Railroad Wrench

[wyattstihl]

Last winter I picked up an old Diamond Tool & Horseshoe Co. 18” wrench at an antique store. Didnt seem like anything special. But after further inspection, I found the words “N. Y. Central R.R. Co.” stamped on the upper jaw of the tool. To me this means the wrench worked on the trains in a railroad yard somewhere or road the rails on a train. Is this anything special, or just something that doesnt really matter? I looked at a map of the rails from this company, and it seems like the town I bought it in was right near a stop for the railroad.

Anything anyone can tell me about this I would appreciate, and if needed I can supply pictures. Thanks


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[Private Lugnutz]

Is this anything special, or just something that doesnt really matter?

Pipe wrenches, alligator wrenches, sledges, large ball-pein hammers, cold chisels and other tools with R.R. stamps are not exceedingly rare, categorically. I wouldn't call them exceedingly common, either, so it's definitely a nice find in the wild. I have a few R.R. tools, also a wrought iron toolbox with a R.R. name embossed on the bottom, I've been excited every time, and will be again the next time. But, R.R. tools are seen in many private collections and also in most R.R. museums. Also, note that your wrench can't be any older than 1958. Prior to that, Diamond Tool & Horseshoe was known as Diamond Calk Horseshoe.

If you're wondering if it's special in terms of a monetary value, it might fetch a little more from a R.R. collector looking for just that size or brand. It might even be something prized in that niche, for all I know, but I wouldn't expect that for a standard tool from a major supplier likely made in the 1960's. I doubt it has any new historical significance as a brand or type of tool associated with that particular R.R., but if you're that curious, you might try contacting the closest R.R. museum or the county historical society.

 

[shanny19]

If, for example, you are looking to put it on ebay, list the railroad by name and all acronyms, as it will be purchased by a railfan not a tool collector, easily 95% of the time.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a hand forged S wrench made at a depot forge for the NdeM railroad which began exiting in 1930.

One off rare and I have never seen the stamping on any other wrench. Value to me was about ten bucks for a worn wrench but until I go resell it that price holds.

Only then I will know my level of idiot to genius for what I paid.