Dunham's patented adjustable buggy wheel wrench

[Carl Wagner]

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.

[HeelSpur]

That is an awesome find.

[Carl Wagner]

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.

[scottg]

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

[mikeswrenches]

Nice find Carl!  I don't remember seeing that in either Copes or Schulzs.

Mike

[Carl Wagner]

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.

[johnsironsanctuary]

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.

[Carl Wagner]

Thanks John.

[Bus]

It's on page 24 (No. 223) in Schulz's book.

[mikeswrenches]

Carl,  American Wrench Makers 1830-1930 by Ken Cope is still available from the Astragal Press.

Mike

[Wrenchmensch]

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.

[Carl Wagner]

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.