Stevens New York - SOLVED!!

[amecks]

Here is a small adjuster of some sort. Maybe an ignition points tool? The only markings are a nice stamping that says StevenS New York.

[Billman49]

Looks like a spoke key....

[Billman49]

Google search for "Stevens Spoke Key" finds:

STEVENS NY / PERFECT - - 3.5" spoke (or nipple) wrench. Excellent. (S110L)

link: http://www.wrenchingnews.com/nail-auction-2007/catalog.html

[rusty]

Like many of the early automobile guys, Stevens started out with Bicycles....

[amecks]

Looks like you found the right company but the slots are too small for spoke nipples. The link Billman posted has a Stevens NY wrench but it is a very different (interesting adjustable) style. I'll check it later tomorrow against a small size spoke but I don't think it will go.
Thanks. Al.

[Billman49]

Bicycle wheel spokes, not motor cycle wheels????

[amecks]

I got out to the garage last night - (sorry I was away part of the weekend) - and measured the "wrench" opening. They are both the same at 0.081" (just over 5/64" or 2mm").  It does not fit any size bicycle spoke nipple, it barely fits over the narrowest spoke itself. I know, you know there's motorbikes in my garage, so you thought I might have been thinking motorcycle wheels but there's also a truckload of old bicycle wheels and parts upstairs.
I think it may be for bending/straightening/adjusting electrical contacts like auto breaker points or magneto points. Both ends are at the same angle so it wouldn't matter which end you used. I'll try and check into this more later. Thanks. Al.

[rusty]

Some of the old voltage regulators were adjusted by bending also...

odd tool, odder that it has no number, most of the speedup tools had part numbers on them...

[amecks]

OK I searched voltage regulator - nothing. I have found that Stevens NY made a lot of special Ford tools for Model T's.  Alloy Artifacts says Stevens merged with Walden-Worcester in 1926 so the tool can't be much newer than the Model T era.
I've tried a number of different search terms including tool, adjuster, Ford, Model T, auto, voltage regulator, magneto, contact breaker, ignition, etc, etc, with and without Stevens or Stevens New York. Lots of Stevens tools - mostly Model T - but nothing at all like this tool.
I'll try to post a photo on some Ford and T forums.
Al.

[mvwcnews]

Since the STEVENS "SPINTITES" were marketed to the radio industry, could this have been an adjustment tool for some mechanical aspect of early radio devices?
Google / books is not much help as all the pertinent print materials are post 1923 & "snippet view only" rather than being full text online which would allow one to browse.
Living in rural Nebraska I can't do a day trip to a library that might have the originals.  Oh to be in Chicago or Detroit when questions like this arise.

[Billman49]

The offset head is typical of usage as a spanner or wrench, but curious that both ends are the same size.... I'd still go for some sort of wrench, rather than a bending tool (which would be better if the slot was at 90^o to the axis)

[amecks]

We have two chances to find out the application. Stan is going to post it in the Missouri Valley Wrench Club Newsletter. It will also be posted in the newsletter of the National Ford Tool Collectors by Steve Thompson. Thanks.
I think I will send it to Rob Hartmann who does the "What Is It?" blog.
Al.

[amecks]

CAB TIRE WRENCH TWISTER - Thanks to Rob Hartmann of the "What Is It?" blog http://55tools.blogspot.com/ - a friend of his recognized this as a Cab Tire Wrench Twister. Used to twist and tighten the wire used to hold bicycle and other small tires on the rim, in the times before pneumatic tires. The solid rubber tire material had a hole formed thru the center. Wire ran thru and when mounted on the rim was twisted until the tire seam was pulled together and tight.
Here is a link to company that sells tire material, describing the mounting and including a link to a page showing how it's done:
http://www.tricyclefetish.com/extruded-rope-type-tricycle-replacement-tire-inch-wire-tied-wheelsets-p-1498.html
Rob sent me this picture: - 25 cents! -

Billman and rusty were on the right track when they were suggesting a bicycle tool.
Al.

[Papaw]

Great job! I've followed his blog for a long time. He has shown one or two of our What's-Its before.

[lauver]

Well I'm glad that is settled.  Who would have thought a Cab Tire Wrench Twister? No me.

But, that said, it's one cool looking wrench.  I gotta find me one... I'll find something else it can do.