Below, in its entirety, is my internet conversation with Footprint Wrench Co.
Mr Wickes, good afternoon
My colleague Christine Marston has passed on your e-mail of 21st October to me for the provision of an answer.
The earliest catalogue we have is an illustrated price list in which the page for the wrenches is dated 1916. It wold appear that the design of your wrench conforms to the illustration and that the number of 695 is correct. I attach a copy of the page in which you might be interested – 48/49 pence per dozen!
I believe it to be the case that the design remained largely unchanged until the 1930’s, indeed since Thomas R Ellin first started producing it before the turn of the century. Ellin sold the company in the early 30’s but as to whether your own is pre 1900 or post 1900 I am unable to ascertain but I would have thought it would be from around that time.
Regrettably I understand that many of the companies records were disposed of before my grandfather bought the company in 1948 and his focus was on the future prosperity of the business which he had acquired rather than in preserving the past. Quite when the number 695 ceased to be used, I know not but it had certainly disappeared by the 1950’s.
However I trust we have been able to assist in some small way although I regret that I cannot be more specific.
Kind regards
Christopher Jewitt
Christopher J Jewitt DL
Chairman,
Footprint Sheffield Limited &
The British Hallmarking Council
Footprint Sheffield Logo Pillar Box red
Admiral Works, Sedgley Road
Sheffield, S6 2AH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)114 232 7080
www.footprint-tools.co.uk Made In Sheffield 004
Registered in the UK: 06321900
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From: Christine Marston
Sent: 21 October 2013 16:30
To: Christopher Jewitt
Subject: FW: Old 695 Footprint 6-inch pipe tongs
I think you could probably answer better than me.
Christine Marston
Business Development Manager
Footprint Sheffield Ltd
Admiral Works, Sedgley Road
Sheffield S6 2AH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)114 232 7080
sales@footprintsheffield.co.uk
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From: Bob Wickes [mailto:bobwickes@gmail.com]
Sent: 21 October 2013 15:32
To: Sales
Subject: Old 695 Footprint 6-inch pipe tongs
Gentlemen:
I found a small Footprint wrench last weekend. I believe the wrench to have been made before 1900. I have provided two pictures of the wrench. Please give me your estimate of when this wrench was manufactured.
I am an antique wrench collector, and the information you give me will be shared with fellow collectors.
Thank you!
Bob Wickes
Old price list 1916 Wrenches.pdf Old price list 1916 Wrenches.pdf
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