Anyone recognize this vintage socket set? Brand?

[AA/FC]

This thread is for those vintage tool experts out there...

Any of you guys recognize the brand of this socket set? It's 1/4 drive and comes with some 6, 8, and 12 point sockets. No real visible marking on the sockets other than a few of them you can read the size. There might also be a couple sockets where a faint "D-1" marking can barely be made out...... which leads me to believe it's an "Indestro" set, which a sample of can be found near the bottom of THIS page. However, the label inside my box doesn't appear to be the same. And if I had to guess, the metal box that I have was originally blue. Anyway, maybe one of the experts here can lead me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Socket set in question:

Close up of whats left of the label inside the cover:

 

[ganymede]

Yes, Indestro.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm not questioning your knowledge, but what is it about this set that leads you to believe Indestro?

Thanks for your reply

 

[cowboy73]

Indestro was known for their vertical knurling on the sockets. Part of your sticker looks a lot like this one.

 

[ChevyEFI]

that wrinkle finish detail is great.

 

[gdocktor3]

It does look like similar label. What does it say on the bottom? ----- Tools?

 

[four.cycle]

faint "D-1" marking

" D - I " = " Duro Indestro "

yes. Indestro.

how much you want for it?

label says "Dependable Tools"

their other slogan was "Tools for Industry"

 

[AA/FC]

It does look like similar label. What does it say on the bottom? ----- Tools?

The only markings anywhere on the box is the one sticker inside the cover, which is pictured above. No other markings...

" D - I " = " Duro Indestro "

yes. Indestro.

how much you want for it?

label says "Dependable Tools"

their other slogan was "Tools for Industry"

Very good! Makes sense to me....

What do I want for it? Not sure. I have no idea where it came from. It's been in my garage for decades.

 

[four.cycle]

well.. let me know!

 

[espyking83]

Indestro for sure. Probably the most underrated sockets of all time. Great shape and performance. Have like 3 1/2" sets

 

[AA/FC]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

four.cycle, I will send you a PM later today.

 

[four.cycle]

AA/FC - my best guess is that yours is an early #2800 "Midget" 11-piece set as shown on page 2 of the 1948 Indestro Catalog (No. 16), which had a suggested list price of $7.20 per the August 27, 1948 price sheet:

Indestro Tool Catalog 16 1948 pp 2-3 1/4" socket sets by four.cycle, on Flickr

Indestro Tool List Price Aug 27 1948 pp VI-VII by four.cycle, on Flickr

The 1959 catalog shows the 1/4" drive sets in red boxes, so it's a reasonable assumption that yours is the earlier vintage with the blue box.
As I said, its intrinsic value as a family heirloom is most likely far greater than what you might be offered for it as is, especially considering it appears to be pretty complete and they are pretty rare finds.

 

[four.cycle]

and it looks like the slogan was "Tools For Service". don't know where I got "Tools For Industry" - I'll have to look at the other catalogs. BK

 

[AA/FC]

Yep, that must be it. The lighting in the pictures that I posted was pretty poor, but there is an outside corner of the box that clearly has blue paint on it when viewed in person.

Thanks for posting those catalog pictures for me!

 

[four.cycle]

no problem. I'd wipe those down with some light oil and a soft cloth and clean 'em up a little bit. maybe soak 'em in vinegar to remove the rust first, but don't go crazy or you'll remove the patina they've developed.
be sure to neutralize the vinegar when you rinse them off - mix a solution of water and baking soda to do that and then dry them fast so they don't surface rust - hair dryer or blower will work dandy.
cleaning up the box might pose a challenge - you don't want to remove or damage what little is left of the decal on the inside of the lid.

actually pretty amazing that it's still an intact set - almost all of those I've seen are missing a piece or two - usually it's that little "tee" bar that's lost.

those sockets with the tapered barrels are actually very nice working in tight spaces. they got away from that and went to a straight barrel (and thicker walls) at some point in the 1960's.