Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: hurler99 on January 23, 2015, 06:10:47 PM

Title: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: hurler99 on January 23, 2015, 06:10:47 PM

I have two Thorsen 77J 3/8"  ratchets.

One is plated and marked "Thorsen 77J".

The second one of virtually identical design is plain steel and marked only "No. 77J". No other markings on the wrench.

Did the wartime wrenches leave off the Thorsen name, or is there a period of time before Thorsen was stamped on the wrench?

Title: Re: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: Papaw on January 23, 2015, 10:06:06 PM

Welcome to Tool Talk!
I'll let the Thorsen collectors chime in.

Title: Re: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: OilyRascal on January 23, 2015, 10:32:28 PM

Welcome!

This is the first I've seen a 77J without the "Thorsen" marking.  I have several non-plated versions that all have "Thorsen" markings.

There was a period in time where Thorsen tools where sold exclusively through one of a few sales outlets; General Tool being one of them.  I have Thorsen tools marked with TT in a circle in conjunction with "GT" (General Tool) and other private branding. I suspect these are from the late 20's through early 30's  It is possible this is from a period where there was Thorsen production with a private brand (or not branded in this case).

Source – “The Shurtleff and Lawton families: genealogy and history”
Notes E.A Boyd’s Thorsen Tools in San Fran had exclusive rights for northern CA sales; California Tool Co had rights for southern CA., and General Tool Company controlling Washington and Oregon, with “Old Forge” in PA with exclusive rights to the east coast.  Notes Thorsen production private branded tools for those distributors.  It notes government contracts and “one large contract for wrenches for Indian motorcycles” gave a new lease on life for Thorsen.

link to those 77J ratchet varieties I've surfaced:
http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=5307.msg33737#msg33737

Title: Re: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: hurler99 on January 23, 2015, 11:04:28 PM

Thanks, OilyRascal.

I know WWII suppliers did not brand their items to avoid becoming targets. Would be interesting to see how military ratchets were marked (U.S.???).

I am in Oregon and know General Tool's Derville family, perhaps they can help. Surely there are more of these out there.

Title: Re: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: OilyRascal on February 25, 2015, 04:49:57 PM

Quote from: hurler99 on January 23, 2015, 11:04:28 PM

I am in Oregon and know General Tool's Derville family, perhaps they can help. Surely there are more of these out there.

That is to suggest you know them personally, and have a relationship where you might discuss this?

Title: Re: Thorsen Wrench 77J
Post by: Wayne on February 25, 2015, 05:50:06 PM

Yes, General Tool in Portland was a vendor  I used 1980-1990s, and got to know Bill Derville during that period. He is retired now but I know how to get ahold of him ( haven't done it yet, though).