This fine old specimen was added to the collection today.  Lowentraut made it in Newark, NJ.  Patent No. 530,419,  granted on December 4, 1894 to S. J. Johnston of Leesburg, Va.  That explains why this wrench is stamped "Territories for Sale by S. J. Johnston, Leesburg, VA.

Now to the inexplicable things about this wrench:

1) Why do both jaws have crossing grooves, one tapered, in them; and
2) Why is the geometry of this wrench all wrong for grasping a nut or a bolt head and turning same?

I have always loved that design, it is the ultimate synthesis of two totally incompatable tools.

The weird jaw grooves are a compromise , since it was intended for axle nuts, but I bet the thing slipping off has caused some truely interesting language to be invented over the years.

>2) Why is the geometry of this wrench all wrong for grasping a nut or a bolt head and turning same?

It only makes sense in a perverted kind of way...But I have seen people use crescent wrenches at 90 degree angles to the bolt, so I guess the idea seems to make sense when people think of it, it is only after bashing your fingers that it stops making sense...

The real shortcoming of that gadget tho, is the total absense of any way to get any leverage out of it to get the nut started, it only has a half a foot of throw, so that's all the leverage you get, and there's no place to stick something to help you out.

How many blacksmiths left that pretty thing hanging on the wall while they got out a hammer and cold chisel...?

I think the wrench is intended to be used as shown to spin the axle nut until had tight, then the user would use the monkey wrench in a normal fashion to tighten further. The grooves would aid in keeping the nut in the jaws while spinning.

Quote from: rusty on September 19, 2011, 07:16:20 PM

I have always loved that design, it is the ultimate synthesis of two totally incompatable tools.

The weird jaw grooves are a compromise , since it was intended for axle nuts, but I bet the thing slipping off has caused some truely interesting language to be invented over the years.

>2) Why is the geometry of this wrench all wrong for grasping a nut or a bolt head and turning same?

It only makes sense in a perverted kind of way...But I have seen people use crescent wrenches at 90 degree angles to the bolt, so I guess the idea seems to make sense when people think of it, it is only after bashing your fingers that it stops making sense...

The real shortcoming of that gadget tho, is the total absense of any way to get any leverage out of it to get the nut started, it only has a half a foot of throw, so that's all the leverage you get, and there's no place to stick something to help you out.

How many blacksmiths left that pretty thing hanging on the wall while they got out a hammer and cold chisel...?

You always have a great way with words, "the ultimate synthesis of two totally incompatible tools."
cheers, bird  (yeah, I know, I'm weird)

Does that one have a screwdriver in it? Or is that a variation?

http://www.shop.roseantiquetools.net/1226a-P-Lowentraut-wrench-brace-screwdriver-1226a.htm

This one also has a screwdriver in it. A little light persuasion with a small hammer brought it out.   Mine also has two threaded studs at right angles to each other onto which the brace handle assembly can be alternatively screwed.  There is also a spring loaded pin which locks the handle onto the wrench portion of this tool. The pin falls into hole on the knurled ring seen in the photo.

I love this tool.  I thought the grooves were to hold a drill bit.  At least that's the way mine is set up. 

Here is mine set up as a brace and bit.


Here it is broke down to the component pieces.  It makes a Brace and bit, Pipe wrench, Nut wrench abd the end sticking out from the handle is a screwdriver.

Mine is like Stoney's

I have two versions of the Lowentraut Monstrosity, each under a separate patent. The stamped patent date on my later "20th Century" chromed combination monkey and pipe wrench version is May 21, 1901. The less ornate December 4, 1894 patent wrench has a single set of jaws and a spring-loaded lock pin. 

Are there other versions?

These are the only styles I know about .  AA doesn't show these 2.

That's really a crazy looking tool.  I mostly stick to old hand planes, and the odd balls are some of my favorites.  Although I don't really know too much about collectible wrenches, I'd have to guess that this particular model falls into the "odd ball" category.  It's really fascinating to look at, and even more so from my perspective, because I'm trying to figure out what its practical use would be.  Is it a wrench that was designed to do many things?  Is there any written materials, sales literature, etc., from its time period that describe its intended function(s)?  Without a doubt, it's definitely the product of a very creative mind........ Maybe a little too creative!!!!!  Nice find and a good thread.

Jim C. 

My understanding is that it was a combination tool for plumbers and electricians.