J.B. Ford Pocket Size Adjustable Wrench

[MisterEd]

My Significant Other has a thing for old stuff (which is why she tolerates me) especially wrenches. She found this one at a recent Estate Sale. Can anyone identify it or enlighten about it? I have seen few pocket sized tools as sturdy as this, at least in the modern age. This is both fully functioning and would handle actual usage.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Can anyone identify it or enlighten about it? I have seen few pocket sized tools as sturdy as this, at least in the modern age. This is both fully functioning and would handle actual usage.

Bicycle, bike, or bicyclist wrench, sometimes literally called a pocket wrench, but used by bicyclists. Late 1800's. There were dozens of patents all variations of the same thing. Most famous/common are Billings, Wakefield, and Mossberg. Coes (of the famous larger monkey wrenches) also made them. I've never seen a J.B. Ford, but the patent was 591,528 (1897). I see what looks like a date on one of your pics.

 

[northwoods]

Whatever, it is most cool.

 

[MisterEd]

Thanks, Private!

The date is Oct 12 1897.

As an avid, but aging, touring bicyclist I can imagine the potential usefulness of such a well constructed device. Now I must decide whether to add it to my far too vast collection of bicycle stuff or seek a new, appreciative home.

 

[MisterEd]

At the risk of being redundant . . .

The patent holder for 591,528 was Jerome B Ford. "The object of my invention is to provide a light, strong, and compact wrench of cheap construction and particularly adapted for use as a bicycle-wrench."

Thanks, once more, for your assistance, Private!!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

My pleasure. That's a very nice find. Your Significant Other has a good eye!