odd williams wrench - help ID

[coonhunter]

I found a large wrench on the ground and decided to run it through the bead blaster so I could make something out of it (thinking of a coat hook). When I blasted it, I found some interesting markings on it. First it is a Williams, the large size says 9/16 USS on it and the smaller size says 1/2 USS. The openings are much larger than 9/16 and 1/2. There is a larger "33" stamped on the handle, but it is much deeper, which makes me think it was something added later. Any idea of what I have?

 

[BlueBomber]

I found a large wrench on the ground and decided to run it through the bead blaster so I could make something out of it (thinking of a coat hook). When I blasted it, I found some interesting markings on it. First it is a Williams, the large size says 9/16 USS on it and the smaller size says 1/2 USS. The openings are much larger than 9/16 and 1/2. There is a larger "33" stamped on the handle, but it is much deeper, which makes me think it was something added later. Any idea of what I have?

Coonhunter: you've got a pre-1927 wrench. The USS size standard was based on the width of the threaded rod, rather than the width of the bolt. Post a picture!

 

[coonhunter]

through some searching I found the alloy artifacts website. According to their website and the pictures and descriptions that they have, the wrench was made between 1924 and 1927.

What should I do with it now? I don't want to cut it to make a coat hook. I have bead blasted it, which is how I found out that there were other markings on it, and I have coated it in oil to keep it from rusting. I may just hang it on the wall over my toolbox, but would like to keep it from rusting.

 

[jakemac]

What you have is a Williams model 33 Engineers Open End wrench in USS designated sizes (as explained by Bluebomber). It originally had a black (probably Japaned) finish. True Value's XO-Rust Satin Black #XOP-18 is a close match to the original color.

These were built beefy for work on heavy equipment and steel jobs.