Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Papaw on May 27, 2014, 03:30:41 AM
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An email from New Zealand asks-
I have found your site while searching for more information about an old bed wrench or key my Dad bought me years ago. While there is a mark punched on the tool, some letters are difficult to make out, plus several are missing where there is a small scooped out place in the metal – which was probably there before the name was punched over the top. It appears to read R. Wit ???lind & Sons.
The tool was bought in an antique shop in New Zealand, which is where I live.
I am afraid I do not know enough about metal working to tell you if the tool is hand forged or moulded (we add that “u” here in New Zealand!). There are what I would call “chisel” cuts, approx quarter inch long or slightly less, in the four corners of the central slot, both front & back, as if the maker hand cut out the slot, plus, between the cuts, a very small “scoop” of iron has been removed, front & back. NB: It is the “scoop” on the topside of the tool that obscures the letters.
Are you able to identify the maker, or suggest somewhere else I could look to find out?
I have replied asking for pictures if possible, and steered her to HTPAA in Australia.
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Seems she has found her answer-
Well, one of my clever sons, being a whiz with the internet search engines, found the exact tool online, and was able to read the manufacturer: R. Timmins & Sons, Birmingham, England. Further sleuth work may reveal a possible date of manufacture. Attached are two views of it. Each of the three ends has a similar socket (?) for undoing bolts/nuts.
With kind regards
Barbara Rhodes
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Hmm, well, sometime after 1796 anyhow...
There are patent entries into the 1850's...can not find where they went tho...
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They merged with W&C Winn to become Winn,Timmins & Co in 1889 The Timmins pattern book of 1845? has been reprinted by both Philip Walker and Kenneth Roberts. The Roberts book contains a lot of history of both firms.
Graeme
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bed key wrench?
Is this for some commercial "bed business"?
Kinda like a chastity belt for a bed?
or maybe to open the "magic fingers" coin box?
Skip
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It is the 18th century version of the cheap stamped steel wrench you get with build it yourself furniture in a box...
>Kinda like a chastity belt for a bed?
That would require a wench key.
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I could be for tightening the ropes or metal "slats" in old beds. Remember "Sleep tight" refered to adjusting the bed so it didn't droop.
(http://www.phrases.org.uk/images/sleep-tight.jpg)
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It is the 18th century version of the cheap stamped steel wrench you get with build it yourself furniture in a box...
>Kinda like a chastity belt for a bed?
That would require a wench key.
:shocked: :cheesy: