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Adjustable Wrenches were in use in England in the 19th Century and were designed to accommodate the odd size nuts encountered on wagon wheels, thus the original name, coach wrench. The name “monkey wrench” was derived from the nautical definition for monkey, as a modifier “denoting a small light structure or piece of equipment contrived to suit an immediate purpose: a monkey foresail; a monkey bridge.” In 1840 Loring Coes devise a screw Adjustable Wrench which could be manipulated with one hand unlike earlier English coach wrenches. Coes-type Wrenches have been mostly replaced by what have become known as Crescent-type wrenches. (https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Monkey_wrench) Peck, Stow & Wilcox Company began business in 1870 in Southington, CT. The company became well known for its tools and metal working machines. In 1950 the company was acquired by Billings and Spencer and in 1962 Billings was acquired by the Crescent Niagara corporation. The PEXTO logo is now used by RW Acquisition, L.L.C. and has no relationship to the former manufacturer. In 1914 P.S.&W. Co. began using “PEXTO” in an oval as their trademark, making it official in 1915. Prior to that their tools were marked with P.S.&W. Co. This style Wrench was produced from the late 1890s until mid to late 1910s. Note, also, that this is not the more common PEXTO Solid Bar Wrench. The Wrench is more than 100 years old, yet it is in fully functional condition. The screw mechanism turns smoothly and easily, the wooden handle is firmly fixed and the jaws close evenly. It bears obvious use having been used, as is typical, as a hammer (see imaged). The wooden handle has been gripped by another wrench or pliers leaving small gouges in the handle (see images). The Wrench has been much used but not abused. We will ship the Wrench by USPS Priority Mail on the next regular business day following receipt of payment.