Weird Alligator wrench Identification

[firstyearchevelle]

I picked up this strange alligator with a movable jaw over the weekend. I t really looks like a miniature timber jack. The only mark I can find on it looks vaguely like VIM. Does anyone know what this was for or who possibly made it? Thanks.

 

[MR.X]

It is a Vim Tool, they were notorious for **** marking on their tools. There is a Vim thread on here. I don't think they cover that particular tool. Truth Tools made a similar primitive looking wrench they called a Pump Nut wrench but it didn't have teeth on both jaws. edit...also, now that I looked, The Truth one's jaw had a more simplistic external hinge for the jaw, whereas this Vim is swiveling in a groove.

 

[four.cycle]

Durston / Durston Mfg. Co., LaVerne, CA 91750 / https://www.vimtools.com/ / "VIM" Tools / Vim Tool Co., originally at 507-15 No. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN (Ray Durston, of Pasadena CA purchased VIM Tools in 1932 and set up shop on Allen Ave in Pasadena. Now VIM Tools (Durston Mfg.), LaVerne, CA ) / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#vim / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vim-tools-durston-manufacturing-co.406087/ /

 

[3baygarage]

The same wrench was on eBay some time in the last couple years. I couldn't spot it in a catalog. I was curious if it was a pipe wrench or more like what Mr. X described. Probably the latter due to the over all design. Nice find!