Firestone fixed head socket wrench

[snapmom]

Any info on this. How old would this be?

 

[four.cycle]

Older than you and me put together.
Those were popular in the 1920s, going by early catalog illustrations.
Once Snap-on and Blackhawk started making interchangeable sockets and ratchets those pretty much went by the wayside.

I have to defer to Private Lugnutz, though - the early early Walden and Mossberg stuff isn't really within the scope of my focus. I'm guessing it was possibly made by one of those two.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have one I have always wondered who made it

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm actually stumped. I don't recall seeing any T-handle wrench that had an end pointing off 90* like that. The steel rod in a looping T-handle usually terminates at the shank, like a bow-tie.

Walden and Blackhawk T-handles squashed the shank up against the T. Like this one is. But again, the handle completed the bow-tie of the T, if you will.

Mossberg's T-handles were more open, not squashed up against the T.

Bonney and Williams did not make early fixed handle socket wrenches.

My best guess without looking into it further would be an also-ran mfgr, or something that one of the others (but not Mossberg) made special for Firestone.

EDIT: As for age, it could be anywhere from 1905 or so to the 1920's. The advent of detached, interchangeable heavy forged socketry and handles did not immediately end the production of fixed sockets wrenches.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

One more observation, comment and potential clue to dating it is the marking. It is not the stylized Firestone logo. In fact, Otg's example looks like it has the full name. And a PAT PNDG mark.

The more I look the more I'm thinking Bog for some reason. The shape of the socket and the odd T. They were unconventional like that.

I'm curious to see if Otg's and snapmom's wrenches have the same service opening. A lug wrench, no doubt.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

If only we knew the patent number(if awarded)

 

[snapmom]

23/32

 

[Zrxrunner]

Here's another different example. I have another one that matches too, but I have to do a little rust removal to see wording on it. I'll post that one later.

 

[Provincial]

Rim wrench, rather than lug wrench. Made during the era of demountable rims, and the cross of the handle is too close to the opening to clear many hubs/hubcaps.

During that era, tire manufacturers also designed/sold the rims the tires were mounted on.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That makes sense

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yup. I've got a bunch. Swivels, too.

What size is yours, Otg?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I will check tonight

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks like same size 23/32"