Missing link in evolution found!

[Ricky Joe]

I’ve been trying to find out what I have. In a box of mostly rusted wrenches, I found this, the possible evolutionary link between the two different styles of throat. It may date back to Roman era, judging from the numeral seven.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Another dinosaur, reputed to be the first crowfoot wrench:

 

[Ricky Joe]

Possibly the first four way?

 

[Ricky Joe]

Wrench dated 12-17-03. Vi would have thought that by 2003 technology would have progressed far beyond this, but, perhaps, a reissue? The branding is I. M. I.

 

[Ricky Joe]

A very specialized wrench, labeled “FOR SET SCREW ON FRICTION CLUTCH ONLY”, and “STREET STOKER 31073”. Obviously not suitable for any other application, and I’d hate to be the guy that tried. So, how do you stoke streets?

 

[Ricky Joe]

When “S” shaped wrenches ruled! One of these is stamped “N&W RY”, with the W an upside down M. Norfolk and Western Railway is very big in Roanoke, or it used to be, and higher education is still not a local strong point. These may all be railroad wrenches, for all I know. After all, I AMlocal!

 

[Ricky Joe]

This is a very well made wrench. Numbers on head are: 112659 USA. No other markings. Could be WW1 federal stock numbers.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Early ignition wrench. Looks Duro.

 

[Ricky Joe]

This one took the hex throat path of evolution.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Earliest size markings?

 

[Ricky Joe]

Obviously part of a set. Finally a manufacturer who mass produced! Sizes are 1”-7/8” and 3/4”-13/16”. If anyone has the rest of the set for trade, I’m interested!

 

[Ricky Joe]

I’m going to assume that this is a Williams no. 37 , 1-1/4” x 1-1/16”.

 

[RTM]

A very specialized wrench, labeled “FOR SET SCREW ON FRICTION CLUTCH ONLY”, and “STREET STOKER 31073”. Obviously not suitable for any other application, and I’d hate to be the guy that tried. So, how do you stoke streets?

Weirdly, found them together. First digit might be an S

Street Stoker - wrenchwiki

Clement Street developed a stoker used to feed coal inro steam locomomotives.

wrenchwiki.com

Street Stokers

 

[Ricky Joe]

Weirdly, found them together. First digit might be an S

Street Stoker - wrenchwiki

Clement Street developed a stoker used to feed coal inro steam locomomotives.

wrenchwiki.com

Street Stokers

Thanks. These are a bunch of wrenches I’ve had in the garage for years. They’ve really rusted and gone down, though surprisingly some look very good.

 

[leg17]

Obviously part of a set. Finally a manufacturer who mass produced! Sizes are 1”-7/8” and 3/4”-13/16”. If anyone has the rest of the set for trade, I’m interested!

Looks like VLCHEK. Fairly common, but unmarked so hard to hit a search on eBay.

 

[leg17]

Some nice examples.
Some do look to be hand forged or open die forged.
I think some railroads utilized their extensive blacksmith shops to make their own wrenches.
Such as Roanoke.
Cool stuff.

 

[leg17]

A very specialized wrench, labeled “FOR SET SCREW ON FRICTION CLUTCH ONLY”, and “STREET STOKER 31073”. Obviously not suitable for any other application, and I’d hate to be the guy that tried. So, how do you stoke streets?

The raised lettering is a clue that this one was likely cast rather than forged.

 

[paulsomlo]

I’ve been trying to find out what I have. In a box of mostly rusted wrenches, I found this, the possible evolutionary link between the two different styles of throat. It may date back to Roman era, judging from the numeral seven.

Probably used for the lug nuts on a chariot!

 

[cliffitz]

I’ve been trying to find out what I have. In a box of mostly rusted wrenches, I found this, the possible evolutionary link between the two different styles of throat. It may date back to Roman era, judging from the numeral seven.

I have the same exact wrench. All joking aside, does anyone know what maker this is?

 

[Mintgrun]

Ricky Joe's been missing since January 11th.

I used to enjoy his contributions to the forum.