DE LUXE MOTOR wrench

[Wrenchmensch]

I believe this 5 7/8" De Luxe Motor wrench is a relic from the 1906 Deluxe Motor Car Company located in Detroit, or the 1910 Deluxe Motor Car Company located in Cleveland. The latter company was organized to produce a two-wheel automobile, according to The American Car since 1775, a book published by the editors of Automobile Quarterly.

Can anyone confirm or deny this provenance?

An interesting note: a De Luxe Motor wrench like this one is listed on eBay today as a Henderson-Excelsior Motorcycle wrench. This has prompted my inquiry to you, my learned friends on Tool Talk.  I've also queried the eBayer, and will report anything substantive in his response.

[Wrenchmensch]

Here is the response from the eBayer selling his DE LUXE MOTOR wrench:

Dear wrenchmensch,

Hello Mr. Wickes,
Excelsior Motorcycles had the word "Deluxe" cast into their engine cases, and their V-twins were known as Deluxe Motors.
Thanks, Bob

- redskin-relics

This explanation may be anecdotal. Motorcycle manufacturers, in common with bicycle auto manufacturers, put the names of their companies on their wrenches. This practice has also been followed in the UK where Excelsiors were made. For example, I have Enfield, Royal Enfield, and Rudge motorcycle wrenches on my desk as I write this.

[rusty]

What history I found says the DeLuxe motor was developed in house, so it's not like a tool for a third party motor, I concur, weak/suspect association. But that just brings you back to square one...

[Hm Wrench]

I have copies of the later Henderson part book and and early one for excelsior motors from 1908-1918 and can confirm this is not an USA Made excelsior wrench.  I started a new job, so if you give me a few weeks i will try and provide some documentation. 


Thanks,
Kirk