Williams superratchet no.m-51 1/4" box set

[Chainsaw1]

Picked this up a few days ago. Figured someone else here might appreciate checking it out as much as I do. Plenty of other photos available.

 

[3baygarage]

Nice. New old stock?

 

[A E Numan]

Wow that's a nice looking set, what a cool find. Is that the original box? Would you please show pictures of the box.

 

[Richard Cranium]

so tell us the story behind these.

 

[thehorse13]

That's the nicest SuperRatchet set that I have ever seen. What's the back story on this pick up? What's the box look like?

 

[Chainsaw1]

Garage sale, I am not going to say the price because I might get banned for it. The box is in excellent condition. It seemed like the set was never used. I did take some scotch bright to the ratchet head chrome but the movement is still great. I think it is the original box and the paper feels old to.
I have another Williams 1/4" yellow handle driver and the sliding t handle that I really like and figured why have 2 of each. The 1/4" ratchet and sockets were a bonus. I also really have a thing for metal boxes.

So anyone know how old this set actually is?

Had to resize the main pic of the box.

 

[ganymede]

..... So anyone know how old this set actually is? ...

A long time ago someone posted the date for the transition from the ornate style handle yours has to the round knurled handle. I think it was the late 50's.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Definitively no earlier than 1946. The markings on the tools and box are not wartime. They are all consistent with what is first seen in the May 1947 Tools of Industry catalog. If you can get someone to identify the no later than date that Ganymede is referring to, you'd have it boxed in.

 

[A E Numan]

Thank's for showing that box ! That's really a super find. congratulations!

 

[Chainsaw1]

Yeah I am glad you guys can enjoy this kind of thing like I can. I got it in a big lot and basically paid nothing for it. Thanks it was a good find. I appreciate the dating to, I would not have guessed it was that old. It still works great and the movement is real smooth.

Next I have to try and find the service tool at a garage sale for this and the 3/8 ratchet I have.

Thanks guys.

 

[jakemac]

Yeah I am glad you guys can enjoy this kind of thing like I can. I got it in a big lot and basically paid nothing for it. Thanks it was a good find. I appreciate the dating to, I would not have guessed it was that old. It still works great and the movement is real smooth.

Next I have to try and find the service tool at a garage sale for this and the 3/8 ratchet I have.

Thanks guys.

I've never seen one, but good luck with the hunt.
In the meantime, I've had good luck using a Parks SPA-1 or SPA-2 spanner to open them up. Available online or at a good Bicycle Shop that sells parts and supplies.