The Strangest, most Unusual Wrench ever!!

[mikeswrenches]

First a little history.

This wrench was patented by James C. Hawes of Brooklyn, NY Jan. 14th, 1913.  Obviously Mr. Hawes had a lot of time on his hands in order to dream this thing up.
It will do almost anything, as long as you have a lot of room around your fastener.

According to the Datamp site, all know examples are marked "Pat. Apld. For".  This one is so marked.  It would appear that Mr. Hawes made one run of these between the time
he applied for the patent(Oct. 21, 1910) and its issue date(Jan. 14, 1913), otherwise there would have been a patent number or date on subsequent production. 
The patent no. is 1,050,131 for those who may want to look at the patent papers.

I don't know what they cost back then, but my guess is they weren't cheap.  There is a lot of machining and parts involved in its production.

This was my best wrench buy ever.  I got it at a little flea market in Eastern Pennsylvania this year.  I didn't feel too bad about giving the guy what he was asking since
it was quite reasonable. 
He also had a good Chapin-Stephens No. 036 rule that was also cheap.  All in all a pretty good day...especially since
I was also able to snag a nice Yankee No. 1555 breast drill for a reasonable price.

I guess the message in all this is to never stop looking.  There is still good stuff out there.

[jimwrench]

 Neat wrench. It is shown on page 160 of second edition of K. Copes book and is #319 in A. Schulz's book.

[mikeswrenches]

Hi Jim,  Yea I saw it in Schultz but I didn't bring Cope with me.  Not enough room in the Motor Home.
Datamp also shows a picture of the one in Schultz's collection.

Do you have any idea how many were made or how much they cost back in the day?  Or for that matter any other info.

Regards, Mike

[jimwrench]

 Mike,
 Cope shows ad with $2.50 price. Would assume that was way long ago and doubt that a lot were made due to its complexity.

[Bus]

That is one of the most mechanically interesting wrenches available. Hard to find in such good original condition. Wrench collectors have nicknamed it the "Wobble Wrench: or the "Fred Astaire Wrench" (it has more moves than Fred Astaire).

[mikeswrenches]

Jim, Thanks for the pricing info.  I found a place online that says a 1912 dollar is worth about 28 of our dollars.  Cost of wrench, if bought today, would be about $72.50.

http://mykindred.com/cloud/TX/Documents/dollar/

Thanks, Mike

[stanley62]

Looks like it would be much more useful as a hand vise, than a wrench.  I would be afraid to put much torque on anything!
Jim

[mikeswrenches]

Jim,
    I would agree.  In fact I have a B.F. Stevens/Stephens? vise that is made similar to the wrench same type of rotating jaw design.  I'd post a picture but don't have it with me.

        Mike

[Lewill2]

Several years ago one sold at a MVWC auction for $1,200, that is the highest price I am aware of. Lately they have been selling at antique tool and wrench auctions in the $500 range. I have 2 in my collection along with a miniature made by Jim Keats. The miniature is shown in my pictures in the under 6 club photos. Good find for a flea market.

[mikeswrenches]

Thanks for the pricing info.  Any idea how many were made?  Any info on the manufacturer?  Datamp doesn't show who made them.

That is a fantastic collection!!!  Anyone who hasn't looked at it yet should.  Thanks for sharing them with us.

Mike

[Lewill2]

No idea how many were made, they come up from time to time at wrench sales and usually bring a good price. Copes lists it as James C. Hawes Brooklyn NY originally priced at $2.50. That is all I know about them.

[Lewill2]

Bob from CRAFTS of NJ has one for sale on ebay that was just posted a day or two ago.

[mikeswrenches]

lewill2,

Thanks for the ebay info.  I put a couple bids in just for fun.

Mike

[Lewill2]

Mike, I don't know if you know that seller or not but he is presidnet of CRAFTS of NJ. He is a dealer and has tools for sale at flea markets and antique tractor events. He knows the value of his items. One of these sold at the CRAFTS auction for about $350 a few years ago.

[mikeswrenches]

Actually I am a member of CRAFTS, but didn't pay much attention to who the officers were or what they did.  In any event, I would expect most people that have a wrench like this to have an idea of its worth.

It's up to $89.99 but hasn't met the reserve.  It will be interesting to see what the reserve is and what it actually goes for.

Mike