BAHCO FIND

[johnek]

Here is an example. Two model 69s made probably mid 1940s (A/B BA HJORTH & CO) with matrix number 62 and different stars. This is meant to show the same die was refurbished.

[johnek]

Another Bahco 22, a bit later than the one previously posted. Notice this one has a matrix number of 3, yet is very advanced from the first pressing: No number stamp on the movable jaw, no Patent numbers at all, and A-B BA HJORTH, placing it in the early 1940s.
This shows that there weren't many of these made at all, which is why they now sell at around $100

[johnek]

And this, I have never seen or heard of this before. I will try to find out - there's a chance its a mis-label. When I found it I initially thought someone had just made a mistake and it was a common 969

Bahco 4" 469 Croma

The reason it is unique is that the shaft hole is a ring spanner. It's a multi-purpose tool!

LIST OF KNOWN 4" Bahco numbers in Chronological order
1925-1926        Number 29
1926 - 1953      Number 69
1954 - 1968      Number 969   Number 669
1969 - 1983     Number 0669
1984 - 1992     Number 8069

[johnek]

Here are some photos of "first edition" BAHCO from my collection. These have a matrix number of 1 (except in the case of the small Bahco 29 that has a matrix number of 0). This means they are the first die made with those markings. For some of the rarer models, such as the large Shark models, the production only had low matrix numbers and there were not many variations in markings

We have:

Bahco-Clyburn 74 from 1914
Bahco-Clyburn 70 from 1914
Bahco 83 from 1914
Bahco 21 1932
Bahco 22 1928
Bahco 29 1925

[johnek]

Here is a Bahco 470 - a 6 inch model that was produced between 1934 and 1941. Right hand set screw. These are quite rare and feature a ring spanner in the shaft hole. Made from Chrome Vanadium Steel and chrome plated. This one shows a matrix number of 5 and the A-B BA HJORTH & Co which suggests it might be mid to late through what was a limited production - possibly late 1930s

[johnek]

I have come across a nice example of the earliest BAHCO wrench. This is a generation 1 produced between 1892 and 1902. I is a No 3 which is 12" (30.5cm) long, and shows a handle that is slightly wider at the shaft end. The shaft hole is not original.  Wonderful old thing labelled ENKOPINGS MECHANICAL WORKSHOP

[Papaw]

One of the first of the BAHCO adjustables! Cool!!

[Lewill2]

Johnek, Did Bahco make a 4 inch version of the alligator handled adjustable combination? Gedore made one. 

[johnek]

There was a 4" alligator and its very rare. Called a No 20 - the same as the 6" version. When it comes up on Swedish EBay they go about $150 AUD

[johnek]

A not often seen Bahco 52 (10 inch) from 1911-1913. These Generation 2 models are rare

 

[Lewill2]

Johnek, I have one of the 4 inch combination adjustable with the alligator on the handle end that is made by Gedore who I think is German. Did they copy the Bahco?

[turnnut]

Lewill2,
Gedore's history; it began in 1919, in the German town of Remscheid, when brothers Karl, Willi and Otto Dowidat gathered to found the small GEDORE TOOL factory
GEDORE; GE -the first two letters of Gebruder - brothers in German, DO, the first two letters of Dowidat and RE - the first letters of Remscheid.

http://www.gedore.com.br/en/historia.php

interesting history,  Frank

[johnek]

Johnek, I have one of the 4 inch combination adjustable with the alligator on the handle end that is made by Gedore who I think is German. Did they copy the Bahco?

I dont know, but Bahco registered the trade mark for the "shark" end in Aug 1922, so I guess it depends when the Gedore was designed as to who copied who

[johnek]

I finally scored a very desirable Bahco No 20 - a 4" "Shark" (or HAJNYCKEL in Swedish) from Swedish EBay.
Interesting to note that there are a bunch of known collectors out there - the same names come up time and time again when bidding on these wrenches - and everyone gets quite excited when something rare pops up amid the dozens of listings for the ordinary stuff. It's hard enough to sell a common Bahco for $5 - but when a good one comes up the price rockets!

[Yadda]

Great score!