Help ID old MF brace

[Half-fast eddie]

I have 2 Millers Falls corner braces. I acquired one in good condition, and the model number is clearly visible, its a 502. The second one was in filthy condition, looks like it has led a hard life. Got it cleaned up, found the trademark: also MF. It’s hard to read, looks like it might be a 502 as well.

The chuck is similar but different, the Y-casting is different, and the vertical arm has an offset.
Here are closeups of the trademark, it’s faint. I had read that the 502 became a cheaper 502A, and then they dropped the A. Is this the economy version?

 

[RTM]

From flipping through oldtoolheaven, which you’ve obviously already done,I’d guess the difference might only be in the wood. It’s obviously not a 512.

I would guess 1917 -22 for your nice one, cuz that doesn’t look like tropical hardwood or cocobolo. Need to clean the wood up a bit on the other to decide.

Or it might be really late, as the 1974 catalog does not show the inserted wrist handle rings

Millers Falls Hand Tools : Ingersoll-Rand Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

36 p., illus., 27.9 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[Half-fast eddie]

From flipping through oldtoolheaven, which you’ve obviously already done,

Obviously.
Actually, i have been to the reprint section of that site, but i can’t open the documents. Am i missing something?

 

[RTM]

Those won’t open, just a list of all reprints available . You want to go here, the ITCL. Just change the search term away from MF to blank, or a specific vendor.

Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

archive.org

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Great link. I have bracketed the age of the “bent” brace … pre-war …”70th Anniv” catalog is 1938

 

[RTM]

good to hear, I was looking on my phone, and couldn't see the differences in the Y connector that shows up clear as day on the big screen.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Can you help interpret the finish please.
Frame black enameled … that’s the round rod frame, right? So other than the chuck, what does thatvleave for nickle plate?