Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Papaw on March 11, 2015, 04:17:38 PM

Title: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Papaw on March 11, 2015, 04:17:38 PM
When we see or hear Barcalo or Barcalo Buffalo, we think of wrenches. Well, this tool has a "wrench" on it. Because I like alligator wrenches, I had to have it.
This a Barcalo Buffalo Combination Kitchen Tool from Patent D-111564 S of  October 4, 1938 by Ernest Cullen, San Diego, Calif.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/papao55/Assorted%20wrenches/Barcalo%20Tool_zpsap5yidkx.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/papao55/media/Assorted%20wrenches/Barcalo%20Tool_zpsap5yidkx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on March 11, 2015, 04:30:48 PM
A crazy combination tool to be sure. I've got one marked SEALY. Not sure if it came before the Barcalo ones, or after? (or both at the same time?)





(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bobbys%20II/Sealy%20combination%20kitchen%20tool_zpswgpuvn2c.jpg)
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: turnnut on March 11, 2015, 04:44:39 PM
the patent states that the patentee, Ernest Cullen assigned it to John B. Smiley of L.A  CA.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Papaw on March 11, 2015, 04:51:08 PM
And the patent info says it was manufactured by Barcalo MFG . Buffalo , NY. I imagine they were offered as promotional items with company name imprinted.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: EVILDR235 on March 11, 2015, 04:58:37 PM
Never seen one before. As far as old wrenches, Barcalo Buffalo wrenches are probably the most common old wrenches i find. Unless they are like new or something odd, i don't bother to get them. In 10 years they will probably the most desired old tools and with sky high prices. Oh well.

EvilDr235
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: 1930 on March 11, 2015, 05:32:54 PM
A crazy combination tool to be sure. I've got one marked SEALY. Not sure if it came before the Barcalo ones, or after? (or both at the same time?)





(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bobbys%20II/Sealy%20combination%20kitchen%20tool_zpswgpuvn2c.jpg)

Where and how do you display your tools? Any pictures of your displays? I hope they do not sit in a box in the closet.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: bonneyman on March 11, 2015, 06:16:55 PM
From what I gather it's a kitchen tool. I can see a screwdriver tip and can opener, and the "alligator" opening looks like what someone would use to open a tight lid on a jar or bottle. The two other cuts/appendages I have no clue.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: mvwcnews on March 11, 2015, 08:28:52 PM
The one I have is marked "BARCALO - BUFFALO U.S.A. // PAT. OCT. 4, 1938 - No. 111,564" so there are some marking variations.
I'm in the process of working up patent 2,230,376 for DATAMP.  It is essentially the same tool, but as a regular patent has more information about the intended function of all the features.
Google that patent & read the specifications -- in particular the passage about the "carbonated beverage can opener" function. ;-)
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on March 11, 2015, 11:12:21 PM
Mine looks like Papaw's.  This is the only multi tool manufactured by a furniture company.  Barcalo eventually sold off their tool division to concentrate on manufacturing BarcaLounger easy chairs.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Lewill2 on March 12, 2015, 06:48:59 AM
One of the Gaier's from the wrench collecting family in Ohio did an article for the Fine Tool Journal on the history of Barcalo. I'll have to see if I can find the issue.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on March 12, 2015, 07:37:28 PM
Mine looks like Papaw's.  This is the only multi tool manufactured by a furniture company.  Barcalo eventually sold off their tool division to concentrate on manufacturing BarcaLounger easy chairs.

I didn't know that. So I wonder if my "Sealy" wrench means that somehow the BarcoLounger furniture maker and Sealy mattress maker are somehow related?
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on March 12, 2015, 07:39:36 PM
A crazy combination tool to be sure. I've got one marked SEALY. Not sure if it came before the Barcalo ones, or after? (or both at the same time?)



Where and how do you display your tools? Any pictures of your displays? I hope they do not sit in a box in the closet.

I'm in the process of putting together some displays right now. Hopefully I'll have something to take to the fall MVWC meet.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Papaw on March 12, 2015, 07:41:51 PM
Quote
...I wonder if my "Sealy" wrench means that somehow the BarcoLounger furniture maker and Sealy mattress maker are somehow related?

More likely Barcalo offered them for companies to use as promotional items.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Lewill2 on March 14, 2015, 08:11:55 AM
Per the Fine Tool Journal article Barcalo began making tools in 1914 when they acquired the Charles E. Hall Co which made tools and wrenches. In the 1960's they sold their furniture line to Mohasco Industries and they sold their tool line to Crescent Niagara which also acquired Billings and Spencer and Bridgeport Hardware. Barcalo sold their tools through distributors and hardware stores. The article shows the patent  drawing for the combination tool but doesn't mention anything about it in the write up. It also shows a patent drawing for design patent 59,786 patented November 22, 1921 for the handle design on their adjustable wrenches. The article appears in the Summer 2011 issue, Volume 61 Number 1

"Starting in 1896 Barcalo founded Barcalo and Boll Manufacturing Company in Buffalo New York." Edward Joel Barcalo was born in 1870.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 14, 2019, 03:50:32 AM
Since I was reorganizing my Barcalo tools on Tuesday, I took some pictures. The first picture is raised panel stamped DOE wrenches. The second is what Barcalo calls Double Grip DOE wrenches. Next is Barcalo auto wrenches. Last is Barcaloy combo wrenches.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 14, 2019, 03:52:10 AM
A few more Barcalo adjustable wrenches. The first picture is of the unique double panel adjustable wrenches. The next wrenches are a similar style but with reinforced hanging holes. The last picture is of their conventional adjustables except the bottom wrench was made by Danielson.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on April 14, 2019, 10:21:46 AM
Nice collection Don! Those double panel adjustables have unique styling.  Do you have a time frame of when they were manufactured?
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 14, 2019, 10:34:34 AM
This is from 1920. One recently turned up in a picture of a WW2 specialized toolset.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on April 14, 2019, 02:34:07 PM
They are pretty sexy-looking. And thanks for posting the pictures. Nice collection!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 15, 2019, 12:42:25 AM
My pleasure. Here is some more 7 in 1 info.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on April 15, 2019, 06:57:05 AM
My pleasure. Here is some more 7 in 1 info.
-Don

I have a 7-in-1.  Couldn't resist.  Hit me high on the quirkiness meter.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 15, 2019, 07:59:45 AM
While we're on the Barcalo brand, I admit having an affinity for the modern tool (1958)  with the distinctive box end.

http://alloy-artifacts.org/Photos/tools/barcalo_c24_wrench_combo_scoop_panel_f_cropped_inset2.jpg
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 15, 2019, 04:24:10 PM
My pleasure. Here is some more 7 in 1 info.
-Don

I have a 7-in-1.  Couldn't resist.  Hit me high on the quirkiness meter.
Welcome to the international 7 in 1 club!
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 15, 2019, 04:31:56 PM
While we're on the Barcalo brand, I admit having an affinity for the modern tool (1958)  with the distinctive box end.

http://alloy-artifacts.org/Photos/tools/barcalo_c24_wrench_combo_scoop_panel_f_cropped_inset2.jpg
When I saw this on eBay, I couldn't resist it.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 15, 2019, 09:20:22 PM
Well played, d42.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on April 16, 2019, 07:14:21 AM
While we're on the Barcalo brand, I admit having an affinity for the modern tool (1958)  with the distinctive box end.

http://alloy-artifacts.org/Photos/tools/barcalo_c24_wrench_combo_scoop_panel_f_cropped_inset2.jpg

Is the box end a design feature or does it have a practical applicability?
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 16, 2019, 08:50:23 AM
Don't know whether the design is cosmetic or structural.  It does, though, allow for a flatter profile, FWTW.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: leg17 on April 16, 2019, 09:13:47 AM
'Transitional' pattern providing the advantage of an offset wrench while eliminating the offsetting process in manufacture.
See AA for more info.
Patent D177636.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on April 17, 2019, 06:48:43 AM
'Transitional' pattern providing the advantage of an offset wrench while eliminating the offsetting process in manufacture.
See AA for more info.
Patent D177636.

Don't know whether the design is cosmetic or structural.  It does, though, allow for a flatter profile, FWTW.

Great info, led to some great reading.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: mvwcnews on April 17, 2019, 12:09:15 PM
'Transitional' pattern providing the advantage of an offset wrench while eliminating the offsetting process in manufacture.
See AA for more info.
Patent D177636.
( http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=177636&typeCode=2 ) is my DATAMP entry for design patent D177,636. 
( https://books.google.com/books?id=MSwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA164#v=onepage&q&f=false ) Is Dec. 1958 Popular Science "new tool" summary of the TAPER DESIGN wrenches from BARCALO.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 17, 2019, 01:50:17 PM
lots of other interesting articles in that issue.  Some pretty corny.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 17, 2019, 08:34:25 PM
Here are some more of that style on my Barcalo board.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 17, 2019, 09:22:58 PM
Pretty, and pretty complete, as well!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: gibsontool on April 19, 2019, 10:01:06 AM
Very nice.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on April 19, 2019, 10:03:04 AM
Ya, that's a sweet looking display.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on April 20, 2019, 04:39:27 AM
Here are some other Barcalo tool rolls.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Northwoods on April 20, 2019, 08:36:32 AM
Whooowee!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on April 20, 2019, 06:00:31 PM
Whooowee!
+1!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 03, 2019, 08:56:47 AM
A few more.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on May 03, 2019, 04:06:28 PM
Nice! I like that chisel and punch set.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 03, 2019, 06:07:02 PM
They are interesting in that the punches and chisels aren’t marked. Just the holder. I was lucky that the set was intact.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on May 04, 2019, 09:59:58 AM
They are interesting in that the punches and chisels aren’t marked. Just the holder. I was lucky that the set was intact.
-Don

Not marked Barcalo?? I see something stamped on the shanks....can't read what it says though.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 06, 2019, 03:12:52 PM
They are simply marked with the Alloy makeup. Silico Manganese.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: coolford on May 06, 2019, 06:24:55 PM
Here are some Barcalo Buffalo offset adjustable wrenches in sizes 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches.  I assume the 14 inch is uncommon as I have never seen another one.  Note some duplicates which are somewhat different in design.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 07, 2019, 08:41:37 PM
Those are nice! I only have an 8” and a 12” in that style.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on May 08, 2019, 06:57:26 AM
Here are some Barcalo Buffalo offset adjustable wrenches in sizes 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches.  I assume the 14 inch is uncommon as I have never seen another one.  Note some duplicates which are somewhat different in design.

Did the two hole handle come before or after the one hole design?   Just wondering if it was cost savings (before) or design adjustment (after) or quite possibly any number of other reasons....
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 08, 2019, 07:37:56 AM
When Barcalo bought Hall tools, the one hole design was already in place. Here is a Hall’s ad from around 1908.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: coolford on May 08, 2019, 07:38:38 AM
The two hole design is of finer quality than the single hole design and holds up better to hammering.  I am guessing, but I think it is the later design.  Most offset S adjustable wrenches are of the single hole design.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Plyerman on May 08, 2019, 12:27:48 PM
I get the feeling that "holding up to hammering" was an important feature on wrenches 100 years ago. Not so much these days.
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 09, 2019, 09:37:33 AM
I still see plenty of tools with damage from hammering, particularly defenseless ratchets!
I got started collecting Barcalo tools from trying to put together the onboard toolset for my ‘42 Ford Jeep, made in Richmond, CA. Here are pictures showing the current results of that quest. Only 4 of the items shown are repros. The last two pictures are the Barcalo tools.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on May 16, 2019, 08:43:40 AM
Collecting tools for my Jeep onboard set got me started on collecting other wartime sets. These Barcalo tools are from my Motor Vehicle Mechanic’s Tool Set (MVMTS) as it would have appeared in November of 1942 when my Jeep was made.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on August 30, 2019, 06:44:15 AM
Here are some early Barcalo DOE wrenches.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: p_toad on August 30, 2019, 09:21:31 PM
looks like some of those are stacked up knee deep.   :grin:   :tongue: 
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on August 30, 2019, 10:19:07 PM
That sometimes happens. My tool buddies seem to send me the early ones on a regular basis. Here are some of the last Barcalo marked wrenches.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on September 09, 2019, 05:21:11 AM
 I broke a Barcalo mini-drought at the Tahoe flea on Saturday. The large DOE is a pad stamped 1” x 15/16”. The smaller DOE is a Jeep and GMTK correct 731A and the starter/manifold wrench is 3/4” x 5/8”. The pictures are as found and after a evaporust bath.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: lptools on September 09, 2019, 06:57:28 AM
Nice!!! Those cleaned up well!! Regards, Lou
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Jimmy Joiner on September 09, 2019, 03:57:35 PM
The second is what Barcalo calls Double Grip DOE wrenches.

Hi Don and all, I’ve really enjoyed this segment due to me finding a Barcalo on Saturday, it looks a though it’s one of the double grip designs mentioned by Don. I didn’t know anything about them. I quite like it’s design, looks old school to me.
I have two questions, when we’re these manufactured?
When did they Start/Stop stamping Buffalo? Mine doesn’t have it.
Jimmy
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on September 09, 2019, 07:38:37 PM
Barcalo made quite a few wrenches for other companies so it isn’t too unusual to find wrenches obviously made by Barcalo but unmarked. I found this unmarked example a couple of weeks ago. There aren’t many catalogs that have been found but here are a couple of listings to give you an idea of when they were made.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Jimmy Joiner on September 10, 2019, 01:39:25 AM
Thanks Don, I see 1941 on that page. That looks like your Sweet Spot of era’s too!
Thank you
Jimmy
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on October 24, 2019, 09:06:06 PM
Here are some more Double Grip DOE wrenches. From top to bottom the sizes are 7/8" x 25/32", 3/4" x 5/8", 11/16 x 19/32", 9/16" x 1/2" and 13/32" x 5/16".
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: Yadda on October 26, 2019, 09:16:35 AM
Nice collection!
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on November 20, 2019, 08:46:07 PM
Thanks! Tool Talk member Gibsontool generously sent me a double grip 7/16” x 1/2” wrench that I was missing. Thanks! Here it is after Evaporust worked it’s magic.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on November 24, 2019, 08:21:58 AM
A tool buddy sent me this early set with holder. Here is a before and some after derusting shots.
-Don
Title: Re: Barcalo Buffalo
Post by: d42jeep on December 11, 2019, 01:17:37 AM
I received two double grip wrenches that I was missing from a colleague in the UK today and promptly added them to the ones I had. I now have 9 of the ten in the catalog. I’m still missing the 3/4” x 7/8”. A shoutout to Gibsontool for the offer of one of my missing wrenches!
-Don