Show Off Your Antique Ratchet

[Mike'smeatshop]

Here are a few more pics. It looks like the ratchet & all the sockets have a "B" forged on them. The sockets also have a single number stamped on the other side. I can't tell if they're pressed steel yet. Also it looks like there is a set screw on the ratchet to hold the sockets in place.

That is one of the most intriguing sets I have seen. Nice find.

 

[AntiqueBen]

After digging a little deeper it appears that George W. Smith gave rights to his patent to a guy named Daniel E. Kempster, both from Boston. Kempster, I suppose after using Smith's drill patent info, patented his own "drill ratchet." A completely different design compared to Smith's design. Kempster's patent was granted on November 27, 1883, only 6 months after Smith's patent was granted in June of that same year. So it's kinda looking like G.W. Smith's tool was only made for roughly 5-6 months in 1883. George W. Smith is listed as the Assignor on Kempster's patent. Below are pics of Kempster's patent info.
Link to Kempster's patent:

US Patent: 289,110 - Hand Drilling Machine

US patent 289,110 Hand Drilling Machine was issued to Daniel E. Kempster of Boston, Suffolk County, MA. It was granted on 11/27/1883. A "roller ratchet;" the specifications note specific applications in which the tool was used, so we may assume some examples were actually constructed

datamp.org

 

[3baygarage]

That's an interesting old set. The knob must be for hand turning the ratchet head.

 

[AntiqueBen]

That's an interesting old set. The knob must be for hand turning the ratchet head.

That's very possible. I've been wandering what it's used for. To me it would make sense if the stud came out & the sockets could be put on it. I can't really tell yet until I get it.

 

[RTM]

Late to the party, but I would leave that thing soaking for a Loooonnngggg time before I tried anything like force on the screws. It's only original once, and if you pooch the screws ...

Time is cheap, and in most cases plentiful.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Sorry for the long post but this story on the G.W. Smith ratchet keeps getting more & more interesting. There were two Assignees on Kempster's patent. They were George W. Smith & Benjamin Smith. Maybe Benjamin was George's son or family member? But ultimately Kempster's patent was never successful. Datamp says Kempster's tool was never known to have been produced. Then....fast forward 15 yrs and in 1898, Benjamin Smith got his own patent for the same tool. Datamp gives a short description & pics of how the sockets & the odd shaped handle piece fits into the ratchet opposite of the socket. Benjamin Smith's design looks just like George Smith's (potentially his Father) original design. Sadly, Benjamin's patent wasn't successful either as Datamp says his tool also was never known to have been produced. Looks like George W. Smith's ratchet & socket design sadly never got its chance to be mass produced, but not before it changed the way ratchets could be used.

I agree with Lugz in the sense that Camille Contal produced the ratchet with the first set of what we call sockets, primarily for the automobile industry. Instead of switching out the gear in a female ratchet to accommodate different size fasteners, Contal's ratchet had a whole set of different size sockets that could be added to the ratchet. In a way, I see the same thing here with G.W. Smith's design. Interchangeable sockets of different sizes that fit the ratchet. I guess it's possible that Benjamin Smith could have had the automobile industry in mind when he got his patent in 1898. Just 5 yrs prior in 1893, the Duryea Automobile was the first vehicle powered by a gasoline engine produced right here in the US in Springfield Massachusetts.

What do you guys think? Does this set change how we should think about who produced the first interchangeable sockets (not gears or reducers) for ratchets? Were there any ratchets prior to this that had a set of interchangeable sockets? I'm guessing no. I'm interested to hear any thoughts on this. Below are pics of Benjamin Smith's patent design from 1898.
Here is the patent link:

US Patent: 610,773 - Hand Drilling-Machine

US patent 610,773 Hand Drilling-Machine was issued to Benjamin F. Smith of Somerville, MA. It was granted on 09/13/1898. Reversible cam-roller "ratchet" with interchangeable feed screw or handle, and tapered socket to hold nut driver sockets, drill bits, etc. The patent

www.datamp.org

 

[four.cycle]

^ First thing you need to do is definitively establish that the item was actually put into production - that's the litmus test for the guys at datamp.org - you either have to find a hard copy of the widget, or (as I have done in many cases) find an announcement in some trade journal (Hardware Age, Iron Age, etc.) in which it's announced that "so and so has introduced a new widget..."

I've gone down into rabbit holes and come up with a dozen patents all attributed to one guy, with no assignees, and no evidence of that particular widget ever having been produced by that one guy, only to find out later that some other guy produced a similar widget under completely different patent numbers. those are the ones that get me waylaid in the middle of the night.

 

[AntiqueBen]

^ First thing you need to do is definitively establish that the item was actually put into production - that's the litmus test for the guys at datamp.org - you either have to find a hard copy of the widget, or (as I have done in many cases) find an announcement in some trade journal (Hardware Age, Iron Age, etc.) in which it's announced that "so and so has introduced a new widget..."

I've gone down into rabbit holes and come up with a dozen patents all attributed to one guy, with no assignees, and no evidence of that particular widget ever having been produced by that one guy, only to find out later that some other guy produced a similar widget under completely different patent numbers. those are the ones that get me waylaid in the middle of the night.

I hear you. Like D.M. Moore's 1864 patent for Lowell Wrench Companies first ratchets. This has G.W. Smith's name & patent date so if there are no other maker or manufacturers marks on it I'm guessing George Smith had some forging company make this for him. The ratchet & sockets have a forged "B" on them. I'm also guessing this might be who forged the tool for Smith. So far I'm not finding anything yet mentioning the release of this tool. If it was only made a few months before Kempster got a hold of the rights on the patent, there may not be any mention of this tool. I'm obviously down the rabbit hole on this one, so I'm still digging. What do you think about the sockets? Would you consider this a pre Camille Contal ratchet with removable interchangeable sockets?

 

[four.cycle]

^ I haven't had time to dive into this one, Ben. I'm focused on Thorsen right now and it's getting confusing. (I mixed up a mess of 1/2" drive stuff with 3/8" drive stuff that I've already got posted on ebay.)(what a mess... and I'm supposed to go fix a light fixture today.)

As @Private Lugnutz has alluded to in the past, I don't think there were that many up-and-running heavy forging facilities during the 1870s and 1880s and even into the 1890s. Maybe I've got it all wrong, but I think there was a lot of outsourcing done, evidenced by the King/Newton/Batco thing and a couple others.
So it's quite possible Smith was having the forging work done in another house.

 

[AntiqueBen]

I found something when looking at other patents by Benjamin F. Smith. He was granted a patent for a Tap or Die Stock in 1888. Oddly enough the tap & die was ratcheting & could accept sockets according to the description. Datamp listed two pics. The second pic was actually of what looks to be G.W. Smith's ratchet & sockets from an article in Iron Age in October of 1893. Also says it was manufactured by the "Smith Friction Drill & Tool Company." Below is the pic. I'm going to see what I can find out about the Smith Friction Drill & Tool Company next. Not sure why this pic on Datamp was with the Tap or Die Stock information? Nonetheless, it looks like G.W. Smith's ratchet & socket set did hit the public.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Looks like G.W. Smith's ratchet & socket set was introduced in an Iron Age article in 1890. Pic below. Also mentioned in an article in The Electric World in 1891 using the term socket. All ads for the Smith Friction Drill & Tool Company.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Success!!! I got the screw & face plate off my Lowell Red 2-1/2 4fter. I carefully made the notch in the screw a little deeper with the Dremel. I was able to get a much better deeper bite with a big metal flathead & with a little persuasion it finally came loose (while it was hot of course). Then the face plate was baked on but I got it loose enough to get the torch flame underneath it. Now I can let the internals soak in PB Blaster for a day or two.
She's finally comin along

 

[AntiqueBen]

My G.W. Smith ratchet & sockets showed up today. I was itch'in to get this one. I have a lot of interesting ratchets, but this one certainly takes the cake. The ratchet is actually gearless & you flip to change direction. I thought the set screw in the pics were tension against the hole in the sockets to hold them in place. The screw actually loosens the metal band on the ratchet & loosens a pin on the inside on the opposite side in the opening. Very unique design.

The sockets are definitely "not" pressed steel when compared to Contal or Mossberg sockets. They are actually very heavy. They all have a forged "B" on one side & are numbered on the other side. Five sockets are square & two are hex. One of the hex sockets are different from the rest. It's unmarked & appears to be machined and/or broached. It still has the tapered stud on top. I thought broached sockets didn't show up until the 1920's, so this socket is somewhat of a mystery to me. The handle that fits in the top of the ratchet opposite the socket is also heavy & the top part of it is free spinning.

Everything about this thing is quite unique. This American made ratchet with its sockets looks to pre-date the infamous Camille Contal ratchet & socket set. I lubricated the ratchet a little & it operates smooth as butter. Could these be the first interchangeable sockets ever made for a ratchet? Interested to know your guys thoughts on this one.

 

[AntiqueBen]

My G.W. Smith ratchet & sockets showed up today. I was itch'in to get this one. I have a lot of interesting ratchets, but this one certainly takes the cake. The ratchet is actually gearless & you flip to change direction. I thought the set screw in the pics were tension against the hole in the sockets to hold them in place. The screw actually loosens the metal band on the ratchet & loosens a pin on the inside on the opposite side in the opening. Very unique design.

The sockets are definitely "not" pressed steel when compared to Contal or Mossberg sockets. They are actually very heavy. They all have a forged "B" on one side & are numbered on the other side. Five sockets are square & two are hex. One of the hex sockets are different from the rest. It's unmarked & appears to be machined and/or broached. It still has the tapered stud on top. I thought broached sockets didn't show up until the 1920's, so this socket is somewhat of a mystery to me. The handle that fits in the top of the ratchet opposite the socket is also heavy & the top part of it is free spinning.

Everything about this thing is quite unique. This American made ratchet with its sockets looks to pre-date the infamous Camille Contal ratchet & socket set. I lubricated the ratchet a little & it operates smooth as butter. Could these be the first interchangeable sockets ever made for a ratchet? Interested to know your guys thoughts on this one.

Actually, the screw on the ratchet is simply there to keep the round clip installed. The little pin inside the opening is kinda spring loaded & the clip keeps it from being depressed too far. So, the sockets can be pushed in & will stay in place, then with a little force you can just pull them back out.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Very cool.

The sockets with the markings look to be cast to me, not forged, and malleable iron, not steel, like early Chicago Manufacturing and Distributing or some of the Syracuse sets made by Charles Miller.

As for dethroning Contal as the first detachable socket wrench set in history, it is probably facing the same uphill battle as the other 1880's era ratcheting drill stocks with detachable pieces in a collecting community of interest that uses automotive history as its context. If it wasn't made and marketed to industry as a "Reversible Drill Stock" and a "Combination Wrench, Drill, Bit, and Screwdriver Stock" by a company with "Friction Drill" in its name, it might have gotten more attention for its male drive tang "socket-wrenches".

 

[AntiqueBen]

Very cool.

The sockets with the markings look to be cast to me, not forged, and malleable iron, not steel, like early Chicago Manufacturing and Distributing or some of the Syracuse sets made by Charles Miller.

As for dethroning Contal as the first detachable socket wrench set in history, it is probably facing the same uphill battle as the other 1880's era ratcheting drill stocks with detachable pieces in a collecting community of interest that uses automotive history as its context. If it wasn't made and marketed to industry as a "Reversible Drill Stock" and a "Combination Wrench, Drill, Bit, and Screwdriver Stock" by a company with "Friction Drill" in its name, it might have gotten more attention for its male drive tang "socket-wrenches".

I agree the sockets are iron for sure. I noticed something important while looking at the patent pics of both G.W. Smith & Benjamin F. Smith's ratchet design (pics attached). George Smith's ratchet on one end has the typical threaded side for the drill which is part of the body of the ratchet (not removable). Benjamin Smith's ratchet design is much different. The drill option on his ratchet design is a removable socket design. Datamp's description of his patent says it has an interchangeable drill OR handle design. After looking at the pics of both patents, my ratchet definitely looks to be the design of Benjamin F. Smith. Datamp says this particular ratchet is "not known to have been produced." But it doesn't stop here.

What is confusing is the Iron Age ad from 1893, clearly before Benjamin Smith's 1898 patent, which shows what looks like my ratchet or Benjamin Smith's design. No permanent threaded drilling side as part of the body of the ratchet, just two open sides for sockets & the drill option is a separate socket. I'm still in the process of piecing all this together. Regardless of what it was called or how it was marketed, the fact it exists before Contal's design is why I brought into question, are these the first interchangeable sockets ever made for a ratchet? Your right that if it was marketed better, it would have gained more notoriety & attention.
Still down the rabbit hole on this one.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

You already have my answer, but I'll try to clarify.

My point about the marketing wasn't made in the context of the quality or effectiveness of the ads or the resulting extent of the tool's fame, then, and as a hand tool product, or now, as a hand tool collectible. My point is that the tool was clearly not aimed at the nascent so-called 'Brass Era' automotive service industry, which had not yet occurred. Contal's "Auto-Cle" was. Explicitly. We could quibble about how many years Mssrs Smith (and their accomplice, Mr Kempster) missed it by, but roughly, generally speaking, if we use 1896 as the milestone - they were about a decade and a half too soon to recognize the potential for that market.

If you want to remove all context, technically, narrowly, mechanically, yes, the "socket-wrenches" with the male drive tangs that would also fit at least one version of the same mechanism that The Smiths patented, in sequence, in June 1883 (279,032), November 1883 (289,110), and February 1898 (610,773), were detachable. Like bits.

But if you read the patents, ALL of them were titled "Hand-Drilling Machine" and none of them contain the term "ratchet." That's important. The gearless, cam-based, frictional "lock-rollers" are ingenious, similar to gearless, friction, free-wheeling ratchets that Allen and later Blackhawk would offer, but The Smiths didn't call it a ratchet.

As for the "socket-wrenches", it is interesting that the 1893 Iron Age ad includes them, because they were not included in their patents or terminology until the February 1898 patent application. That patent application clearly starts to recognize the dual-use for the "Drill Stock" to turn nuts, bolts, and even "lag-screws". It mentions "nut-turning" several times (lines 19, 32, and 53) and calls them "socket-wrenches," by name, in line 72-3.

Again, I just don't think you're going to get the hobby to think of them as the first ratchet and socket wrench set in the same way the hobby recognizes Contal. The context does matter. It's a very cool tool and neat to see the very early malleable iron sockets, but they were still aimed at heavy construction.

 

[RTM]

Datamp says this particular ratchet is "not known to have been produced."

Lower right hand corner of the DATAMP page will have a contact link for the Steward. Send them your pics, allow them to use them, and they can update appropriately.

 

[AntiqueBen]

You already have my answer, but I'll try to clarify.

My point about the marketing wasn't made in the context of the quality or effectiveness of the ads or the resulting extent of the tool's fame, then, and as a hand tool product, or now, as a hand tool collectible. My point is that the tool was clearly not aimed at the nascent so-called 'Brass Era' automotive service industry, which had not yet occurred. Contal's "Auto-Cle" was. Explicitly. We could quibble about how many years Mssrs Smith (and their accomplice, Mr Kempster) missed it by, but roughly, generally speaking, if we use 1896 as the milestone - they were about a decade and a half too soon to recognize the potential for that market.

If you want to remove all context, technically, narrowly, mechanically, yes, the "socket-wrenches" with the male drive tangs that would also fit at least one version of the same mechanism that The Smiths patented, in sequence, in June 1883 (279,032), November 1883 (289,110), and February 1898 (610,773), were detachable. Like bits.

But if you read the patents, ALL of them were titled "Hand-Drilling Machine" and none of them contain the term "ratchet." That's important. The gearless, cam-based, frictional "lock-rollers" are ingenious, similar to gearless, friction, free-wheeling ratchets that Allen and later Blackhawk would offer, but The Smiths didn't call it a ratchet.

As for the "socket-wrenches", it is interesting that the 1893 Iron Age ad includes them, because they were not included in their patents or terminology until the February 1898 patent application. That patent application clearly starts to recognize the dual-use for the "Drill Stock" to turn nuts, bolts, and even "lag-screws". It mentions "nut-turning" several times (lines 19, 32, and 53) and calls them "socket-wrenches," by name, in line 72-3.

Again, I just don't think you're going to get the hobby to think of them as the first ratchet and socket wrench set in the same way the hobby recognizes Contal. The context does matter. It's a very cool tool and neat to see the very early malleable iron sockets, but they were still aimed at heavy construction.

Yes, context definitely matters. According to Iron Age the tool was offered in 1890. The explanation that it could be used in tight & narrow spaces to turn a nut or bolt with little motion without taking it off the work piece would imply it ratcheting capabilities. Since it's not ratcheting on a gear maybe that's why they didn't use that term. There are several trade books, magazines & articles from the early & mid 1890's that list this tool under the category of "ratchet." I believe that's why Datamp uses the word "ratchet" in the 1898 patent description. The reversible, gearless, cam based lock rollers also imply it's operational movement as a ratchet.

The 1890 Iron Age article states the tools use is not only for "bridge builders, but for carriage Smith's & general mechanics to use in those tight narrow spaces where it's impossible to use an ordinary wrench or ratchet." So, I'm not convinced the tool or the sockets primary aim was for heavy construction as you stated above. Some of the sockets are small & wouldn't be used in heavy applications.

I agree that Contal's Auto Cle was specifically made for the automobile industry. I'm just pointing out that Contal's wasn't the first ratchet with detachable sockets. Maybe the first aimed at the auto industry, but not the first ratchet & socket set in the general category of first ratchet with sockets.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Lower right hand corner of the DATAMP page will have a contact link for the Steward. Send them your pics, allow them to use them, and they can update appropriately.

Thanks for that info. I'll do that. That would be cool if they could update the information on this one.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

According to Iron Age the tool was offered in 1890.

Thanks. Even more interesting then. 1890 was a full eight (8) years earlier than when they first mentioned the "socket-wrenches" and "nut-turning" features in a patent.

The reversible, gearless, cam based lock rollers also imply it's operational movement as a ratchet.

I have antique friction ratchets, Ben. I didn't say it didn't have a ratcheting action. I said they didn't use that title or terminology in their patents.

...not only for "bridge builders, but for carriage smiths & general mechanics to use...

Yes, of course. The general mechanics would be maintaining all kinds of machinery, and I would think it had application in railroad yards, too. I wasn't trying to limit its uses, just citing the traditional industry for ratchet drills, and pointing out that the early automobile explosion had not occurred yet.

Maybe the first aimed at the auto industry, but not the first ratchet & socket set in the general category of first ratchet with sockets.

I wouldn't go that far given its pedigree as a combination drill, bit, and screwdriver and wrench stock and its market, but I don't pay too much attention to that whole ratchet drill side of the industry, and we don't have to agree, obviously. Definitely a cool set. That drill piece is wild.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

What are the hex opening sizes of the socket-wrenches? Have you measured them? I'd be interested in seeing that.

 

[four.cycle]

re: "... & general mechanics to use ..."
In 1890 "mechanic" was (correct me if I'm mistaken here, Lugz) pretty much anyone who worked with any sort of machinery, not necessarily having anything to do with automobiles, wagons, or bicycles.
I have catalog ads for "ratchet drills" (there were several patents for them.)(search "ratchet drill" in my list)
They were apparently a thing while all the rail building was going on (along with a plethora of other "rail" tools.)
Yours is definitely a curiosity with the sockets and attachments.

 

[four.cycle]

interestingly, I have an entry in the list for "Smith", with zero information.
so thanks for bringing it here.

the "ratchet drill" was obviously a thing - they didn't have cordless drivers.

 

[AntiqueBen]

What are the hex opening sizes of the socket-wrenches? Have you measured them? I'd be interested in seeing that.

I appreciate all the insight. It's good to hash out details because it helps me in better understanding where this tool fits in the timeline. When I briefly measured the sockets after getting it, the only standard size was the largest square socket which measures 1". All the others, including the hex, seem to all be odd ball sizes. Kinda like the Mossberg sets with all the crazy sizes on the 32nds.

I've never paid any attention to drill ratchets either. I have a nice no. 1 Packer drill ratchet. They're just not my cup of tea I guess. I've always liked the odd & out of the ordinary stuff. That's why I found this Smith ratchet to be so interesting.

 

[AntiqueBen]

interestingly, I have an entry in the list for "Smith", with zero information.
so thanks for bringing it here.

the "ratchet drill" was obviously a thing - they didn't have cordless drivers.

Glad to help where I can 4C. Thanks for all the cool ads. Looks like the 1890's was a transitional period for ratchets. New designs with multiple uses & of course detachable sockets

 

[Private Lugnutz]

In 1890 "mechanic" was (correct me if I'm mistaken here, Lugz) pretty much anyone who worked with any sort of machinery, not necessarily having anything to do with automobiles, wagons, or bicycles.

Right. As I alluded to here...

The general mechanics would be maintaining all kinds of machinery...

Also called engineers in some fields.

I see that the Kemp "Climax" ratchet drill, that also has some heavy male drive tang sockets with double square openings for lag bolts, was also made in 1890, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were others. I just think they're treated like a whole 'nother category, and a whole 'nother timeline.

All the others, including the hex, seem to all be odd ball sizes. Kinda like the Mossberg sets with all the crazy sizes on the 32nds.

But what are the sizes?

 

[AntiqueBen]

Right. As I alluded to here...

Also called engineers in some fields.

I see that the Kemp "Climax" ratchet drill, that also has some heavy male drive tang sockets with double square openings for lag bolts, was also made in 1890, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were others. I just think they're treated like a whole 'nother category, and a whole 'nother timeline.

But what are the sizes?

Here are the pics of the socket sizes.

 

[AntiqueBen]

I was looking at G.W. Smith's #279,032 patent from 1883 a little closer. The patent gives 3 classification categories given to this tool. Pretty cool info using the term ratchet. I've never paid any attention to the classification info but it is very helpful.

 

[four.cycle]

^ yes. "Engineers" were not always guys who drove locomotives.

Both "mechanic" and "engineer" have taken on somewhat different meanings in the mind of the public over the last century.
The nomenclature itself is sometimes a hindrance in ferreting out historical information.
(I recall being challenged trying to figure out what a "felly wrench" was.)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here are the pics of the socket sizes.

Thanks. I'll have to look closer later, but they look pretty standard.

I've never paid any attention to the classification info but it is very helpful.

Indeed, classifications can be very helpful. Note, though, that the classification symbols you are citing were not in use in 1883. The patent was not submitted with those, if that's what you're thinking. I'm not sure, but I don't think the USPTO even started classifying patents until 1899, believe it or not. In fact, the ones you are citing were established in 2013 and 2015. They are Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system symbols - something relatively modern in which the European Patent Office (EPO) and USPTO are trying to globalize classifications. Sadly, the USPTO has abandoned US classifications. They are mainly historical now.

I don't know what site you are using for patent research (guessing Google Patents?), but if you use the USPTO site, it will provide you the current CPC and the current US classifications, still, thankfully.

Here, for example, is an excerpt of the USPTO's doc viewer for Smith's first 1883 patent.



All of them are hyperlinked so you can easily click on the numbers and read the classifications.

Note that the document viewer does not provide dates for when the US Classification system symbols were established, because of the aforementioned abandonment, but you can look those up on the USPTO site here.

For your convenience, US class 408/121, is "Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool" / "Tool or tool-support with thrust-applying ratchet", and 408/138, is "Cutting..." / "Tool or Tool-Support with thrust-applying machine-engaging screw". US class 192/45.018 is "Clutches" / "Spring-biased ball or rollers." I haven't figured out how to look up subclasses, but Class 408 was established in 1971 and Class 192 was established in 1920.

You might get a little more satisfaction out of how the second 1883 and the 1889 patents for the Smiths "Hand-Drilling Machines" were later classified by the USPTO. The USPTO also applies them to 408 and 192, but adds US class 81/53.2, which is "Tools" / and "Stud removal and emplacement" and 81/59.1, which is "Tools" / "Ball or roller wedge". Note that 81/53.2 and 81/59.1 are subindents of 81/52, which is "Wrench, Screwdriver, or Driver." Again, I don't know when those subclasses were established, but Class 81 was established in 1901.

You can find the whole index to the USPTO classification system, A to Z, by name, here. Here are the USPTO Classes that the USPTO grouped under Ratchet, including Drills (408) and Wrenches (81)...



In my interpretation, the classification history accurately reflects the pedigree of this tool as coming out of the ratchet drill industry and market with expansion to bolt, screw and nut turning, i.e., wrenches. The combined classes mirror its "Combination" marketing.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Thanks. I'll have to look closer later, but they look pretty standard.

Indeed, classifications can be very helpful. Note, though, that the classification symbols you are citing were not in use in 1883. The patent was not submitted with those, if that's what you're thinking. I'm not sure, but I don't think the USPTO even started classifying patents until 1899, believe it or not. In fact, the ones you are citing were established in 2013 and 2015. They are Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system symbols - something relatively modern in which the European Patent Office (EPO) and USPTO are trying to globalize classifications. Sadly, the USPTO has abandoned US classifications. They are mainly historical now.

I don't know what site you are using for patent research (guessing Google Patents?), but if you use the USPTO site, it will provide you the current CPC and the current US classifications, still, thankfully.

Here, for example, is an excerpt of the USPTO's doc viewer for Smith's first 1883 patent.



All of them are hyperlinked so you can easily click on the numbers and read the classifications.

Note that the document viewer does not provide dates for when the US Classification system symbols were established, because of the aforementioned abandonment, but you can look those up on the USPTO site here.

For your convenience, US class 408/121, is "Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool" / "Tool or tool-support with thrust-applying ratchet", and 408/138, is "Cutting..." / "Tool or Tool-Support with thrust-applying machine-engaging screw". US class 192/45.018 is "Clutches" / "Spring-biased ball or rollers." I haven't figured out how to look up subclasses, but Class 408 was established in 1971 and Class 192 was established in 1920.

You might get a little more satisfaction out of how the second 1883 and the 1889 patents for the Smiths "Hand-Drilling Machines" were later classified by the USPTO. The USPTO also applies them to 408 and 192, but adds US class 81/53.2, which is "Tools" / and "Stud removal and emplacement" and 81/59.1, which is "Tools" / "Ball or roller wedge". Note that 81/53.2 and 81/59.1 are subindents of 81/52, which is "Wrench, Screwdriver, or Driver." Again, I don't know when those subclasses were established, but Class 81 was established in 1901.

You can find the whole index to the USPTO classification system, A to Z, by name, here. Here are the USPTO Classes that the USPTO grouped under Ratchet, including Drills (408) and Wrenches (81)...



In my interpretation, the classification history accurately reflects the pedigree of this tool as coming out of the ratchet drill industry and market with expansion to bolt, screw and nut turning, i.e., wrenches. The combined classes mirror its "Combination" marketing.

Thanks for classification info. I'll definitely check it out. I noticed the handle has a hole on the bottom of the tang. It might have also doubled as a tool you could put bits into the end. I suppose you could also put a bit into it, then put the handle back on the ratchet & if your bit was long enough you could also use the ratchet to turn the bit. Kinda genius.

 

[PSCo1867]

Another mystery ratchet, and definitely antique. This one was rode hard, and repaired many times. It was either vitally important, one of a few, or more likely both. There are no identifying marks on it that I can tell, although they could easily have been obscured by the globs of brazing.

I was thinking it could be a one-off OEM type machine-adjustment wrench, but judging by it's condition, it had a higher (and more demanding) purpose!

Look familiar to anyone? It has a 1 3/8" female square.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Another mystery ratchet, and definitely antique. This one was rode hard, and repaired many times. It was either vitally important, one of a few, or more likely both. There are no identifying marks on it that I can tell, although they could easily have been obscured by the globs of brazing.

I was thinking it could be a one-off OEM type machine-adjustment wrench, but judging by it's condition, it had a higher (and more demanding) purpose!

Look familiar to anyone? It has a 1 3/8" female square.

But I like it. The stories it could tell.

 

[AntiqueBen]

I've been saving a nice piece of old wood for a special project, so I decided to make a box for my old G.W. Smith set since it didn't have one. Kinda looks period to the ratchet set.

 

[PSCo1867]

I've been saving a nice piece of old wood for a special project, so I decided to make a box for my old G.W. Smith set since it didn't have one. Kinda looks period to the ratchet set.

That box looks great, and definitely the "period-correct" vibe. The G.W. Smith set presents perfectly inside of it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That box looks great, and definitely the "period-correct" vibe. The G.W. Smith set presents perfectly inside of it.

And there's room for the drill and screwdriver bits if you should ever be lucky enough to run into them.

 

[Farmer J.]

I've been saving a nice piece of old wood for a special project, so I decided to make a box for my old G.W. Smith set since it didn't have one. Kinda looks period to the ratchet set.

That's very nice. Don't want to appear negative, but it would look more period correct if the screw heads fixing the hinges were slotted instead of cross-head.
Sometimes people call me a ' fussy grumpy old ******' when I notice this sort of thing, it's often seen on repairs to old buildings.. I have a stash of old slotted screws i keep for using on old stuff!
Anyway, the box made from old timber is a good home for your G W Smith set.

 

[AntiqueBen]

That's very nice. Don't want to appear negative, but it would look more period correct if the screw heads fixing the hinges were slotted instead of cross-head.
Sometimes people call me a ' fussy grumpy old ******' when I notice this sort of thing, it's often seen on repairs to old buildings.. I have a stash of old slotted screws i keep for using on old stuff!
Anyway, the box made from old timber is a good home for your G W Smith set.

I appreciate the comments. I enjoy making stuff when I have a reason to. Hopefully one day I will run into some of the bits to add to the set. Probably a slim chance, but I'll keep an eye out. Note taken on the slotted screws. I just haven't dumped out several mason jars yet to look. I know I have some, so those will get changed out once I find them.

 

[four.cycle]

@AntiqueBen -
It did not occur to me to look in the other "Smith" folder until I started re-arranging files and found these. (photos: ebay)

Note the 1892 ad touting "Socket Wrench" and showing what appear to be a hex socket and a square socket. The 1905 Walworth snippet is rather interesting.

Smith / Smith Friction Drill & Tool Co., Boston, MA / patent / ratchet drill /ratchet hand drill / patent 279032 Jun 5 1883 George W. Smith & 289110 Nov 27 1883 Daniel E. Kempster & patent 610773 Sep 13 1898 Benjamin F. Smith /