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Found today: The last Coes branded wrench ever made

Started by Wrenchmensch, June 08, 2013, 06:01:26 PM

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Wrenchmensch

This 10-inch Billing & Spencer monkey wrench carried both the Billings logo and the Coes logo.  It was the last Coes branded wrench ever made.  This 10-inch all-steel wrench was the only Coes wrench carried in the Billings  & Spencer Company in its 1962 catalog.  No more were advertised after that.


lbgradwell


Kijiji King

keykeeper

I have that same marked wrench, except it is a 12 inch model.
-Aaron C.

My vintage tool Want list:
Wards Master Quality 1/2" drive sockets (Need size 5/8), long extension, & speeder handle.
-Vlchek WB* series double box wrenches.
-Hinsdale double-box end round shank wrenches.

bgarrett

I think mine must the next-to-the-last and the next to the next to the last:)

Wrenchmensch

"Ultimately the production of Coes branded wrenches was moved to the Billings & Spencer Co., Hartford, CT facility and when this happened, the size range of both the knife and steel handle wrenches was reduced considerably.  Initially the Steel Handle wrench was offered in the 10, 12, 15, 18 and 21in. sizes while the Knife Handle wrench was offered in the 10in. size only.  Gradually the range diminished until the 1962 catalog showed only the 10in. steel handle.  Thus the saga of the Coes wrench finally ends after somewhat more than 120 years of production."

From The Brothers Coes and Their Legacy of Wrenches, by Herbert E. Page, 2004, page 82, published by Sunset Mercantile Enterprises

keykeeper

I wasn't doubting you, wrenchmensch, just noting I had one similar. Good info to know, although sometimes people write books and CAN be wrong. Even if the catalog only showed the 10 inch, it is entirely possible that another size could be had. Sometimes, catalogs were abbreviated.

Records of the Billings and Spencer Co. showing production that year would be more definitive than a catalog, I would think.
-Aaron C.

My vintage tool Want list:
Wards Master Quality 1/2" drive sockets (Need size 5/8), long extension, & speeder handle.
-Vlchek WB* series double box wrenches.
-Hinsdale double-box end round shank wrenches.

Carl Wagner

Life is hard. Its harder if your stupid.- John Wayne

Wrenchmensch



Bus

While cataloging wrenches for the next Wrenching News Auction coming up in April I think I found a 12" Coes wrench that is newer than the one pictured. Same wrench style but only marked with Billing's "B" in a triangle logo. It's lot No. 447 on the photo below.



Papaw

Member of PHARTS - Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society
 
Flickr page- https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/

Wrenchmensch

If it isn't stamped 'Coes' why is it called a Coes wrench?

Papaw

Because it was produced under the Coes patent.
We often call any copier a Xerox, don't we?
Member of PHARTS - Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society
 
Flickr page- https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/

OilyRascal

Funny thing.  Locally there WAS a portable building producer under the name "Jimmy Goad".  Jimmy Goad buildings they are called around here to this day, despite the fact that business has been defunct for 20 years.
"FORGED IN THE USA" myself.  Be good to your tools!

Garden and Yard Rustfinder Extraordinaire!
http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=3717