J.H. Williams 12 Inch “Superjustable” Wrench, 1947-1967

Description: J.H. Williams & Company began business in the late 19th Century producing “Drop Forgings for Carriages and Wagons” according to an 1884 publication. In the earliest days, forgings were made to the specification of the purchaser. Williams was among the first to establish a standard range of sizes which obviously reduced costs and improved delivery time. In the early 20th Century the company became one of the leaders in manufacturing. An interesting bit of information, only tangentially related to this Wrench was found on the always informative, “Progress is fine . . . ”, https://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/01/vanished-tool-makers-jh-williams.html: "Williams operated a very clean factory, with dripping oil being caught in cans and recycled, fire extinguishers and sprinklers throughout, a factory fire department and, in 1893, even installing shower baths to promote health and cleanliness in his workers. A very enlightened employer for that era, he also instituted a mutual aid society into which employees could pay, and out of which funds were dispersed in the event of sickness or a death in the family, an early form of what we today call "employee benefits." Williams offered Crescent-style Adjustables in the 1930s that closely resembled actual Crescent-made tools. In 1935 Williams applied for a patent for a modification to the Crescent design that was significant enough to allow to be issued in 1938. The shape of the Keyway for the Dynamic Jaw was made square as compared to the round profile of other Adjustables (see images). These Adjustables were produced with both carbon steel and alloy steel and continued to be made with both steels into the 1950. By the 1960s all were made with an alloy steel. In 1968 Williams began assigning model numbers to its Superjustable series using the prefixes “AP” and “AB”. About the same time, Hanging Holes were given a raised edge on Superjustable Wrenches of 12 inches and less (see images). Alloy Artifacts identifies these changes to the style as narrowing time of production to the period between 1947 and 1967. We found no explanation for the forged-in “Alloy=” marking (see images). The Wrench is in fully-functional condition. It bears typical wear, but no evidence of misuse or abuse (see images). The Knurl moves easily, but will benefit from proper lubrication. The Jaws meet properly and there is some chipping of plating (see images). It could be put to work or, after some additional cleaning, could be displayed as part of a Show-and-Tell Accumulation. We will ship the Tool by USPS Ground Advantage on the next regular business day following payment.

Price: 28 USD

Location: Gainesville, Florida

End Time: 2024-10-24T21:44:22.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD