New Britain wrenches/w.Pic

[john k]

I'd like to build a set of combo end wrenches.  Am thinking a semi-industrial grade, dating to the 50s or 60s.   These are one of the heaviest made common wrenches I've seen.  There is a raised bar on the length of the body, inscribed, New Britain, in script,  NDF,  I have two that are a match, 15/16,   3/4.   They are polished, metal finish, no chrome, or nickel.  On the reverse side, FORGED,  Made in U.S.A.  Am more looking to trade, as I'm rather poor at this time. John K.  Figured a pic is worth, so, very first pic post.

[bird]

Hi there, I've got a New Britain wrench that's 11/16, same style... looks like some great wrenches to collect.  This one reads "NDF-60- 11/16.
I don't think you're looking for the double open ended wrenches, but I have a nice one that's 1 1/8  and 1  1/16  of the same era (NDF32).
Now that I'm looking at it, the 11/16 wrench is a pretty damn good lookin'!!!  Maybe I should go on a date......  I take all too much interest in wrenches!!!!
No, but really, it is a nice wrench.
     If you'd like to have it, I'd give it/ well, sell it, for three dollars plus shipping. Anyhow, let me know. In the mean time, I'll look around for some others. But, I think the only other New Britain wrenches I have are either open ended or offset socket type wrenches. But, I'll look around. My family makes fun of me for all of the tools in my house. I always tell them, "Well, at least I don't collect cars."  Usually, that shuts them up.
Anyhow, I'll keep looking.
cheers, bird

[fliffy42]

Those are good looking wrenches! I have never come across any up here. I will keep my eyes open for you though.

[kxxr]

I pick up the NBs when I see them, but I haven't come across that version in my travels. I do like all the New Britain tools though. Good choice to build on I would think. Hope you haven't picked a 'scarce' variation. What does AA say?

[john k]

AA says they were produced from the end of WWII til 1950 or so.  They had pics of most of the sizes, so where are the rest?   Don't think many people would trash a name brand tool.

[john k]

Bird, I'd like to get that wrench from you, its a start anyway,  PM me the shipping and i'll get some cash together. John

[bonneyman]

I picked up a DOE New Britain of this design (which we've already talked about) but passed on a DBE that the had. Price was way high for that little thing. Didn't know they were the same till I got home an d went to AA.
Interesting forging with the relieved areas.

[Wrenchmensch]

Here is a ready-made set I found in a flea market some years ago. From your description, this is not what you are looking for.  Numbers stamped on the 6 wrenches in this set range from 726 to 731. The size combination on the first wrench is OE 5/16", CE 3/8".  The largest combination is OE 7/8", CE 15/16". This set is unused.

[john k]

Have had some success, generous people here have stepped up, and found two affordable on the 'bay.  Have decided to concentrate on the DOE, and combinations.  So far have15/16, 7/8,  3/4, 5/8, in the combinations, and in the DOE a 3/4-7/8, and 1/2-7/16.  Which is a whole bunch better than the two lonely ones hanging above my bench the past 18 years.

[scottg]

Is that a Schrade bent wire handle pruning knife??

 Sandbagging are we John??? heeheh

   yours Scott

[OilyRascal]

An 11/16 version of the style you're looking for I believe, if you're interested.

[john k]

Geee, another one is found!  That is a size that I've not seen yet.  I have the 15/16-7/8-3/4-5/8, that 11/16 will fit right in.   Double groove, NDF,   no chrome.   Maybe we can do some trading?                                                                                                                                                               

[OilyRascal]

Maybe we can do some trading?                                                                                                                                                               

I will put it to the side for you, John.

[john k]

I didn't really expect to come up with more to this set, and not this quickly.  The two wrenches I've had for over 15 years is now four, with the promise of two more soon.  Not really expecting to collect the set of double open end, but suddenly I have seven of those too, only 2 pictured.  Different numbering on another two, thin jawed, and one is even nickel plated.  All the rest are plain steel.  The good folks here that have sent wrenches my way I thank you again. 

[john k]

Found another, Oily here on the board came up with this one, and it is chrome, but probably nickel plated.   Still needing the sizes smaller than 5/8 and a one inch.  Also have been picking up double open ends, as well as a similar but earlier design.   This is going along so fast will be hanging it up as a complete set this year.   Thanks to all those here that have been spotting these for me.