Montgomery Ward & Company

Table of Contents

Introduction

Montgomery Ward was a major retailer with a chain of stores and extensive mail order operations.

Company History

Patents

Trademarks

Tool Identification

Montgomery Ward used a number of different brands for its tools, including Riverside, Master Quality, Lakeside, Eclipse, and Powr-Kraft.

Of these various brands, Master Quality, Lakeside, and Eclipse also implied a quality level, from higher to lower in that same order.

The markings for the brands sometimes included "Ward's" as a prefix, and in order to avoid confusion we will index all of the tools (except for the Powr-Kraft brand) with the Ward's prefix.

MW-Oval Logo

Fig. 1. MW-Oval Logo.

Fig. 1 shows the MW-Oval logo stamped on a tool.

References and Resources

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

Catalog Coverage

Selected Tools

Montgomery Ward's major suppliers of tools were Duro/Indestro and Herbrand, with additional production by Barcalo, Bridgeport Hardware, Diamond Calk Horseshoe, Vlchek, and others.

Production by Duro/Indestro

In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for Montgomery Ward by Duro/Indestro.

Riverside

Fig. 2. Riverside Decal from "Compact Utility" Socket Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Riverside was a trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for a variety of automobile-related supplies and products, beginning in 1912. At some point automobile tools were offered as well, and some of the collected examples of Riverside tools are clearly of Duro/Indestro production. It's not known which other companies may have sourced tools as well.

A 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog shows a number of socket sets and tools of likely Duro production. The illustration for a 35-piece Chrome-Vanadium socket set shows a Duro-style ratchet, with sockets matching the Ward's Riverside examples. The catalog also shows box-end wrenches that closely resemble the examples in the next figures.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 3. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 3 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Riverside" between two decorative triangles on the front panel, and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel", as well as the hexagonal shank and general construction of the wrench.

Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrenches

Fig. 4. Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 4 shows a Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, marked with decorative triangles (meaning unknown) on a raised panel, and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is a heavy cadmium plating.

Production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel", as well as the hexagonal shank and general construction of the wrench.

Fig. 5. Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 5 shows another Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, similar to the previous example but without raised panels on the shank. The wrench is stamped with decorative triangles on the front with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 11.2 inches. The finish is a chrome or possibly nickel plate with a yellowish tint, now worn through in places.

As with the previous example, production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the general construction and the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel".

Riverside "Compact Utility" 1/2-Drive Socket Set

The 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog offered a number of socket sets in both chrome-vanadium steel and in carbon steel. Based on the illustrations, all of the sets (with one possible exception) were made by Duro/Indestro.

Fig. 6. 1935 Catalog Listing for Montgomery Ward "Compact Utility" Socket Set.

The scan in Fig. 6 shows a listing for a "Compact Utility" socket set, as found on page 460 of the 1935 Montgomery Ward Spring-Summer catalog No. 122. This set included both 1/2-drive and 1/4-drive components.

The text lists the 1/2-drive parts as a ratchet, a sliding Tee handle, an extension, and nine double-hex sockets. The 1/4-drive parts are listed as a flex handle and nine sockets, but the illustration shows only eight sockets.

The text notes that the set was supplied with a steel box measuring 13-7/8 by 5-3/4 by 1-5/8 inches, complete with a carrying handle.

We acquired a set that closely matches the illustration and which carries a decal for the Riverside brand, a trademark used by Montgomery Ward. Our set was missing the 1/4-drive components, but had most of the specified 1/2-drive parts, including a few extras. The ratchet and sockets in the set identify the set as Duro/Indestro production, and the sockets are a mix of cold-broached and hot-broached construction, providing a 1935-1936 manufacturing date estimate for the set.

Fig. 7. Riverside "Compact Utility" 1/2-Drive Socket Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 7 shows a rare Riverside "Compact Utility" socket set retaining most of its original 1/2-drive parts, but missing the 1/4-drive components.

The set as pictured consists of a forged-body ratchet with its drive plug, a sliding Tee handle, an extension, a universal, and eight 1/2-drive double-hex sockets.

The socket sizes are, from the left, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 21/32, 3/4, 15/16, and 1 inch. The sockets are all marked "Ward's" and "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional size.

Based on the catalog listing, the set appears to be missing the 11/16 and 13/16 sockets and has an extra 7/16 socket. In addition, the former owner has added a model 3217 universal.

Fig. 8. Top Cover of Ward's Riverside "Compact Utility" Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 8 shows the top cover of the Ward's Riverside "Compact Utility" set, conveniently fitted with a sturdy handle.

The brown metal box measures 14.1 inches long by 5.9 inches wide by 1.7 inches high.

A careful look at the sockets in the photograph shows that the largest socket was cold-broached, but the others were made using Duro's patented Hot-Broaching Process. Duro filed its patent for socket construction in 1935 and received patent #2,027,922 in 1936, suggesting a 1935-1936 production date for the set.

Duro 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet from Riverside "Compact Utility" Socket Set

Fig. 9. Duro 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet from Riverside "Compact Utility" Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 9 shows the Duro 1/2-drive pressed-flange ratchet and drive plug from the Riverside "Compact Utility" set.

The ratchet is marked with patent #1,902,878 on the cover plate, a reference to the well-known Duro patent for pressed-flange ratchet construction.

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

The ratchet mechanism has a 16-tooth drive gear, a relatively coarse pitch consistent with an early production date.

The forged body of the ratchet closely matches the illustration in the Montgomery Ward catalog. Note that the design is distinct from the well-known Duro 678D or Indestro 3202 models, indicating that Montgomery Ward was a sufficiently important customer to warrant a custom forging die for the ratchet handle.

Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets from "Compact Utility" Set

Fig. 10. Wards "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets from "Compact Utility" Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 10 shows the two largest Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive sockets from the "Compact Utility" set.

The sizes are 15/16 at the left and 1 inch at the right, and both sockets are stamped "Ward's" and "Chromium Vanadium" on the base.

The socket on the left has a scalloped ring of displaced metal, a characteristic of Duro's patented hot-broached construction. The socket on the right though has only small bits of metal at the base of the broached area, indicating cold-broached construction.

Ward's Riverside "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets

Some of the production for the Riverside brand was marked with both "Ward's" and "Riverside", as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 11. Ward's Riverside "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets, with Inset for Top View, ca. Mid to Late 1930s.

Fig. 11 shows two Ward's Riverside "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive double-hex sockets, with sizes 1-1/16 on the left and 1-1/8 on the right.

The sockets are marked "Ward's Riverside" and "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional size, and the finish is chrome plating.

The top inset shows the interior of the sockets, illustrating the hot-broached construction with a scalloped ring of displaced metal.

These sockets were acquired separately rather than as part of a set, but are very similar to the Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" sockets from the Riverside "Compact Utility" set. The inclusion of the "Riverside" brand on the sockets probably indicates later production.

Ward's Master Quality

Montgomery Ward used the "Master Quality" brand for its top grade of tools, and Duro/Indestro have been identified as one of the suppliers of Master Quality tools.

Ward's Master Quality 84-4783 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet

Fig. 12. Ward's Master Quality 84-4783 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1930s to 1940s.

Fig. 12 shows a Ward's Master Quality 84-4783 1/2-drive reversible ratchet, stamped with the Ward's "M|W" logo and model number on the cover plate, with "Wards Master Quality" forged into the handle.

The back side cover plate is stamped "Pat. No. 1,902,878", with "Wards Master Quality" forged into the back side handle.

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

The patent notice refers to patent #1,902,878, issued in 1933 to McNaught and Peterson with assignment to Duro Metal Products.

The ratchet mechanism has a 36-tooth drive gear, a much finer pitch than the earlier ratchet models.

Powr-Kraft

In the 1930s Montgomery Ward offered a broad line of power tools under the "Powr-Kraft" trademark, and in later years the brand was extended to include hand tools. Duro was one of the manufacturers selected to supply sockets and drive tools for the Powr-Kraft line, as the next figure illustrates.

Powr-Kraft 1/2-Drive Sockets

Fig. 13. Powr-Kraft 1/2-Drive 12-Point Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 13 shows a group of 1/2-drive Powr-Kraft 12-point sockets, each marked "Powr-Kraft 100" and "84-4865" with a small "D" code.

The sizes are, from the left, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 15/16.

Production by Herbrand

In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for Montgomery Ward by Herbrand.

Riverside was a registered trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for various automobile-related items, including hand tools. Herbrand has recently been identified as one of their tool suppliers, based on the close similarity of the Riverside-marked tools shown below with the Herbrand equivalents.

Riverside 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 14. Riverside 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 14 shows a Riverside 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

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

The marking with "Chromium Vanadium" bracketed by "Made in U.S.A." is very similar to other Herbrand contract production shown in this section.

The dimensions and construction of the wrench are very similar to the Herbrand H-3 Tappet Wrench.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 15. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 15 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 4725B Wrench, part of the "Multihex" series of box-end wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 16. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 16 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 short box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with extensive losses due to wear.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 6725-B Wrench, part of the "Multihex" series of box-end wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931. Another very similar wrench can be seen as the Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box Wrench made as contract production for Western Auto.

Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Fig. 17. Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 17 shows a Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-shaped box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 7727 "Obstructo" Wrench, part of the "Obstructo" series of S-shaped box wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931.

Production by Utica

In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for Montgomery Ward by Utica.

Utica is known to have produced pliers for the Master Quality and Lakeside brands, as the figures below show.

Ward's "Master" 7 Inch Angle-Nose Gripping Pliers

Fig. 18. Ward's "Master" 7 Inch Angle-Nose Gripping Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 18 shows a pair of Ward's "Master" 7 inch slip-joint angle-nose pliers, stamped with "Wards Master" and "Alloy Steel" near the pivot.

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

These pliers are nearly identical (except for markings) to the Utica 523-7 Angle-Nose Pliers shown in our article on Utica.

The "Master" marking is short for "Master Quality", the brand used by Montgomery Ward for its top-tier tools.

[Ward's] Lakeside 10 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers

Fig. 19. [Ward's] Lakeside 10 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Construction Detail, ca. Late 1940s+.

Fig. 19 shows a pair of Lakeside 10 inch Button's Pattern pliers, stamped with the Lakeside script logo across the pivot.

The overall length is 10.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The middle inset shows a close-up of the jaws, illustrating the two angled cutting slots between the jaws, a characteristic of Utica's Button's pliers.

Utica referred to this model as the No. 1002 Button's Pliers for Wire and Steel Mills. These pliers are similar to the well-known Utica No. 1000 Button's pliers, but have rounded edges on the head to allow access in tight places. This model was available during the late 1930s and 1940s, but appears to have been discontinued by the 1950s.

Production by Barcalo Manufacturing

In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for Montgomery Ward by Barcalo Manufacturing.

Barcalo is known to have produced wrenches for the Lakeside, Eclipse, and Powr-Kraft brands, as the figures below will show.

Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Our next figure shows an example of a Ward's Lakeside tool of apparent Barcalo production.

Fig. 20. Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 20 shows a Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Wards Lakeside" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This wrench resembles the Barcalo open-end wrench production such as the Barcalo Open-End Wrench, although the identification is not certain.

Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 Open+Box Wrench

This next figure shows an example of Barcalo production for the Ward's Eclipse tool line.

Fig. 21. Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 Open-Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1950s to Early 1960s.

Fig. 21 shows a Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 open+box wrench, marked "Forged USA" in forged-in raised letters.

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

The style of this wrench closely resembles the Barcalo Open-Box Wrench shown in our article on Barcalo.

Powr-Kraft 3/4 Combination Wrench

This next figure shows an example of Barcalo production for the Ward's "Powr-Kraft" brand.

Fig. 22. Powr-Kraft 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 22 shows a Powr-Kraft 3/4 combination wrench with raised and depressed panels, stamped "Powr-Kraft" on the front (raised) panel, with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Production by Vlchek

Vlchek produced wrenches for the Montgomery Ward "Master Quality" brand.

Master Quality 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 23. Master Quality 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1940s to Early 1950s.

Fig. 23 shows a Master Quality 11/16 combination wrench, stamped with the Montgomery Ward MW-Oval logo on the front, with "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.9 inches.

Vlchek production is indicated by the sharp radius on the box end, the wide flat shank (compare to this WBE18 wrench), and the forged-in number "4".

The wide shank suggests production from the mid 1940s to the early 1950s.

Master Quality 13/16x7/8 Flare-Nut Wrench

Fig. 24. Master Quality 13/16x7/8 Flare-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1940s to Mid 1950s.

Fig. 24 shows a Master Quality 13/16x7/8 flare-nut wrench, stamped with "Master Quality" and the MW-Oval logo on the shank.

The front faces are stamped with "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy", with the fractional sizes on the back faces.

The shank also has a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

We can identify the maker of the wrench as Vlchek based on its production characteristics, including the forged-in number and the sharp grinding radius on the edges of the heads. In addition, the shape and length of the wrench are nearly identical to Vlchek narrow-shank open-end wrenches of similar size. See for example the Vlchek W2526 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench and the Wizard HR2062 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Production by Diamond Calk Horseshoe

The Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company produced adjustable wrenches for the Montgomery Ward "Master Quality" brand.

Ward's "Master Quality" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 25. Ward's Master Quality 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 25 shows a Ward's "Master Quality" 12 inch adjustable wrench, stamped with "Wards Master Quality" on both sides of the shank.

The shank is also marked with the 12 inch size and "Drop Forged" forged into the front, with the size and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.3 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.70 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with minor losses due to wear.

The absence of an alloy steel marking indicates that this would be one of Diamond's "Tool Steel" models.

Ward's "Master Quality" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 26. Ward's Master Quality 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 26 shows a Ward's "Master Quality" 8 inch adjustable wrench with a broached hanging hole, marked with "Wards Master Quality" and "Drop Forged" forged into the shank, with "Molybdenum Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side, along with the "9/16" size near the broached end.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.49 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some loss due to wear.

This wrench is easily identified as Diamond Calk production by the construction and markings. We first note that this example is nearly identical in dimensions and features to the Diamalloy 8 Inch Wrench with Broached Opening shown in our Diamond article.

The broached hanging hole in particular is an unusual feature for adjustable wrenches, with only two companies known to have made wrenches in this style: Diamond Calk Horseshoe and J.P. Danielson.

An example of the corresponding Danielson model can be seen as the Danielson "Vanadium" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench in our article on J.P. Danielson. Although the Danielson wrench is similar to the example here, one major difference is the square jaw opening used by Danielson, instead of the hexagonal jaw found on Diamond Calk production.

The "Molybdenum Alloy" marking indicates that this wrench is part of the Diamond "Diamalloy" line.

The forged-in marking for "Wards Master Quality" suggest that Montgomery Ward had become a more important customer by this time, enough so to warrant a custom forging die.

Ward's "Master Quality" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 27. Ward's Master Quality 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 27 shows a later Ward's "Master Quality" 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Wards Master Quality" and "84-4701" forged into the shank, with "Molybdenum Alloy" plus "Drop Forged" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The customer-specifc markings on this wrench even include the "84-4701" model number, a strong indication that Montgomery Ward had become an important customer.

Production by Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing

In this section we'll look at examples of production for Montgomery Ward by Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing.

Bridgeport produced a line of open-end wrenches under the "Master Quality" mark, an unregistered brand used by Montgomery Ward for its top-quality tools. Some of the Bridgeport production includes the full "Wards Master Quality" name, but frequently only "Master Quality" was marked.

Master Quality 27C Open-End Wrench

Fig. 28. Master Quality 27C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 28 shows a Master Quality 27C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench with a distinctive depressed panel design, marked with "Molybdenum Alloy U.S.A." forged into the front, with "Master Quality" forged into the back.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The face is stamped with the BHM Logo, indicating production by Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing.

Master Quality 28S Open-End Wrench

Fig. 29. Master Quality 28S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 29 shows a Master Quality 28S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench with a distinctive depressed panel design, marked with "Molybdenum Alloy U.S.A." forged into the front, with "Master Quality" forged into the back.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The face is stamped with the BHM Logo, indicating production by Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing.

Master Quality 731A Open-End Wrench

Fig. 30. Master Quality 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 30 shows a Master Quality 731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench with a distinctive depressed panel design, marked with "Molybdenum Alloy U.S.A." forged into the front, with "Master Quality" forged into the back.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The face is stamped with the BHM Logo, indicating production by Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing.

Ward's Master Quality 15/16x1 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of BHM production for the Montgomery Ward "Master Quality" line, but not marked with the BHM logo.

Fig. 31. Ward's Master Quality 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 31 shows a Ward's Master Quality 15/16x1 open-end wrench of the same distinctive design as the previous examples, marked with "Molybdenum Alloy U.S.A." forged into the front, with "Ward's Master Quality" forged into the back.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 32. Ward's Master Quality 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 32 shows another Ward's Master Quality 15/16x1 open-end wrench, with a clear marking for "Wards Master Quality" forged into the front, and with "Molybdenum Alloy U.S.A." forged into the back.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to rust and pitting.