Alloy Artifacts

Garrington (England)

Garrington (or Garringtons) was a British maker of tools and other forged products. Currently we don't have much information on the company, but they are believed to have been one of the larger forge operations, and well regarded for quality tools.

Garrington "Blue Diamond" 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 32. Garrington "Blue Diamond" 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a Garrington "Blue Diamond" 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Blue Diamond" on the shank with "Garringtons England" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Garrington "Blue Diamond" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 33. Garrington "Blue Diamond" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 33 shows a Garrington "Blue Diamond" 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Blue Diamond" on the shank with "Garringtons England" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Garrington "Jaguar" Tappet Wrench

Fig. 34. Garrington "Jaguar" 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 34 shows a Garrington "Jaguar" 9/16x5/8 tappet wrench, with forged-in markings "Jaguar" on the front and "Garrington" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench is believed to be from a Jaguar automobile toolkit.

Gellman Manufacturing Company

Gellman Manufacturing of Rock Island, Illinois, also known earlier as the Gellman Wrench Corporation, was the maker of a distinctive "Polly" sliding-jaw adjustable wrench. This wrench was based on patent #1,451,906, filed by I.C. Gellman in 1921 and issued in 1923. (Gellman also received patent #1,451,873 on the same date, for an adjustable socket wrench.)

Gellman "Polly" No. 91 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 35. Gellman "Polly" No. 91 Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 35 shows a Gellman "Polly" No. 91 adjustable wrench of a distinctive design, with a spring-loaded jaw held in place by serrated teeth. The shank has forged markings "Gellman Manufacturing Company" and "Rock Island, Ill. U.S.A." on the front, with the "Polly" name in script. The reverse has forged markings "Drop Forged Steel" and "9 In. No. 91", with a "Patented Apr. 17, 1923" patent notice.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent date corresponds to patent #1,451,906, filed by I.C. Gellman in 1921.

Information sent by a reader indicates that other (probably earlier) versions of this model were marked "Gellman Wrench Corp." instead of Gellman Manufacturing.

Gellman "Polly" No. 121 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 36. Gellman "Polly" No. 121 Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 36 shows a larger example of the "Polly" wrench, a Gellman "Polly" No. 121 adjustable wrench. The shank has forged markings "Gellman Manufacturing Company" and "Rock Island, Ill. U.S.A." on the front, with the "Polly" name in script. The reverse has forged markings "Drop Forged Steel" and "12 In. No. 121", with a "Patented Apr. 17, 1923" patent notice.

The overall length is 11.7 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent date corresponds to patent #1,451,906, filed by I.C. Gellman in 1921.

Hartford Special Machinery Company

The Hartford Special Machinery Company operated in Hartford, Connecticut and is currently known only for the unusual pliers in the next figure.

Hartford Special Machinery Ring-Forming Pliers

Fig. 37. Hartford Special Machinery Ring-Forming Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 37 shows a very rare pair of Hartford Special Machinery patented ring-forming pliers, stamped "The Hartford Special Machinery Co" and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." on the underside of one handle. The other handle is stamped with a "Pat. No. 1067876 Hartford, CT." patent notice (see middle inset).

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The lower left inset shows a closeup of one jaw, illustrating the round groove used to form a wire ring. The tip of the jaw appears to have been chipped off.

The patent notice refers to the patent #1,067,876, issued to J. Merritt in 1913.

Heller Brothers Company

The Heller Brothers Company was founded in 1865 in Newark, New Jersey, and operated initially as a maker of files. In the 1920s the company became well known for a line of self-adjusting nut and pipe wrenches, sold under the "Masterench" brand.

Heller Brothers Masterench 6 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench

Fig. 38. Heller Brothers Masterench 6 Inch Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 38 shows a Masterench 6 inch self-adjusting pipe wrench, marked with "Masterench" and "Chrome Vanadium" forged into the shank. The reverse is marked "Heller Brothers Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." in forged raised letters, with "Patented 7.5.27" and "4-14-25" at the end.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The earlier patent date corresponds to the patent #1,533,602, and the later date is for patent #1,634,908. Both were issued to E.E. Lynch et al with assignment to the Masterench Corporation.

Heller Brothers Masterench 10 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench

Fig. 39. Heller Brothers Masterench 10 Inch Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 39 shows a Masterench 10 inch self-adjusting pipe wrench, marked with "Masterench" and "Chrome Vanadium" forged into the shank, with "Heller Brothers Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the reverse. The reverse is also marked with a "Pat." patent notice.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent notice refers to the patents #1,533,602 and #1,634,908, issued in 1925 and 1927, respectively.

Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Company

Hibbard Spencer Bartlett or H.S.B. was a major wholesaler and retailer of hardware goods from the mid 19th century onward. The company sold tools and other hardware under both the manufacturer's brands and under several of their own brands, including the True Value line of hardware still known today.

One of the company's well-known brands from the early 20th century was called "Revonoc", apparently a reversed form of the name Conover but of uncertain origin.

Revonoc (H.S.B.) 10 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers

Fig. 40. Revonoc (H.S.B.) 10 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. Early 1900s.

Fig. 40 shows a pair of early Revonoc 10 inch Button's pattern pliers, stamped with the Revonoc brand and "H.S.B. & Co." near the pivot.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Wm. Hjorth & Co.

Hjorth Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 41. Hjorth Slip-Joint Pliers, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1900-1907.

Hoe Corporation

The Hoe Corporation was founded in Poughkeepsie, New York in the mid 1920s, and is known primarily as the maker of a self-adjusting pipe wrench patented by F.P. Robert. The Robert wrench design was originally produced by the Robert Wrench Company of New York City, but later the patent rights were acquired by the Hoe Corporation.

Hoe Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench

Fig. 42. Hoe Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1920s.

Fig. 42 shows a Hoe self-adjusting pipe wrench, marked with "Hoe Corporation" and "Poughkeepsie, N.Y." forged into the shank, and with "Patented Feb. 21 1922" on the reverse.

The overall length is 15.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent date refers to patent #1,407,578, filed by Frederic P. Robert in 1921 and issued in 1922.

A similar but earlier example of this design can be seen as the Robert Wrench Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench.

Hudson Forge Company

Hudson Forge 723 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 43. Hudson Forge 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Hudson Forge 94A Check-Nut Wrench

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

Fig. 44. Hudson Forge 94A 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Hudson Forge Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 45. Hudson Forge Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Nose and Handle Detail.

Interstate Drop Forge

Interstate Drop Forge was a merchant drop-forging company, founded in 1920 and operating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interstate produced forgings for a number of industrial customers, including tool companies, and Interstate is being noted here due to its work for Blackhawk and Snap-On.

Interstate's production can be identified by its use of the DIF forging mark, a raised symbol with a tall "I" in the center, flanked by shorter "D" and "F" letters.

In the 1920s some of Snap-On's ratchet handles were forged by Interstate, and these can be identified by the DIF symbol. Snap-On appears to have used multiple foundries at that time though, so only a fraction of the ratchets were made by Interstate.

Blackhawk was more consistent in its use of Interstate, and most (perhaps all) of their forged ratchet handles were made by Interstate. Blackhawk used forged handles for its 3/4-drive and larger ratchets, beginning in the mid 1920s and continuing into the 1940s. An example of Interstate's production for Blackhawk can be seen in the Blackhawk 69999 3/4-Drive Ratchet.

Further information on Interstate Drop Forge can be found in a newspaper article.

K-D Manufacturing Co.

K-D Manufacturing is a well-known maker of automotive specialty tools. The company began operations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1920, and the founders are believed to be Harry W. Kulp and Martin C. Dellinger, two inventors who collaborated on a number of patents for specialty tools. (The company name was presumably derived from their surnames.)

K-D's products include pliers, valve-spring compressors, wrenches, and other automotive specialty tools.

In recent years K-D was acquired by the Danaher Group, a conglomerate of tool companies that also includes Matco and Armstrong.

K-D No. 600 Valve Spring Lifter

Fig. 46. K-D No. 600 Valve Spring Lifter, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 46 shows a K-D No. 600 valve spring lifter based on two of the company's early patents. The handle is stamped "K-D Mfg. Co." and "Lancaster, PA." with the Kay-Dee logo, and the lifter arm is marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "Pat. 2.10.20 7.10.23" patent notice.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The patent notice includes two dates, with the earlier one referring to patent #1,330,542, issued to H.W. Kulp in 1920. The second date refers to patent #1,461,275, issued to H.W. Kulp and M.C. Dellinger in 1923.

K-D No. 700 Valve Spring Lifter

Fig. 47. K-D No. 700 Valve Spring Lifter, with Inset for Top View, ca. 1950+.

Fig. 47 shows a later K-D No. 700 valve spring lifter, stamped "K-D Mfg. Co." and "Lancaster, PA." on the lower arm. The arm is also stamped "Pat. 2,064,264" and "Pat. 2,533,121" plus "Made in U.S.A." near the adjusting screw.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The two patents noted in the markings are the Kulp 1936 patent #2,064,264 and Kulp 1950 patent #2,533,121, both assigned to K-D Manufacturing.

K-D No. 7 Ignition Pliers

Fig. 48. K-D No. 7 Ignition Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 48 shows a pair of K-D No. 7 ignition pliers, stamped "K-D Mfg. Co." with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

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

Keystone Manufacturing Co.

Keystone Manufacturing was a tool maker operating in Buffalo, New York. The company's products included ratchets, ratchet drills, adjustable wrenches, and socket sets. One of their better-known products was the Westcott adjustable "S" wrench, originally produced by the Westcott company but made by Keystone from about 1900 onward.

Westcott No. 78 8 Inch Adjustable "S" Wrench

Fig. 49. Keystone Westcott No. 78 8 Inch Adjustable "S" Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 49 shows a Westcott No. 78 8 inch adjustable "S" wrench, marked with "Westcott" and "The Keystone Mfg. Co." forged into the handle. The lower inset shows the model number and size forged into the reverse side, which is also marked "Buffalo NY USA" (not shown).

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.1 inches. The finish is black paint.

Westcott No. 80 10 Inch Adjustable "S" Wrench

Fig. 50. Keystone Westcott No. 80 10 Inch Adjustable "S" Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 50 shows a Westcott No. 80 10 inch adjustable "S" wrench, marked with "Westcott" and "The Keystone Mfg. Co." forged into the handle, and with the model number and "Buffalo NY USA" on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.5 inches. The finish is black paint.

Keystone M1555 Ratchet

Fig. 51. Keystone M1555 1/2-Hex Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 51 shows a 1/2-hex drive Keystone M1555 ratchet, with "Ratchet Wrench" forged in the handle, and with "The Keystone Mfg. Co." and "Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Keystone 1/2-hex Drive Socket Set

The next several figures show a Keystone 1/2-hex drive socket set in a folding metal case.

Fig. 52. Keystone 1/2-Hex Drive Socket Set, with Inset for Top View.

Fig. 52 shows a 1/2-hex drive Keystone socket set in a compact folding case, as seen from the side and top. The set consists of an M1555 ratchet, an ell handle, eight sockets, and the metal case.

Fig. 53. Keystone 1/2-Hex Drive Sockets in Holder.

In Fig. 53 the metal holder has been opened to show the sockets in place. Note how the sides have been folded over and cut with scalloped openings to secure the sockets in place.

The sockets are broached with 12-point openings. The socket sizes are, from the left, 15/16, 7/8, 3/4, 11/16, 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, and 7/16.

Fig. 54. Keystone 1/2-Hex Drive Ratchet and Ell Handle.

Fig. 54 shows the 1/2-hex drive M1555 ratchet and ell handle from the Keystone socket set.

The ratchet is shown with the 1/2-hex drive stud. The forged handle has raised-letter markings "Ratchet Wrench M1555" on one side, with "The Keystone Mfg. Co." and "Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 7.5 inches.

The ell handle is unmarked and has an overall length of 7.1 inches. The straight end of the handle does not have stop tabs, making it possible to push the handle through the ratchet for use as an extension.

Fig. 55. Keystone 1/2-Hex Drive Sockets.

Fig. 55 shows a closeup of three 1/2-hex drive sockets from the Keystone set. The sockets have a band of cross-hatched knurling around the base, and are marked with only the fractional sizes.

M. Klein & Sons

M. Klein & Sons is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of lineman's tools, including pliers, cutters, and other specialty tools. The company was founded in 1857 in Chicago and continues in operation today as Klein Tools.

Klein 202-5 Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Fig. 56. Klein 202-5 Diagonal Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 56 shows a pair of Klein 202-5 diagonal cutters, marked "M. Klein & Sons" and "Chicago, U.S.A.", with the company's "Climbing Lineman" logo in the center.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Knipex (Germany)

Knipex is a German tool company specializing in high-quality pliers. The company was founded in 1882 by C. Gustav Putsch and is now run by the fourth generation of the family.

A web site for the company is available at Knipex.com with information on the company's history and products.

Knipex No. 300 Side-Cutting Pliers

Fig. 57. Knipex No. 300 Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 57 shows a pair of Knipex No. 300 side-cutting pliers, marked with the model number and "Germany" on the underside of the handles. The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The upper inset shows the slim flat profile of this style of pliers. In addition to the side cutters, the pliers are equipped with cutting notches on each side of the handles.

Lamson & Sessions Company

Lamson & Sessions "Buckeye" No. 1 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 58. Lamson & Sessions "Buckeye" No. 1 Bicycle Wrench.

Fig. 58 shows a Lamson & Sessions No. 1 bicycle wrench, marked "L. & S. Co." and "Buckeye".

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Lane, Will B. Company

The Will B. Lane Company was a maker of early socket sets and other tools, primarily for the automotive market.

Lane Unique Ratchet Screwdriver

One of Lane's more distinctive products was appropriately named "Unique", and was based on a ratchet mechanism using a simple spring-steel wire to set the pawl bias. In operation, the wire could be moved to either side of a fixed post to change the ratchet direction.

Fig. 59. Lane Unique Ratchet Screwdriver, with Inset for Reverse.

In Fig. 59 we see an example of the Unique model, a Lane ratcheting screwdriver with forged-in markings "Will B. Lane", "Chicago Ill. U.S.A.", and "Pat. Jan. 14, 08". The reverse is marked "Unique" in raised letters, and the overall length is 7.3 inches.

The finish is plain steel.

The patent date corresponds to patent #876,680, issued to J.P. Bartholomay.

Lectrolite Corporation

The Lectrolite Corporation of Defiance, Ohio was closely associated with S-K Tools in later years, but operated independently in the 1930s and 1940s. Currently we don't have much information about the company itself, but have a number of examples of their tool production.

Lectrolite used the brand name "TruFit" (or "Tru-Fit") for some of its tools, sometimes in conjunction with the Lectrolite name, but sometimes as the only brand on the tool. By the 1950s the TruFit brand was being used for a lower-priced economy line of tools.

Lectrolite 3003 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 60. Lectrolite 3003 5/8x11/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 60 at the left shows a Lectrolite 3003 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Lectrolite Corp." and "Defiance O." in raised letters, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Lectrolite 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

The next two figures show similar examples of tappet wrenches, one with an unusual marking for the alloy composition, and the other showing the use of the Tru-Fit brand.

Fig. 61. Lectrolite 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 61 at the left shows a Lectrolite 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." in raised letters with ".05 Chrome .05 Vanadium" on the reverse.

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

The reverse marking is apparently giving the composition of the chrome-vanadium alloy used for this wrench, a marking not often seen on tools.

Lectrolite "TruFit" 8002 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 62. Lectrolite TruFit 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 62 shows an example of the Tru-Fit brand, a Lectrolite 8002 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench marked "Made in U.S.A." in raised letters, with "Tru-Fit 8002" on the reverse.

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

This tappet wrench is very similar to the example in the previous figure, but with the Tru-Fit brand marking instead of the alloy composition.

Lectrolite "Lectromium" 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 63 shows a Lectrolite 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Lectrolite Corp." and "Defiance, O." on one side, with "Lectromium" on the reverse.

Fig. 63. Lectrolite Lectromium 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

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

The "Lectromium" marking was previously unknown before this example was found. It suggests an alloy steel composition, perhaps as a reaction to the Armaloy, Barcaloy, Bonaloy, etc. markings on competitors' products.

Lindstrom, F.E. (Sweden)

F.E. Lindstrom was founded in 1856 in Sweden as a maker of pliers, cutters, and other precision tools. The company operates today as a division of Bahco, which in turn has Snap-On as its corporate parent.

Lindstrom PR-50 Box-Joint Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 64. Lindstrom PR-50 Needlenose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 64 shows a pair of Lindstrom PR-50 box-joint needlenose pliers, marked "F.E. Lindstrom" and "Sweden" near the pivot, with "PR-50" stamped on the underside of one handle (not shown).

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Lindstrom 4 Inch Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 65. Lindstrom 4 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 65 shows a pair of Lindstrom 4 inch box-joint diagonal cutters, marked "Lindstrom" and "Sweden" near the pivot.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

Lisle Corporation

The Lisle Corporation was founded in 1903 by C.A. Lisle in Clarinda, Iowa. The company initially made well-drilling equipment, but branched out into other manufactured items, and in the 1920s began producing automotive equipment and tools.

Lisle continues in operation today as a private family-run business and maintains a website at www.lislecorp.com, including a page on the Company History. Interested readers are encouraged to check there for further information.

Lisle manufactures an extensive line of automotive specialty tools, which are sold both under the Lisle name and as contract production for other companies.

Lisle Internal/External Reversible Snap-Ring Pliers

Fig. 66. Lisle (Craftsman) Reversible Snap-Ring Pliers in Internal Position, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 66 shows an pair of Lisle internal/external reversible snap-ring pliers, stamped "U.S. Pat. No. 3,681,840" on the top handle, with the "Craftsman" brand stamped on the reverse of the lower handle (see inset). The pliers were identified as Lisle production by the patent, assigned to the Lisle Corporation.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The patent notice refers to patent #3,681,840, issued to J.L Pool in 1972 with assignment to Lisle. The patent describes the design of reversible internal/external snap-ring pliers, with the mode of operation selected by means of a moveable cross-bar. The photograph shows the pliers in the position for internal snap-rings.

Fig. 67. Lisle (Craftsman) Reversible Snap-Ring Pliers in External Position, with Inset for Reverse and Marking Detail.

Fig. 67 shows the Lisle snap-ring pliers in the position for external snap-rings. In this configuration the cross-bar has been moved across the two handles, allowing the top handle to flex and reverse the operation of the tips.

MacDonald, J.N. Patent

Occasionally tools may be found with a patent marking as a date or number, but with no discernable manufacturer's name. In some cases these tools may have been self-manufactured by the inventor, but in any event it seems reasonable to list such items under the inventor's name. Accordingly, this section will show tools marked with patent #1,041,826, filed by John N. MacDonald in 1912 and issued later that year.

The inventor was listed as residing in Hartford, Connecticut, and the patent was assigned to James M. MacDonald of nearby Wethersfield, suggesting the possibility of a family-owned tool business.

MacDonald Patent Chain Repair Pliers

Fig. 68. MacDonald Patent Chain Repair Pliers, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 68 shows a pair of MacDonald 1912 patent chain repair pliers, marked only with the patent date "Pat. Oct. 22 12" on one jaw. The patent date corresponds to patent #1,041,826, issued to J.N. MacDonald in 1912.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The pliers were manufactured by drop-forging, based on the trim marks on the handles.

Mayhew Steel Products

Mayhew Steel Products is one of the oldest American tool companies still in operation today. Founded in 1856 in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, the company claims to be the oldest punch and chisel maker in America. Although primarily known for its striking tools and pry bars, Mayhew also produced other tools, as the figure below will show.

Mayhew No. 50 "Solid Joint" Thin-Nose Pliers

Fig. 69. Mayhew No. 50 "Solid Joint" Thin-Nose Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Joint Detail.

Fig. 69 shows a pair of Mayhew No. 50 "Solid Joint" pliers, marked "U.S.A." and "Solid Joint", and with the patent notation "Pat. 10-29-24".

The overall length is 5.3 inches.

The left inset shows the reverse side of the joint. The pliers are constructed with the pivot pin as part of one of the handle forgings, in order to provide greater strength and to reduce manufacturing costs.

The patent describing the pliers was found to be patent #1,518,251, issued to G.O. Carlson on December 9, 1924 with assignment to Mayhew Steel Products. The reason for the discrepancy between the actual issue date and the stamped date is not known, but it's not uncommon to find incorrect patent dates on tools.

Maymoth Corporation

The Maymoth Corporation of Pawtucket, Rhode Island is known only as a maker of cutting pliers, as shown in the next figure.

Maymoth No. 2 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 70. Maymoth No. 2 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 70 shows a pair of Maymoth No. 2 6 inch diagonal cutters, marked "The Maymoth Corp." and "Pawt. R.I." around the pivot.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

McKaig-Hatch Inc.

McKaig-Hatch Chain Pliers

Fig. 71. McKaig-Hatch Chain Pliers, ca. 1923-1929.

Fig. 71 shows a pair of McKaig-Hatch specialty pliers, marked "McKaig-Hatch" and "Buffalo, N.Y." with a "Pat. Apld. For" notice.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers were designed for repairing links in automobile tire chains.

The pending status refers to patent #1,698,474, issued to H.J. Friedl in 1929 and assigned to McKaig-Hatch.

McKaig-Hatch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 72A. McKaig-Hatch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

McKaig-Hatch 438 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 72B. McKaig-Hatch 438 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 72B shows a pair of McKaig-Hatch 438 8 inch combination pliers, stamped "McKaig-Hatch Inc." and "Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A." in an outer circle with the MH-Circle logo in the center (see lower inset). The MH-Circle logo is also forged into each of the handles.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

McKaig-Hatch Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 73. McKaig-Hatch Waterpump Pliers, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 73 shows a pair of McKaig-Hatch waterpump pliers, marked "McKaig-Hatch Inc." and "Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A." with the MH-Circle logo.

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

McKaig-Hatch 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 74. McKaig-Hatch 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 3.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

McKaig-Hatch 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 75. McKaig-Hatch 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

McKaig-Hatch 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 76A. McKaig-Hatch 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 76A shows a McKaig-Hatch 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench identified by the MH-Circle logo forged into the shank. The shank has forged-in markings "Drop Forged" with the fractional sizes on the front, with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

A forged-in code "1045" can be seen on the reverse shank at the left. This is believed to indicate the use of AISI 1045 manganese steel, a medium-carbon alloy with good hardening properties.

McKaig-Hatch 1559 Combination Wrench

Fig. 76B. McKaig-Hatch 1559 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 76B shows a McKaig-Hatch 1559 combination wrench, marked with "Drop Forged" and the MH-Circle logo forged into the shank, with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The reverse shank is also marked with a forged-in code "1045" visible at the right. This is believed to indicate the use of AISI 1045 carbon-manganese steel, a medium-carbon tool steel with good hardening properties.

McKaig-Hatch 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 77. McKaig-Hatch 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

McKaig-Hatch 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 78. McKaig-Hatch 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The finish is cadmium plating.

The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.71 inches.

McKaig-Hatch 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 79. McKaig-Hatch 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

McKaig-Hatch 301 Brake Adjusting Spoon

Fig. 80. McKaig-Hatch 301 Brake Adjusting Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

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

Moore Drop Forging Company

The Moore Drop Forging Company was founded by Arthur L. Moore in 1908 (or earlier) and operated in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company's business included producing tools under their own name as well as offering merchant drop-forge services, doing contract work for numerous other companies.

The company registered a trademark for their M-Circle logo, with the first use listed as 1908. The M-Circle logo will be found marked on both Moore's own tools and as a forge mark on some of their contract production.

Moore Drop Forge Stillson-Pattern 12 Inch Pipe Wrench

Fig. 81. Moore Drop Forge Stillson-Pattern 12 Inch Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail. ca. 1918-1925.

Fig. 81 shows a Moore Drop Forge Stillson-pattern 12 inch pipe wrench with a wooden handle. The shank is stamped "Stillson's Wrench" with "Made by Moore Drop Forging Co." and "Springfield, Mass. U.S.A.", followed by the M-Circle logo (see middle inset). The M-Circle logo also appears as a forge mark on the moveable jaw of the wrench.

The overall length is 12.0 inches closed and 13.8 inches fully extended. The finish is plain steel.

Motor Specialties Company (Mosco)

The Motor Specialties Company of Waltham, Massachusetts was apparently a maker of automotive products operating in the early 20th century, and is currently known only by the patented nut holder tool shown in the next figure. The company sold products marked with the "Mosco" brand.

No relation is known between this company and the Snap-On distribution company with a similar name operating in Chicago during the 1920s.

Mosco Patented Nut Holder

Fig. 82. Mosco Nut Holder, with Inset for Top View, ca. 1918-1925.

Fig. 82 shows a Mosco 9/16 nut holder tool, marked with the patent date "Pat. 2-19-18" on one face. The corresponding patent was found to be #1,257,003, which was issued to H.S. Hoyt in 1918 and assigned to the Motor Specialties Company.

The overall length is 1.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent document describes the intended application as a holder for nuts or bolts that would otherwise turn freely, requiring another person to assist. The 9/16 size would make this tool suitable for holding Ford Model T engine base bolts, certainly a common service job at the time of the patent filing.

A 1924 catalog from Western Auto Supply lists a nut-holder very similar to this example, and although the maker is not identified, it is presumed to be the Mosco tool.

Another more elaborate tool designed for basically the same purpose can be seen in the Blackhawk 6218 Speeder Wrench.

Mystery Tools

Identifying the maker of an old tool is the most basic first step to understanding its history, and we maintain a collection of old catalogs to assist with this process. Yet despite our best efforts, some tools remain "mystery brands" of unknown origin.

But rather than let these mystery tools languish in a drawer somewhere, we'll display some of them here in a special section, with hopes that some reader may recognize the markings or style. If you do have information on any of these tools, please contact us via the "Contact" link on the home page.

Mystery "CTF" 8 Inch Gas Pliers

The next several figures show examples of a "CTF" brand with a distinctive logo. The interlinked letters might represent a C-something Tool & Forge name or some other combination.

Fig. 83. Mystery CTF 8 Inch Gas Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 83 shows a pair of mystery pliers, marked "Drop Forged" and "Made in U.S.A." inside an oval logo with "CTF" (or possibly "TCF") in the center. We've added this marking to the Logos table on our Trademarks page with the name CTF-Oval, in the hope that some reader will be able to identify the company.

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

The top inset shows the rough finish of the forging, with a prominent edge left by the trimming operation. Despite the rough appearance, the pliers are ruggedly made with hardened jaws. The design is similar to the popular gas-and-burner pliers, but without the small opening in the end of the jaws.

Mystery "CTF" 7 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Since the posting of the first "CTF" mystery pliers above, we haven't been able to find any further clues to the identity of the maker, but did manage to find another example of their production.

Fig. 84. Mystery CTF 7 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 84 shows a pair of mystery slip-joint combination pliers, stamped with the CTF-Oval logo, and with "Drop Forged" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Mystery "CTF" 681A S-Shaped Open-End

This next figure extends the mystery "CTF" brand to open-end wrenches as well as pliers.

Fig. 85. Mystery CTF 681A 3/4x7/8 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 85 shows a CTF 681A 3/4x7/8 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the CTF-Oval logo on one face, and with "189" forged into the reverse of the shank.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

In this example the CTF-Oval logo is a simpler design, with just the three interlocking letters.

Mystery "W. & M. Co." Female-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 86. Mystery W. & M. Co. Female-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 86 shows a female-drive ratchet marked "W. & M. Co." in forged raised letters. The square drive opening is the correct size for the standard pressed-steel sockets made by Mossberg, Walden, and others.

The overall length is 9.0 inches.

The ratchet is clearly marked, but no information has yet been found for the identity of the "W. & M." company. Ratchets of this brand have been found in sets of pressed-steel sockets from several makers, but the ratchet might have been added at a later time.

One possible clue to the origin is provided by the 1922 patent #1,426,127, issued to W.I. Tuttle with assignment to the Frank Mossberg Company. The patent illustration matches this ratchet almost exactly, and the construction details (such as the detent ball in the opening) also match this example.

The patent suggests that the "M." in the company name might stand for Mossberg, but no corresponding business entity is known. Mossberg was still producing pressed-steel socket sets in 1922, though their popularity was declining; possibly this ratchet was a successor to the older Mossberg No. 355 model.

Mystery Chrome Molybdenum 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 87. Mystery Chrome Molybdenum 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Our next mystery tool is shown in Fig. 87, a 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. The wrench has a distinctive feature in that the fractional sizes are forged into the shank, each within a small depression near the ends.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Mystery Chrome Molybdenum 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 88. Mystery Chrome Molybdenum 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 88 shows a similar but larger mystery wrench, a 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. The wrench has a distinctive feature in that the fractional sizes are forged into the shank, each within a small depression near the ends.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with some pitting due to rust.

Mystery Screwdriver Socket Box Wrench

Fig. 89. Mystery Screwdriver Socket Wrench, with Inset for End View.

Fig. 89 shows an unusual screwdriver and socket wrench combination tool, stamped "216B" with a "Pat. in U.S.A. Oct. 7, 1919" patent date.

The overall length is 6.7 inches with the sockets fully extended, and the finish appears to be cadmium plating.

The tool consists of a shank with a central hexagonal grip and sockets on each end, sized 3/8 and 7/16. The sockets can be extended and locked in place by a pin through the shaft, allowing to tool to operate as a nut driver. When unlocked, the sockets will slide back on the shaft to reveal a screwdriver blade on each end, and the socket opening will act as a guide to hold the blade in the screw slot.

The patent date corresponds to patent #1,318,088, issued to C.H. Klein in 1919 with assignment to American Telephone & Telegraph.

Mystery 41-W-642-25 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 90A. Mystery 41-W-642-25 7/8x15/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 90A shows a Mystery 41-W-642-25 7/8x15/16 obstruction wrench, marked only with the 41-W series military model number.

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

Mystery DTM SSR14 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 90B. Mystery DTM SSR14 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 90B shows an open-design ratchet from an unknown maker, a 1/2-drive DTM SSR14 ratchet stamped with a "DTM" logo on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Several other tools with this same "DTM" marking have been found and will be added shortly.

Mystery DTM ST-10001 3/8-Drive Specialty Socket

Fig. 90C. Mystery DTM ST-10001 3/8-Drive Specialty Socket, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 90C shows another tool from the "DTM" mystery maker, a 3/8-drive DTM ST-10001 specialty socket stamped with the "DTM" logo.

The overall height is 2.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The socket has a long hollow barrel with two projecting tabs, possibly for servicing a slotted nut for a carburettor jet.

C.S. Osborne & Company

Osborne 6 Inch Flat-Nose Pliers

Fig. 91. Osborne 6 Inch Flat-Nose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.