E.A. Lynch & H.A. Mead Pat., 1,634,908

Where have I heard that name H.A. Mead before? Could it be another post about adjustable pliers, that man sure gets around!

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1,634,908&type=

(Short Version)

The Heller Brothers Company has a very rich history (be sure and read the links); they got their start in 1865 in Newark NJ. Founded by three brothers Peter J., Lewis B., and Elias G. Jr.

http://www.davistownmuseum.org/bioHellerBros.html

http://www.newcomerstown.com/business.commerce/heller/index.htm

http://americanmadefiles.blogspot.com/2014/03/heller-brothers-and-heller-tool-co-files.html

In the beginning the first tools were farriers tools, after all you need hammers and files to work on horse shoes. Their trade mark of a horse was stamped into these tools; I have some pictures below that show the trade mark for you to see.

To save on the high cost of land they moved out west in 1906 to Newcomerstown, Ohio they became well known for their hand files; but they also made other tools like the tool in question the self adjusting nut & pipe wrench. Their end came in 1955 when the Simonds Co. bought them out.

Now at this point you might be asking hey Woody why show a picture of the craftsman clench wrench? If you look very closely it is the same design and function of the Masterwrench. Be sure and see the close up shot of the clench wrench you will see the words Pat., Pending; I did a search and found the trade mark # 75385087 but the status reads FILLING IS ABANDONED NO STATEMENT OR USE FILED.

http://www.trademarkia.com/clench-wrench-75385087.html

An AA web-site picture of the tool in question.

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/other-makers-p2.html#heller

Along with two ads for tools for sale.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/heller-brothers-co-masterench-8-pipe-wrench

http://www.bid4rares.com/all/search/heller+bros

Without saying if you have any old advertisements, catalog information, or Heller tools please post them up. If any GJ member can perform their computer voodoo and make the links stick around long after my body has turned to dust I thank you in advance.

Enjoy the pictures and the rich History.

Here's my Heller file and hammer (1 1/2 lb like yours!).

<a href="http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/Youngguns1782/media/IMG_0277_zps01e2ebf4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u611/Youngguns1782/IMG_0277_zps01e2ebf4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0277_zps01e2ebf4.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/Youngguns1782/media/IMG_0276_zps80a149e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u611/Youngguns1782/IMG_0276_zps80a149e5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0276_zps80a149e5.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/Youngguns1782/media/IMG_0275_zps47e62b6d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u611/Youngguns1782/IMG_0275_zps47e62b6d.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0275_zps47e62b6d.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/Youngguns1782/media/IMG_0274_zps38961390.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u611/Youngguns1782/IMG_0274_zps38961390.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0274_zps38961390.jpg"/></a>

Yup, I remember seeing those (craftsman version) and thinking the same thing. They may have even had the nerve to tack on the 'Craftsman Innovation!' slogan.
The Hellers are nice nut n bolt wrenches when space isn't an issue.

Here's a couple of 6" with toothed jaws.