Alloy Artifacts

Contract Production

The previous sections have looked at Duro and Indestro tools marked with their own trademarks or informal brands. Duro was also very active as a contract manufacturer for other companies, and these contract tools were generally marked with the other companies' trademarks. In this page we'll look at some examples of Duro production marked for other companies.

The examples below are representative of the contract production, but there are likely many more examples that have yet to be identified.

ChromeXQuality

"ChromeXQuality" was until recently a mystery brand, as a number sockets and drive tools of apparent Duro production had been found, but no information on the mark could be located. This mark has now been identified as an brand used by Western Auto during the 1930s. A 1937 Western Auto catalog shows many examples of the ChromeXQuality brand, sometimes written as "Chrome-X Quality" or just "Chrome-X". This brand was their top-of-the-line at the time, and the catalog notes that these tools were made of Chrome-Molybdenum or Chrome-Vanadium steels. Western Auto offered a lifetime free replacement guarantee for ChromeXQuality tools.

Based on Western Auto historical sources, the ChromeXQuality mark first appeared in 1936, and was their first private-brand label for hand tools. The line of tools proved successful, but in 1940 Western Auto switched to the "Wizard" brand name for the top-quality tools. (Wizard was their favorite brand name, and it appeared on a wide variety of products.) The relatively short usage interval for ChromeXQuality is actually fortunate, as it allows the manufacturing date to be estimated as 1936-1939 for tools with this mark.

Most of the known examples of ChromeXQuality tools can be readily identified as Duro or Vlchek production, and just recently Herbrand was identified as a third producer. Other producers may have been used as well, particularly for certain specialty tools.

Currently our examples of ChromeXQuality are being prepared for display, and this section will be updated periodically as items become available. Additional examples are available in the Vlchek Production and Herbrand Production sections.

As a side note, it's worth mentioning that Western Auto also used a brand "Master Quality" to indicate their second-tier tools. The term Master Quality was also used by Montgomery Ward as a brand, but for their top-grade products, so Western Auto's usage may have been intended as a dig against the competition. (Neither company had registered "Master Quality" as a trademark, so it was open to such abuse.) One supplier of Western Auto Master Quality tools has been identified as Barcalo Mfg. of Buffalo, NY, based on a catalog illustration.

ChromeXQuality Flex-Head Breaker Bar

We'll begin this section with a 1/2-drive flex-head breaker bar, marked "ChromeXQuality" and "Vanadium Steel". The overall length is 11.6 inches.

Fig. 162. ChromeXQuality 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

The finish was originally chrome plating, though much has now worn off; a close look at the photograph shows that this tool has led a hard life.

The breaker bar is equipped with a fixed male drive stud on the handle end, allowing it to be used as an extension with a female-drive ratchet. (Female drive ratchets were still quite common in the mid to late 1930s, but were being replaced by male drive tools.) In addition to the male drive stud, the handle has a cross-bar hole to allow use as a T-handle.

This breaker bar closely resembles the illustration in a 1937 Western Auto catalog, and is identical to another Duro/Indestro piece, a model 3221 breaker bar marked "Chromium-Vanadium".

ChromeXQuality 1/2-Drive Socket Set

Fig. 163. ChromeXQuality 1/2-Drive Socket Set to be added.

ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-Drive Socket Set

Fig. 164 shows a ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-drive socket set with most of its original sockets, but missing a few of the drive tools. The decal on the inside cover reads "Deluxe ChromeXQuality Vanadium Steel Tools" with "Western Auto Supply Co." at the bottom.

Fig. 164. ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-Drive Socket Set, ca. 1938-1939.

The model number of the set is not marked, but was identified by reference to the 1938 Western Auto catalog. The original contents included seven double-hex sockets, three double-square sockets, a ratchet, a flex-head breaker bar, an extension, and a screwdriver bit. The set as acquired had all of the sockets except for the 9/16 double-hex size, but included only the ratchet as a drive tool.

The tools in the set are not marked with the ChromeXQuality brand, but carry the standard markings for the Indestro "Super Quality" line of the late 1930s. This is believed to indicate a later production date for the set; in order to keep costs down, socket sets for Western Auto were filled from standard Indestro production, leaving only the decal to indicate the specific brand.

The dimensions of the box (in inches) are 9.5 long by 3.2 wide by 1.3 high.

Chromium Vanadium 27xx 3/8-Drive Double-Hex Sockets

Fig. 165. Chromium Vanadium 27xx Sockets from ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-Drive Socket Set, ca. 1938-1939.

Fig. 165 at the left shows the double-hex sockets from the ChromeXQuality N705 set, all marked "Chromium Vanadium" with model numbers and the fractional sizes.

The model numbers and sizes are, from the left, 2712 (3/8), 2714 (7/16), 2716 (1/2), 2720 (5/8), 2722 (11/16), and 2724 (3/4). One socket is missing from the set, the model 2718 9/16 size.

Based on the model numbers and markings on the sockets, these are the standard 3/8-drive sockets offered by Indestro as part of its "Super Quality" product line in the late 1930s.

Fig. 166. Chromium Vanadium 2724 3/8-Drive 3/4 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 166 at the left shows more detail for the 2724 3/4 socket in the above figure. The interior of the socket (see right inset) illustrates the typical hot-broached construction used by Duro/Indestro from 1935 onward.

Indestro 2888 3/8-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 167. Indestro 2888 3/8-Drive Ratchet from ChromeXQuality N705 Set, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1938-1939.

Fig. 167 at the left shows the 3/8-drive ratchet from the N705 set, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. No. 1,902,878" on the cover plate, with "No. 2888" on the reverse (see lower inset).

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

As was often the case for contract production, the ratchet is not marked with a company name or brand, but can be readily identified as Indestro production by the pressed-flange construction and #1,902,878 patent notice. In addition, the model number 2888 is listed as a 3/8-drive ratchet in the Indestro Super Quality (later Indestro Super) product line.

Other examples of ratchets made with the pressed-flange construction method include the Duro 678D Ratchet and Indestro 3202 Ratchet.

ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

The 1937 Western Auto catalog listed a group of six deep offset box-end wrenches in their ChromeXQuality brand, with sizes ranging from 3/8x7/16 up to 15/16x1. The text noted that they were chrome-molybdenum or chrome-vanadium steel, and were offered with a lifetime free replacement guarantee. We have acquired several examples of these wrenches, all of Duro/Indestro production, as the following figures will show.

Fig. 168. ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 168 shows a ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the reverse. The overall length is 10.0 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels.

The wrench can be identified as Duro production by the design of the box-end forgings and general construction, as well as the use of the slanted script for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" mark.

Western Auto offered these wrenches at extremely attractive prices, ranging from $0.42 for the 3/8x7/16 size to $0.69 for the 15/16x1. By comparison, the 1938 Duro-Chrome catalog listed prices of $0.90 and $1.95 for their "Handy-Twin-Hex" equivalent wrenches (models 2051 and 2056 respectively.)

ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 169. ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 169 shows a similar ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 offset wrench, with the reverse marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font. The overall length is 11.4 inches.

The finish is chrome plate with polished ends and panels.

ChromeXQuality 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 170. ChromeXQuality 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

In Fig. 170 we see the largest of the group of wrenches, a ChromeXQuality 15/16x1 offset wrench marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in slanted font. The overall length is 14.4 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels, with some finish loss and pitting due to rust.

The design and construction of this wrench closely resembles the previous examples.

ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 171. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 171 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench, marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the reverse. The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces.

The wrench can be identified as Duro production by the design and construction, and the use of a slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking.

ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Wrench

Fig. 172. ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 172 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 double-box manifold or half-moon wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Chromium Vanadium". The overall length is 7.8 inches.

The wrench can be identified as Duro production by the use of the "Chromium Vanadium" mark and by the general construction. The 1938 Duro catalog shows the Duro-Chrome equivalent as a model 2081 "elbow wrench", with a list price of $1.30; for comparison, the 1937 Western Auto catalog offered the ChromeXQuality version for just $0.57.

Wizard and Westcraft

Wizard and Westcraft were registered trademarks of the Western Auto Supply Company, and both marks were used for a line of hand tools. Duro/Indestro was a major supplier for these lines, as was Vlchek Tool of Cleveland and possibly other companies. (See our article on Vlchek contract production for more information.) The Duro tools known to be sourced for Western Auto include ratchets, sockets, drive tools, tappet wrenches, and some double-box wrenches.

The Wizard brand was the immediate successor of the ChromeXQuality mark shown previously, and was generally (or exclusively) used for their top-quality tools.

Wizard H2833 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 173. Wizard H2833 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 173 below shows a Wizard model H2833 1/2-drive fine-tooth ratchet, with a small "D" next to the brand and "Forged in U.S.A." marked on the reverse. The overall length is 10.3 inches.

The ratchet mechanism is marked with patent #2,686,582, issued in 1954 to Odlum and Hosford of Duro Metal Products. (This patent will be seen on most of the Duro and Indestro fine-tooth ratchets.)

A check of the Indestro catalog for 1961 shows that this closely resembles the model 3277 ratchet; the model 3275 ratchet is similar, but with a knurled handle.

Wizard H2178 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 174. Wizard H2178 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Insets for Reverse.

Fig. 174 shows a Wizard model H2178 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench. The reverse is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Forged in U.S.A.", and the overall length is 8.4 inches. The wrench is finished in a bright chrome plate.

The particular identifying marks for Duro/Indestro include the small "D" next to the Wizard brand, and the "Forged in U.S.A." notation on a curved arc, as seen in the inset.

Wizard HR2192 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 175. Wizard HR2192 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 175 shows a Wizard model HR2192 1/2x9/16 offset double-box wrench, marked with a small "D" code. The reverse is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Forged in U.S.A.", and the overall length is 5.1 inches.

The wrench is finished in a matte chrome plate and polished ends. The identification as Duro/Indestro production relies on the "D" code and the construction details, as the modern Duro/Indestro wrench designs no longer include the distinctive "streamline" motif.

Westcraft Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 176. Westcraft 19/32x11/16 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 176 shows a Westcraft 19/32x11/16 deep offset wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 9.4 inches.

Although not marked with the small "D" notation, this wrench can be clearly identified as Duro/Indestro production by the streamlined raised panel, a motif previously seen on many examples.

Westcraft HR2820 Breaker Bar

Fig. 177. Westcraft HR2820 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 177 shows a Westcraft HR2820 flex-head breaker bar. The knurled handle has a cross-bar hole, and the end is broached for 1/2-drive. The overall length is 12.0 inches.

The finish is plain steel, indicating that this tool was likely manufactured in 1943-1945.

The distinctive head shape marks this as Duro/Indestro production, and the closest models are the Duro-chrome 666D and Indestro 3221. However, these models were made with male drive studs on the end at least until 1941; the Westcraft female broach may have been a special order, or possibly the models had been changed by then. (The mid 1950s catalogs show the Duro-chrome 666D breaker with a female broach.)

Riverside

Riverside was a trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for a variety of automobile-related supplies and products, beginning in 1912. At some point automobile tools were offered as well, and some of the collected examples of Riverside tools are clearly of Duro/Indestro production. It's not known which other companies may have sourced tools as well.

A 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog shows a number of tools of likely Duro production. The illustration for a 35-piece Chrome-Vanadium socket set shows a Duro-style ratchet, with sockets matching the Ward's Riverside example. The catalog also shows box-end wrenches that closely resemble the example below.

Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrenches

Fig. 178. Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 178 shows a Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, marked with decorative triangles (meaning unknown) on a raised panel, and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is a heavy cadmium plating.

Production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel", as well as the hexagonal shank and general construction of the wrench.

Fig. 179. Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 179 shows another Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, similar to the previous example but without raised panels on the shank. The wrench is stamped with decorative triangles on the front with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.2 inches. The finish is a chrome or possibly nickel plate with a yellowish tint, now worn through in places.

As with the previous example, production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the general construction and the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel".

Riverside 1/2-Drive 5/8 Socket

Fig. 180. Riverside 1/2-Drive 5/8 12-Point Socket.

Fig. 180 shows a rare 1/2-drive Riverside 5/8 double-hex socket, marked "Ward's Riverside" and "Chromium Vanadium".

The socket is clearly of Duro production based on the hot-broached construction (with a scalloped ring) and the "Chromium Vanadium" marking used by Duro at this time. The manufacturing date is probably around 1935-1936.

Powr-Kraft

In the 1930s Montgomery Ward offered a broad line of power tools under the "Powr-Kraft" trademark, and in later years the brand was extended to include hand tools. Duro was one of the manufacturers selected to supply sockets and drive tools for the Powr-Kraft line, as the next figure illustrates.

Powr-Kraft 1/2-Drive Sockets

Fig. 181. Powr-Kraft 1/2-Drive 12-Point Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 181 shows a group of 1/2-drive Powr-Kraft 12-point sockets, each marked "Powr-Kraft 100" and "84-4865" with a small "D" code.

The sizes are, from the left, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 15/16.

Cross Country

Another name occasionally seen on older tools is the "Cross Country" (or "Cross-Country") brand. Most (or perhaps all) of the examples found appear to have been made by Duro, but no information on the brand has been located, despite trademark and catalog searches.

Cross-Country 1831 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 182. Cross Country 1831 3/4x3/4 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 182 shows an example of the brand, a Cross Country 3/4x3/4 angle-head open-end wrench, often called an obstruction wrench. The wrench is marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse, as shown in the inset. The overall length is 7.5 inches.

This wrench is readily identified as Duro production by the model number 1831, listed as a 3/4x3/4 obstruction wrench in the Duro-Chrome catalogs. In addition, the curved-arc "Forged in U.S.A." marking is a reliable indicator of Duro production.

Cross-Country No. 3 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 183. Cross Country No. 3 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 183 shows another example of this brand, a Cross Country No. 3 tappet wrench with size 5/8x11/16, marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 8.6 inches.

This wrench can identified as Duro production by the curved-arc "Forged in U.S.A." marking and other construction features. The model number also follows the Duro/Indestro numbering for tappet wrenches; the Duro-Chrome 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench was a D3, and the corresponding Indestro Super-Quality model was a T3.

References and Resources

The photographs and observations in this article are based on items in my personal collection.

Information on the company history was obtained from an obituary for Gertrude McNaught Odlum in the Jan. 23, 1992 edition of the Chicago Tribune.

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from a number of Duro Metal Products and Indestro Manufacturing catalogs, which have been summarized in the table below. In some cases the publication year may be approximate, as the catalogs were sometimes undated and furnished with separate price sheets.

Duro products were also available from selected industrial suppliers, and from high-volume retailers including Sears Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, and Western Auto Supply. The Western Auto catalogs listed Duro products under the "Chromium-Vanadium" brand in earlier catalogs, and later as contract production for Western Auto brands.

• The 1931 Sears Roebuck Spring and Summer catalog lists several Duro socket sets under the Durobilt brand. An example of these sets is the Durobilt 36-Piece Wrench Set shown earlier in this article.

• The 1932 Western Auto catalog shows a Chromium-Vanadium socket set matching the Indestro CV set shown here, and the illustrations in the 1933 and 1934 catalogs show the transition from a ratchet adapter to a pressed-flange ratchet.

• The 1933 catalog "H" from Ducommun Corporation, a west-coast industrial supplier, lists several Duro socket sets in both hex drive and 1/2 square drive. The sets include a No. 500 socket set and an LT911 socket set, similar to the LTX316 socket set shown here.

• The 1937 Western Auto catalog shows a number of listings for the ChromeXQuality brand, including socket sets readily recognizable as Duro production. (It was this publication that allowed us to identify ChromeXQuality as a Western Auto brand.)

Patents and Trademarks

Information regarding patents and trademarks is available from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uspto.gov web site, which offers a free online database (TESS) of trademark information. Patent documents were obtained from several websites offering free downloads, notably freepatentsonline.com.

Feedback

If any readers have additional information about Duro Metal Products or Indestro Manufacturing, please let us know via the "Contact Us" link on the home page. Your comments and suggestions are welcome as well.