Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Lostmind on July 22, 2012, 01:56:52 PM

Title: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 22, 2012, 01:56:52 PM
I bought this just to share with you guys.The jaw has a pipe cutter ,and it flips over to use as a pipe wrench.It's a hammer and nail puller also.
I never saw one , but it's probably pretty common to you guys.
The rust was worst at the name , and it seems the more I did ,the harder it got to read.
Could be Bonney vise &tool co. or donney vise & tool Co.?Phil. Pa.
Says "The Masterpiece" Established 1876.
I tried to google it , but not sure of the name.
Also got the Vise at same place, don't know if it's same period?
Let me know your thoughrs
Thanks Roy
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on July 22, 2012, 02:40:09 PM
Roy, That is a Bemis & Call Combination wrench. I have never seen one with the pipe jaw that you have. Your is called a long nut. What is probably stamped in it is Bemis & Call H and T co.  'Hardware and Tool' Excuse me for drooling a little, but would you care to part with it? PM me.

(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb373/johnsironsanctuary/Bemis%20and%20Call%20Hardware%20and%20Tool%20Co/1901cataloga.jpg)
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: rusty on July 22, 2012, 02:43:23 PM
It is The Masterpiece, and it is by Bonney Tool & Vise Works,Phila,PA.
It is shown in 1906 Hardware Dealers Magazine. Adv claim patents of
Mar 3, 1903 ; Aug 9, 1904

Very nice :)

Mar patent: http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=721660&typeCode=0
Aug patent: http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=767,199&type=
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Plyerman on July 22, 2012, 02:47:18 PM
Sweet! That's really a special one there.

You ought to think about spinning up a new wooden grip for it Lostmind.
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on July 22, 2012, 02:48:29 PM
OOPS! I assume that it was a way to get around the Bemis and Call patents.  Thanks Rusty.








So Dumb So Soon, So Smart So late!
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: rusty on July 22, 2012, 03:05:01 PM

It is the classic Bemis & Call pattern, but the patents on the basic B&C dogged jaw were  25+ years old and long expired...
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 22, 2012, 03:37:56 PM
Fast work Rusty.I'm going to try Bing , haven't had much luck with google.
It seems like they always direct me somewhere to buy something.
I have seen quite a few Bemis and Call S Wrenches , but none of the interchangable jaw wrenches.
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 22, 2012, 03:44:58 PM
Well , I went back to Google and there is a lot of info.I originaly thought it was Bonley,
and didn't go back to Bonney.Thanks again ,
Roy
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Branson on July 22, 2012, 05:43:05 PM
That * Ford carb , hubcap wrench looks more like a small saw vise to me.
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 22, 2012, 07:12:08 PM
Yes it is , that's my file ID , it's in with some items I have for sale.
I know there is supposed to be a way to hide it, but I'm still learnig
this computer stuff.
The vise came from the same stash as the wrench.
It's cast iron , with a number three cast in it. Can't find any other markings.
I thought it was a small saw vise?
Works good , I'll probably keep it on the workbench as a third hand.
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: rusty on July 22, 2012, 09:02:49 PM

I like the saw vise, it's a nice simple, clean design.
Don't squeeze too hard with it, it's likely cast iron...
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 25, 2012, 12:19:56 PM
Here is The " Masterpiece " with a "borrowed" Handle from a Stilson pipe wrench and a photo of the "new" handle to go on the Stilson.
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: scottg on July 25, 2012, 12:34:37 PM
Not a saw vise.
  People always think they are but they are wrong. 
 If you tried to mount a saw in it, you'll find its not deep enough and the saw sticks up above the jaws 2 or 3 inches! Its nowhere near heavy enough either.
 Filing a spring steel saw blade with a file, that is held in very thick cast iron vise jaws? Right up close only 1/8" below the file?  Is already hard enough on files. They don't last long at best.
 Trying to file one free hanging in space by 3"? 
 The file wouldn't last 4 strokes!   Screeeeeeeech!

 On the other hand, .....say your wallet blows out a seam?
 Or your keychain/coin purse loses its stitching?
  Your harness needs repair????    Again???? Already??

 Try a lacing pony!!!
  Holds the leather just perfect. You can stitch right above the jaws and it doesn't squirm around on you at all! You can even stitch "both ways" with a needle in each hand, just like a pro!
  yours Scott
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: rusty on July 25, 2012, 06:03:29 PM
>a lacing pony...

Ahh!
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: Lostmind on July 25, 2012, 06:17:12 PM
Always a daily lesson here at Tool Talk,
Thanks
Title: Re: 'The Masterpiece" Wrench
Post by: gibsontool on July 25, 2012, 08:44:02 PM
Thanks to scottg for the info on the clamp. I have 3 or 4 of these and knew that they were obviously used to clamp something but now I know what  that something is. A lacing pony, very cool. Thanks again.