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

[four.cycle]

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


* 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)
* Set "H": Unknown (just a box recovered so far)
* Set "K": same as set "G" except 1/2-inch square drive
* Set "XF": 1-inch square drive, in same type of box as Set "F", with sockets from 1-3/8" to 2"

* measured
^ inferred








see also:
http://toolarchives.com/node/260
http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers.html#bethlehem

edited 10/15/24 10:27 PDT

 

[four.cycle]

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

* 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)
* Set "H": Unknown (just a box recovered so far)
* Set "K": same as set "G" except 1/2-inch square drive
* Set "XF": 1-inch square drive, in same type of box as Set "F", with sockets from 1-3/8" to 2"

* measured
^ inferred







see also:
http://toolarchives.com/node/260
http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers.html#bethlehem

edited 10/15/24 10:28 PDT

 

[four.cycle]

RE: Bethlehem Quickway "Set A":

Depending upon which hardware company's catalog you're reading, you may get both the "Ell" handle and the "Tee" bar, or you may only get the "Tee" handle, or you may only get the "Ell" handle.

I'm going to take the liberty of posting these images from recent Ebay ads, as both of these sets still retain some of the original copper plating:





(* note that the captions on the photo images of the "Set A" are incorrect: the "Set A" was a 3/8" hex drive, not 1/2" *)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks for starting this thread, four.cycle - and for all the historical ads. This is going to be fun!

First, some light housekeeping...

While I couldn't find a thread dedicated exclusively to Bethlehem Spark Plug Company's "Quickway" sets, they have popped up here and there in various threads, and I wanted to make sure we were inclusive of those folks.

Safariknut posted an "A" set before, linked here.

mtwaterguy didn’t know it at the time, but he has the "D" set ratchet and the sliding T-handle in this estate sale find, linked here.

Twertsy started a couple threads on the subject of the manufacturer of the "D" set ratchets, the first one pertaining to a BSP Co ratchet made by Bonney and ostensibly Herbrand, linked here. And a second thread pertaining to a BSP Co ratchet with a still unidentified forge mark, linked here.
Note that this subject has been expounded on by he and I on TA, found here.

Depending upon which hardware company's catalog you're reading...

I have noticed several inconsistencies - and a couple of mysteries - between the ads, the label in the "D" set boxes, and the actual tools. I will be talking about those inconcistencies and mysteries in the days to come, and I am hoping between you, me, Todd and others we can resolve them.

There is another funny thing about ALL the ads I found - and yours are no different. They never say anything about the drive size!

While Alloy Artifacts shows a "D" set in their collection, and they describe it as 1/2-inch square drive, they never say what the drive size on the "A" set is, and while they reference the other sets ("B", "C" and "E"), they never say what those drive sizes are either.

Through measurements of the sets I have, and some deduction, this is what I have concluded so far (I can edit this as we go):

* 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)
* Set "H": Probably 1/4- and 1/3-inch square drive, special purpose, perhaps drain plug set
* Set "K": same as set "G" except 1/2-inch square drive
* Set "XF": 1-inch square drive, in same type of box as Set "F", with sockets from 1-3/8" to 2"

* measured
^ inferred

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I did manage to snap a few photos of my sets before leaving for work this morning...

From top to bottom, BSP Co "Quickway" sets "A" (3/8 hex), "C" (7/16 hex), and "D" (1/2 hex)

View media item 76578
And for now (many more photos to come later) a quick glimpse at the contents.

View media item 76579

 

[four.cycle]

So all of the photos I posted above are mis-labeled in respect to the drive sizes, right? I was assuming they were all 1/2" hex drive when I labeled the photo images.
I can fix that. Just need to confirm what the drive sizes really are on each of those sets.

There's also the possibility I may have mis-identified what I believed to be a "Set F" in those Ebay photos above - the set is clearly "Bethlehem", and it's the only one that resembles the "Set F" in the catalog ads, and it is obviously hex drive.
I have only seen one other (what I believed to be a) "Set F" listed on Ebay in two years - the other one was in really rough condition and all of the pieces had been coated with a heavy coat of silver spray paint (right on top of all the rust and corrosion.)

RE: The set belonging to member safariknut that you linked to HERE:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302594
The box is in much better condition than most of those I've seen listed on Ebay (and there have been more than a few, I can assure you.) Unfortunately his set appears to be missing a few pieces.
I looked a lot of those before I finally clicked "buy now" on one that had a box in decent condition and both the "Tee" handle and "Ell" handle, as well as all seven sockets. Unfortunately, as I mentioned above, most of the copper plating is gone. I have a vague idea of where it is and will see if I can dig it out and get a photo.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Can't believe I typed "square". They're all hex. Sorry. I will edit that. (I need lunch!)

As for the actual drive size, the only sets I can confirm are "A" (3/8-inch hex), "C" (7/16-inch hex), and "D" (1/2-inch hex).

EDIT: Now you can see why I think this whole subject is way under-discussed. All those ads, couple sets floating around, and there's really not a good detailed laydown of these sets anywhere. Based on the broached opening sizes, I figured that the "A" (all under 1/2") and "D" (17/32" to 15/16") couldn't be the same drive size, but I did not expect to find 7/16-inch hex drive tools in the "C" set!

 

[four.cycle]

I've edited the first two posts with a notation about the drive sizes.
I guess we have another "work in progress" here on this one.

Yes, very little information about this product line and company is out there, which is puzzling considering how many of those little "Set A" sets I see listed on Ebay - they must have made millions of them.
The reason they caught my attention was because of the graphics on the lithographed boxes - those are some of the most "arty" packages I've seen out of all the tool brands out there.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Agreed. Ahead of its time.

Did you notice that the ratchet for the "C" set was called a "Husky" ratchet in one of the ads? It's different than the "D" set 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet, at least by illustration. Not "husky" (as in a synonym for robust or hefty or durable), but Husky with a capital letter, as in a proper noun. When I get some time, I need to look through a catalog and see if it's actually an early Husky ratchet, and if they made a 7/16-inch hex drive ratchet.

Based on examples collected, the "D" ratchet was made by Bonney, Herbrand, and at least one other manufacturer/forge.

 

[four.cycle]

Did you notice that the ratchet for the "C" set was called a "Husky" ratchet in one of the ads?

Yes, I did, and was going to mention that. Didn't the "Husky" brand (by New Britain) come out much later, or have I got my wires crossed there?

Or is it one of those deals where two manufacturers used the same name during different eras, like "Wizard" (a private label brand of Western Auto) and "Wizard" (a moniker used by the J.E. Wakefield Wrench Co.) ?

 

[four.cycle]

I've sent an inquiry to the Ebay seller of the 'Set F' shown above, and hopefully we'll be able to determine whether it's 1/2" or 3/4" hex drive. Looking at the first photo I am unable to tell.

I noticed there is what appears to be a more complete "Set D" up for sale right now, so I grabbed these images. (Or maybe somebody tossed some extra pieces in at some point.) Note the inspection label dated 1925.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Didn't the "Husky" brand (by New Britain) come out much later, or have I got my wires crossed there?

Husky was an independent company and manufacturer in Milwaukee, then Kenosha, WI, from 1924 through the mid 1930's, when it was acquired by New Britain. The exact date is not known, but that's when Husky branded tools suddenly started looking like New Britain, NONE BETTER, and Craftsman BE and (H) tools. The significant part for this subject is that Husky was a start-up in 1924 around the same time that Bethlehem Spark Plug was a start-up, and they had a history of industry collaboration (partnering with Williams).

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I noticed there is what appears to be a more complete "Set D" up for sale right now, so I grabbed these images. (Or maybe somebody tossed some extra pieces in at some point.) Note the inspection label dated 1925.

That inspection sticker is cool!

--------------------------------------
Some comparative notes:

It could be a trick of the photo, or the strange and messy way he has the pieces loaded in the built-in holder, but it almost looks like his box is smaller than mine. He doesn't have the sliding-T (actually called an L-handle, #67 on the lid label) loaded correctly. If the drive stud for the sliding-T was in the middle of the shank, and stuck inside the cubby hole for it in the middle of the case, like mine, he'd have cubby holes to put the 1" and 1-3/4" extensions. The universal joint also has its own cubby hole, but his is just sitting there loose, covering up two unused cubby holes. The 4" extension goes behind the ratchet. Also, my sockets won't load that way. The bigger sockets won't fit in the cubby holes on the right in my box. So I had to load them from smallest to largest right to left. That smacks of a slightly different production period.

He's missing a "D" size 1/2-inch drive socket. Should be sixteen (16) of those, including two (2) 1/2" sizes - one annotated as "A." (part #45 on the lid label), and one annotated as "Sp." (guessing Special)(part #46 on the lid label). (That's one of the oddities I referred to above that I haven't quite figured out yet.) I have all sixteen (16).

His set has all three "D" set 1/2-inch extensions - a 1" long (#64 on the lid label), a 1-3/4" long (#63), and a 4" long (#62). I am missing the 4" long.

We're both missing another of the odd pieces I haven't figured out - a 3/16" diam. x 4" long T-handle (#68 on the lid label). The question is - to turn what? There are no 3/16-inch drive sockets in set "D" or set "A"! I was actually thinking at one point that it might be to maintain the ratchet, but there are no tiny hex-head set screws in the ratchet.

It looks as if he's also missing the 3/8" x 4" extension (#65 on the lid label). It should be in the "A" set box with the 3/8-inch drive sockets. Looks like only a 3/8" x 4-1/4" L-handle (#66 on the lid label) in there. Unless the extension is hidden underneath the L-handle. I have both.

Judging by his ratchet and L-handle, his set has a lot more copper plating retained than mine!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for pointing this set out, four.cycle. I don't shop on eBay often and I forget how informative it can be without really trying!

EDIT: BTW, I contacted the seller to ask him how the ratchet was marked other than the BSP Co branding, pointing out some possible forge symbols on the end of the handle. It would be good to know before it sells if it's something we have seen before (Bonney, Herbrand, unknown monograph), or something new.

EDIT: Are you thinking of buying it?!

 

[four.cycle]

"...it almost looks like his box is smaller than mine."

Funny you should say that.... I only grabbed the first seven images because that's all I can put into one post here.... here are the other two photos from that ad on the "Set D", one of which shows the length of the box:



In regard to the contents:
Over the course of no less than 92 years, it's quite possible some pieces got lost, added, switched, or altered.
I did notice that the "Set D" I just posted from the Ebay ad does appear to have more of the plating left on it than does your set.

No, I am not considering purchasing either the "Set D" or "Set F" currently listed - I think the asking prices on those are a bit steep, but that's just me.
And besides, I've exceeded my budget allotment for tools this month - and it's only the 7th - with another one of those "I gotta have it" Indestro wrench sets.

BK

 

[Private Lugnutz]

In regard to the contents:
Over the course of no less than 92 years, it's quite possible some pieces got lost, added, switched, or altered.

Nothing added or switched or altered as far as I can tell, BK. It's missing what I noted above, though. That's the beautiful thing about them printing the detailed contents list on the label. It's easy to see what is supposed to be there - and we now have two sets to confirm the originality of what the pieces are supposed to look like!

I think the asking prices on those are a bit steep, but that's just me.

I agree. I actually said something similar and deleted it, not wanting to pooh-pooh it if you were going to go for it. I'd like to have the 4" extension and the "A" set sockets I am missing, but not at that price.

And besides, I've exceeded my budget allotment for tools this month

A man of self-imposed integrity!

I'll be back with more pics...

 

[four.cycle]

A man of self-imposed integrity!

Well, so much for integrity.... a seller up in Canada just made me a deal on an Indestro 920-3K wrench set (with the original "Klip-Tite" holder and thumb screw), and another seller accepted my offer on an Action 3/8" breaker I needed to complete a set. So much for "budget", I guess.

"...not wanting to pooh-pooh it if you were going to go for it."

There is no possible way you could call me any crazier than my girlfriend does when she finds out what I pay for some of this stuff. Most of the time I just don't tell her.

I wonder if you can indulge me here:
is that a 1/2" hex drive, or 3/4" hex drive set?

Neither,.
An 11/16 six point socket fits on it nicely. just a little play.

here it is again to save you the trouble of scrolling up:



11/16" hex drive?
SRSLY?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's bizarre! I wonder if he is mistaking 3/4" drive for 11/16" drive, not having a 3/4" drive tool to check it out with. I wish he would mic it instead. If it is 11/16, also ironic, going back to the Husky subject. They loved weird hex drive sizes. They made 5/16, 9/16 and 13/16 hex drive tools and sockets in the 20's! I can't even think of another mfgr who made 11/16 hex drive. 11/16 square drive, yes. Hex drive, no.

EDIT:

I also have something to report from eBayland...

The "D" set seller sent me photos of the end of the ratchet. It's a Bonney {B} shield with a "JO" code (October 1923), just like mine. See thumbnails.

 

[four.cycle]

You got me... I am taking his message at face value: "an 11/16" six-point socket fits on it nicely".
Nothing would surprise me about early 20th Century tools.

So.... maybe Bethlehem was outsourcing their ratchets? Sounds like a good possibility.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

So.... maybe Bethlehem was outsourcing their ratchets? Sounds like a good possibility.

That is the conclusion I made in the Tool Archives discussion I had with Todd. I linked it above somewhere instead of copying and pasting it over here. With at least Bonney, Herbrand, and a third unknown source. Bonney was not even making drive tools for their own retail in 1924. EDIT: And the reference to Husky for the "C" set ratchet (again, 7/16-inch hex drive) seems to corroborate the practice even more.

 

[3baygarage]

In response to the 11/16 size, i believe some old Mossberg female square ratchets were 11/16 drive.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Okay, I have some photos to show n tell.

I’m actually going to start with the Contents List Label under the lid on the big “D” set box. Note that it actually includes the contents for the “A” set (in the little metal box) and the “D” set, even though it doesn't expressly separate or distinguish them as "A" and "D" in the list.

View media item 76644
In the middle is the name of the set, the BSP Co logo (love the smokestacks!), and a description, which steps up in /32nd increments from 17/32” to 15/16”. (Note that AA is in error on it contents.)

View media item 76646
The “Sockets” are listed on the left of the logo.

View media item 76645
Note that the seven (7) “A” set 3/8-inch hex drive sockets (stowed in the little box) are part #’s 1 through 7, and the sixteen (16) “D” set ½-inch drive sockets (stowed in the cubby holes in the main compartment) are part #s 31 through 46. You can see that there is a 3/8-inch hex drive socket with a 1/2” opening (#7), and also two (2) 1/2-inch hex drive sockets with a 1/2” opening. One (#45) annotated with an “A.” and the other (#46) annotated with an “Sp.” (which I am assuming means special). As far as I can tell the sockets are identical, so I am open to theories here.

I am guessing the reason the list jumps from #7 to #31 is because part #’s 8 through 30 are reserved for the pieces in sets “B” and “C”, which are not included in this “A” and “D” combination set.

The “Tools and Attachments” are listed to the right of the logo.

View media item 76647
The “A” set handles are #65 – the 4” x 3/8” extension, and #66 – the the 4-1/2” x 3/8” L-handle. All the other part numbers – the ratchet (#61), the various length extensions (#’s 62, 63, and 64), the uni joint (#69), and the mysterious 3/16” x 4” T-handle (#68) – missing from the eBay set and my set, all belong to the 1/2-inch drive “D” set.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The box itself is a neat design.

View media item 76640
Note the rectangular cutout in the rigid tray for the “A” set box, the cubby holes for all sixteen (16) sockets and the universal joint, the ratchet head (toward the front and left), the extensions in front of that, and in the middle – for the sliding-T handle drive stud. Note the bigger separations between the socket holes on the left as compared to the right. That’s for the larger sockets, which need more space.

View media item 76643
Even the two-piece clasp is sophisticated.

View media item 76650
View media item 76648
There’s not much of the decal remaining on the top of the box, but it’s legible.

View media item 76651
Just about 11-1/2 inches long.

View media item 76652

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here’s the meager contents of the “A” set

View media item 76657
The box is in terrific condition, with vibrant original orange color and very little wear. The branding appears on the lid, the front, the back, and both ends.

View media item 76654
View media item 76655
View media item 76656
Not much copper plating is remaining on the 4” x 3/8” extension, but the 4-1/2” x 3/8” L-handle is still fairly well-clad.

View media item 76661
The sockets - #3 (11/32”), #4 (3/8”), and #7 (1/2”) on the contents list – don’t fare much better for plating. I’m missing #1 (9/32”), #2 (5/16”), #5 (9/16”), and #6 (15/32”).

Some construction views...

View media item 76658
View media item 76659
View media item 76660

 

[Private Lugnutz]

And finally, here are the “D” set 1/2-inch hex drive pieces…

Not much plating remaining on the ratchet, which, in addition to the branding, has a Bonney forge symbol {B} and date code “JO” (October 1923).

View media item 76697
View media item 76673
View media item 76674
View media item 76675
View media item 76676
The robust “L-handle” (per the contents list) - called a T-handle in ads, has kept its coat longer. I have the shank turned to show the indents for placement and tightening of the sliding head. It is not branded or marked in any way.

View media item 76677
View media item 76678
View media item 76679
Neither is the very well-made universal joint.

View media item 76680
View media item 76681
Or the itty-bitty well-worn “extensions”

View media item 76682
The sixteen (16) sockets are complete from 17/32” to 15/16”, again, with those two (2) seemingly duplicate 1/2” sockets

View media item 76683
The only markings on the sockets are the fractional sizes, expressed in hyphenated style.

View media item 76684
View media item 76685
View media item 76686
View media item 76687
View media item 76688
View media item 76689

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Construction views of the drive ends...

View media item 76690
View media item 76691
...and the openings

View media item 76692
View media item 76693

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here’s the 7/16-inch hex drive “C” set. This one is not as vibrant on the lid.

View media item 76662
View media item 76663
View media item 76664
View media item 76665
The "C" set box is 8-1/2” long.

View media item 76671
Like the “A” set, and unlike the “D” set, the sockets are not marked. I mic’d them all. I have the 5/16", 7/16", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", and 3/4". I am missing the 3/8" and 1/2".

View media item 76666
View media item 76667
View media item 76668
View media item 76670
Showing the measurement of the “C” set 7/16-inch drive size

View media item 76694
View media item 76695
And for an eyeball reference, here are extensions from all three sets, from left to right, the “D” (1/2), “C” (7/16), and “A” (3/8).

View media item 76696

 

[four.cycle]

I think the #65 and #68 (together) are the "Tee" handle for the "Set A", which is included in the set that I found (along with the #66 "Ell" handle.)
(I don't know why they would call the #65 an "extension", because there's no 3/8" drive tool - that doesn't make sense.)

The #68 would be what is more commonly referred to as a "cross bar" now.

That "Set A" box is in really great condition. Most of them I see online are in pretty rough shape.
You can certainly tell which side of the "Set C" box was sitting where the sun could shine on it - UV has a way of playing hell with reds and oranges.

The latch on the "Set D" has a locking mechanism?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I think the #65 and #68 (together) are the "Tee" handle for the "Set A", which is included in the set that I found (along with the #66 "Ell" handle.)

That is a GREAT catch, BK! That hole in the bar did not look factory made to me. I wasn't even thinking of a cross (or "tommy") bar.

The latch on the "Set D" has a locking mechanism?

Yes. That little flared-out lip on the inner latch prevents the outer latch from opening inadvertently, in transport, etc. It won't open until you flip the inner one to the left.

 

[four.cycle]

RE: latch on "Set D" and your explanation of how it works....

... begs the question as to why something so simple (and doubtless inexpensive to manufacture) wasn't used in other applications?

 

[twertsy]

I have several of these sets Greg, at least 3 if I recall correctly...........next time I get to the shop I'll dig 'em up and snap some pics.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

RE: latch on "Set D" and your explanation of how it works....

... begs the question as to why something so simple (and doubtless inexpensive to manufacture) wasn't used in other applications?

Good question, BK, and one that I find myself asking more than a few times with antique and vintage tools. I'm glad you like it. I suspected others would appreciate it, which is why I showed it in the open and closed positions.

I have several of these sets Greg, at least 3 if I recall correctly...........next time I get to the shop I'll dig 'em up and snap some pics.

Looking forward to it, Todd! I knew you had a few of the "D" set ratchets, I wasn't sure if you had any sets to go with them. Are they all "D" sets?

EDIT: As an aside, I want to make sure you saw the Husky angle, in case you were in skimming mode with all that Crafty trademark work on your mind. Intriguing, right?

Now that we have examples of "A" (3/8), "C" (7/16) and "D" (1/2), I'm hoping someone shows up with a "B" and "E" one day. I'm very curious to see if my inferences (about them being 1/2-inch hex drive tools just packaged a little more portably than the "D" set) are correct.

And, even though we've got some pics of the "F" set now, thanks to four.cycle's eBay reconnaissance work, we could use a little more detailed access to one of those as well.

Speaking of the "F" set, did you notice that all the handles were marked 'BETHLEHEM'? Only the ratchet is marked with the company name in the "D" set. None of the pieces are marked in the "A" and "C" sets. If the pieces are separated from the box, there is no way to identify them other than physical comparison.

Also on the "F" set, the knurling is different, the sizes are marked with a slash, not a hyphen, and the sliding-Tee took a completely different (and more usual) approach. That gave me some pause. All of these tools were only made for a few years (1924-1927, to be more precise) as far as I have been able to tell, so I doubt these were production era differences. Meaning, I don't think we'll find "D" sets with those characteristics. Also, they seem to match the figures in the various set ads, which were contemporary to each other. I'm actually thinking it may have been a supplier difference. Despite the industrial smokestacks (looking like the Bethlehem Steel skyline to me) on the logo, I'm starting to wonder, just a little, if they made any of these tools themselves.

 

[twertsy]

Good question, BK, and one that I find myself asking more than a few times with antique and vintage tools. I'm glad you like it. I suspected others would appreciate it, which is why I showed it in the open and closed positions.


Looking forward to it, Todd! I knew you had a few of the "D" set ratchets, I wasn't sure if you had any sets to go with them. Are they all "D" sets?

EDIT: As an aside, I want to make sure you saw the Husky angle, in case you were in skimming mode with all that Crafty trademark work on your mind. Intriguing, right?

Now that we have examples of "A" (3/8), "C" (7/16) and "D" (1/2), I'm hoping someone shows up with a "B" and "E" one day. I'm very curious to see if my inferences (about them being 1/2-inch hex drive tools just packaged a little more portably than the "D" set) are correct.

And, even though we've got some pics of the "F" set now, thanks to four.cycle's eBay reconnaissance work, we could use a little more detailed access to one of those as well.

Speaking of the "F" set, did you notice that all the handles were marked 'BETHLEHEM'? Only the ratchet is marked with the company name in the "D" set. None of the pieces are marked in the "A" and "C" sets. If the pieces are separated from the box, there is no way to identify them other than physical comparison.

Also on the "F" set, the knurling is different, the sizes are marked with a slash, not a hyphen, and the sliding-Tee took a completely different (and more usual) approach. That gave me some pause. All of these tools were only made for a few years (1924-1927, to be more precise) as far as I have been able to tell, so I doubt these were production era differences. Meaning, I don't think we'll find "D" sets with those characteristics. Also, they seem to match the figures in the various set ads, which were contemporary to each other. I'm actually thinking it may have been a supplier difference. Despite the industrial smokestacks (looking like the Bethlehem Steel skyline to me) on the logo, I'm starting to wonder, just a little, if they made any of these tools themselves.

I completely missed the Husky angle............steer me.

 

[twertsy]

Here is an older Set D

sizes marked with a / and followed by ", Bonney marked ratchet.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[twertsy]

Not sure of the set # on this one. Sizes marked with a -, Herbrand ratchet.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[twertsy]

Here's a Set D with Bonney ratchet and mixed socket markings.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[twertsy]

I think this is Set A? No markings on any piece.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I completely missed the Husky angle............steer me.

See Posts #9, 10, 12, and 19.

Nice wood box D set.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I think this is Set A? No markings on any piece

Yes, that's the Set A. Should be 3/8-inch hex drive. With the same hole in the "extension bar" for a cross bar (to make it the "Tee" bar referenced in the ads) that my Set A has. I don't think I've seen one yet. Not surprisingly, since these pieces are almost always missing from any socket set.

 

[twertsy]

Husky was an independent company and manufacturer in Milwaukee, then Kenosha, WI, from 1924 through the mid 1930's, when it was acquired by New Britain. The exact date is not known, but that's when Husky branded tools suddenly started looking like New Britain, NONE BETTER, and Craftsman BE and (H) tools. The significant part for this subject is that Husky was a start-up in 1924 around the same time that Bethlehem Spark Plug was a start-up, and they had a history of industry collaboration (partnering with Williams).

The date is known, look at my site....1935

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[twertsy]

See Posts #9, 10, 12, and 19.

Nice wood box D set.

Interesting capitalization, and interesting ratchet too! We need to find on of them oddballs.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk