picked up this vintage alligator style wrench

[green papaya]

anybody know what era this style of wrench was made? or how long the Hawkeye Wrench company was in business?

THE HAWKEYE , MADE IN U.S.A.

HAWKEYE WRENCH CO, MARSHALLTOWN, IA

 

[Jay]

Well, Google and Wikipedia turned up nothing. There is another on on Ebay. Unless of course you're selling it? Other than that, nothing. Perhaps someone else here is better acquainted with old tools. I thought I was until you show this. I've never seen a wrench like that.

 

[green papaya]

patent date 1903

http://www.goantiques.com/detail,hawkeye-alligator-wrench,7299.html

the patent date is Feb 17, 1903

my guess is it was made back around 1903 - 1920's era

 

[Jay]

Cool. Nice detective work.

 

[Fletch]

Marshalltown was at one time a fair sized iron/steelworking center, called the "Pittsburgh of Iowa." (I grew up in Ames, next county over.)

The Marshall County Historical society might have some info on the local manufacturers. http://www.marshallhistory.org/ I'll bet they know of a tool collector or two, as well.