Hi to all! I'm new here on this site, and trying to post my first response and photos. Hope it all goes through!
I'd like to respond to a previous entry by rustcollector, posted on Feb. 22, 2014. He inquired about a possible variation of the Syracuse 154 wrench, a variation having a loop handle. I don't know about this variation, but I'd like to put in my two-cents worth about the 154 wrench family tree.
According to P.T. Rathbone's book, Volume II, on page 272, Syracuse Plow Company bought out the Economist Plow Company. I quote, "We secured by purchase the entire business of the Economist Plow Company, including the stock, patterns, good will, etc........" This buyout occurred Sep 14th. in 1897.
This little blurb on page 272 of Vol. II of Mr. Rathbone's book also shows a photo of the now Syracuse plow, called the "Solid Comfort".
I have a copy of a publication called the "Minnesota Farmer's Institutes", dated 1892, and there is an advertisement in this publication from the Economist Plow Co. They are advertising their "Solid Comfort" plow (same name as the Syracuse plow). Looking closely at photo in the Economist ad, you can see a wrench hanging beneath the seat of the plow which is a Dead-Wringer for the Syracuse/Deere 154 wrench. Of course, no number can be seen, but I'd like to suggest the possibility of an additional branch for the Syracuse/Deere 154 wrench family tree. It appears to me that it originated with the economist Plow Company. I don't propose that this is actual PROOF, but there certainly seems to be room for speculation about it. Can anybody add more to this?
(IT WON'T LET ME POSST ALL THIS - SAYS FILE TOO BIG. I'LL POST THE PHOTOS AS A RESPONSE OR A NEW SUBJECT).