Patented in 1893 and granted in 1895. The handle spins and moves each jaw in or out. Once tightened on the nut it can be used in a fashion similar to a lug wrench. I'm excited to have this one.
That is an awesome find.
This wrench came from Meekers in California. I paid a high but cheap price....so to speak. I've developed an intrest in early buggy wheel wrenchs. This one is a jewel.
Wow that's cool!! A jewel in the crown, without a doubt!
So, is the center handle free to rotate, so you can spin?
yours Scott
Nice find Carl! I don't remember seeing that in either Copes or Schulzs.
Mike
Yes it is Scott. Mines a bit tight but a little cleaning will help that. As far as not being in either book, I dont know. Since Ive not been able to get a copy of either one maybe Bus can tell us why its not in there. 533,844 is the patent number for anyone that wants to go look.
George B Dunham, Hebron Mass. Patented Feb 5, 1895. Copes p. 123. The sketch is different than the photos, but the function looks the same.
Thanks John.
It's on page 24 (No. 223) in Schulz's book.
Carl, American Wrench Makers 1830-1930 by Ken Cope is still available from the Astragal Press.
Mike
Carl,
The only one of these I have seen belonged to an Amish woman who was co-owner of a buggy shop. She wasn't interested in selling it.
I seen one other on Ebay a year or so back. It was missing the large wood knob on top, and was asking a hefty price. Ive not seen it again so maybe they sold it. Ive not seen another. Im sure Bus has seen a few.