Michigan Clamp Co Twistite 2\" Quick Acting C-Clamp WWII Era Patent Pending For Sale

Made by the short-lived Michigan Clamp Co. of Jackson, Michigan, this 2\" Twistite uses an ingenious quick-action mechanism designed to eliminate much of the repetitive screw-turning required by a conventional C-clamp. The spindle can be rapidly positioned at the work, then engaged and tightened under screw pressure.

The construction itself is fascinating. The exposed mechanism incorporates a large yellow-metal threaded component, apparently brass or bronze, surrounding the steel quick-action mechanism. With the clamp open, much of this unusual engineering is visible.

The frame is boldly cast:

MICH CLAMP CO
JACKSON MICH

and:

TWISTITE
PATS PEND

Its history is equally interesting. Michigan Clamp Co. appears during the WWII period, and a 1943 record identifies the company\'s “Twistite high speed pressure units and C-clamps.” Period advertising also documented Twistite clamps being used by Consolidated Aircraft in production of the B-24 Liberator bomber.

There is no evidence that this individual clamp was military-issued or personally used in aircraft production. The significance is that this unusual clamp design was part of the American wartime industrial world in which B-24s were being built.

More than 80 years later, the quick-action mechanism still operates and the clamp tightens properly. Just as impressive is its state of preservation. The crisp cast lettering, exposed mechanism and overall presentation make this an exceptionally well-preserved surviving example.

Approximately 2\" maximum opening, as shown in the photos.

An uncommon WWII-era American tool with an ingenious mechanism, documented connection of the Twistite design to B-24 Liberator production, and a level of preservation that makes it as interesting for display as it is mechanically.

If you have any comments or questions please don\'t hesitate to contact me.

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Thanks for looking.