Primitive Ratchet ID

[PSCo1867]

I've searched high and low, and can't find one similar. Anyone here have any knowledge of this old ratchet?
It seems to be made of cast Iron. It has a 1" worn-out female square drive, and the ratchet mechanism still
functions: 3 lever positions, right, left, and center locks in place

 

[jabberwoki]

That's a beaut for sure.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice find. I'm guessing the holes were to reduce the weight. Is it square drive? Looks like a hex from here. Speculatively, O.S.B.B. might be something like Otis Smith Bridge Builders. Or not. Total hunch. Lowell made a lot of ratchets for bridge and tunnel construction industry. Usually not reversible, although some were, and those all had the neutral position so the ratchet could be used like a wrench.

EDIT: Pic now attached for context.

 

[PSCo1867]

That may indeed be a hex, Lugs. I'll take a better look at it tonight. There have been several weld-repair attempts on that
drive hole. Thanks for the insight. I was thinking for sure that google would show something.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The head looks like lowell

 

[crguy]

Wrenches like that were also used on machinery for adjusters.

 

[PSCo1867]

I've searched high and low, and can't find one similar. Anyone here have any knowledge of this old ratchet?
It seems to be made of cast Iron. It has a 1" worn-out female square drive, and the ratchet mechanism still
functions: 3 lever positions, right, left, and center locks in place

I've finally verified that this is a Lowell ratchet. A fine wire wheel and a little pressure was all it took for the reveal. I still have not found any patent #s. The internals are in beautiful shape, and will hopefully provide clues based on other Lowell patent drawings. The lettering on the wrench handle (No.1 O.S.B.B) remains a mystery. Once I have more photos and info, further posts will be in the big Lowell thread.

Attached pics are of cover plate showing Lowell ID:

 

[bonneyman]

Neat old workhorse!

 

[four.cycle]

1926 Vonnegut Hardware Co. Gealy Herbrand Lowell ad pp 89

1928 Hardware Buyers Catalog Lowell ad pp 867

1931 Lowell Wrench Co. ad pp 131

probably more information in the other Lowell thread:

Lowell / Lowell Wrench Co., 54 Commercial St., Worcester MA / see Lowell Corp. / "IXL" track drill / patent 166553 Aug 10 1875 Leonard L. Pollard & 1798194 Mar 31 1931 John H. Dodge / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/lowell-wrench-co-worcester-mass-1.319549/ /

 

[retDAC]

I've finally verified that this is a Lowell ratchet. A fine wire wheel and a little pressure was all it took for the reveal. I still have not found any patent #s. The internals are in beautiful shape, and will hopefully provide clues based on other Lowell patent drawings. The lettering on the wrench handle (No.1 O.S.B.B) remains a mystery. Once I have more photos and info, further posts will be in the big Lowell thread.

Attached pics are of cover plate showing Lowell ID:

Impressive followup!