Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: stillfishin on June 11, 2015, 09:40:35 AM

Title: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: stillfishin on June 11, 2015, 09:40:35 AM
Here is an old JH Williams. I have seen those marked Brooklyn which was supposed to be from the company's start in 1884 till sometime in the 1920's. This one is simply marked J H W & CO. NY USA with the W in a diamond logo. It has a 22 on the other end of that side and on the opposite side it has 1/8 and then 1/4. Does anyone know the time period this might have been manufactured?
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: bill300d on June 11, 2015, 04:10:07 PM
I'm not sure if it's true in your case but some times they would shorten the name up to fit on smaller wrenches better.

bill
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: mvwcnews on June 11, 2015, 05:17:58 PM
No. 22 Williams with those sizes shows up in a 1910 hardware wholesalers catalog.  Engineers' Wrenches, Double Head.  Smallest size listed is No. 21 (1/8 & 3/16 U.S.S.) at 3 1/4 inches long ; largest is no. 64 (3 & 3 1/2 U.S.S.)  at 48 inches long.
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: Yadda on June 11, 2015, 06:40:28 PM
I'm not sure if it's true in your case but some times they would shorten the name up to fit on smaller wrenches better.

bill

Eifel Plierenches are infamous for their omitted letters. Lots of contracted words.
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: stillfishin on June 11, 2015, 09:35:52 PM
Hey thanks guys. I wondered if that wasn't the case, just being a small wrench. But then I do have some about the same size with the circle around the logo and saying Brooklyn. I would say though that if it shows up in a 1910 catalog that's proof enough for me. I do appreciate your research and input. thank you!
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: leg17 on June 12, 2015, 01:34:21 PM
I believe the straight line text pre-dates the oval with Brooklyn.
(After the expansion to Buffalo, the oval said only "forged in usa", or something like that.)
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: stillfishin on June 12, 2015, 06:58:48 PM
Thanks, Leg, I have no idea what date it is, just that its the only one I've seen with this mark, so thought I'd ask about it. As far as predating Brooklyn that would have had to be before 1884 then and after 1882. I understood he officially started his company in 1884, but moved to Brooklyn to make tools in 1882. I really should give it to someone who collects Williams, but I do not know of anyone who really does, jut more people like me who happen to have a few.
Title: Re: Vintage Williams with different mark
Post by: leg17 on June 12, 2015, 07:02:06 PM
Made in Brooklyn but pre-dating the oval shaped logo.
See Alloy Artifacts for details.