Long day in the yard. I'm beat and won't last much longer.
Friday sale had lots of disappointingly "meh" tools. I spent $15 on the tools that interested me. I was intrigued by the clutch of 3/8" drive tools with only the C-** part number and no branding--the 1/2" is R-10. Using my research skills, finely honed by my time here on GJ, I discovered a Penens discussion between
Lugz, et.al. and found they are more than likely a contract batch from Penens. Good to know. Thanks gentlemen! The 8" tommy bar is, of course, unmarked but the thin flaking chrome is very reminiscent of Thorsen. The other 3/8 hinge handle is a Duro Chrome 4481. The brass hose nozzle is branded Royal and has Pat'D Italy and 75 on the opposite side. The rusted Western 648B knife caught my eye for reasons I can't determine, but using those research skills again found a site that was particularly enamored with them--especially if they have bone stag versus "bone stag Delrin", whatever that is. Sounds synthetic. Anyway, to make a long story even longer, I was cleaning it up with Simple Green and a nylon bristle brush and was surprised as I watched the chalky white scales turn dark brown/blackish. When they dried, they returned to chalky white. I know nothing about knife handles. Can anyone tell if bone handles normally react this way?
Saturday I went to the second day of a sale that was offering old tin & enamel advertising signage--mostly sporting thermometers. I was interested in a round Verner's Ginger Ale thermometer just because it's the best ginger ale I've ever had. Fearing the exorbitant prices these things go for I didn't bother going on the first day. I was surprised the Verner's sold the first day--probably because it was "only" $75 and not because anyone in Texas recognized the brand. Most signs were priced at $200-$500 but a long, thin Ex-Lax sign had a $1000 tag on it. I'm not sure I'd hang an Ex-Lax sign in my home for any price.
On my way out through the garage, I noticed a beat up red tool box on the floor and had to open it. What I saw was a 3/4" wrench set covered in dirt and dried grease. I was barely able to discern the name Chief Wrench Set and 14BD on the remnants of the inner decal and picked up a few sockets and drive tools to confirm they were Blackhawk. The tools seemed sound but the box was a mess. Someone had burned the front of it brazing the latch back on. The paint is badly deteriorated and the what's left of the inner decal is barely there. And it had a $75 price tag. After citing the many flaws, the lady running the sale declined my $25 offer, pointing out it was the first day. She did come down to $35 but wouldn't budge any further.
It took me all afternoon to de-grease the tools and box. I found I'm missing the 1-1/16 60034 but have a Bonney 1-3/16 HD-38, a size this set did not include. The tools are vastly improved but the box didn't really get any better.
All tools and sockets are stamped either 1-, 1, -1, or 2. According to AA's calculations for the year and design factors for the decade, I believe this set comes from 1952. Polished chrome eliminates the '40s, while the 1953 catalog changed the set number to 14B (vs. 14BD). My only doubt is the catalogs show (I know, I know!) Bald-Head ratchets in the set vs. mine which isn't really a Freewheeling rat either.
I had to keep my poker face. I turned around and tell the seller I found a couple pieces. He laughs and tells me take them! Man, am I glad I circled back there.
