Crescent Tool Company

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Crescent Tool Company was an early tool maker best known for its eponymous crescent wrench.

Company History

The Crescent Tool Company of Jamestown, New York was founded by Karl Peterson in 1907. Peterson was an active inventor who had previously been associated with two other tool makers in the Jamestown area, the J.P. Danielson Company and Wm. Hjorth & Company. (See our article on the J.P. Danielson Company for more information.)

A recently discovered (October 2015) notice provides a new understanding of the founding of Crescent Tool.

Fig. 1. 1907 Notice of Dissolution of J.P. Danielson Company.

Fig. 1 shows a notice stating that the J.P. Danielson Company had been dissolved and absorbed into the newly formed Crescent Tool Company, as published on page 60 of the September 10, 1907 edition of Hardware.

The text goes on to mention that a new drop forging department had been added to handle the growing demand at the company.

Fig. 2. 1907 Notice of Dissolution of J.P. Danielson Company. [External Link]

Fig. 2 shows a notice offering a similar account of the dissolution of J.P. Danielson and succession by Crescent Tool, as published on page 1169 of the October 24, 1907 issue of The Iron Age.

Based on these notices, it appears that Karl Peterson (possibly with other investors) bought out J.P. Danielson's share of their original partnership, with the intent to continue the business line. This certainly helps to explain why the first products of Crescent Tool were basically the same tools produced under J.P. Danielson.

Fig. 3. 1908 Notice for Crescent Combination Pliers. [External Link]

Fig. 3 shows an illustration of early Crescent combination pliers, as published on page 55 of the November, 1908 issue of Engineering Review.

Other early tools included a type of wrench-plier known as a "lightning wrench", which had been produced by J.P. Danielson for some years.

The Crescent Wrench Is Born

Crescent's pliers were well received, but the company soon became better known as a maker of adjustable wrenches. Crescent's particular adjustable wrench design became very well known, even to the point that all makes of this style came to be called "crescent" wrenches. The actual wrench design did not originate with Crescent, however, and there is some debate as to its origins.

The 1857 patent #17,531 by Edward J. Worcester describes the basic design of a movable jaw sliding in a slot below a fixed jaw, and all modern designs clearly owe a debt to this early patent. The Swedish company BAHCO also claims to have invented the modern style of adjustable wrench, and the BAHCO design based on the J.P. Johansson 1892 Patent likely served as the inspiration for Crescent's design.

According to Crescent company folklore, Karl Peterson received a visitor from Sweden who described an interesting adjustable wrench he had seen in Sweden. Peterson was intrigued and immediately set to work on carving a wooden model based on the visitor's description, and then Peterson and the other Crescent engineers tried to figure out how the wrench could be produced efficiently. Cutting the slot for the sliding jaw proved to be the most difficult operation, and for this task Crescent created a special slotting machine.

Once the production issues were resolved, the new Crescent adjustable wrench proved to be a huge success in the marketplace.

Fig. 4. 1909 Notice for Crescent Adjustable Wrenches.

Fig. 4 shows a notice describing the new Crescent adjustable wrench, as published on page 132 [External Link] of the January, 1909 edition of American Exporter.

Of particular interest is that the text notes that the handle was forged of high carbon steel, but that the movable jaw was forged from "special alloy steel" with four times the strength of ordinary steel. This is a very rare early reference to alloy steel, occurring long before alloy steel became standard for tool construction.

The wrench was available in both polished plain steel and nickel-plated finishes.

Fig. 5. 1910 Advertisement for Crescent Adjustable Wrenches. [External Link]

Fig. 5 shows an early ad for the Crescent wrench, as published on page 1203 of the May, 1910 issue of the Hardware Dealers' Magazine.

Although many competing adjustable wrench products were offered over time, Crescent was able to retain a good share of the market based on the high quality of their wrenches.

Again according to company lore, the original wooden model of the Crescent wrench has been preserved, and is on display at the corporate headquarters of Cooper Industries, the industrial conglomerate that acquired Crescent at a later date.

The MoToR KiT Brand

By 1913 Crescent was using the MoToR KiT brand for pliers, and the company registered "MoToR KiT" as trademark #95,302 on Feb 10, 1914.

A notice on page 1088 [External Link] of the July, 1914 edition of the Hardware Dealers' Magazine announced that their catalog No. 11 had been issued, which included the new MoToR KiT pliers.

Fig. 6. 1924 Ad for Crescent MoToR KiT Pliers. [External Link]

Fig. 6 shows a later ad for MoToR KiT pliers, as published on page 99 of the March, 1924 issue of the Farm Journal.

Other Early Products

In addition to its line of pliers and adjustable wrenches, Crescent also developed a distinctive folding screwdriver that doubled as a light-duty hammer.

Fig. 7. 1915 Notice for Hammer-Handle Screwdriver. [External Link]

Fig. 7 shows a notice illustrating the Crescent folding screwdriver, as published on page 997 of the July 1915 issue of Machinery.

By 1916 Crescent was offering "universal" combination pliers, a style with both curved and flat jaws.

Fig. 8. 1916 Ad for Crescent Universal Pliers.

The scan in Fig. 8 shows an ad for the Crescent's universal pliers, as published on page 136 [External Link] of the advertising section of the March 1916 issue of Popular Mechanics.

The illustrations show how the pliers are able to grip objects of different shapes.

Other early products included auto wrenches, a popular tool for automobile tool kits. A Crescent Tool advertisement on page 148 [External Link] of the August, 1925 issue of Popular Mechanics shows an auto wrench and slip-joint pliers, with a tool kit in the background.

Smith & Hemenway Acquisition

In 1926 Crescent acquired the Smith & Hemenway Company, a tool maker with a factory in Irvington, New Jersey. Smith & Hemenway offered a wide variety of pliers, chisels, screwdrivers, and other tools, with many of the items marked with the "Red Devil" trademark.

The 1926 Crescent catalog No. 17 printed separate sections for each company's tools, with the Smith & Hemenway section being substantially larger than the Crescent section at that time. (See our brief article on Smith & Hemenway for more information on their early products.) The S & H acquisition was important to Crescent, as it expanded the company's line into cutters, nippers, needlenose, and other fixed-pivot pliers that had not been offered previously.

Crescent's use of the "Red Devil" trademark appears to have been only temporary or transitional while the Smith & Hemenway acquisition was being integrated. By 1928 the Crescent catalog showed only a few references to "Red Devil", and most of the illustrations of pliers had been changed to read "S & H Co." where "Red Devil" had previously appeared. By 1935 the Crescent catalog showed only a line of electrician's auger bits with the "Red Devil" trademark. The discontinuation of the "Red Devil" marking suggests that pliers found with this trademark were probably made prior to the acquisition by Crescent, or during a short transition period thereafter.

After selling the Smith & Hemenway company, the former owner Landon P. Smith established a new company as Landon P. Smith, Incorporated. This new Smith company sold tools related to window repair, glass cutting, and painting under the "Red Devil" brand. The continued use of the "Red Devil" brand suggests that Landon Smith had reserved the trademark as a condition of the sale of Smith & Hemenway, along with the rights to the glass repair tools he intended to sell later.

The Introduction of Crestoloy

In 1930 Crescent introduced a line of alloy steel pliers and wrenches under the "Crestoloy" brand. "Crestoloy" was registered as a trademark, in product categories for both finished tools and for alloy steel.

Hacksaws and Screwdrivers

By 1931 Crescent was offering hacksaws in several models, with both fixed and adjustable frames. The company also began offering its own line of screwdrivers, apart from the continuing production of S&H screwdrivers.

Post-War Expansion

In the late 1940s and 1950s Crescent benefited from the general post-war economic expansion as well as the rising popularity of "Do-It-Yourself" projects. By the mid 1950s the product line included fixed wrenches in open-end, combination, and box-end styles, as well as sockets and drive tools in 1/4-drive through 3/4-drive sizes. The sockets and drive tools closely resembled the production of Wright Tool and are believed to have been contract production by Wright.

The Crescent Niagara Corporation

Crescent Tool continued as a family-run business until 1960, at which time it was purchased by a group of investors and became the Crescent Niagara Corporation.

Over the next few years Crescent Niagara acquired several more tool companies, beginning with the 1962 purchase of Billings & Spencer. (See our article on Billings & Spencer for more information.)

In 1963 Crescent Niagara acquired the tool operations of Barcalo Manufacturing, a diversified manufacturer that had become famous for its Barcalounger line of recliner chairs. (The furniture operations of Barcalo were acquired by a furniture company in North Carolina.)

In 1964 another acquisition added Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing as a subsidiary of Crescent Niagara.

By 1967 the Crescent catalog had been expanded considerably with the addition of tools from the acquired companies. Crescent-branded wrenches were offered in combination, box, and open-end styles, with the "scooped" style box ends seen on late Barcalo wrenches. (See for example the Barcalo TC26 Combination Wrench.) Also included was the Bridgeport Hardware product line of screwdrivers and miscellaneous tools.

Crescent continued the operations of the acquired companies for some time, but eventually merged the more important products into its own tool lines and dissolved the other corporations.

Acquisition by Cooper Industries

In 1968 Crescent Niagara (itself a mini-conglomerate) was acquired by the Cooper Industries conglomerate, and afterwards the Crescent brand operated as part of the Hand Tools division of Cooper.

More Conglomeration

In 2010 Cooper Industries and the Danaher Corporation merged their tool operations to form the Apex Tool Group as a joint venture. The Apex Tool Group operates today as a private corporation, with Crescent as one of its major brands.

Patents

Trademarks

Crescent Tool registered several trademarks for its products, including the "Crescent" name and a "CTCO" logo, both used as early as 1907. The "Cee Tee Co" trademark was used beginning in 1913, and the "Crestoloy" trademark (for alloy-steel tools) was first used in 1930.

Crescent appears to have acquired the "Red Devil" trademark as part of its Smith & Hemenway acquisition, but only for a limited line of electrician's auger bits. Other references to "Red Devil" disappeared from the catalogs within a few years of the acquisition.

Tool Identification

Most Crescent tools are easy to identify, with clear markings for the company name stamped on or forged into the tool.

CTCo-Logo

Fig. 9. CTCo Logo Image.

The scan in Fig. 9 shows the Crescent CTCo logo as it was presented for trademark #67460.

This logo was sometimes stamped on tools in place of the company name for contract production.

Manufacturing Dates

Crescent did not mark their tools with a date code, and estimation of dates must be made on the basis of factors such as patents, trademarks, tool markings, and catalog listings. As Crescent tended to produce the same models for long periods with few changes, estimation of the manufacturing dates for some tools may be difficult and imprecise.

We hope to develop some useful guidelines for manufacturing date estimation following further review of the catalogs.

• "Checkerdot" Handle Pattern for Pliers. In 1915 Crescent received design patent D47,389 for a handle pattern for pliers, which Crescent referred to as "Checkerdot".

• "Red Devil" Mark on Pliers. At the time of the 1926 acquisition by Crescent, most S. & H. pliers were marked with the "Red Devil" trademark. Crescent probably continued using this mark for a short transition period, possibly into the late 1920s, as it would have taken some time to change the marking machines at the S. & H. factory. Apart from this transition period, pliers marked "Red Devil" can be attributed to S. & H. production before 1926.

• S. & H. Pliers Without "Red Devil" Mark. Pliers marked S. & H. without a "Red Devil" marking can generally be attributed to Crescent from the late 1920s onward, except for some very early S. & H. pliers without patterned handles.

• Crestoloy Marking. In 1930 Crescent began using the "Crestoloy" trademark for alloy-steel tools. Specific models of pliers were switched to Crestoloy over time, and a review of the catalogs can provide a model-by-model estimate of the production date.

References and Resources

Photographs and observations of particular tools are based on items in the Alloy Artifacts Collection.

Catalog Coverage

Our Crescent Tool catalog resources are summarized in the table below.

Industrial Distributors

Crescent Tools were widely available through automotive and industrial distributors, and the catalogs from these companies provide an additional source of information.

• Ducommun Catalog "E" 1918. The 1918 catalog "E" from the Ducommun Hardware Company of Los Angeles lists Crescent adjustable wrenches on page 238, with single-end models from 4 to 18 inches, and double-end models in 6-8 and 8-10 sizes. Crescent pliers are listed on pages 292 and 293, including Cee-Tee-Co and MoToR Kit combination pliers, thin bent-nose combination pliers, and universal combination pliers.

• Harron, Rickard & McCone 1918. The 1918 catalog No. 2 from Harron, Rickard & McCone, an industrial distributor, lists Crescent adjustable wrenches on page 126 and CeeTeeCo combination pliers on page 140. Adjustable wrenches were available in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18 inch nominal sizes, at prices ranging from $0.80 to $2.80 respectively. Double-ended Crescent wrenches were also listed in the 6-8 and 8-10 sizes, priced at $1.55 and $1.90 respectively. The CeeTeeCo pliers were specified with a nickel finish in 5 or 6 inch sizes, priced at $0.45 and $0.65 respectively.

• Cragin 1921. The 1921 catalog No. 2 from Cragin & Company of Seattle lists Crescent adjustable wrenches in single and double-ended models on page 204. Also listed are several models of slip-joint pliers on page 116, including the MoToR KiT combination models G25,G26, G28, and G210, CeeTeeCo No. 100 combination pliers, and Crescent No. 70 universal pliers. The MoToR KiT pliers are illustrated with the Checkerdot handle pattern.

• Western Auto Supply 1924. The 1924 Ford Owners' Supply Book (Eastern edition) from Western Auto Supply, a major retailer of automotive products, lists Crescent adjustable wrenches in both single and double-ended models. The catalog description, under the heading "Genuine Crescent Wrenches", calls them the "strongest and handiest adjustable wrenches made", and prices were set at $0.65 for the 6 inch single and $1.25 for the 6-8 inch double-end. The catalog also offered "Crescent Type Adjustable Wrenches", with no brand name mentioned, for about 30% less.

• White Tool and Supply 1928. The 1928 catalog "B" from the White Tool and Supply Company, a Cleveland-based industrial distributor, lists Crescent adjustable wrenches on page 136, in both single-ended and double-ended styles. Crescent pliers are shown on page 187 with CeeTeeCo and MoToR KiT combination pliers, plus thin-nose pliers in straight and bent styles.

• H. Channon 1930. The 1930 catalog No. 101 from the H. Channon Company lists Crescent and Red Devil brand pliers on pages 303 and 305-307, including diagonal cutters, end nippers, needlenose pliers, and slip-joint pliers.

  Other listings include adjustable wrenches in single-ended sizes from 4 to 18 inches plus four double-ended models on page 239, and the Crescent hammer-screwdriver tool on page 287.

• Sligo 1930. The 1930 catalog No. 70 from the Sligo Iron Store Company lists Crescent adjustable wrenches in single and double-ended styles on page 117.

  Also listed are several models of Crescent pliers on page 147, including the CeeTeeCo H2x series in sizes 5, 6, 8, and 10 inches, "MoToR KiT" G2x series in sizes 5, 6, 8, and 10 inches, the L2x series thin-nose pliers in sizes 5,6, 8, and 10 inches, J26 thin bent-nose pliers, No. 742 diagonal cutters, and No. 1000 Button's pliers in sizes 5, 6, 8, and 10 inches.

• Waterhouse-Lester-Scovel 1930. The Waterhouse-Lester-Scovel catalog No. 21 from around 1930 lists an extensive selection of Crescent and Smith & Hemenway pliers on pages 608-610. Also listed are Crescent screwdrivers on page 611, and Crescent single and double-ended adjustable wrenches on page 622.

  This catalog is undated and was published without copyright, but the date can be estimated as 1929-1930 by the contents.

• Samuel Harris 1931. The 1931 catalog No. 57 from Samuel Harris & Company of Chicago lists Crescent adjustable wrenches on page 516, in single-ended (A-1x), double-ended (B-1x), and Crestoloy (AC1x) models. The Crestoloy models were new at the time and were advertised as "30% Thinner" but "200% Stronger" than the standard wrenches.

  The catalog also lists Crescent circular cutting snips on page 225, and CeeTeeCo H2x combination pliers in sizes 5, 6, 8, and 10 inches on page 238.

• Ducommun "H" 1933. The 1933 catalog "H" from the Ducommun Corporation lists Crescent wrenches on pages 153 and 154, including Crescent single-ended and double-ended adjustable wrenches, "Crestoloy" alloy-steel adjustable wrenches, and auto wrenches. Crescent pliers are listed page 181 and pages 184-187.

Early Adjustable Wrenches

Adjustable wrenches were one of the earliest products of Crescent Tool, and Crescent's particular design became very popular, perhaps too popular. Even today it's common to hear an adjustable wrench referred to as a "crescent wrench" regardless of the brand.

Crescent 8-10 Inch Double Adjustable Wrench

We'll begin with an early double-ended wrench, a once common tool that's now regarded as a novelty.

Fig. 10. Crescent 8-10 Inch Double Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 10 shows an early Crescent 8-10 inch double-ended adjustable wrench, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." in forged raised letters, with "Crescent" and "Drop Forged Steel" on the back side.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the maximum jaw openings were measured at 1.0 and 1.1 inches for the 8 and 10 inch ends, respectively. The finish is polished steel.

The head thickness was measured at 0.58 and 0.73 inches for the 8 and 10 inch ends, respectively.

This wrench has an additional "Patented" marking forged into the shank, and this is believed to be a reference to patent #1,133,236, issued to K. Peterson in 1915. The patent describes the use of a tension spring to help hold the adjusting screw in position.

Crescent 6-8 Inch Double Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 11. Crescent 6-8 Inch Double Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 11 shows a later Crescent 6-8 inch double-ended adjustable wrench, marked "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." in forged raised letters, with "Drop Forged Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum jaw openings were measured at 0.8 and 1.0 inches for the 6 and 8 inch ends, respectively.

The finish is polished steel.

Crescent 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 12. Crescent 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 12 shows a Crescent 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." in forged raised letters, with "Drop Forged Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum jaw opening is 1.0 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.56 inches.

The finish is plain steel.

Crescent 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 13. Crescent 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 13 shows a Crescent 12 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." in forged raised letters, with "Drop Forged Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 12.3 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.3 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.88 inches.

The finish is plain steel.

Slip-Joint Pliers

Crescent's early pliers were all of the slip-joint design, and it wasn't until the the 1926 acquisition of Smith & Hemenway that the company offered fixed-joint pliers.

"MoToR KiT" [G26] 6 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 14. Crescent "MoToR KiT" [G26] 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side view, ca. 1915+.

Fig. 14 shows a pair of Crescent "MoToR KiT" [G26] 6 inch slip-joint combination pliers, marked "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." with the CTCo-Logo.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

CeeTeeCo [H25] 5 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 15. Crescent CeeTeeCo [H25] 5 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1915+.

Fig. 15 shows a pair of CeeTeeCo [H25] 5 inch slip-joint pliers, marked "Jamestown, N.Y." on the handle.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

CeeTeeCo [H28] 8 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 16. Crescent CeeTeeCo [H28] 8 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 16 shows a pair of CeeTeeCo [H28] 8 inch slip-joint combination pliers, stamped "Crescent USA" on the handle.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

L25 5 Inch Thin-Nose Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 17. Crescent L25 5 Inch Thin-Nose Slip-Joint Pliers, with Inset for Side view.

Fig. 17 shows a pair of Crescent L25 5 inch thin-nose combination pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

L26 6 Inch Thin-Nose Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

The next two figures show earlier and later examples of the Crescent L26 thin-nose combination pliers.

Fig. 18. Crescent L26 6 Inch Thin-Nose Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side view.

Fig. 18 shows an earlier pair of Crescent L26 6 inch thin-nose combination pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." on the handle.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The distinctive pattern on the handles of these pliers (and other models) is called "Checkerdot Knurling" in some catalog listings.

This pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389. Crescent Tool probably began using this pattern in 1915 or shortly thereafter, and it has remained in use since then.

Fig. 19. Crescent L26 6 Inch Thin-Nose Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side view.

Fig. 19 shows a later pair of Crescent L26 thin-nose combination pliers, stamped "U.S.A." on the handle.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the thin-nose construction and the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles.

[J26] Thin-Nose Bent Combination Pliers

Fig. 20. Crescent [J26] Thin-Nose Bent Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side view.

Fig. 20 shows a pair of Crescent [J26] thin-nose pliers with bent or angled jaws, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." with the CTCo-Logo.

The overall length is 6.7 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear and rust.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles.

The "Checkerdot" pattern was registered in the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

CeeTeeCo Slip-Joint Specialty Pliers

Fig. 21. Crescent CeeTeeCo 6 Inch Slip-Joint Specialty Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 21 shows a pair of CeeTeeCo 6 inch slip-joint specialty pliers, marked "Jamestown NY U.S.A." on the handle.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The inset shows the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles, which is based on the 1915 Peterson design patent #D47,389.

Folding Screwdrivers

By 1915 Crescent was offering an unusual folding screwdriver tool with a hammer-like handle.

Crescent [K24] Tee-Handle Folding Screwdriver

Fig. 22. Crescent [K24] Folding Screwdriver, with Insets for "Tee" Position and Marking Detail.

Fig. 22 shows an unusual Crescent [K24] folding screwdriver, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the shank, with "4 In" and "Patented" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.4 inches in the "Tee" position and 7.6 inches when extended.

The finish is chrome plating.

Although the tool is not marked with a model number, the 1922 Crescent catalog refers to this as a "Hamr-Handl Screw Driver" with model number K24. Larger versions were available as models K25 and K26, with blade lengths of 5 and 6 inches, respectively.

The design for this tool is described by patent #1,215,308, issued in 1917 to J.E. Johnson and assigned to Crescent Tool. (Thanks to a diligent reader for the patent reference.)

The patent document calls this a "Combination Tool" and mentions an additional feature: the ability to drive sockets inserted in the handle when in the "Tee" position. The present tool did not come with any such sockets, and it's not clear that Crescent actually made such accessories for the tool.

Another feature intended by the patent is the use as a light-duty hammer, with the screwdriver blade acting as a handle.

The patent was filed in 1914, so this model may have been in production as early as that time, and it remained in production at least through the early 1940s.

The Smith & Hemenway Acquisition

By 1926 Crescent had acquired the Smith & Hemenway Company (S&H), a maker of pliers and other tools in operation since the early 1900s (or before). Crescent continued to use the S&H factory in Irvington, New Jersey, and the full S&H product line was added to the Crescent catalogs beginning with catalog No. 17, published in July of 1926. (See our brief article on Smith & Hemenway for more information on their early products.)

Incidentally, catalog No. 17 appears to have been the first catalog published by Crescent's own printing facility.

After the Smith & Hemenway acquisition Crescent may have used the "Red Devil" brand on pliers for a brief transitional period, as most of the S&H product line was stamped with this marking at the time of the acquisition. However, the "Red Devil" marking is believed to have been removed soon afterwards for all tools with the exception of electrical auger bits. The 1928 Crescent catalog does not show the "Red Devil" marking on pliers.

S&H "Red Devil" 925-10 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 24. Red Devil 925-10 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 24 shows a pair of Red Devil 925-10 combination pliers, marked "U.S.A." on the handle with "Forged Steel" on the underside.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

These are heavy, well-built pliers with numerous features to earn their rating as "combination pliers". The jaws include two gripping areas for round objects, plus a V-groove for holding small pins (see lower inset).

There's also a slot for cutting wire, and the end of one handle is flattened for use as a screwdriver or light-duty prybar.

S&H "Red Devil" 1906 Fencing Pliers

Fig. 25. Red Devil 1906 Fencing Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Jaw Detail.

Fig. 25 shows a pair of Red Devil 1906 fencing pliers, marked "S.&H. Co. U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fixed-Pivot Pliers

As late as 1926 Crescent itself offered only a single model of fixed-pivot pliers, a long-nose design intended for radio work. However, with its purchase of Smith & Hemenway, Crescent had acquired an extensive line of fixed-pivot pliers and cutters, including lineman's pliers, diagonal and end cutters, and needlenose pliers.

With the introduction of Crestoloy alloy-steel tools a few years later, certain of the fixed-pivot designs, such as lineman's pliers and diagonal cutters, migrated to the Crestoloy product line. Other models remained in carbon steel though, and the Crescent catalogs into the 1940s still referred to some models as "S&H".

Button's Pattern Pliers

Button's Pattern pliers were a style of wire-cutters first introduced by J.M. King & Company in the late 1860s. These pliers were typically produced with two or three wire-cutting slots situated at the sides or between the jaws.

Crescent's Button's pliers first appeared in 1926 as the S&H No. 1000 "Heavy Combination" pliers, with the "Red Devil" brand still visible in the illustration. The illustrations of these early models show the angled sides of the jaws with a flat (planar) surface.

Crescent 1000-8 8 Inch Button's Pliers

The next two figures show examples of the Crescent 1000-8 Button's pliers, with minor differences in construction and marking.

Fig. 26. Crescent 1000-8 8 Inch Button's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Construction Detail, ca. Late 1940s.

Fig. 26 shows a pair of Crescent 1000-8 8 inch Button's pliers, stamped the model number and "Crescent" around the pivot, with "Made in U.S.A." below.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. Note also that the angled outer face of the jaws has been ground to a curved surface, with an abrupt termination just before the cutting slot.

The middle inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction. Note that the cutting slot between the jaws is at a right angle to the faces.

Fig. 27. Crescent 1000-8 8 Inch Button's Pliers, with Insets for Side View, Construction, and Marking Detail, ca. Late 1940s.

Fig. 27 shows another pair of Crescent 1000-8 8 inch Button's pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Made in U.S.A." below.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. Note also that the angled outer face of the jaws has been ground to a curved surface, with an abrupt termination just before the cutting slot.

The middle inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction. For these pliers the cutting slot between the jaws is slightly offset from a right angle.

Lineman's Pliers

S&H 1650-8 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers with Button's Cutting Slot

Fig. 28. S&H 1650-8 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 28 shows a pair of S&H 1650-8 8 inch lineman's pliers with a Button's cutting slot, stamped with "S.&H. Co." and model number around the pivot.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers are equipped with one Button's-style cutting slot on the side, a somewhat unusual feature for lineman's pliers.

The patterned handles and absence of a "Red Devil" marking indicate production after the S&H acquisition. The S&H No. 1650 pliers were listed in the 1931 Crescent catalog, which notes the inclusion of the Button's cutter. By 1939 the No. 1650 pliers had been discontinued.

The Crestoloy Era

In 1930 Crescent introduced a line of alloy-steel tools under the "Crestoloy" trademark. The new alloy steel was used not only for adjustable wrenches, but also for certain types of fixed-pivot pliers that could benefit from the stronger steel.

After the introduction of Crestoloy, Crescent continued to offer adjustable wrenches and some pliers models in the older carbon steel.

Crestoloy Adjustable Wrenches

In 1930 Crescent began using "Crestoloy" alloy steel for a new line of adjustable wrenches. The extra strength of the alloy steel allowed the new wrenches to be thinner and lighter than the older models, but still stronger. Advertisements for the new wrenches typically claimed them to be "30% Thinner" but "200% Stronger".

The next several figures will shows examples of Crestoloy adjustable wrenches.

Crestoloy 4 Inch Adjustable Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Crestoloy wrenches in the 4 inch size.

Fig. 29. Crestoloy 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 29 shows a Crescent 4 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." in forged raised letters, with "Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of red paint.

Fig. 30. Crestoloy 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 30 shows another example of the Crescent 4 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." in forged raised letters, with "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Crestoloy (PWA 1056) 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 31. Crescent Crestoloy (PWA 1056) 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 31 shows a Crescent Crestoloy 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Forged Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the handle, with "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." forged into the back side.

The wrench is also stamped "PWA 1056" near the adjusting knurl, indicating production for Pratt-Whitney Aircraft.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.49 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Crestoloy 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 32. Crescent Crestoloy 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 32 shows a Crescent Crestoloy 12 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Forged Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." in forged raised letters, with "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the back side.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.3 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.72 inches.

The finish is plain steel, with some pitting due to rust.

Crestoloy Pliers

By 1935 Crescent was offering more than a dozen models of Crestoloy pliers, and additional models were added in later years. The table below summarizes the available Crestoloy pliers.

Readers familiar with Utica pliers may note that some of the model numbers are the same as the corresponding Utica tool. This is likely due to the fact that S&H acted as a sales agent for Utica Drop Forge & Tool in the early 1900s, and afterwards adopted Utica numbers for its own production.

Lineman's Pliers

Crestoloy 1950-7 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 33. Crestoloy 1950-7 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 33 shows a pair of Crescent 1950-7 7 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Crestoloy 1950-8 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 34. Crestoloy 1950-8 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 34 shows a pair of Crescent 1950-8 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Fig. 35. Crestoloy 1950-8 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1970s+.

Fig. 35 shows a later pair of Crescent 1950-8 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Crescent" and "Made U.S.A." around the pivot with the model number in the center, with "Crestoloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with pitting due to rust.

Diagonal Cutters and End Nippers

Crestoloy 542-7 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 36. Crescent "Crestoloy" 542-7 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1930s to 1950s.

Fig. 36 shows a pair of Crescent "Crestoloy" 542-7 7 inch heavy-duty diagonal cutters, stamped with "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Crestoloy 742-7 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 37. Crescent "Crestoloy" 742-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 37 shows a pair of Crescent "Crestoloy" 742-7 7 inch heavy-duty diagonal cutters, stamped with "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The top inset illustrates the dimpled gripping pattern on the handles, a pattern seldom seen on Crescent pliers. Crescent generally preferred plain handles, and when it did use a gripping pattern, it was usually the "Checkerdot" pattern.

The use of the dimpled gripping pattern is believed to be a holdover from S&H production, suggesting that these cutters were probably made in the early 1930s, soon after the introduction of the Crestoloy brand.

Crestoloy 940-6 [PWA 1057] Diagonal Cutter Pliers

Fig. 38. Crestoloy 940-6 Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 38 shows a pair of Crescent 940-6 diagonal cutters, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y.", with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The pliers are also marked "PWA 1057", indicating that these were contract production for Pratt-Whitney Aircraft.

Crestoloy 942-4 Diagonal Cutter Pliers

Fig. 39. Crestoloy 942-4 Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Insets for Detail.

Fig. 39 shows a pair of Crescent 942-4 diagonal cutters, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." near the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The top inset shows a side view of the head.

Crestoloy 942-5 1/2 Diagonal Cutter Pliers

Fig. 40. Crestoloy 942-5-1/2 Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 40 shows a pair of Crescent 942-5-1/2 diagonal cutters, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." near the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Crestoloy 942-6 Diagonal Cutter Pliers

Fig. 41. Crestoloy 942-6 Diagonal Cutter Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 41 shows a pair of Crescent 942-6 diagonal cutters, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." near the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Crestoloy 72-7 7 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 42. Crestoloy 72-7 7 inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 42 shows a pair of Crescent 72-7 7 inch end nippers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the front, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the width of the cutters is 1.1 inches. The finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Crestoloy 72-8 8 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 43. Crestoloy 72-8 8 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 43 shows a fairly recent pair of Crescent 72-8 8 inch end nippers, marked "Crescent" on one side with "Crestoloy" and "U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the width of the cutters is 1.1 inches. The finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Flat-Nose and Needlenose Pliers

Crestoloy 23-7 Duckbill Pliers

Fig. 44. Crestoloy 23-7 Duckbill Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 44 shows a pair of Crescent 23-7 duckbill pliers, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Crestoloy 654-7 7 Inch Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 45. Crestoloy 654-7 7 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 45 shows a pair of Crescent 654-7 7 inch needlenose pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the front, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Crestoloy 777-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 46. Crestoloy 1033-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 46 shows a recent pair of Crescent 777-6 6 inch needlenose pliers, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." around the pivot, with "Crestoloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Crestoloy 1033-6 Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 47. Crestoloy 1033-6 Needlenose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 47 shows a recent pair of Crescent 1033-6 needlenose pliers, marked "U.S.A." on the pivot. (The markings are etched rather than stamped and are a bit difficult to read.)

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is black oxide with polished faces.

Other Tools

In addition to its well known adjustable wrenches and pliers, Crescent also offered a wide variety of other tools. With the acquisition of S&H, Crescent added a substantial selection of striking tools such as cold chisels, punches, star drills, and even wood chisels. In addition, S&H offered tools such as nail pullers and auger bits, and carried a full line of lineman's tools such as climbers, wire pullers, and splicing clamps.

In the 1930s Crescent added hacksaws and its own line of screwdrivers to the product mix.

Crescent 489 7/32 Tapered Punch

Fig. 48A. Crescent 489 7/32 Tapered Punch, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 48A shows a Crescent 489 7/32 tapered punch, stamped "Crescent" with the model number and size on the hexagonal shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of blue and red paint on the shank.

Crescent No. 175 1 Inch Wood Chisel

Readers who know Crescent Tools only as a maker of wrenches and pliers may be a bit surprised by the next figure.

Fig. 48B. Crescent No. 175 1 Inch Wood Chisel, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 48B shows a Crescent No. 175 1 inch wood chisel with a four-lobed steel handle, marked "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y.", with "No. 175 1 Inch" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The No. 175 chisel was listed in a 1928 Crescent catalog and was available in three widths, 3/4, 1, and 1-1/4 inches. The catalog notes that the chisels were popular with electricians and plumbers, and that the blade was hardened for its full length, to permit numerous resharpenings.

Crescent No. 1046 8 to 12 Inch Adjustable Hacksaw

Fig. 48C. Crescent No. 1046 Adjustable Hacksaw, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 48C shows a Crescent No. 1046 adjustable hacksaw, stamped "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the handle, with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 16.5 inches with a 10 inch blade installed, and the finish is nickel plating.

The clam-shell style handle is constructed of two steel pressings embossed with the familiar "Checkerdot" gripping pattern used for Crescent pliers, as seen in the upper insets. The two halves of the handle are firmly riveted to the frame.

The adjustment mechanism used on this saw is different from that found on most modern hacksaws. The size is set by means of a small tab on the moveable extension, which slips into one of five slots on the top of the fixed frame. (The tab is visible near the center, above the model number.) The five positions allow the frame to handle blades from 8 to 12 inches.

This model was listed in the 1931 Crescent catalog, along with several other models of hacksaws.

Contract Production

In addition to making tools for its own brands, Crescent provided contract production for a number of other companies.

Bonney B6 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 49. Bonney B6 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1948+.

Fig. 49 shows a pair of Bonney B6 6 inch slip-joint combination pliers, stamped "U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the distinctive rectangular grid gripping pattern on the handles.

Readers familiar with Crescent pliers will recognize the gripping pattern as the "Checkerdot" pattern, indicating that these pliers were made for Bonney by Crescent Tool. An example can be seen as the Crescent L26 Pliers.

Husky P65-10 10 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 50. Husky P65-10 10 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 50 shows a pair of Husky P65-10 10 inch combination pliers, stamped "Husky" and "Made in U.S.A." with the model number near the pivot. The handles are also marked with a forged-in code "H21078", partially visible on the lower handle in the photograph.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating, with minor losses due to rust.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern has been used by Crescent since around 1915 and identifies Crescent as the manufacturer of these pliers.

The Crescent version of these pliers is the CeeTeeCo model H210, a model in production since the 1920s or before. From this model number, we can see that the first part of the forged-in code on the handles identifies the model. It would be interesting if it turned out that the last two digits ("78" for this example) were a date code.

Williams PL-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 51. Williams PL-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 51 shows a pair of Williams PL-6 6 inch slip-joint combination pliers, stamped "U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the embossed gripping pattern on the handles.

The handle pattern is easily recognized as the familiar Crescent Tool "Checkerdot" design, identifying Crescent as the contract maker of these pliers. An example of the "Checkerdot" pattern on Crescent pliers can be seen as the CeeTeeCo 8 Inch Combination Pliers.

Later Production

In the mid 1950s Crescent decided to become more of a full-service tool company and broadened its product line to include such items as fixed wrenches and socket tools. These changes occurred before the company's reorganization as Crescent Niagara and subsequent tool-company acquisitions.

Wrenches and Socket Tools

Crescent's catalog 29M from 1958 includes fixed wrenches in open-end, combination, and box styles, plus a selection of sockets and drive tools in sizes from 1/4 to 3/4-drive.

Crescent C1725-B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 52. Crescent C1725-B 1/2x9/18 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 52 shows a Crescent C1725-B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the back side shank.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

Crescent C1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 53. Crescent C1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 53 shows a Crescent C1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the back side shank.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

Crescent C1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Crescent C1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 54 shows a Crescent C1731-B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the back side shank.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

Crescent CT70 3/8-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 55. Crescent CT70 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1959-1960.

Fig. 55 shows a 3/8-drive Crescent CT70 ratchet, marked with "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." forged into the paneled handle, and with "Pat. Pend." and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The pending status refers to patent #2,982,161, filed by T.F. Angquist et al in 1959 and issued in 1961, with assignment to the Crescent Niagara Corporation.

This particular ratchet was acquired as an unused "new old stock" item in its original box. Since the labeling on the box does not mention Crescent Niagara, it's likely that the production occurred before the company's reorganization in 1960.

Pliers

Crescent continued to develop new styles of pliers in later years.

Crescent "Crestogrip" P-210 10 Inch Box-Joint Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 56. Crescent "Crestogrip" P-210 10 Inch Box-Joint Waterpump Pliers, with Inset for Side View, ca. Mid 1950s.

Fig. 56 shows a pair of Crescent "Crestogrip" P-210 10 inch box-joint waterpump pliers, stamped "Crestogrip" with the registered trademark symbol on one handle, with "Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." on the other handle.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is zinc plating.

The inset shows the box-joint construction of the pliers and the "Checkerdot" gripping pattern on the handles.

Crescent 1936-10 10 Inch Fencing Pliers

This next figure shows a different style of fencing pliers with a prominent "horn" for pulling staples.

Fig. 57. Crescent 1936-10 10 Inch Fencing Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1950s to 1960s.

Fig. 57 shows a pair of Crescent 1936-10 10 inch fencing pliers, stamped with "Crescent" and "Made in U.S.A." around the pivot.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel with red plastic handgrips.

Billings, Barcalo, and Bridgeport

In the early 1960s Crescent Niagara acquired the operations of Billings & Spencer, Barcalo Manufacturing, and Bridgeport Hardware. By 1967 the Crescent catalog had been expanded considerably with the addition of tools from these acquired companies. Crescent-branded wrenches were offered in combination, box, and open-end styles, with the "scooped" style box ends seen on late Barcalo wrenches. (See for example the Barcalo TC26 Combination Wrench.) Also included was the Bridgeport Hardware product line of screwdrivers and miscellaneous tools.

Crescent "Life-Time" LE1922 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 58. Crescent LE1922 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 58 shows a Crescent "Life-Time" LE1922 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped with the Crescent "Hex-in-a-C" logo and "Life-Time" on the raised panel, with "Forged USA" forged into the depressed panel on the back side.

The fractional sizes are forged into depressed panels on the ends.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

This wrench has an odd combination of design and marking features borrowed from the tool companies acquired by Crescent Niagara. The design includes features found in late Barcalo production, in particular the raised panel on one side and the depressed panel on the back side, as well as the forged-in sizes in the faces. The stamped markings use the "Life-Time" trademark acquired from Billings & Spencer, together with the "Hex-in-a-C" symbol of late Crescent production.

Crescent LC22 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 59. Crescent LC22 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 59 shows a Crescent LC22 11/16 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Crescent" and the model number and fractional size on the front panel (middle image), with "Forged" and "USA" on the back side panel.

The shank also has a forged-in number "22" on both sides.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

This wrench resembles the Barcalo combination wrenches of the early 1960s with its use of the "Taper Design" box end. See for example the Barcalo TC22 Combination Wrench.

Crescent "Life-Time" LS70 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 60. Crescent "Life-Time" LS70 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 60 shows a 1/2-drive Crescent LS70 ratchet, marked with the "Life-Time" brand stamped into the paneled handle, with "Patent No. 2982161" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This ratchet is covered by patent #2,982,161, issued to T.F. Angquist et al in 1961 with assignment to Crescent.

Later Adjustable Wrenches

In later years Crescent redesigned its adjustable wrenches, extending the depressed panel in the handle all the way to the adjusting screw. At the opposite end, the paneled region was terminated sharply in a line, leaving a squared off area around the hole. (Previously the hole had been within the panel, and had not had a ridge around it.)

Based on a review of catalog illustrations and magazine advertisements, the new handle design went into production sometime between 1958 and 1960, and by 1960 was being used for Crescent's plain finish (non-Crestoloy) wrenches. By 1967 the new design was being used for all adjustable wrenches except for the double-ended models.

The 1967 catalog refers to the "open handle design" as an improvement in the ease of adjustment, and the design gave their wrenches a distinctive appearance as well. From our standpoint, the redesign had an additional advantage, in that it makes it easier to identify Crescent as the contract maker for other brands. (However, later wrench production from Diamond Tool used a similar handle design.)

The next several figures will show examples of later production with this updated design.

Crestoloy 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, Later Design

Fig. 61. Crestoloy 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1960s+.

Fig. 61 shows a later Crescent 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Forged Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." in forged raised letters, with "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inch.

The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.47 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Crestoloy 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, Later Design

Fig. 62. Crestoloy 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1960s+.

Fig. 62 shows a later Crescent 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Forged Crestoloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." in forged raised letters, with "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y." on the back side.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.1 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.61 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Crescent "Alloy" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, Later Design

This next figure shows a later wrench with a plain finish, marked with "Alloy" instead of "Crestoloy".

Fig. 63. Crescent "Alloy" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1960s+.

Fig. 63 shows a later Crescent 12 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Crescent" and "Forged Alloy" forged into the front, with "Mfd. By Crescent Tool Co." and "Jamestown, N.Y. U.S.A." on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in code "34" near the hanging hole.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.68 inches.

The finish is black oxide with polished faces, with minor pitting due to rust.

Crestoloy 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, Late Production

In still later production the forged-in markings were replaced by stamped markings, except for some small production codes at the end of the handle.

Fig. 64. Crestoloy 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 64 shows a Crescent 4 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Crescent" and "U.S.A." with a registered trademark symbol, with "Forged Crestoloy Steel" and and another registered symbol on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.5 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.