1890's reversible ratchet

[stormking]

Found this old girl from the 1890's at an estate sale today. Not many ratchets that are from two centuries ago, surprisingly sophisticated for a ratchet that old. A bit different than others I've seen pictures of.

 

[Mintgrun]

That dainty Plvmb screwdriver is a beauty too.

 

[stormking]

That dainty Plvmb screwdriver is a beauty too.

Yes, I was very happy to find that one. Late 1930's I guess.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Found this old girl from the 1890's at an estate sale today. Not many ratchets that are from two centuries ago, surprisingly sophisticated for a ratchet that old.

Nice find! And welcome to GJ. I see you're relatively new.

A bit different than others I've seen pictures of.

Not sure what you mean by "different", but its cousin, if you will, same patent, but a little more common, had a removable head with sockets on either side with two different hex service openings. There were a range of them covering the major U.S.S. nut/bolt sizes. I have one of those, linked here.

Show Off Your Antique Ratchet

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...

www.garagejournal.com

Yours is the same basic frame and operation, but with the 1/2-inch female drive openings for sockets with male drive tangs. They came in sets. There are a couple here, with and without sockets. Rare, though.

The best way to get a feel for this forum - and to see a list of all the major threads that have ever been posted (such as the 'Antique Ratchets' thread I just linked above), whether they are on page 2 or page 537, where you can't see them, is to review the A-Z List of threads in the Index in the Sticky at the top of the forum.