Odd wrench on eBay

Branson · January 21, 2014, 08:23:26 AM

This showed up this morning, listed in Civil War items:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Civil-War-wrench-gun-tools-Army-Civil-War-wrench-key-/271378971363?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2f727ae3

At first I though, "Wow. Haven't seen a Civil War era tool like this before." Then I noted the little box end at the bottom of the wrench. Not for square nuts... So I looked a little more closely, and it's a five sided opening. Sure is too small for a fire hydrant, so what is it?

Nolatoolguy · January 21, 2014, 10:20:30 AM

Not real sure about the wrench. I haven't seen one like that. As far as dating it, ime unsure what time period it us.

I love how under seller notes it sais "It has some rust" and later in the description he sais "this isn't Kmart". They seller sure is correct, and from what I can tell straight forward. I don't think the picture with the tape measure is the best, look closely how they line up.

keykeeper · January 21, 2014, 12:14:16 PM

If it is rusty, it has to be old, thus it is Civil War related, huh?

If you looked closely, using the zoom on the page for the first picture, there appears to be a stamped marking just below the bigger end, on the shank.

Doubt very seriously it that old, looks like a stamped or drop forged wrench to me. Note the smaller square opening has a relieved area around the opening on one side. That would have to be either forged in, or machined in.

My guess it is for some type of torch, or another WAG would be maybe some type of spray gun apparatus.

international3414 · January 21, 2014, 01:53:35 PM

maybe he should have taken a picture with it still on the board??

Plyerman · January 21, 2014, 08:11:59 PM

It is pretty rusty. So maybe it's from the Revolutionary War? That makes it even more valuable right? Sure it does.

skipskip · January 21, 2014, 09:36:42 PM

seems like more of a gun 'part' rather than a tool

mrchuck · January 22, 2014, 07:28:01 PM

Looks like a "nipple" wrench for the cannon fuse.
These nipples had to be changed frequently due to blow-back erosion from the exploding powder charge driving out the cannonball..

Branson · January 23, 2014, 08:06:46 AM

Quote from: mrchuck on January 22, 2014, 07:28:01 PM
Looks like a "nipple" wrench for the cannon fuse.
These nipples had to be changed frequently due to blow-back erosion from the exploding powder charge driving out the cannonball..

No nipples on Civil War cannons, and no fuse used -- all were fired with friction primers. What I find particularly curious is the pentagonal opening for wrenching something. What would have a pentagonal nut in that size? I think we can leave out fire hydrants...

johnsironsanctuary · January 23, 2014, 10:43:24 AM

I am not much of a gunsmith, but I do remember that there is a plug with a small hex on it that goes below the barrel on an M1 rifle. The keyhole looks like it would fit a barrel and receiver. It's not for an M1 obviously, but maybe an older rifle or machine gun?

eddie hudson · January 23, 2014, 05:07:00 PM

I sent the picture to my buddy who likes firearms and here is his reply:

this is one of two tools used for the russian Tokarev rifles M38 & M40 of WW II its in the tool book by Shaffer. NOT CW

Branson · January 24, 2014, 06:46:24 AM

Quote from: eddie hudson on January 23, 2014, 05:07:00 PM
I sent the picture to my buddy who likes firearms and here is his reply:

this is one of two tools used for the russian Tokarev rifles M38 & M40 of WW II its in the tool book by Shaffer. NOT CW

Thanks!

Bill Houghton · January 26, 2014, 04:44:27 PM

Quote from: Plyerman on January 21, 2014, 08:11:59 PM
It is pretty rusty. So maybe it's from the Revolutionary War? That makes it even more valuable right? Sure it does.

Or even French and Indian War, or, as Canadians would say, War of the Conquest or Seven Years' War (it's not clear to me what name the tribes involved might have used).

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Odd wrench on eBay