Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Sudsy on February 18, 2016, 11:04:37 AM

Title: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Sudsy on February 18, 2016, 11:04:37 AM

It's the oddball in my box of Plombs
Steel finish, not the grey cadmium or chrome
marked with a BC following the USA

Any know what the BC stands for or when they did this finish ? Pre war or post ?

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: mikeswrenches on February 18, 2016, 12:39:12 PM

Take a look at the Tool Archives web site. I think you'll find your answer...and way more.

Mike

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: krusty the clown on February 18, 2016, 01:16:09 PM

http://toolarchives.com/node/232

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Sudsy on February 18, 2016, 01:47:28 PM

Good stuff there (although I can't join for some reason)
So the wrench I have was made in Feb of 1943
However the question of the finish still stands, can't find any record of that.

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: bill300d on February 19, 2016, 07:44:35 AM

Most tools in the WWII period were not plated as these materials were in short supply and regulated by gov.

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Twertsy on February 19, 2016, 08:03:30 AM

This thread just gave me a "warm & fuzzy"

I created you an account Sudsy and sent your PW via PM.  I still can't figure out what's going on with my registration!!!!!

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Sudsy on February 19, 2016, 09:31:27 AM

Quote from: bill300d on February 19, 2016, 07:44:35 AM

Most tools in the WWII period were not plated as these materials were in short supply and regulated by gov.

The Plombs of that period seem to all have the cadmium finish, this one does not.

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: krusty the clown on February 19, 2016, 12:37:51 PM

it looks like someone did a cold blue on that wrench.

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Sudsy on February 19, 2016, 01:44:05 PM

That's just the lighting
It's bare steel, no finish

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: lauver on March 11, 2016, 10:04:11 AM

Sudsy,

From your photo above, it looks to me like your wrench may have originally had a black oxide finish that has since worn or weathered off.

Your best bet is to review the Plomb catalogs (1941 & 1942-1947), find your wrench model, and read the descriptions for any clues as to the finishes that were in use in this period.

I hope this helps....

Title: Re: Strangely marked Plomb combination wrench
Post by: Harry Bergeron on March 14, 2016, 12:21:37 AM

I have a couple of Plomb civilian? wrenches that are marked "war finish", which seems to be no finish at all.
In my experience, only the WF series had the grey finish.