How old is this farm wrench and what was it used for?

[FreeBirdTim]

Found this rusty old farm wrench today about five inches down, but I can't read the stamping on it to identify the maker. It's 7 inches long and has weird jaws. They're rounded instead of square and the jaws taper to a point.It must have been designed for a specific purpose, but I have no idea what it could be used for! Any help would be appreciated.

 

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[NOLA_Ken]

That's an odd one.... first thought was it might be similar to a tie rod separator.... but I'm probably way off....

 

[FreeBirdTim]

No, that's a very good guess! That would explain why the jaw is tapered and why it's round and not square. I'll use that info and research it more online. Thanks!

 

[GaryH]

I have one similar that is stamped "Billings". Don't know what it was used for.

 

[nhbenz]

Something to do with horseshoes, an area I know nothing about: Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company
Oh, wait, on the second thought I think the horseshoe reference is just the shape of the end... And its a sort of open end wrench meant to be able to wedge its way in where needed. Hmm...
At any rate it's called a Horseshoe Caulk Wrench.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Something to do with horseshoes, an area I know nothing about

I think you have it! I do think it is a horseshoe calk wrench, which is used to remove horseshoes. That would make sense based on the shape of the jaws and the flat spot on the back of the wrench where you can hit it with a hammer. Great job!

Now how about some wild guesses as to the age of it? My guess would be 1930's or earlier, but it could be pre-1900 as well. Dating the wrench is important because I'd like to know if this spot is old or VERY old. Thanks for any help!

 

[cw0909]

great ID benz, i like the logo/trademark link at your reference link

info on the wrench
Duluth, Minnesota - Sheldon T. Aubut, Maryanne C. Norton - Google Books

The Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company of Duluth, Minnesota, USA was founded in 1908 by blacksmith Otto Swanstrom. Initially manufacturing horseshoes with a special type of calk to improve the animals' foothold on slippery surfaces, the company successfully adapted to the development of motorised transport for the masses and produced a range of adjustable wrenches and pliers from the 1920s. The family-owned company was sold to the Triangle Corporation in 1981; Triangle itself was eventually sold to Cooper Tools.[1][2
Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

calk
Caulkin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Tony in SC]

I believe it's a ball joint/ tierod seperator. Billings made a lot of early automotive hand tools. Tony

That's an odd one.... first thought was it might be similar to a tie rod separator.... but I'm probably way off....