The patent date corresponds to
patent #212,298,
issued to C.E. Billings in 1879 and the earliest of his adjustable wrench
patents. The patent illustration shows the wrench with an open slot on the
reverse side, as is seen in the figure here. .
Stampings: On the front side this Wrench is stamped "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford,
Conn." with the Billing's "B" in a Triangle at the top. On the reverse side it is stamped "C.E. Billings" and "Pat. Feb.
18, 1879". (the 79 is hard to distinguish)
On the front side the column of the sliding jaw is marked with a ruler graduated in 32nds
of an inch.
The original nickle plating is all but worn off.
