Hi Scott I think you are right look at this list
http://htpaa.org.au/hand-tools/australian-tools-makers/australian-wrenches
Ian
Ian,
Thanks for that site. I bought a lot of my tools between 1948 and 1955 when Australia was still making such things, so there are a lot of familiar names there.
On the page you linked to they show a photo of Keesteel multigrip type pliers. I bought a pair of these (still have them) probably about 1950 because they were the first of the non-slip type I had seen. They would have to be one of the most uncomfortable-to-use tools ever manufactured! The handles were left square with sharp corners; no attempt was made to round off the corners or remove the burrs. Then they were nicely chrome plated straight over the rough edges - sore hands guaranteed every time they are used. They never slip though.
I also have several Dowidat spanners and shifters like those illustrated, both German and Australian made. The finish on the Australian made ones is inferior to the German ones, though it does not seem to affect their usefulness.
Frank.