I Found this but I have no idea what it is. Thoughts?

The Frank Mossberg Co. Bicycle Adjustable Wrench No. 11 is a distinctive example of early American toolmaking, created during the height of the bicycle era. Marked “Made in USA” and “PAT’D NOV. 13, 1900”, this vintage wrench is valued both as a functional tool and as a highly collectible piece of industrial and cycling history. It remains in perfect working order, with visible wear consistent with age and use.

Key Identifiers and Markings

• Product: Bicycle Adjustable Wrench
• Model: No. 11
• Origin: Made in USA
• Patent Marking: PAT’D NOV. 13, 1900
• Condition: Perfect working order, with some wear (typical for an antique tool)

Why This Wrench Is Collectible
This wrench appeals to multiple collector communities because it connects three important themes:

1. Bicycle-era utility tools (popular before widespread automotive ownership)
2. Early adjustable wrench innovation
3. Foundational development of interchangeable socket tooling

For collectors, the appeal often comes from the combination of clear patent dating, American manufacture, and the tool’s association with a maker known for shaping early tool markets.

Who Was the Frank Mossberg Company
The Frank Mossberg Company was an influential early manufacturer known for:

• Wrenches and adjustable hand tools
• Automotive-era tools
• Interchangeable socket sets (a major legacy category)

In the period before 1920, Mossberg was widely recognized as one of the defining names in early socket-set production—helping establish patterns of design and standardization that later socket systems built upon.

Mossberg’s Role in Early Socket Sets
Before interchangeable sockets became a universal workshop standard, companies that produced reliable systems effectively defined the category. Mossberg was among those leaders, and its products contributed to the broader shift toward:

• Interchangeable components
• Modular tool systems
• More efficient mechanical work (especially as bicycles and early automobiles grew in popularity)

Origins: From Jeweler’s Tools to Practical Wrenches
Interestingly, the Mossberg companies did not begin with bicycles or automotive tools. They were initially associated with tools for the jeweler’s trade, reflecting precision manufacturing skills. By the early 1890s, they expanded into adjustable wrench designs, especially styles suited to bicycles.

Why Bicycle Wrenches Mattered in the 1890s–1900s
During the bicycle boom, riders and repair shops needed compact, adaptable tools that could handle frequent adjustments. Adjustable bicycle wrenches became popular because they could:

• Fit multiple fastener sizes
• Serve as a versatile field tool
• Support routine maintenance and repairs

The Mossberg No. 11 fits directly into this practical tradition—built for real use, and now appreciated as a durable survivor from that period.

Patents and Innovation
Mossberg is strongly associated with adjustable wrench development in the late 19th century. During the 1890s, several adjustable wrench patents were issued to Mossberg, with assignments made to the Mossberg Wrench Company. The marking “PAT’D NOV. 13, 1900” on this tool signals that it relates to a specific patented design era—one of the key reasons collectors value it.

What “Wear” Means for Antique Tools
For vintage tools, “wear” often adds authenticity rather than reducing interest—especially when the tool remains fully functional. Common acceptable signs include:

• Surface scuffs and light abrasions
• Patina consistent with age
• Minor marks from handling and storage

The most important factor is that the wrench remains in perfect working order, making it both display-worthy and mechanically meaningful.

Collector Tips: What to Look For
If you are evaluating or collecting a Mossberg No. 11 wrench, prioritize:

• Legible markings (model number, maker name, patent date)
• Working adjuster mechanism (smooth movement, secure grip)
• No structural damage (cracks, severe bends, broken jaws)
• Original finish/patina rather than heavy refinishing (if historical authenticity matters to you)

Conclusion
The Frank Mossberg Co. Bicycle Adjustable Wrench No. 11 is more than an old tool—it represents a period when bicycles shaped everyday mobility and helped drive innovation in portable maintenance equipment. With its Made in USA origin, its PAT’D NOV. 13, 1900 marking, and its ties to a company that helped define early interchangeable tool systems, this wrench stands out as a strong vintage collector item that still works exactly as intended.