Spreading the Bonney affliction!
- Thread starter bonneyman
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Private Lugnutz
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That's a cool placemat, LS!
I'm waiting to hear if Unaiu got the eBay Zenel No. Z25 6-piece GMTK wrench set that chrstrumpetdude tipped off last week. I had contacted the seller and he said he thought all the wrenches were "W" (1945) and Unaiu told me he was going for it if it stayed low, which it did, selling on 1 bid for the asking price ($35), which is a great deal for that set.
I'm waiting to hear if Unaiu got the eBay Zenel No. Z25 6-piece GMTK wrench set that chrstrumpetdude tipped off last week. I had contacted the seller and he said he thought all the wrenches were "W" (1945) and Unaiu told me he was going for it if it stayed low, which it did, selling on 1 bid for the asking price ($35), which is a great deal for that set.
Gleanings from Jake’s today. I have resisted Whitworth before, but these three streamline combos were, well, irresistible.
Edit - and they cleaned up real nice! The part numbers are REALLY interesting. They seem to bridge the transition from W11** (same as Bonaloy) to WEB*. I don’t have a catalog between 1950 and 1957. Though nearly polished away, the date codes are AU, ?T, ?U, about the time (1956/1957) Bonney opened the Alliance OH forge. My guess is the WEB8 was made in Alliance, and the W1165 and W1164 were made in Allentown. Or maybe not: I had previously thought the highly polished Streamline represented Alliance production, while the sharp-cornered less-polished Streamlined represented Allentown production. Part number changeover may have occurred independently from polish level, and both independently at each production site.
The big DOE is just a ho-hum embedded-shield CV, but the date code swayed me: LS (Dec1927).
Edit - and they cleaned up real nice! The part numbers are REALLY interesting. They seem to bridge the transition from W11** (same as Bonaloy) to WEB*. I don’t have a catalog between 1950 and 1957. Though nearly polished away, the date codes are AU, ?T, ?U, about the time (1956/1957) Bonney opened the Alliance OH forge. My guess is the WEB8 was made in Alliance, and the W1165 and W1164 were made in Allentown. Or maybe not: I had previously thought the highly polished Streamline represented Alliance production, while the sharp-cornered less-polished Streamlined represented Allentown production. Part number changeover may have occurred independently from polish level, and both independently at each production site.
The big DOE is just a ho-hum embedded-shield CV, but the date code swayed me: LS (Dec1927).
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Should be delivered to me this Friday.
Debcrow
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A couple I picked up Saturday. A Refrigeration wrench and a Zenel 3723 with 1940 date code.
Mikeske
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Private Lugnutz
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I think this No. 21 (5/16" x 13/32") might be the tiniest Bonney I have ever found in the wild. No date code, but the B-Shield and BON{/}NEY name date it to 1921 to 1925. The brand side was encrusted with rust when I found it at the flea market yesterday (See Pic 1), and, unfortunately, those faces will be forever marred with box rot stains and some pitting (See Pis 2, 4, & 5). The flip side (See Pic 3), with the U.S.S. bolt size markings (See Pics 6 & 7), is in much better condition.
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1921M 1922N 1923O 1924P 1925Q
I think, lacking the date codes, that the embedded-shield logo on the face, plus B-shield and U.S.A. on the shaft place it in the late teens through 1920.
Private Lugnutz
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It's been my understanding that the Bonney name with the embedded Princeton shield accompanied the change from Bonney Vise & Tool to Bonney Forge & Tool Works, which is 1921, and, that these are not bearing a forged-in date code due to their size. If I'm mistaken, and they're even earlier, so much the better! 
You have a point about the embedded-shield logo - it may have taken some time to develop it after the Durhams took over. But the Princeton-shield has to date from 1909 or so, and been replaced soon after with the B-shield, with maybe the transitional combined shield in between.
Lacking clear dateable illustrations, my argument is psychological: in 1909 the worthiest thing the Durham brothers had done was graduate from Princeton. It makes sense they would use that shield then, because of their ardor for their alma mater. But as they got things rolling in Allentown and experienced a bit more of life (and perhaps also encountered pressure to establish a less derivative logo), the B-shield, unambiguously representing the Bonney company name, replaced it. I think all that happened in the early teens, maybe by 1913. Certainly by 1914, because the transitional shield is all over the catalog. The stamped embedded-shield logo on the face by the mid-teens, and the addition of the forged-in “U.S.A.” or “MADE IN U.S.A.” (Depending on size) to the B-shield on the shank around 1920. Date codes start to show up on these, then the B-shield ends around May1925 and “Made in U.S.A.” is stamped on the face.
They managed to get those forged-in date codes onto the H-series wrenches, so I don’t think the small size of the 21 is the reason the date code isn’t on it; I think it’s because it predates the date codes. I’ll try to pull one of that era (with no date code) in a larger size.
Lacking clear dateable illustrations, my argument is psychological: in 1909 the worthiest thing the Durham brothers had done was graduate from Princeton. It makes sense they would use that shield then, because of their ardor for their alma mater. But as they got things rolling in Allentown and experienced a bit more of life (and perhaps also encountered pressure to establish a less derivative logo), the B-shield, unambiguously representing the Bonney company name, replaced it. I think all that happened in the early teens, maybe by 1913. Certainly by 1914, because the transitional shield is all over the catalog. The stamped embedded-shield logo on the face by the mid-teens, and the addition of the forged-in “U.S.A.” or “MADE IN U.S.A.” (Depending on size) to the B-shield on the shank around 1920. Date codes start to show up on these, then the B-shield ends around May1925 and “Made in U.S.A.” is stamped on the face.
They managed to get those forged-in date codes onto the H-series wrenches, so I don’t think the small size of the 21 is the reason the date code isn’t on it; I think it’s because it predates the date codes. I’ll try to pull one of that era (with no date code) in a larger size.
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twertsy
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I found all those trademarks. I believe they're on way back machine version of my site.
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Meanwhile, here is a 10” S-adjustable I happen to have torn down today. The dynamic jaw is stamped “374”. I’m a little bummed the pin turns out to be a nail, and the slack-take-up spring is missing. The thumb adjust knob is bored a little wider at one end to accommodate the coil spring.
And this is the second wrench of the era I’ve found a triangle forge mark on. Five decades before Triangle was formed.
Joseph G Baker’s 01Jul1915 patent for lost-motion up-take.
And this is the second wrench of the era I’ve found a triangle forge mark on. Five decades before Triangle was formed.
Joseph G Baker’s 01Jul1915 patent for lost-motion up-take.
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Private Lugnutz
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I will go through my loose wrenches later, but I pulled some wrenches off my board.
Here is a selection of wrenches all larger than the "21" in question. They all have the Bonney embedded shield (BON{\}NEY) logo and the B-Shield with MADE IN U.S.A, and they all have date codes on the flip side.
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Private Lugnutz
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LS,
Continuing...
Pics 1 & 2 is a bunch of "21" wrenches. They all have the BON{\}NEY logo and the B-Shield, some with U.S.A., some without. Only one of them has a date code.
Pics 3 & 4 are "three (3) "23"'s and a "723-A". Again, all BON{/}NEY, B-Shield, and mix of U.S.A. or not. No date codes.
I'm not sure the word "MADE" would fit on these shanks either.
I admit I am a bit flummoxed right now, when I thought I had this stuff down. I don't know if it's Plombitis from the recent lawsuit deep dive or what. I'll have to re-fresh my notes.
Continuing...
Pics 1 & 2 is a bunch of "21" wrenches. They all have the BON{\}NEY logo and the B-Shield, some with U.S.A., some without. Only one of them has a date code.
Pics 3 & 4 are "three (3) "23"'s and a "723-A". Again, all BON{/}NEY, B-Shield, and mix of U.S.A. or not. No date codes.
I'm not sure the word "MADE" would fit on these shanks either.
I admit I am a bit flummoxed right now, when I thought I had this stuff down. I don't know if it's Plombitis from the recent lawsuit deep dive or what. I'll have to re-fresh my notes.
That would probably help, Todd, and I know I have copious notes on this somewhere, too, and I can't find them - but the issues are the variance of other markings (e.g. MADE IN U.S.A. vs U.S.A., the way the sizes are expressed - no standards, one standard only, two standards, etc) on wrenches with the same trademark, and slight variations in the shield on the trademark itself. See the wrenches I just posted for examples.
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Beautiful examples, LUGZ.
In your first image, top first from left is date coded for 1921. My interpretation is all the non-date-coded ones are earlier (I realize there are exceptions in every era by error or grinding/polishing).
The second from left in same image is very interesting, because it has the P-shield (2-line) chevron, rather than the more common (later, by my interpretation) single-line chevron incorporated in the stamped embedded-shield BONNEY logo on the face. I don’t want to overstate the importance of this detail: since this is a stamp, it could be applied even years after the initial forging, and I think they continued to use stamps till they wore out. I have two dated 1923, each with the two-line chevron.
It ALSO has a narrow B-shield forged on the shank, which I think is an earlier version of the more commonly found (again, later) squat B-shield. My guess is that that wrench was made in the very first year the embedded-shield was stamped on faces, whenever that can be determined to have been.
This 33C has the single-line chevron and the narrow forged-in B-shield. And this 1033 has the two-line chevron with the squat B-shield (and Chrome-Vanadium without the CV circle). Neither has a date code evident. So, a mixed bag of evidence. I’m definitely not saying you’re wrong, just that there’s room for disagreement.
In your first image, top first from left is date coded for 1921. My interpretation is all the non-date-coded ones are earlier (I realize there are exceptions in every era by error or grinding/polishing).
The second from left in same image is very interesting, because it has the P-shield (2-line) chevron, rather than the more common (later, by my interpretation) single-line chevron incorporated in the stamped embedded-shield BONNEY logo on the face. I don’t want to overstate the importance of this detail: since this is a stamp, it could be applied even years after the initial forging, and I think they continued to use stamps till they wore out. I have two dated 1923, each with the two-line chevron.
It ALSO has a narrow B-shield forged on the shank, which I think is an earlier version of the more commonly found (again, later) squat B-shield. My guess is that that wrench was made in the very first year the embedded-shield was stamped on faces, whenever that can be determined to have been.
This 33C has the single-line chevron and the narrow forged-in B-shield. And this 1033 has the two-line chevron with the squat B-shield (and Chrome-Vanadium without the CV circle). Neither has a date code evident. So, a mixed bag of evidence. I’m definitely not saying you’re wrong, just that there’s room for disagreement.
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akasrick
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Looks as if a Durham came to grips with mortality vis-`a-vis the tool world juggernaut.
akasrick
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Thanks for posting that, akasrick.
Shows they were still actively engaged in advancing vise design in 1924; hadn’t yet turned so completely to wrenches and sockets as they would later.
Also, it gives me a prompt for replacing a missing clamp screw on one of their table vises I have.
Shows they were still actively engaged in advancing vise design in 1924; hadn’t yet turned so completely to wrenches and sockets as they would later.
Also, it gives me a prompt for replacing a missing clamp screw on one of their table vises I have.
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Debcrow
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A couple of yard sale items today. A RF54 Flare Wrench and A Bonney Vixen alligator.
outofbounds
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rickhigginshtbr
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rickhigginshtbr
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I hit the bonney man at the qmart again yesterday. Got some more streamline goodies, as far as he knows, he won’t be getting anymore anytime soon. He still has a bunch of CV and Bon-e-con though. Said the next batch from the guy he’s clearing out is mostly Williams and snap on.
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Gahhhhh this lady isn’t getting back to me, don’t think I’m getting it
Oh man...
I hope you get that! My roller is missing a top box...
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rickhigginshtbr
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Oh man...
I hope you get that! My roller is missing a top box...
On my way! 2 1/2 hour round trip! Pics later!
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rickhigginshtbr
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It’s home! Still believe these were manufactured in different years. I like the drawer pulls on my lower:
More than the plain steel ones on the upper.
But. They’re together! Didn’t they make a 2 drawer mid box too?
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Oldtuleguy
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Yes those mismatched handles kinda ruin it. If you pay the shipping I will take it off your hands.twertsy
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What he said! Been huntin' a Bonney roll cab forever..........found plenty of chests, but no rollers yet.
Provincial
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Friday I found a Bonney 2025 obstruction wrench at an estate sale. It has forged-in CHROME VANADIUM and circle-CV marks, along with a three-dots-triangled IR date code. Stamped markings include BON(Shield, single chevron)NEY, PAT. APP FOR, MADE IN USA, and 2025.
The size markings are obscured by rust, which I haven't tried to remove yet. I can just read one end: 5/16 USS. That opening measures 19/32. The other end measures 19/32.
Date of manufacture should be 1926.
The size markings are obscured by rust, which I haven't tried to remove yet. I can just read one end: 5/16 USS. That opening measures 19/32. The other end measures 19/32.
Date of manufacture should be 1926.
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Here’s one that hasn’t been posted: a 201090 Streamline combo I got from eBay today. What interested me was I didn’t find the model number in a quick search of the catalogs, and I don’t know the application for a 3/4” open end combined with a 1/2” box end. The 1/2” opening in the steel that usually houses a 3/4” opening is hefty! Just needs the light rust buffed off.
Assuming it’s custom. Guess I’ll take another look through the catalogs for a clue.
Edit- no, it’s not in any of the pdfs that I possess. Same blank as the 3/4” 1166 combo. Rounded edges, satin finish, no date code - mid-to-late 1950s, I think.
Assuming it’s custom. Guess I’ll take another look through the catalogs for a clue.
Edit- no, it’s not in any of the pdfs that I possess. Same blank as the 3/4” 1166 combo. Rounded edges, satin finish, no date code - mid-to-late 1950s, I think.
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rickhigginshtbr
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Reminds me of the “Williams special” wrenches, oddballs with odd numbers that were contract made.
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outofbounds
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I find a few Bonneys in my travels and always pick them up, as they show pretty good resale demand. Any help dating this one? as I noticed that it didn't make the "cutoff" on the newest end of Alloy Artifacts, I reckon it really isn't too old. Looks like great quality in the open end fittings, and comparatively lousy forging at the shanks.......
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Prolly 1970's or later. And yes, the satin finish wrenches sometimes lacked the finer details of finishing. The full polish got alot more hand work, the satins - not so much. Probably a cost saving feature.
I'll let you in on a little secret: I prefer the satin finish for working wrenches.
twertsy
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egnorant
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It’s home! Still believe these were manufactured in different years. I like the drawer pulls on my lower:
More than the plain steel ones on the upper.
But. They’re together! Didn’t they make a 2 drawer mid box too?
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Good to see another one of these appear! Mine dates from around 1954 and has the smooth handles on both the top and bottom box. I need to get more pics as all mine were screwed up with photobucket.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245925
Bruce
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outofbounds
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Bonneyman, I'm kicking myself as I can't seem to locate it right at the moment, but I'm certain I have the same blade handle with the same Part No. but branded Stanley. Possible?
Mikeske
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Not Bonneyman but yes I have a Stanley and a Bonney razor knife that are identical except for the stamped in name