Bethlehem "Quickway" Socket Sets - Bethlehem Spark Plug Co.

[LesserSon]

AWESOME find!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice! Definately a new one on me.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This is a one inch square drive Bethlehem set.

A fabulous - and, since we didn't know existed - a groundbreaking find!

Please post more photos, including some closeups of the sockets, when you get it cleaned up. Also the handles. As far as we know, the only set with tools that are branded 'BETHLEHEM' is the "F" set.

Original box.

I'm curious if the box has a free-swinging handle like the box for the 11/16-inch drive Set F. Photos of mine posted here.

I am surmising they dubbed it Set "H". Set "A" through "G" are taken...

* Set "A": 3/8-inch hex drive, in a little metal case
^ Set "B": 1/2-inch hex drive, in a "leather-like" case (six sockets are sizes from Set "D")
* Set "C": 7/16-inch hex drive, in a metal case (no ratchet)
* Set "C SPECIAL": 7/16-inch hex drive, in a metal case (with ratchet and ext/drive plug)
* Set "D": 1/2-inch hex drive, in a large metal case
^ Set "E": 1/2-inch hex drive (fifteen sockets all same sizes as set "D", but comes in a "leather-like" case with fewer handles and extensions)
* Set "F": 11/16-inch hex drive
* Set "G": 1/2-inch hex drive, in same case as Set "D", same handles, but "Splitdorf-Bethlehem" merger (1927-1929) logo, four (4) 4-point sockets, and four (4) special sockets (Alemite, wingnut, and two drag link bits)

* measured
^ inferred

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I posted an h set box back on post 278

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I posted an h set box back on post 278

Totally missed that, OTG! Where are you getting the "H" from? Is it on what's left of the label? As far as I know, we have no info (drive size, contents, etc) on a Type H set.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I did find ads in several trade mags for what I assume is the 1-inch square drive set that @elidas just found! The drive size is not identified, but the socket opening sizes (1-3/8" to 2") are considerably larger than that of the 11/16-inch hex drive set (3/4" to 1-1/2"). So I am inferring it's the 1-inch drive set. It's odd they don't identify it as square drive. After making hex drive sets and nothing but hex drive sets from 3/8 to 11/16, you'd've thunk they would've mentioned moving to square drive. Splitdorf era, like Set "G". Looks like they dubbed it Set "XF", which I am sure is X for an even Extra Heavy Duty version of set "F" (11/16-inch drive).

First I found this one, which gave me what set nomenclature to look for.



With the set nomenclature, searching was much more effective. Here is one with a nice illustration. Which reveals that the original box is just like the box for the "F" set.




I will update the running list. And we really need to get 4.c to update post 1.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The guy I got it from had a pristine h set, this box was was his extra he upgraded from. It was a bethlehem splitdorf set from 28 he said. All of the tools in his complete set were square drive.

 

[elidas]

A fabulous - and, since we didn't know existed - a groundbreaking find!

Please post more photos, including some closeups of the sockets, when you get it cleaned up. Also the handles. As far as we know, the only set with tools that are branded 'BETHLEHEM' is the "F" set.

I'm curious if the box has a free-swinging handle like the box for the 11/16-inch drive Set F. Photos of mine posted here.

I am surmising they dubbed it Set "H". Set "A" through "G" are taken...

Looks like the same box.

 

[elidas]

I did find ads in several trade mags for what I assume is the 1-inch square drive set that @elidas just found! The drive size is not identified, but the socket opening sizes (1-3/8" to 2") are considerably larger than that of the 11/16-inch hex drive set (3/4" to 1-1/2"). So I am inferring it's the 1-inch drive set. It's odd they don't identify it as square drive. After making hex drive sets and nothing but hex drive sets from 3/8 to 11/16, you'd've thunk they would've mentioned moving to square drive. Splitdorf era, like Set "G". Looks like they dubbed it Set "XF", which I am sure is X for an even Extra Heavy Duty version of set "F" (11/16-inch drive).

First I found this one, which gave me what set nomenclature to look for.



With the set nomenclature, searching was much more effective. Here is one with a nice illustration. Which reveals that the original box is just like the box for the "F" set.




I will update the running list. And we really need to get 4.c to update post 1.

This looks like my set. I do not have the 1 3/8 socket or the lid for the box.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This looks like my set. I do not have the 1 3/8 socket or the lid for the box.

I don't have the lid either. I'm constantly looking! Ultra cool set, E!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The guy I got it from had a pristine h set, this box was was his extra he upgraded from. It was a bethlehem splitdorf set from 28 he said.

If you're still in touch with him, please see if he'll send some photos of the set and the label. I am not finding any trade mag ads for a Set "H". What drive size did he say it was?

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

Possible unicorn. This is a one inch square drive Bethlehem set. Original box. I originally thought it was a BAT set because of the shape of the sockets. I got this and a original Walden set in the leather case and the wire ratchet for $25

Well I’m just jealous. That’s fantastic

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

Well I’m just jealous. That’s fantastic

So is it missing the ratchet handle or was it designed to just shove a cheater bar in and let it rip

 

[Private Lugnutz]

So is it missing the ratchet handle or was it designed to just shove a cheater bar in and let it rip

Will the sliding tee handle fit? Or is it too skinny? Note that there is NO bar shown in the illustration.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

While looking for a Set "H" to verify OTG's friend's story and extra box, I did come across a Set "K". Unless I am mistaken, we don't have any examples yet. Description sounds like a Set "G" but 1/2-inch SQUARE drive instead.

 

[elidas]

Will the sliding tee handle fit? Or is it too skinny? Note that there is NO bar shown in the illustration.

The sliding "t" handle fits giving it almost 25 inches.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The sliding "t" handle fits

 

[3baygarage]

Sweet find Elidas!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

If you're still in touch with him, please see if he'll send some photos of the set and the label. I am not finding any trade mag ads for a Set "H". What drive size did he say it was?

It was 1/2" square drive

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Interesting. Well, maybe the "H" set was the 1/2-inch square drive version of the 1/2-inch hex drive "D" set, like the "K" set seems to be the 1/2-inch square drive version of the 1/2-inch hex drive "G" set. I'd still like to get some photos of the tools and the label from him, if you can. Because I can't find any trade mag reference.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looked more like a drain plug set

 

[Private Lugnutz]

@Oldtuleguy Did it look like this?



The title and description don't identify the set designator, but looking at the box, the tools, the layout of the tools, and the label, it's definitely not a "D" or a "G", or a "K". Maybe it's the mysterious "H" by default. If you can confirm, and grab some photos from the source of your empty box, we can update the running list.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That's probably it

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's probably it

Cool. Thanks.

 

[elidas]

A fabulous - and, since we didn't know existed - a groundbreaking find!

Please post more photos, including some closeups of the sockets, when you get it cleaned up. Also the handles. As far as we know, the only set with tools that are branded 'BETHLEHEM' is the "F" set.

I'm curious if the box has a free-swinging handle like the box for the 11/16-inch drive Set F. Photos of mine posted here.

I am surmising they dubbed it Set "H". Set "A" through "G" are taken...

It will be while until get them cleaned up. I'm a little spooked by the copper plating.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

My Big Boy set hardly had any compared to my other sets. It was almost all flaked off.

 

[four.cycle]

1917 Literary Digest Bethlehem Spark Plug ad pp 62

 

[LesserSon]

I remember you experimenting with the idea of a printed version, LS, on a yellowish paper, something close to the finish on your lid, but I don't recall if you ever went through with it. I recommend using this mint-y label and finding someone with something like this...

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2-1/4years later…
I found out one of the guys I work with had temporary possession of a laser engraver!
He did some test runs with my pdf

and then inside one of my repro lids!

It took about an hour. I had left an area unfinished to ensure glue adhesion of my planned paper label, but didn’t do that. I have two more lids in the queue, one of which had the entire inside stained/finished. I’ll see how that one looks, then decide if/how I want to finish this one.
Interesting, how the deep, open grain of the chestnut creates a mottled imprint, versus the same tool on smooth plywood.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Wow! That looks great! Authentic, too.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Spectacular!

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

2-1/4years later…
I found out one of the guys I work with had temporary possession of a laser engraver!
He did some test runs with my pdf

and then inside one of my repro lids!

It took about an hour. I had left an area unfinished to ensure glue adhesion of my planned paper label, but didn’t do that. I have two more lids in the queue, one of which had the entire inside stained/finished. I’ll see how that one looks tomorrow, then decide if/how I want to finish this one.
Interesting, how the deep, open grain of the chestnut creates a mottled imprint, versus the same tool on smooth plywood.

Superb

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here's another g set

 

[Oldtuleguy]

This one is marked splitdorf electrical

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This one is marked splitdorf electrical

That's the first "A" set I have seen with that label.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Wasn't "Bethlehem" acquired/absorbed by Splitdorf?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

^ Wasn't "Bethlehem" acquired/absorbed by Splitdorf?

Some kind of joint business entity, yes, but only for a few years (mid 20s), IIRC, the other sets we have seen were larger (D and G, as I recall), and they have a "SPLITDORF-BETHLEHEM ELECTRICAL COMPANY" decal.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

^ Wasn't "Bethlehem" acquired/absorbed by Splitdorf?

Some kind of joint business entity,

To put a finer point on this, because I had called it a "merger" here many times in the past, and that is what many trade mags called it (example notice in 1925 Motor Age linked here), in actuality, it more of an acquisition, by Bethlehem Spark Plug Co. (with Charles M. Schwab, the CEO of Bethlehem Steel, behind it) of 80% of Splitdorf stock. See hasty excerpts attached below.

However, if you use Google Books to search "Splitdorf-Bethlehem 1930" or later, you will find all kinds of snippet-only view references, including Poor's and the like, to the newly merged holding company being dissolved and broken up again, with Edison buying the old Splitdorf part, and all kinds of other actions. Those are unlockable because of the 95 year bibliographic rights buffer.

I think the "merged" company only lasted from 1925 to 1929 or thereabouts. The "D" and "G" sets with "Splitdorf-Bethlehem" labels on them (including mine!) in this thread were undoubtedly made during that time.

I suspect that OTG's 'Splitdorf Electric' only decal set (the number and sizes of the sockets and the Ell handle all scream set "A") was probably also made during the "merged" years, in the old BSP Co. plant, but sold and marketed as Splitdorf Electric, which was still an active subsidiary of the new "merged" Splitdorf-Bethlehem outfit.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Victims of the great depression

 

[four.cycle]

^ Looking at the "Who's Who" lists on a couple of those articles, it's clear there some big expectations out of Splitdorf-Bethlehem.

 

[LesserSon]

I was pleased to recognize and purchase a 7/8” and a 23/32” socket today. Neither filled the 3/4” or 25/32” hole in my two nearly-there sets, so they started filling a third set.