Mystery Alligator?

[Wrenchmensch]

This 9-inch No. 2 alligator wrench is embossed with a "P inscribed in a Keystone". I cleaned it  up and photographed it hoping someone can identify this wrench's maker.  I checked the Wrenching News makers marks page published several years ago, but didn't find this mark. 

[wvtools]

My first guess would be a Philadelphia maker.  Did Disston make alligator wrenches? 

American Saw Co. made alligator wrenches, and they had a plant in Beaver Falls, PA.

[Wrenchmensch]

The American Saw alligator wrenches have AMERICAN SAW CO.  TRENTON N.J. MFGS. embossed on one side of their their handles.

[mikeswrenches]

AA only shows an L  in a keystone for Lakeside Forge.  But you probably already looked there.

Mike

[Wrenchmensch]

Yep, already checked that!

[rusty]

Phoenix something? (iron/manufacturing? I can't remember )

[Wrenchmensch]

Rusty:

Phoenix Steel was a specialty steelmaker. As far as I know it was located in Claymont, Delaware, right on the Delaware-Pennsylvania border.  It also had, at one time, major operations in Phoenixville, PA.  I don't believe they ever made tools, though.

Bob

[thiggy]

What was the purpose of the alligator wrench?  I assume it was intended to fit a variety of sizes of both square and hex nuts, but I don't see how it could grip anything very well.  Can someone help educate me?  Thanks

[mvwcnews]

Grip square & hex nuts by one flat & one corner -- the teeth usually were cut at an angle so they also would grip pipe & other rounds.
When the teeth are sharp they work pretty well for grip, but in the aftermath whatever they worked on looked pretty well chewed -- like an alligator had been at work!

[wvtools]

My 1960 Williams catalog has this entry for their Bull Dog alligator wrenches:

"Designed for all-around service, these wrenches will grip round, square, hexagon or any shape that will fit between their tough jaws."