This is a genuine Stillson-pattern pipe wrench, and a very interesting one. The markings identify it as:

• PEXTO
• P.S. & W. Co.
• Southington, Conn., U.S.A.
• No. 6

The opposite jaw is stamped PEXTO Registered, and the sliding jaw carries a boxed "6", confirming the size.

What is it?

This is a PEXTO No. 6 Stillson Pipe Wrench, manufactured by P.S. & W. Co. (Peck, Stow & Wilcox Co.) of Southington, Connecticut.

Approximate date:
c. 1915–1935 

The style of the forged frame, knurled adjustment wheel, fonts, and early PEXTO oval logo all point to that period.

About PEXTO

PEXTO was the trade name of Peck, Stow & Wilcox, one of America's premier tool manufacturers.

Founded in the 1800s, they produced:

• machinist tools
• tinsmith tools
• blacksmith equipment
• woodworking tools
• plumbing tools

Their products were regarded much like Snap-on or Ridgid would be today—professional-grade tools built to last decades.

Why this wrench is neat

Unlike later mass-produced pipe wrenches, this one still has:

• forged steel construction
• beautiful machining
• deep hand-cut jaw teeth
• knurled adjustment wheel
• crisp forging lines

It feels like a precision machine rather than a disposable tool.

Size

The No. 6 is approximately an 8-inch wrench.

These were intended for:

• household plumbing
• gas fittings
• steam work
• automotive repair

It's a handy size that collectors and users alike appreciate.

Condition

Excellent honest survivor.

I see:

• original steel finish with attractive gray patina
• no abuse
• jaws remain sharp
• adjustment screw looks excellent
• spring present
• no cracks
• no welding
• no major mushrooming
• very little jaw wear

I'd call this Very Good+ to Excellent for a working wrench.

Many examples are heavily rounded from decades of use. This still has crisp teeth.

Age clues

The biggest clues are:

✔ PEXTO oval logo

✔ "P.S. & W. Co."

✔ Southington, Conn.

✔ forged frame

✔ early knurled adjustment wheel

✔ old-style lettering

These all fit the early twentieth century.

Historical context

When this wrench was made:

• Indoor plumbing was still expanding across America.
• Cities were replacing wooden water mains with cast iron.
• Steam heat was common.
• Natural gas service was growing.
• Skilled plumbers carried entire rolls of forged American-made tools like this.

Someone could have used this wrench installing galvanized pipe in a house built in the 1920s that's still standing today.

Collectibility

PEXTO tools have a loyal following.

Collectors especially like:

• early forged examples
• unusual sizes
• original finishes
• readable markings

While large No. 18 or No. 24 wrenches attract attention, the small No. 6 is desirable because it's practical and displays well.