EJ Willis/Bay State

[rusty]

OK, so who made this for whom?

(Opposite sides, same ratchet)

[johnsironsanctuary]

This looks like a possible. The trade name Bay State doesn't fit.  Maybe you can ask them on Monday.

http://ejwillis.com/about_us.htm

[jimwrench]

 Bay state tool co is listed by Cope as having a ratchet wrench patented Jan 22,1907. Patent by Frederick E Walden. They also made a double ended ratchet like this except mine is missing the ratchet mechanism on right end.

[rusty]

Well, Fred was a busy fellow, but,sadly, not in 1901...

00761798        19040607        Wrench or the like.     Walden,F.E.
00763225        19040621        Punch or the like.      Walden,F.E.
00763226        19040621        Vise or the like.       Walden,F.E.
00763227        19040621        Wrench or the like.     Walden,F.E.
00812386        19060213        Suspension-bracket.     Walden,F.E.
00835740        19061113        Belt-punch.     Walden,F.E.
00841831        19070122        Wrench. Walden,F.E.
00912338        19090216        Combination ratchet-wrench.     Walden,F.E.
01250534        19171218        Bottle-cap.     Walden,F.E.
01333517        19200309        Pipe-wrench.    Walden,F.E.
01452131        19230417        Auto jack.    Walden,F.E.
01453898        19230501        Wrench  Walden,F.E.

I did find some patents by Edward Jones Willis, but not a ratchet (He seems to have liked designing planimeters)

hmm....

I think there was also a car called 'the bay state', but that might be stretching it...

[rusty]

Hmmm....

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?pn=666202&id=30759

Lost a digit?

[jimwrench]

Looks right. Cope lists Bay State as being reorganized as Tudor Mfg. Co.. He shows a ratchet set in metal box with ratchet that looks like yours. Lists Iron Age 1906 ad as source of picture.

[rusty]

OK, I'll buy that...

Which brings us back to the first question, what's willis name doing on it?

hmm...