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Author Topic: Chamberlain's Wrench  (Read 6380 times)

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Offline Plyerman

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Chamberlain's Wrench
« on: July 16, 2012, 09:36:56 PM »
Did a quick forum search and didn't find any previous discussion of this one, so here goes:












Says Pat Oct 22, 1912 on the one side, so it's 100th birthday is coming up in a few months. It's built like a sherman tank, and weighs about as much as one too.



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Offline OilyRascal

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2012, 09:42:15 PM »
That's a very impressive 3rd post on the board IMHO.  Awesome!  I could look at it for hours.  I know nothing of it, but I'm fairly confident you'll get good discussion about it.
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Online skipskip

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2012, 10:04:08 PM »
Oh My

that's a sweet heart!!

Skip
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Offline jimwrench

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2012, 10:14:42 PM »
Fantastic wrench and looks to be in exceptional condition.
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Offline Bus

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2012, 10:15:59 PM »
That's a very desirable combination wrench. Patented Oct. 22, 1912 by John W. Chamberlain of Bismarck, ND. The actual product looks a lot different than the original patent.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=1042318&id=15690&set=1
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Offline Plyerman

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2012, 10:19:39 PM »
Quote from: Bus on July 16, 2012, 10:15:59 PM
That's a very desirable combination wrench. Patented Oct. 22, 1912 by John W. Chamberlain of Bismarck, ND. The actual product looks a lot different than the original patent.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=1042318&id=15690&set=1


Boy, you're right about that Bus! Looks like they gave the design a complete overhaul before going into production.
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Offline Neals

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #6 on: July 17, 2012, 12:10:51 AM »
Thats a WOW!
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Offline john k

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #7 on: July 17, 2012, 08:17:01 AM »
Another one I've not seen ever, goes to show how sheltered I've been.   It just looks heavy, can't imagine pulling it out of the pocket of my favorite bibs.   The side plate held on by screws, looks as well made as the plate on a Smith&Wesson .38.   I got a feeling they were pricey when new too. 
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Offline HeelSpur

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #8 on: July 17, 2012, 02:59:23 PM »
She's beautiful.
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RooK E

Offline rusty

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #9 on: July 17, 2012, 06:09:25 PM »
>I got a feeling they were pricey when new too. 

There is a (probable) mention in may 1914 issue of Automotive Industries.
Description, no photo, so I am making a small leap of faith...

Assuming it is this wrench, it cost $2.25
For comparison, the same issue mentions a new Billings &Spencer adjustable wrench (typical type) and it cost 65c...

So it was about 3 1/2 times the price of a good ordinary adjustable...

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Offline stanley62

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #10 on: July 17, 2012, 07:07:21 PM »
Very nice Wrench!!!  Its a new one on me.

  Jim
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Offline lbgradwell

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #11 on: July 17, 2012, 07:48:54 PM »
It's gorgeous, but man - I'd hate to have to actually use the thing!
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Kijiji King

Offline Dakota Woodworker

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #12 on: July 17, 2012, 07:54:33 PM »
That's impresive!  And designed right here in North Dakota too.
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Offline Plyerman

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #13 on: July 17, 2012, 08:20:00 PM »
Quote from: rusty on July 17, 2012, 06:09:25 PM
>I got a feeling they were pricey when new too. 

There is a (probable) mention in may 1914 issue of Automotive Industries.
Description, no photo, so I am making a small leap of faith...

Assuming it is this wrench, it cost $2.25
For comparison, the same issue mentions a new Billings &Spencer adjustable wrench (typical type) and it cost 65c...

So it was about 3 1/2 times the price of a good ordinary adjustable...

Wow, thanks for posting that article Rusty! Owning an old tool is great, but having the background information to go along makes it that much more special.


Hehe, and it's cute to see that fact blurring in order to make a sale was as common then as it is today; "...and which is only slightly heavier and but a little more complicated than an ordinary wrench of this type...."  Heh-heh, okay, sure.
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Offline Wrenchmensch

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Re: Chamberlain's Wrench
« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2012, 09:27:58 AM »
Neat, uncommon tool!


« Last Edit: July 18, 2012, 09:40:12 AM by Wrenchmensch »
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