Rare Vintage Clyburn Spanner - Marked B R Highgate, Adjustable Engineering Tool

£45.00
Clyburn-pattern adjustable spanner
Marked B R Highgate, England
Cicra early 20th Century

A rare and collectible vintage Clyburn spanner marked “B R HIGHGATE” - a specialised adjustable wrench representing an ingenious piece of British engineering history. This distinctive tool features the characteristic curved handle and adjustable jaw mechanism that made Clyburn spanners popular among engineers and mechanics in the early-to-mid 20th century.

The Clyburn spanner represents an important chapter in the evolution of adjustable wrenches. Invented by Charles Clyburn in the early 20th century, this design featured a unique adjustment mechanism that set it apart from other adjustable spanners of the era. The curved handle and compact head design made it particularly useful in confined spaces where standard wrenches couldn’t reach.

By the mid-20th century, the Clyburn pattern was gradually superseded by other adjustable wrench designs, making surviving examples like this increasingly collectible among tool enthusiasts and industrial heritage collectors.

B R Highgate appears to have been a British tool manufacturer or distributor, though records of smaller regional makers from this period are often scarce. The Clyburn pattern was produced by various manufacturers under license or as pattern copies, each adding their own maker’s mark.
These spanners were essential tools for mechanics, engineers, millwrights, and maintenance workers during the industrial age. They found particular favor in railway workshops, factories, and shipyards where workers needed versatile, reliable tools that could handle various bolt sizes without carrying multiple fixed spanners. The Clyburn’s compact size and wide adjustment range made it ideal for working on machinery, engines, and equipment.

Perfect for vintage tool collectors, engineering history enthusiasts, admirers of British manufacturing heritage, or as distinctive industrial workshop decor.

Length of 8 1/2" (22cm) and jaws that adjust from 7/8" to 1 1/4" (2.25 to 3.75cm). Good working condition with honest workshop patina. Adjustment wheel operates smoothly with clear knurling. Shows evidence of use but remains functional. Adjustment mechanism operates as intended. A genuine piece of British engineering tool history.

All items where appropriate will be sent well packaged, tracked and insured. International buyers are responsible for any import taxes and duties.

Where possible we will combine purchases for shipping. Total weigh approx. 0.3kg.
Clyburn-pattern adjustable spanner
Marked B R Highgate, England
Cicra early 20th Century

A rare and collectible vintage Clyburn spanner marked “B R HIGHGATE” - a specialised adjustable wrench representing an ingenious piece of British engineering history. This distinctive tool features the characteristic curved handle and adjustable jaw mechanism that made Clyburn spanners popular among engineers and mechanics in the early-to-mid 20th century.

The Clyburn spanner represents an important chapter in the evolution of adjustable wrenches. Invented by Charles Clyburn in the early 20th century, this design featured a unique adjustment mechanism that set it apart from other adjustable spanners of the era. The curved handle and compact head design made it particularly useful in confined spaces where standard wrenches couldn’t reach.

By the mid-20th century, the Clyburn pattern was gradually superseded by other adjustable wrench designs, making surviving examples like this increasingly collectible among tool enthusiasts and industrial heritage collectors.

B R Highgate appears to have been a British tool manufacturer or distributor, though records of smaller regional makers from this period are often scarce. The Clyburn pattern was produced by various manufacturers under license or as pattern copies, each adding their own maker’s mark.
These spanners were essential tools for mechanics, engineers, millwrights, and maintenance workers during the industrial age. They found particular favor in railway workshops, factories, and shipyards where workers needed versatile, reliable tools that could handle various bolt sizes without carrying multiple fixed spanners. The Clyburn’s compact size and wide adjustment range made it ideal for working on machinery, engines, and equipment.

Perfect for vintage tool collectors, engineering history enthusiasts, admirers of British manufacturing heritage, or as distinctive industrial workshop decor.

Length of 8 1/2" (22cm) and jaws that adjust from 7/8" to 1 1/4" (2.25 to 3.75cm). Good working condition with honest workshop patina. Adjustment wheel operates smoothly with clear knurling. Shows evidence of use but remains functional. Adjustment mechanism operates as intended. A genuine piece of British engineering tool history.

All items where appropriate will be sent well packaged, tracked and insured. International buyers are responsible for any import taxes and duties.

Where possible we will combine purchases for shipping. Total weigh approx. 0.3kg.