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney name and embedded shield on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Shield logo on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.6 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, and some traces remain on the face and shank.

The shank also has a forged-in code "FP." visible at the right, with a close-up shown in the right inset. The year code has been damaged by wear or corrosion and is difficult to read, but the outline of the "P" can be seen in the close-up view. The "P" year code and B-Shield forge mark indicate production in 1924.

1226 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 65. Bonney 1226 13/16 Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 65 shows a Bonney 1226 13/16 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "BN..." visible at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is plain steel and some machining marks are visible on the face.

1232 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 66. Bonney 1232 1 Inch Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1925.

Fig. 66 shows a Bonney 1232 1 inch waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney and embedded shield logo on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "KQ." at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse shank (see inset).

The overall length is 6.9 inches. The finish is nickel plating with minor losses due to rust.

The "Q" year code and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1925.

1240 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 67. Bonney 1240 1-1/4 Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 67 shows a Bonney 1240 1-1/4 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "A?.v." at the right, unfortunately too worn to read, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1242 CV Waterpump Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Bonney CV 1242 waterpump wrench.

Fig. 68. Bonney 1242 1-5/16 Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1926.

Fig. 68 shows an earlier Bonney 1242 1-5/16 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Bonney and embedded shield logo on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "CR...." at the right (though worn and difficult to read), with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 7.7 inches. The original finish of the wrench was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear and rust.

The year code "R" and embedded shield marking indicate production in 1926.

Fig. 69. Bonney 1242 1-5/16 Water Pump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1942.

Fig. 69 shows a later Bonney 1242 1-5/16 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "DT." at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "T" year code and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1942.

1246 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 70. Bonney 1246 1-7/16 Waterpump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1940.

Fig. 70 shows a Bonney 1246 1-7/16 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "IR." at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "R" year code and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1940.

1252 CV Waterpump Wrench

Fig. 71. Bonney 1252 1-5/8 Waterpump Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1942.

Fig. 71 shows a Bonney 1252 1-5/8 waterpump wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the plain Bonney name on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "KT" at the right, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "T" year code and plain Bonney name indicate production in 1942.

Fixed-Socket Wrenches

2105A 21/32 Connecting Rod Socket Wrench

Fig. 72. Bonney 2105A CV 21/32 Connecting Rod Socket Wrench, ca. 1928-1938.

Box-End Wrenches

By the late 1920s Bonney had introduced a line of box-end wrenches in several styles. These wrenches were offered in single-offset and double-offset configurations, and were built with substantial, deeply-panelled shanks, with deep depressions for added stiffness.

Bonney's first standard box wrench models were probably in the single-offset style and were likely introduced in mid to late 1929. We have several examples of single-offset wrenches with 1929 date codes, but none (at least so far) with earlier dates. In addition, a full-page advertisement from January of 1929 shows a wide range of Bonney tools, but no box wrenches at that time.

However, even before the first standard box wrenches became available, Bonney was offering a specialty box wrench for Chevrolet main bearing service, the model 2540 double-offset box wrench. We recently acquired an early example of this model, produced in 1928 and made with a round shank instead of the familiar panelled shank of later construction.

Our first catalog reference for box wrenches is catalog No. 33 of 1933, which lists short and long double-offset wrenches, plus single-offset wrenches in a long format.

One oddity of the Bonney box wrenches is that all of the (standard) model numbers were squeezed into a 28xx model number series, ranging from the model 2804 short double-offset wrench up to the model 2839 single-offset wrench, and later adding a 289x series. The compact number range meant that various letter suffixes were needed, in some cases to indicate a long version with the same sizes as another model, in other cases to add a new size combination. As the reader can imagine, the model numbers can become a bit confusing at times.

Bonney's box-end wrenches were initially available only in chrome-vanadium steel as part of the CV line. The high-end Zenel alloy had been introduced in 1933, but initially was available only for tappet and open-end wrenches. Within a few years (by 1936) Bonney was offering box wrenches in Zenel steel as well, and this lead to even more model number confusion.

We'll begin this section with a rare early example of a specialty box wrench, then proceed to the single-offset box wrench series.

2540 CV 13/16x7/8 Chevrolet Main Bearing Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Bonney 2540 specialty box wrench, designed for servicing the main bearings of Chevrolet "4" engines.

Fig. 73. Bonney 2540 CV 13/16x7/8 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1928.

Fig. 73 shows a very rare early Bonney 2540 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench with a forged round shank. The shank is marked with "Bonney" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into one side, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "DT......." visible at the left, shown as a close-up in the middle inset.

The overall length is 14.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The "T" year code and CV marking indicate production in 1928. This is currently our earliest example of Bonney's box wrench production, and the only example known with a round shank.

Fig. 74. Bonney 2540 (KMO-4926) CV 13/16x7/8 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1930.

Fig. 74 shows a somewhat later Bonney 2540 offset box wrench with a deeply panelled shank, marked with "Bonney" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into one side, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "FV." visible at the left.

The overall length is 14.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating with losses due to rust and pitting.

The "V" year code and CV marking indicate production in 1930. This model was listed in the 1934 Bonney catalog as a Chevrolet main bearing wrench, though the length was specified as 13 inches at that time.

Although a bit difficult to read, the side of the wrench is also marked "Kent-Moore Detroit" and "KMO 4926", indicating that this was contract production for Kent-Moore. (Kent-Moore was a major supplier of automotive specialty tools.)

The 28xx Single-Offset Box Wrench Series

The single-offset box wrench was an early style that became popular in the late 1920s and 1930s. This wrench design featured two openings of the same size, with one end offset and the other straight. Bonney produced single-offset wrenches as part of its CV line in a 28xx model series, with sizes ranging from 7/16 up to 1-1/4 inch.

Model numbers were assigned with the last two digits indicating the opening size in 32nds, so for example the model number 2818 indicated a 9/16 wrench. An exception had to be made for the largest wrench, with model 2839 used for the 1-1/4 size, as model number 2840 had already been assigned to a Chevrolet main-bearing wrench.

Bonney's single-offset wrenches were apparently first offered in 1929, as we have several date-coded examples from 1929, but none from earlier years. However, our earliest catalog reference is not until 1933. By 1936 Bonney was using Zenel steel for single-offset wrenches in the smaller sizes (model 2830 (15/16) and smaller), but continued to use chrome-vanadium steel for the larger sizes.

Single-offset box wrenches produced by other tool companies can be found elsewhere on this site. See for example the Blackhawk 2718, Blue Point X-16, Walden-Worcester 2114, and Williams 8140.

2818 CV 9/16x9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 75. Bonney 2818 CV 9/16x9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 75 shows a Bonney 2818 9/16x9/16 single-offset box wrench, marked with the Bonney name in raised letters, and with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "GU.." visible at the right. The side of the wrench is stamped "Made in U.S.A.", as can be seen in the top inset.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The "U" year code indicates production in 1929.

By 1936 Bonney was using Zenel steel for wrenches of this style, which were given a "Z" prefix to the 28xx model numbers. An example of the Zenel steel successor to this model can be seen as the Bonney Zenel Z2818 Wrench later in this article.

2820 CV 5/8x5/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 76. Bonney 2820 CV 5/8x5/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 76 shows a Bonney 2820 5/8x5/8 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank (see top inset). The shank is marked with the Bonney name and model forged into the depressed panel, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "AU" visible at the right.

The overall length is 10.3 inches. This wrench has been pitted by extensive rust, and the original finish (probably chrome plating) has been lost.

The "U" year code and CV marking indicate production in 1929.

An example of the Zenel steel successor to this model can be seen as the Bonney Zenel Z2820 Wrench later in this article.

2822 CV 11/16x11/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 77. Bonney 2822 CV 11/16x11/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 77 shows a Bonney 2822 11/16x11/16 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The shank is marked with the Bonney name and model forged into the depressed panel, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "AU" (or possibly "BU") visible at the right.

The overall length is 11.0 inches. The original finish was likely chrome plating, but most has been lost.

The year code "U" indicates production in 1929.

An example of the Zenel steel successor to this model can be seen as the Bonney Zenel Z2822 Wrench later in this article.

2824 CV 3/4x3/4 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 78. Bonney 2824 CV 3/4x3/4 Single-Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1930.

Fig. 78 shows a Bonney 2824 3/4x3/4 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The shank is marked with the Bonney name and model forged into the depressed panel, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "JV" visible at the right, and shown as a close-up in the middle inset.

The overall length is 11.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating with some losses due to wear and rust.

The "V" year code indicates production in 1930.

2828 CV 7/8x7/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show similar examples of the Bonney CV 2828 wrench, but with slightly different markings.

Fig. 79. Bonney 2828 CV 7/8x7/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 79 at the left shows a Bonney 2828 7/8x7/8 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank (see top inset). The shank is marked with the Bonney name in raised letters, and with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "EU....." visible at the right.

The overall length is 13.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The year code "U" indicates production in 1929.

Fig. 80. Bonney 2828 CV 7/8x7/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 80 shows a very similar Bonney 2828 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank (see top inset). The shank is marked with the Bonney name in raised letters, and with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "FU.." visible at the right, and shown as a close-up in the middle inset.

The overall length is 13.0 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but most has been lost to wear and rust.

The year code "U" indicates production in 1929.

2830 CV 15/16x15/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 81. Bonney 2830 CV 15/16x15/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 81 shows a Bonney 2830 15/16x15/16 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The shank is marked with the Bonney name and model forged into the depressed panel with a forged-in code "CU...." at the right, and the reverse is marked "Chrome-Vanadium" with the CV-Circle logo.

The overall length is 13.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating with some loss due to rust.

The year code "U" indicates production in 1929.

2832 CV 1x1 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 82. Bonney 2832 CV 1x1 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Side.

Fig. 82 at the left shows a Bonney 2832 1x1 single-offset box wrench, marked with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the shank, and with the Bonney name and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse. The shank has a forged-in code at the left, but the code is too indistinct to read.

The overall length is 15.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

2839 CV 1-1/4x1-1/4 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 83. Bonney 2839 CV 1-1/4x1-1/4 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1938.

Fig. 83 shows the largest model of the single-offset series, the rarely-seen Bonney CV 2839 1-1/4x1-1/4 single-offset box wrench. The shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on one side, with the Bonney name and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse. The model number is stamped on the side of the shank, as the close-up photograph in the middle inset shows. The shank also has a forged-in code "BP....." visible at the left.

The overall length is 18.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The "P" year code and CV marking indicate production in 1938.

Double-Offset Box Wrenches

By 1930 (or earlier) Bonney had extended its box wrench models to include the double-offset style. These wrenches were offered in short and long configurations, with a confusing series of overlapping model numbers ranging from 2804 up to 2812.

2805 CV 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Bonney 2805 wrench.

Fig. 84A. Bonney 2805 CV 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1929.

Fig. 84A shows an early Bonney 2805 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench with a deeply panelled shank, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The panels have forged-in markings for the Bonney name and model on one side, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "HU" visible at the right.

The overall length is 5.7 inches. The original finish may have been nickel or chrome plating, but has been lost due to rust and wear.

The "U" year code indicates production in 1929.

Fig. 84B. Bonney 2805 Chrome-Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1931.

Fig. 84B shows a slightly later Bonney 2805 short offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The deeply panelled shank is marked with the Bonney name and model forged into one side, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "BW." visible at the left.

The overall length is 5.6 inches. The finish may have been chrome plating originally, but is now plain steel due to rust and wear.

The "W" year code indicates production in 1931.

2806 CV 9/16x5/8 Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next figures show examples of the Bonney CV 2806 box wrench, with minor differences in the markings.

Fig. 85. Bonney 2806 CV 9/16x5/8 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1930.

Fig. 85 shows a Bonney 2806 9/16x5/8 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The deeply panelled shank is marked with the Bonney name, model, and fractional size forged into the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "CV" visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.1 inches. The finish is chrome or nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear and rust.

The "V" year code indicates production in 1930.

Fig. 86. Bonney 2806 CV 9/16x5/8 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1931.

Fig. 86 shows a similar Bonney 2806 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side of the shank. The deeply panelled shank is marked with the Bonney name, model, and fractional size forged into the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "CW." visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "W" year code indicates production in 1931.

Fig. 87. Bonney 2806 Chrome-Vanadium 9/16x5/8 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1933.

Fig. 87 shows another Bonney 2806 short offset box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the model number on the side of the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium" stamped on the opposite side (see lower inset). The deeply panelled shank is marked with the Bonney name and fractional size on the front panel, with a forged-in code "JY..." and the other size on the reverse panel (not shown).

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Y" year code indicates production in 1933.

Although it's clearly part of the Chrome-Vanadium product line, this last example is a bit odd in not having a forged-in CV-Circle logo, and in having the Chrome-Vanadium marking stamped rather than forged-in. One possible explanation is that Bonney was considering the use of their new Zenel steel with the same forging dies used for the CV line. This dual usage would be simplified by removing the forged-in CV markings.

2805L Chrome-Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 88. Bonney 2805L Chrome-Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1934.

Fig. 88 shows a Bonney 2805L 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench in the long format, with the Bonney name forged into the deeply panelled shank. The sides of the shank are stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one side with "Chrome-Vanadium" on the other. The reverse shank has a forged-in code "LZ.." (not shown).

The overall length is 9.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating, well worn in areas from extensive use.

The "Z" year code indicates production in 1934.

2811B CV 15/16x1-1/16 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 89. Bonney 2811B Chrome-Vanadium 15/16x1-1/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1937.

Fig. 89 shows a rarely-seen Bonney 2811B 15/16x1-1/16 offset box wrench, marked with "Bonney" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the deeply panelled shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium" and the CV-Circle logo forged into the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "GO..." visible at the left. The fractional sizes are stamped on the side of the shank, as can be seen in the top inset.

The overall length is 14.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "O" year code and CV marking indicate production in 1937, in the second cycle of the Boney date code system.

Wartime Production

By the early 1940s some parts of the CV product line had been converted to the Bonaloy brand, in particular the box-end wrenches. (See our later section on the Bonaloy Brand for more information.) But at least according to the catalogs, the other parts of the CV line remained in production, including open-end, tappet, and water pump wrenches.

This leads to a bit of a mystery. If the CV product line was still in full production during the 1941-1945 wartime years, we would expect to find substantial numbers of CV wrenches with plain or cadmium finishes, similar to what is found for the Bonaloy line. However, CV wrenches with wartime finishes are seldom (if ever) seen. Instead, we find Bonney wrenches with the expected model numbers and plain finishes, but with no markings for CV, Bonaloy, or any other alloy specification.

This suggests that when Bonney reworked its production to comply with wartime restrictions, the CV line may have been temporarily converted to use a lower grade steel, such as the AISI 1340 carbon-manganese steel used by Herbrand during this time frame. Since Bonney's normal CV product markings specifically indicated chrome-vanadium steel, the CV markings had to be removed from the wartime production.

In this section we'll look at some examples of likely wartime production, believed to be the temporary replacement for the CV line.

422 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 90. Bonney 422 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, 1945.

Fig. 90 shows a Bonney 422 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with a forged-in code "CW." on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and year code "W" indicate production in 1945.

424 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 91. Bonney 424 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, 1943.

Fig. 91 shows a Bonney 424 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with a forged-in code "FU.." on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and year code "U" indicate production in 1943.

402A (KMO-402-BA) 17/32x17/32 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 92. Bonney 424 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, 1943.

Fig. 92 shows a Bonney 402A 17/32x17/32 tappet wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face. The shank has a forged-in code "FU.." at the left and a stamped marking "KMO-402-BA" near the center.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and year code "U" indicate production in 1943.

The "KMO-402-BA" marking indicates that this wrench was produced for Kent-Moore, a major supplier of tools and equipment to the automobile industry.

1032A 3/4x15/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 93. Bonney 1032A 3/4x15/16 Open-End Wrench, 1943.

Fig. 93 shows a Bonney 1032A 3/4x15/16 open-end wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with a forged-in code "KU." on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and year code "U" indicate production in 1943.

Krieger (Bonney) 1032A 3/4x15/16 Open-End Wrench

As long as we're on the topic of Bonney's wartime production, it's worth mentioning a mystery brand "Krieger" that was almost certainly produced by Bonney. This brand is currently known only for a model 1032A wrench, apparently made for a military contract.

Fig. 93B. Krieger (Bonney) 1032A 3/4x15/16 Open-End Wrench, 1943.

Fig. 93B shows a Krieger 1032A 3/4x15/16 open-end wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, and with a forged-in code "JU.." visible on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

This wrench is virtually identical to the Bonney wrench in the previous figure, and the standard forged-in code leaves little doubt that this is Bonney production. The plain finish and "U" year code would indicate production in 1943.

One of the mysteries of the Krieger brand is that other sizes and models haven't been found, suggesting that this might be the only one. In this case perhaps "Krieger" is being used not as a brand, but as a marking appropriate to the application for the wrench. If any readers have more information on this artifact, please let us know via the "Contact Us" link.

1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 94. Bonney 1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, 1945.

Fig. 94 shows a Bonney 1731-B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench with a plain finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with a forged-in code "DW...." on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and year code "W" indicate production in 1945.

E14 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 95. Bonney E14 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1945.

Fig. 95 shows a Bonney E14 13/64x15/64 ignition wrench with a cadmium finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional sizes on the reverse faces. The reverse shank has a forged-in code "DW." as shown in the inset.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish and "W" year code indicate production in 1945.

E16 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 96. Bonney E16 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, 1945.

Fig. 96 shows a Bonney E16 13/64x15/64 ignition wrench with a cadmium finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional sizes on the reverse faces. The reverse shank has a forged-in code "EW4" as shown in the inset.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish and "W" year code indicate production in 1945.

E30 7/16x1/2 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 97. Bonney E30 7/16x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1943.

Fig. 97 shows a Bonney E30 7/16x1/2 ignition wrench with a cadmium finish, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face. The reverse shank has a forged-in code "DU.." as shown in the inset.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish and year code "U" indicate production in 1943.

E40 Ignition Offset Box Wrench

Bonney later offered miniature box wrenches for ignition and electrical work.

Fig. 98. Bonney E40 3/16x13/64 Ignition Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1945.

Fig. 98 shows a Bonney E40 3/16x13/64 offset box wrench for ignition applications, marked "Made in U.S.A." in raised letters on one side, with the model number and fractional sizes on the reverse. A forged-in code "IW." appears on the reverse.

The overall length is 2.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and "W" year code indicate production in 1945.

E42 Ignition Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 99. Bonney E42 7/32x15/64 Ignition Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1945.

Fig. 99 shows a Bonney E42 7/32x15/64 offset box wrench for ignition applications, marked "Made in U.S.A." in raised letters on one side, with the model number and fractional sizes on the reverse. A forged-in code "IW." appears on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and "W" year code indicate production in 1945.

E44 Ignition Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 100. Bonney E44 1/4x9/32 Ignition Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1944.

Fig. 100 shows a Bonney E44 1/4x9/32 offset box wrench for ignition applications, marked "Made in U.S.A." in raised letters on one side, with the model number and fractional sizes on the reverse. A forged-in code "DV." appears on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and "V" year code indicate production in 1944.