westcott type "S" wrenches

[Papaw]

Helps get around obstructions and work close to a wall, like on the water line to your toilet tank that the plumber put too close to the wall.

[mvwcnews]

What is the benefit of the "S" handle design, other than forcing you to pull in the right direction...

Some claimed the curved handle fit the hand better (only plausible for right-handed ), and there were elaborate  claims involving angle of pull in relation to angle of jaws, etc.

[coolford]

I have a 10 inch Cortland, what size is the one you found?

[rustcollector]

I have a 10 inch Cortland, what size is the one you found?

It's an 8 incher.

[turnnut]

S NUT WRENCHES;

Bemis & Call and Coes Wrenches,  catalog number 30

improved adjustable "S" wrenches, No. 48 sold in sizes; 6" 8" 10" 12" & 14"

ALL PRICES ARE PER DOZEN;
6"  $8.oo
8"  $10.oo
10" $12.oo
12" $18.oo
14" $24.oo

the Bemis & Call  improved adjustable "S" wrench has become the standard among wrenches of this style, graceful in design, it is constructed of the best of materials, and while being an all-around wrench, it is especially useful in corners and confined places, where the ordinary Monkey Wrench is nearly useless.
the operating nut being of sufficient diameter, the wrench is easily adjusted by the thumb of the hand which holds it. the sliding jaw is providedwith a full bearing on the frame when open to it's widest capacity.
all the parts are strong and durable, the operating nut is steel, andthe sliding jaw a steel drop forging.  all parts are carefully hardened and tempered for the duty expected of them.  this wrench is thoroughly made and parts are interchangable.

 ( info copied from my catalog. )

[leg17]

Was Bemis and Call the first to commercialize this pattern?

[mvwcnews]

Was Bemis and Call the first to commercialize this pattern?

The "Westcott" style was the early commercial success & Westcott was the maker (morphed into KEYSTONE by 1892) -- the other makers followed suit or (like Billings & Spencer with their adjustment lock) tried to make some improvement.

[Papaw]

Thanks to Stan Schulz- Here is an ad for the Bemis "S" wrench from his Flickr page-
 B&C_S_pipe_wrench_189904 by Stan Schulz, on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvwcnews/