Interesting Ratchet - W. E. Clovis Garage

[twertsy]

I spotted and snagged this rat off the Bay last week. W. E. Clovis Garage of St. Marys, WV. W. E. Clovis began selling and repairing Fords in the area in 1914 and in 1919-1920, formally built a huge facility known as the W. E. Clovis Garage as HQ for his business. He obviously had some sort of sales / repair facility from the outset, but I haven't located any detailed info on that yet. In 1915, Mr. Clovis sold 1/2 his interest in the business to G. F. Riggs, who took over the repair side of the business.

I believe the patent could be that of W. T. Sayre, Patent 1,058,795, but I'm not quite sure.

The "horseshoe" type mechanism on the shaft is how you switch direction. Placing it in the top-most slot allows the ratchet to freewheel. On the reverse, the bar can be slid up and down, appearing to allow it to be used on bolt heads of multiple sizes.

Tangential: Mr. Clovis was also a Bank Director, Superintendent of Schools, and Insurance businessman.

 

[3baygarage]

I saw that odd looker and was curious about it myself. Glad you got it so we might learn a little something. What size hex might it be?

 

[twertsy]

I saw that odd looker and was curious about it myself. Glad you got it so we might learn a little something. What size hex might it be?

Certainly curious. Default is 5/8" for the hex. I say "default" because you can use the slider on the back to adjust to smaller head sizes.

 

[bonneyman]

Very interesting tool, Todd.

I wonder what stories it would tell if it could talk.

 

[woody 73]

Yes indeed most interesting, what a great find you have.

 

[Modern Garage]

Do you think the slider is to adjust? I'm not holding it in my hand but it appears the slider is a retainer to keep a driver in the ratchet socket.
Joe

 

[twertsy]

Do you think the slider is to adjust? I'm not holding it in my hand but it appears the slider is a retainer to keep a driver in the ratchet socket.
Joe

That certainly could be the case, but IF that is the correct patent, it states the purpose. Again, I'm not thoroughly convinced that is the right patent.

 

[tin medic]

Clovis Ford was founded in 1914 and was one of the oldest Ford dealerships in the country.