Here is a wrench I picked up at a yard sale, I think it is a early pipe wrench but not sure, The name on it is hard to read but I think it says "The ELGIN" with a patent date of ??.9.97. It is chrome plated. The thing hat has me puzzled is the hole in the handle and the flat and indent on the end of the handle. On the moving Jaw it has a stamp "Extra Jaw 25ยข
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/lugnut/Tools%20for%20Tool%20Talk/IMG_0956.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/lugnut/Tools%20for%20Tool%20Talk/IMG_0948.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/lugnut/Tools%20for%20Tool%20Talk/IMG_0949.jpg)
Patent date should read "June 8, '97". The hole in the end of the handle is for a die holder. See lot No. 10 in the photo below from the 2010 Wrenching News Doug Busch Auction for a complete set in a wooden box. Lot 11 shows one without the die holder option.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/buswrench/busch-2010/busch-008-20.jpg)
Yep, you have the body of an adjustable alligator wrench.
I picked up an Elgin recently. Mine does not have the fittings to hold dies in the handle.
Look at 12, 13, and 14.
No. 14 that is shown looks like it has a Keen Kutter mark. It is a Bonney patent rather than an Elgin.
I have one that was made by Kraeuter.
Mike