Cheney 6" Adjustable Wrench

Wrenches were produced by the Henry Cheney Hammer Corporation of Little Falls, New York circa 1921. Two key events tie this year to the production of Cheney wrenches:

First, according to a trademark registration published in The Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office volume 289, number 5, page 992, the Henry Cheney Hammer Company produces hammers and wrenches and has been using the Cheney name since 1836.

Second, U.S. Patent 1,397,214 was issued on November 15th to Titus S. Hose for an Adjustable Wrench. This wrench does not match known examples of Cheney wrenches. While similar in shape to the example shown here, it features a unique sliding mechanism for adjustment.

Titus, or Sheard as he was sometimes known, was the general manager of the company from 1917, when his step-father purchased the company, until 1929, when Elmer Mulford took control of the company — just before the onset of the Great Depression. Clearly he was the person responsible for Cheney wrenches.

The example shown is the only known type ever produced. They are somewhat rare, but not impossible to find.