Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Lewill2 on November 14, 2011, 05:07:55 PM
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This is my new wrench, just arrived today. It is a quick adjust wrench marked Swinden's Patent Instantaneous Grip, on the upper jaw. On the lower jaw it is marked Swinden & Co London. Do any of the UK guys know anything about this wrench or how to research UK patents?
The knob under the lower jaw flips to engage/dis-engage the adjusting screw from the rack. 10 3/8 inches long
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That's a keeper for sure! I don't know anything about it though.
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Pretty little wrench!
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One on ebay says 'E. Swinden & Co"
The 1911 London Gazette lists 'C. F. E Swinden & Co Limited' on the list of corporations to be struck from the corporations register ...
Searching the gazette for that name got me a 1902 legal notice about dissolving the partnership..
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership hitherto
subsisting between us the undersigned, the
Hardy Patent Pick Company, Limited, and Charles
Francis Edward Swinden, carrying on business as
Merchants, at 20 and 22, Queen Victoria-street, in the
city of London, under the style of " C. F. E. SWINDEN
AND CO.,:I has been dissolved by mutual consent as and
from the sixth day of October, 1902. All debts due to
and owing by the said late firm will be received 'and
paid by the said Charles Francis Edward Swinden.—
Dated this 3lst day of October, 1902.
EDWD. P. REYNOLDS, 1 m n n- anfni.0 ,T «>»
E. DICKINSON, ) Tw° Directors (L-S-)
G. DICKINSON, Secretary.
C. F. E. SWiNDEN.
Just a tidbit.....
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Thanks for the digging Rusty, I did a little cleaning and I did find the C. F. E. that was hidden before. Now to try and dig up the patent.
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Do you have a link for the one on eBay? I don't see it.
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I found this- http://www.ebay.com/itm/1905-Yardley-Stourbridge-Swinden-Tools-GH-Richards-Dips-/330629142971?pt=UK_Collectables_Advertising_ET&hash=item4cfb0859bb (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1905-Yardley-Stourbridge-Swinden-Tools-GH-Richards-Dips-/330629142971?pt=UK_Collectables_Advertising_ET&hash=item4cfb0859bb)
(http://www.pictorialgems.com/public/upload/productimage/18940-9715-4.jpg)
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Papaw scored gold ; )
This was the ebay one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Adjustable-Spanner-Wrench-Swindens-Patent-/200643720926
Searching for the inventors name was depressing, no patent notices, but the poor schmuck filed bankrupcy shortly after dissolving the company, I guess the wrench thing didn't pay - P
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I had help with this but I now have a copy of the patent for this wrench. It is actually a US design that was submitted by Mr. Swinden for a UK patent.
I can't seem to post any attachments at the moment but I will later.
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George B. Jones of Chicago Ill USA designed the wrench. Patent was accepted March 12, 1903 UK patent 10,061.
The vise in the advertisement was also Patented by Swinden. Patented December 24, 1913, Patent 7,065, interesting that the later patent has a lower number, go figure the Queen.
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>later patent has a lower number, go figure the Queen
In 1913 era, patent numbers started over at the beginning of each year, that is why you *must* have an issue date to go with the patent number if you want to find it :(
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That wrench is over 100 years old!!! Shoot, I hope I look as good at the century mark!
Good score!
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Les,
Another one for the Sept. MVWC newsletter. (A lot more exciting than 1920 ad copy for "Eleven-functions" RONSON WRENCH.)
Regards, Stan S.
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in regards to the Swinden wrench, you may notice a close ringer to the Oct. 2, 1855 patent.
number 13,617 granted to J. Hyde. mainly the adjustment screw & track.
Frank
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Congrats on finding the background info on a great old wrench Les!
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If you look closely at both patents you will also see that the Swinden has different threads on the wrench bar and the adjusting screw. The threads are tapered on only one side like some of the quick adjust wrenches. Maybe just to land in the main bar easier. I don't think the moveable jaw will ratchet closed without turning the eccentric knob to disengage the adjusting screw.
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Pretty and pretty cool too. Nice wrench.
Chilly
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Great Wrench!
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I have never saw such wrench, thanks for sharing.