10 dollar Bell Systems Proto Flea Market Find

[thehorse13]

Like many others here, I like to stroll the local flea market looking for old American made tools that need a new home.

I came across a retired line man who worked for Bell Systems who sold me a super cool Bell Systems metal box. Inside the box is a new old stock Proto 5249 3/8ths ratchet along with several deep sockets and extension. All sockets have an "*" mark. One of the sockets is marked, "Proto professional". All of the stuff is Proto and are useful sizes. 7/16, 1/2, 9/16.

Along with the ratchet kit, two pairs of wire clippers both marked Bell Systems and made by Utica Tool, in upstate NY.

Talking to the guy plus the purchase price was well worth the ten bucks that I left behind. I've attached some pictures for viewing pleasure.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Like many others here, I like to stroll the local flea market looking for old American made tools that need a new home.

I came across a retired line man who worked for Bell Systems who sold me a super cool Bell Systems metal box. Inside the box is a new old stock Proto 5249 3/8ths ratchet along with several deep sockets and extension. All sockets have an "*" mark. One of the sockets is marked, "Proto professional". All of the stuff is Proto and are useful sizes. 7/16, 1/2, 9/16.

Along with the ratchet kit, two pairs of wire clippers both marked Bell Systems and made by Utica Tool, in upstate NY.

Talking to the guy plus the purchase price was well worth the ten bucks that I left behind. I've attached some pictures for viewing pleasure.

Nice find--can't go wrong for $10

 

[bonneyman]

Nice find--can't go wrong for $10

Agreed!

 

[four.cycle]

wow! that is a "Bell D" box and is in unbelievably good condition. very well-built box. they go for $20-$35 on Ebay just for the box!
quite the score there!

 

[SilverDeck]

That is a heavy-duty box! Great find!

 

[chopper1]

I'm surprised Jeff hasn't responded to this one.

 

[SilverDeck]

I'm surprised Jeff hasn't responded to this one.

I was waiting for that too.

 

[CNGsaves]

Very unique find . . . . NICE !!

Agree that you Jeff Moss and others on GJ definitely WILL be interested !!

Most definitely for $10 . . . . YOU **** !!!

 

[southalabama]

I grew up using Bell System tools dad got at work. Back when ma bell was a monopoly they surplus their tools frequently along with ladders.

Even know I prefer to find nos Utica dykes.

 

[twertsy]

Like many others here, I like to stroll the local flea market looking for old American made tools that need a new home.

I came across a retired line man who worked for Bell Systems who sold me a super cool Bell Systems metal box. Inside the box is a new old stock Proto 5249 3/8ths ratchet along with several deep sockets and extension. All sockets have an "*" mark. One of the sockets is marked, "Proto professional". All of the stuff is Proto and are useful sizes. 7/16, 1/2, 9/16.

Along with the ratchet kit, two pairs of wire clippers both marked Bell Systems and made by Utica Tool, in upstate NY.

Talking to the guy plus the purchase price was well worth the ten bucks that I left behind. I've attached some pictures for viewing pleasure.

Dang it! The one day I decide not to got up your way and hit the fleas! Nice score Horse.

 

[thehorse13]

Dang it! The one day I decide not to got up your way and hit the fleas! Nice score Horse.

It's rare that I get lucky both days on the weekend. However, we're in the prime of flea market/garage sale season here. There will be much more to be discovered.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Very nice! I have a Craftsman SST box full of Bell System goodness...one of these days I will drag it out and do another video.

 

[southalabama]

When dad retired the rule was anything in your toolbox retired with you. He had a big box. Included was a milwaukee 1/2 hammer drill. Big toolbox full of good tools.