Plomb Tool Identification

[SCVDave]

Hi, this is my first time posting to the Journal.
I recently picked up what I thought was a Plomb 3/8 flare wrench. After I looked closer, I learned it is actually a "A. Plomb" wrench. According to Alloy Artifacts, Alphonse Plomb left the Plomb Company in 1917 and started his own tool company. He then sold his company to California Tool Company, who continued to use his logo for an unknown time. Thats about all the info I have. I am trying to date the wrench, but can only get in the neighborhood of 1917 to 1927 or later. Can any of the vintage tool experts out there shed any more light on the A. Plomb Tool Company? Or identify the codes stamped on the wrench?
I also though the wrench had a flare end, but I am thinking an ex-owner might have altered the box end to make it a flare.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

They were in business for a long time, maybe until late 90s as the California tool company. That wrench is probably from 60s. Here's some postwar crows feet.

 

[d42jeep]

I’ve had a couple. They were flare nut wrenches from the get go. Not bad quality either.
-Don

 

[MR.X]

The 12 in D-12 is just the size expressed in 32's. D-14 = 7/16 D-22 =11/16 etc. A.Plomb / Calif Tool didn't angle both ends of their flare nut wrenches until around 1947. I don't think they even started marketing them at all until around 37, long after Alphonse had left the company.

 

[SCVDave]

They were in business for a long time, maybe until late 90s as the California tool company. That wrench is probably from 60s. Here's some postwar crows feet.

 

[SCVDave]

Got some great feedback. Looks like it's not as old as I hoped.
Thanks for the info !!!

 

[SCVDave]

They were in business for a long time, maybe until late 90s as the California tool company. That wrench is probably from 60s. Here's some postwar crows feet.

The 12 in D-12 is just the size expressed in 32's. D-14 = 7/16 D-22 =11/16 etc. A.Plomb didn't angle both ends of their flare nut wrenches until around 1947. I don't think they even started marketing them at all until around 37, long after Alphonse had left the company.

I will have to remember the 12, 14, 16/32 size stampings. Thanks. I am with Oldtuleguy on the age. I don't know why someone would take the time to alter the box end to make a flare, but that's what I think was done. It doesn't look as clean as the open end, and it's polished unlike the open side.
I will have to keep an eye out for any "Calif Tools" when I'm digging through the wrenches.

 

[MR.X]

I will have to remember the 12, 14, 16/32 size stampings. Thanks. I am with Oldtuleguy on the age. I don't know why someone would take the time to alter the box end to make a flare, but that's what I think was done. It doesn't look as clean as the open end, and it's polished unlike the open side.
I will have to keep an eye out for any "Calif Tools" when I'm digging through the wrenches.

I'm thinking it IS a line wrench and I seem to remember Calif Tool called these Diesel Wrenches which might be where the "D" comes from.

 

[SCVDave]

I'm thinking it IS a line wrench and I seem to remember Calif Tool called these Diesel Wrenches which might be where the "D" comes from.

Interesting, you're right, that would explain the D 12 markings. Thank you

 

[Millerfish]

Are these Plomb? No other markings.

 

[SCVDave]

I am far from an expect in Plomb, but I believe those are Proto that the brand was milled off. Apparently they did this to factory seconds that were sold to employees. Other tool companies had the same practice that basically voided the warranty.
The fractional sizes are inside what they call a "pebble field" These were shortly after the Plomb pebble style wrenches and after Plomb name changed to Proto.

 

[steel 35]

The guy that modified that wrench, must have done mine too!