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Antique Wrench-and-Saw Thingamajig

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Private Lugnutz

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I picked this up at the early bird flea market this morning.

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No markings of any kind on the wrench or the saw blade. The finish on the wrench is black enameled. The little tensioner thumbscrew is brass. Based on that and the shape of the heads on the wrench, I’m thinking at least 1930’s. The open ends are 3/8” and 7/16”, a very common, functional configuration. As some of you know, I have a large collection of ISN 723 DOE engineers wrenches, but this one definitely takes the cake for quirkiness.

I’ve seen some strange multi-tools out there (7-in-1’s, hatchet-pliers-screwdriver, etc), especially in the antique era, when innovation was all the rage, but I’ve never seen a Double Open End Wrench and Saw before! If anyone knows anything about this tool, or if anyone has seen one or something similar before, please let me know.
 
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JimNC

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Quirky.

No marking opposite the brass screw?

Push saw, hmmm.

Thanks for sharing!
 
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Private Lugnutz

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Stadger said:
Square hole for use as a die handle?
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Or check nuts?
I found some antique bike wrenches with that square opening, and other size square openings, also the hollow shank, and was wondering how that might be used in bike repair. I did see some bike kits with knives, too, but no saw blades. It almost reminds me of a primitive version of a folding multi pocket tool. The saw blade will go back in that slot teeth first when not in use. But I don't think it's designed for that.
 
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tombell572

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Ole Slewfoot may have a point there. Many tool bits were made to fit a brace, not just auger bits--screw drivers, reamers, sockets to name a few. That wrench/saw may have also functioned as a handle for many different purposes.

Tom B.
 
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Private Lugnutz

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I don't know whether to thank you or curse you, HeelSpur! I kind of like the idea of having the only one! :) No seriously, thanks. That's a good lead. Did you just start scanning antique wrench auctions or did you think you remembered seeing one somewhere before?

I wasn't thinking farm tool, but it makes sense.
 
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HeelSpur

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Private Lugnutz said:
I don't know whether to thank you or curse you, HeelSpur! I kind of like the idea of having the only one! :) No seriously, thanks. That's a good lead. Did you just start scanning antique wrench auctions or did you think you remembered seeing one somewhere before?

I wasn't thinking farm tool, but it makes sense.
Click to expand...
Was looking for a wrench and ran across it and remembered you had one on here. Lucky find.
 
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Private Lugnutz

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Thanks for the tip, Lynden.

I don't mind being one of three when one is mine, the second one sold as part of the Friedman collection in Kansas City, and the third is currently located "upstairs in THE ANTIQUE EMPORIUM on Formby road directly opposite the river from the SPIRIT OF TASMANIA berth", in Devonport, Tasmania. Haha!

EDIT: I did note his description - "wrench spanner multi tool saw scribe mark out tap wrench knife" - also recognizes the tapered square opening for turning bits, as Stadger, Ole Slewfoot and tombell suggested.
 
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Private Lugnutz

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Spotted but did not buy my second one of these at my flea market last week. Not a friendly price - and nobody likes a hoarder! :)

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