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

[four.cycle]

twertsy -

On that first "Set D" you posted just above (in post #33):
The contents list is embossed/stamped/printed on the inside of the wooden lid?
(Kind of difficult to make it out.)
I'm going to make a wild-*** guess and suggest that the first "Set D" you posted just above (in the wooden box) is earlier production than the two in the steel boxes.

Your "Set A" is complete except for the "cross bar", the piece that is listed as #68 - 3/16" x 4" "Tee Handle" on the contents label on the "Set D".

 

[twertsy]

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

twertsy -

On that first "Set D" you posted just above:
The contents list is embossed/stamped/printed on the inside of the wooden lid?
(Kind of difficult to make it out.)
I'm going to make a wild-*** guess and suggest that the first "Set D" you posted just above (in the wooden box) is earlier production than the two in the steel boxes.

Your "Set A" is complete except for the "cross bar".

Yes, the list appears "burned" into the wood. When I have more time, I'll list what it says.

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[four.cycle]

I'm guessing it's probably the same as what's on the later one, but it's worth checking out, I suppose. Your "Set D" didn't include the "Set A"? It does not appear that there a vacant space there for it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yes, there is. That compartment on the left.

Now that I've had a chance to look over Todd's sets more closely, I have a million questions.

Are you ready to go to work, Twerts?!

I second the request for the transcription of the contents label. Unless I'm seeing things, it looks like the part numbers for the sockets in your wood box set "D" run from #8 to #30. What's weird about that is that those are precisely the numbers that are skipped over in my contents list, where the sockets run from #1 to #7 - for the seven (7) "A" set 3/8-inch hex drive sockets, and from #8 to #46 - for the sixteen (16) "D" set 1/2-inch hex drive sockets.

I am guessing that sockets #8 through #14 on your label are the "A" set 3/8-inch drive sockets. They are missing from your set, and instead of a separate metal box, ads show them going in the compartment on the left, along with an L and T handle. I will post that ad in a bit.

That would make sockets #15 through #24 on your label the "D" set 1/2-inch hex drive sockets.

Please confirm that #29 and #30 are both 1/2" openings and if the first is annotated as "A." and the second as "Sp." on the contents label.

It also looks like the handles have different part numbers rather than the #61 through #69 on the metal box "D" sets.

Why would they use different part numbers in the later metal box set for the same twenty-three (23) sockets and the same nine (9) handles? (Actually, it looks like the early wood box "D" sets did not come with a sliding T.

 

[four.cycle]

Yes, there is. That compartment on the left.

I was looking for it in the rear center of the box, where yours is.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

A good ad for the wood box "D" set can be viewed on Google Books here.

Note that the ratchet shown for the "E" set co-advertised with the "D" set in this ad is the same ratchet advertised as a Husky in the "C SPECIAL" set in an ad posted by four.cycle in post #1, here.

I also have a photo of the wood box label.

View media item 76702
I forget where I found it - somewhere on-line. Sorry to not be able to attribute it. And I forgot I had it!

In looking at it, I see that my assumption was correct - except I don’t know what happened to part #'s 8 and #9. But #10 through #30 is in the gap on my #1 - #7 / #31 - #46 label!

This older wood box "D" set label also helps explain the mystery of the two (2) 1/2" sockets.

As you can see the one marked "A." on the later metal box label is called an "Adapter" on the wood box label. And the one marked "Sp." on the later metal box label is called "Special" on the wood box label.

"Special," I'm guessing, because there is already a 3/8-inch hex drive 1/2" socket in the "A" set.

Have to admit I am still a little stumped on the "Adapter". It's got a 1/2-inch hex drive opening and a 1/2" business end opening. That makes it a female-to-female extension bar, so to speak, if anything, for joining two handles with male studs. But it's still male 1/2-inch hex to male 1/2-inch hex. Mossberg and a few other early makers did the same thing, dual-using a socket as an adapter, but it was from one drive size to another. I guess they mean adapting a male drive stud (such as the sliding Tee handle, for example) to another male drive stud (such as one of the extension bars). Or mating the extension bars together for a longer extension in the ratchet.

So, the seven (7) "Set A" 3/8-inch hex drive sockets are #10 through #16.

#16A is the 1/2-inch hex drive 1/2" opening Adapter, and #16S is the 1/2-inch hex drive 1/2" opening Special.

#17 through #30 are the 1/2-inch hex drive sockets, 17/32" through 15/16".

Still can't make out the handles and numbers.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

While you guys are chewing on that, I also have some comments about Todd's other sets...

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

This one is really odd. The arrangement of the tray cutouts is not the same as the "D" box. There is no rectangular cutout for the little "A" set box, first of all, which might imply it was just meant to be a "D" set. But the number of holes and the configuration of them is not the same as a "D" set either. EDIT: Or is it the same box and the cutouts are just hidden by the way you have the pieces stowed? Could you post a photo of just the empty open box on this one? Or confirm that it's the same box?

On top of that, no ads for BSP Co sets that I have ever seen mention a drag link bit, a wingnut socket, or 4-point sockets.

When you get a chance, Todd, would you confirm that the odd sockets (DLB, wingnut, and squares) are (a) copper-plated (b) 1/2-inch hex drive, and (c) share some construction features with the standard 1/2-inch hex drive sockets in the kit, which do look like BSP Co sockets?

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

My only comment on this one is about that socket with the star mark! Could it really be a Bog or an Indestro?! And is that traces of copper-plating I see on it?

 

[twertsy]

While you guys are chewing on that, I also have some comments about Todd's other sets...



This one is really odd. The arrangement of the tray cutouts is not the same as the "D" box. There is no rectangular cutout for the little "A" set box, first of all, which might imply it was just meant to be a "D" set. But the number of holes and the configuration of them is not the same as a "D" set either. EDIT: Or is it the same box and the cutouts are just hidden by the way you have the pieces stowed? Could you post a photo of just the empty open box on this one? Or confirm that it's the same box?

On top of that, no ads for BSP Co sets that I have ever seen mention a drag link bit, a wingnut socket, or 4-point sockets.

When you get a chance, Todd, would you confirm that the odd sockets (DLB, wingnut, and squares) are (a) copper-plated (b) 1/2-inch hex drive, and (c) share some construction features with the standard 1/2-inch hex drive sockets in the kit, which do look like BSP Co sockets?



My only comment on this one is about that socket with the star mark! Could it really be a Bog or an Indestro?! And is that traces of copper-plating I see on it?

On question 1, no spot for an A Set, it's all socket holes.

The Star socket: it does indeed have copper traces; it has the same rough twist-like bottom to the drive side broach; and except for the stars, the font style and size match.

My next steps:

I'd like to do some comparisons of some other hex drive accessories.

I'll look closer at the rest of the sockets to determine if there are any other anomalous markings.

The socket style is much more consistent with Bog than early Indestro. Plus, Indestro tool production began a bit late for Beth products. I will dig out some Bog for broach comparison.

Anyone ever seen a sliding T / breaker like these before? The "feel" Milwaukeeish to me. They just have that look....

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[four.cycle]

Have to admit I am still a little stumped on the "Adapter".

This is kind of tangential here... or maybe not...

If I am understanding your question above correctly regarding the "adapter", you're talking about a short piece of steel with female openings on both ends, each end being designed to accept a male drive accessory or ratchet with a detent ball, correct?

If we're talking about the same kind of animal, Stevens Walden called it a "connector", and it was included in all kinds of sets:





Don't ask me why they would include such a thing in a set with a male-drive ratchet - it makes absolutely no sense. Maybe they had 93 gazillion left over from previous production and just tossed them into all of their sets to get rid of them.
The 3/8" male x 3/8" male 3-inch "extension" included in both of those sets above works just fine for a drive adapter in a 3/8" square female drive ratchet - the first time I saw one I ordered it for that purpose. Only later did I discover that the piece was included in some of their sets. I've lifted the images above from Ebay for expediency - I have no idea where the two SW sets I have here that include those pieces are right now.
You'll see the "connector" in both of those sets: both include one that's 3/8" female x 3/8" female (square drive), knurled all around, and about 1-1/8" tall; the second set has one that's 1/2" female x 1/2" female (square drive).
Coincidentally, I just received an ancient no-name early Duro/Indestro made 1/2" drive set today that has one of those in it - 1/2" female x 1/2" female (square drive.) As with the SW "connectors", it doesn't make sense, because the ratchet in the set (3202 non-reversible) is a 1/2" female drive model.

Note the reference on the second SW sets to "drain plugs" on the "connector" pieces. Maybe there was stuff on old cars where 3/8" or 1/2 square female (or your 3/8" hex female) came in real handy.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If I am understanding your question above correctly regarding the "adapter", you're talking about a short piece of steel with female openings on both ends, each end being designed to accept a male drive accessory or ratchet with a detent ball, correct?

No. I'm talking about the two (2) 1/2-inch hex drive sockets with 1/2" openings in the "D" sets! As I've been saying, they are identical sockets with identical size markings ("1-2").

In this photo, posted above, they are the last two sockets on the bottom row on the right:

View media item 76683
In the wood box "Set D" they appear like this on the contents label:

--------------------------------
No. Size
16A 1/2" ADAPTER
16S 1/2" SPECIAL
---------------------------------

In the orange metal box "Set D" they appear like this on the contents label:

-----------------------------------
No. Size
45 1/2" A.
46 1/2" Sp.
-----------------------------------

Did I say they were identical?!

Not to repeat myself too badly, but to save you from going back...

I think the 'Special' socket with a 1/2" opening is considered special because there is already a socket with a 1/2" opening in the "A" set (3/8-inch hex drive) and the "D" set 1/2-inch hex drive sockets go explicitly (see the description of the set under the logo) from 17/32" to 15/16" in /32nd increments. That range does not include a 1/2" socket. So it's extra or special.

And I think the 'Adapter' socket with a 1/2" opening is to mate two (2) male drive ends, essentially dual-using the 1/2" 6-point socket opening as a hex drive opening.

But the really funny part is this: because they're identical, they can each be both parts. They can each be the adapter or the special socket. They are interchangeable. The whole thing is a little boggling.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I snapped some photos to illustrate the situation.

Here they are, side by side, showing their hex or 6-point business/fastener-turning end openings (well-used/rounded!)

View media item 76720
Here they are showing their hex drive openings.

View media item 76721
Exterior side by side

View media item 76722
Here they are with the only tools in the set that have a male hex drive: a 1" extension/ratchet drive plug, a 1-1/4" extension/ratchet drive plug, and the sliding Tee handle. (A 4" extension is missing.) Either socket can of course be used as a normal socket on a 1/2" fastener.

View media item 76723
And, as I am demonstrating below, either socket can be used in a number of different ways as an "adapter" (connector).

View media item 76724
View media item 76725
View media item 76726
View media item 76727

 

[Private Lugnutz]

When you get a chance...

When you get a chance, Todd, would you confirm that the odd sockets (DLB, wingnut, and squares) are (a) copper-plated (b) 1/2-inch hex drive, and (c) share some construction features with the standard 1/2-inch hex drive sockets in the kit, which do look like BSP Co sockets?

On question 1, no spot for an A Set, it's all socket holes.

Thanks. Can you show a photo of that box without anything in it, please?

 

[four.cycle]

doh! okay.. got it... I completely misunderstood what you were saying!

 

[twertsy]

When you get a chance...



Thanks. Can you show a photo of that box without anything in it, please?

Yes, I'll get to the shop later today.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

doh! okay.. got it... I completely misunderstood what you were saying!

You were spot on, BK, but you were thinking I was holding out on some separate pieces - as in some vintage sets, such as your SW example - that I had not shown yet. Sorry I wasn't clear enough.

Now that this whole thing with the A./Adapter and Sp./Special 1/2" sockets is clearer, do you agree with my inferences? It's the only possibilities I can think of. And you see what I meant earlier about it being just shy of later step-down "adapters"? If they had made one of the duplicate 1/2" sockets a 3/8" socket instead, it could've been used as a connector-adapter for the 3/8-inch hex drive pieces, allowing them to be turned with the 1/2-inch hex drive sliding tee or ratchet.

I guess the reason they put two in is because they figured the one getting used as an adapter would get more wear on the hex points.

Yes, I'll get to the shop later today.

Thanks. Between a photo of the empty box and the ads maybe we can figure out what set number (letter) it is. And please have a look at those odd sockets (DLB, wingnut, and 4-points). I am skeptical of them being original to the set, but if they are 1/2-inch hex, copper plated, and of identical construction to the 1/2-inch hex drive sockets in these sets, we have another mystery to solve.

 

[twertsy]

Some more stuff you guys may or may not have seen:
Set A in a Wooden Box
1926 Advert on eBay

Newspapers:
May, 1923 - "C-Special" set. Ratchet Handle, L-Handle, Short Bar and 8 sockets.

June, 1923 - In Wooden box, Ratchet Handle, Extension and 23 sockets. I can see the Set A in the left portion of the box.

Not many paper ads, and none past 1924.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Some more stuff you guys may or may not have seen:
Set A in a Wooden Box
1926 Advert on eBay

Couple comments on these links:

- You should buy that Set A in the wooden box for your combination Set A/D box! It goes in that empty slot to the left on your box! Not much copper left on them, but it's very complete, including the only surviving examples I have ever seen - two no less - of the infamous "3/16" dia. x 4" T handle"! (Why yes, I totally was thinking that if you bought it, you could give me the extra T-handle! )

- Note that the Set D range is expressed as "from 9/32 to 30/32 in." (rather than 15/16"!) in the ad. Haha! That's how fixated they were on /32nds size fasteners.

- Note that the ad uses "husky" as an adjective to describe the sliding-tee in Set F. That capital "H" in the "Set C Special" ad may have been a blunder by a copy editor and a briefly exciting red herring for us.

Not many paper ads, and none past 1924.

I found some as late as 1927, Todd. (EDIT: And if you look at the titles for four.cycle's ad images in post #2, he has their attribution and dates, some from 1927. Granted, those were catalogs.) None in 1928. I've got 1922 to 1927, so far, for production period. If you guys find something earlier or later, definitely let us all know.

 

[twertsy]

Couple comments on these links:

- You should buy that Set A in the wooden box for your combination Set A/D box! It goes in that empty slot to the left on your box! Not much copper left on them, but it's very complete, including the only surviving examples I have ever seen - two no less - of the infamous "3/16" dia. x 4" T handle"! (Why yes, I totally was thinking that if you bought it, you could give me the extra T-handle! )

- Note that the Set D range is expressed as "from 9/32 to 30/32 in." (rather than 15/16"!) in the ad. Haha! That's how fixated they were on /32nds size fasteners.

- Note that the ad uses "husky" as an adjective to describe the sliding-tee in Set F. That capital "H" in the "Set C Special" ad may have been a blunder by a copy editor and a briefly exciting red herring for us.


I found some as late as 1927, Todd. (EDIT: And if you look at the titles for four.cycle's ad images in post #2, he has their attribution and dates, some from 1927. Granted, those were catalogs.) None in 1928. I've got 1922 to 1927 so far. If you guys find something earlier or later, definitely let us all know.

I was referring to newspaper adverts.........none past '24.

I'd certainly like to have that set, but not for that price..........$20 maybe, but not $70.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Got it. And yeah, that is antique shop steep.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a set I picked up from a local CL ad.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks for chiming in, torqueman! (Hilarious avatar, btw!)

Did you see post #46? I stole your photo of the lid label off the internet somewhere and I apologized for not knowing who to attribute it to!

Your ratchet is terrific. It has retained a lot of the oxidized copper plating material, and it's the oldest I have seen. Made by Bonney in October 1922.

I hope you're prepared to field questions.

Back on the label, would you mind taking and posting a close-up photo of the right hand side, where the 'Tools and Attachments' are listed? And /or transcribing what it says? The left hand side ('Sockets') is legible.

What is the other marking I see on the No. 6 x 1 bit? Does any part described on the label seem to fit that piece? (I am skeptical of it belonging, but reserve final conclusions until I see the whole label.)

On the 'star' 7/8 'star' socket... Do you think it has the same unmistakable construction characteristics on the inside that the other sockets have?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Back on the subject of the other ratchet.

It appears in a set in several ads from 1922 through 1927 variously referred to as "No. C Special," "SPECIAL SET C," and "Set C (Special)". In one of those ads, it is called "one Husky ratchet," almost as if it is referring to the manufacturer, not as an adjective. But note again that there is a Bethlehem ad for a "husky sliding "T" handle," used as an adjective, in the larger "F" set, casting some doubt on that other reference being a manufacturer's reference.

I compiled the images in one graphic to hopefully aid in our identification.

View media item 76737
NOTES:

As a reminder, my "Set C" (note, no "special" designation on lid) came in an 8-1/2" orange metal box, and contained only the eight (8) sockets, the extension bar, and an L-handle, as advertised for "Set C". As measured, (again, they never advertised the drive sizes of any of these sets!), all the pieces are 7/16-inch hex drive. It stands to reason that the "Special Set C" is also 7/16-inch hex drive. It has all the same pieces as a regular "Set C", with the addition of a ratchet.

Unlike the "Set D" ratchet - which is 1/2-inch hex, 14 teeth, and heavy forged steel, made by Bonney, Herbrand and at least one other manufacturer - this "Set C Special" ratchet has what appears to be only 9 teeth, open style, and is made from what appears to me to be pressed steel plates riveted or screwed together.

Oddly enough, it looks like there is some kind of sheath in the handle concealing something between the pressed steel plates in examples 1, 3, and 4. The curved recess in the handle there looks to me exactly like the recess in a pocket knife or any other tool with folded up implements, for grabbing the implement. Also, note that there are two rivet studs there. I highly suspect that one of them is actually the head of a pivot pin, for whatever folds out. Any ideas for a logical folding attachment inside a ratchet handle?! I know that sounds crazy - but it was the early 1920's, and I can't think of any other reason for that recess and the flat thing inside it!

Ratchet 2 seems to be slightly different in that it doesn't have that recessed sheath area. Note also that all the ratchets with the recessed sheath have two sort of offset/cattycorner fasteners there, with one of those possibly a pivot pin for the folding attachment. Ratchet 2 only has one. The head area is exactly the same though, which is why I suspect it was made by the same manufacturer as ratchets 1, 3, and 4.

 

[twertsy]

Empty box and a label attempt....

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[twertsy]

And the 4 square square drain plug, drag link, and wing nut sockets (front row) are all hex, same broach, and some copper residue......this is obviously a specialized set.....

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[Private Lugnutz]

And the 4 square square drain plug, drag link, and wing nut sockets (front row) are all hex, same broach, and some copper residue......this is obviously a specialized set

Wow. Thanks, Todd. I agree. The broaching is unmistakable. And it hasn't popped up in any ads. VERY COOL! If only that label was more legible.

 

[twertsy]

This is the closest Bonney example I have.

Link is here: http://toolarchives.com/node/1712

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[four.cycle]

RE: "Set A" in wooden box: there is/was one listed on Ebay for $20.00 + shipping, and I had it on my watch list but it timed out... I was waiting for the seller to drop the price a few bucks. There is no way that set is worth $64.00 - that's just nutty. I cannot find it now searching "Bethlehem" or "Quickway" - it doesn't show up in the "sold" listings. Possibly it timed out again and the seller just hasn't re-listed it yet.

RE: That wooden-boxed set that torqueman2002 posted just above:
There was one very similar to that that just sold on Ebay for $220.00 - go figure.

RE: 1926 Vonnegut Hardware Co. catalog ad:
30/32nds ?? Seriously?? Why not 60/64ths ??

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...and a label attempt...

Well, there's not much that is legible, but the few words that are clearly legible are very interesting.

- First of all, on the left hand side, where the sockets are listed by number and size, the words "(illegible) Link Socket" are clearly visible. I have no doubt that "Drag" precedes it.

- Just above that I think I see the word "Alemite". My experience with vintage Alemite is limited to WWII era grease guns with zerk fittings. Is there some logical connection between the wingnut socket and Alemite?

- In the middle section, under the logo, where the "Set D" description is normally provided, it's obvious that there is a different description. The words "trucks" and "(illegible) Link Adjustments" appear. These words do not appear on the "Set D" label with the "Set A" cutout and no special sockets. And again, no doubt a reference to the drag link bit.

- On the right, in the 'Tools and Attachments' section, the last tool listed is part #69, Universal Joint. That is the same last part number and tool listed on the "Set D" label, so the handles (ratchet, extensions, etc) may be and probably are the same.

- Finally, again on the right, under the 'Tools and Attachments' section, where the company information is, the manufacturer is SPLITDORF-BETHLEHEM ELECTRICAL COMPANY, BETHLEHEM, PA. That dates this set to 1925 to 1927. (And while we're at it, my "D" set and your other "D" set - manufactured by Bethlehem Spark Plug Company, to before 1925.) And that may also imply that it's not so much a special set as a standard "Set D" in the late/last production era for the company with slightly different pieces.

This is the closest Bonney example I have.

And it's an envy-inducing Bethlehem Spark Plug Company reminiscent beaut!!

As long as we're cross-referencing the BSP Co "D" set ratchet discussion, I will reiterate my position on your Bonney 4093 ratchet for the record from TA to here.

I think it represents the earliest production Bonney 4093 in existence, I date it to 1926-1929, and, I think it was clearly made with a die for at least the head of the Bethlehem Spark Plug Company "D" set ratchet.

Rationale/Timeline:

- In 1922 and 1923, at least (examples with those date codes), and probably through 1927, Bonney is one of several manufacturers of a Bethlehem 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet with that same head.

- At that time and through 1924, Bonney was not making any sockets or drive tools for its own direct retail. (See Catalog No. 23)

- As late as 1925, Bonney was only making T and L handles and brace type speeders with non-detachable socket heads. No detachable sockets or tools of any kind. (See Catalog No. 25)

- Interestingly, AA has a No. 630 brochure dated 1930 that includes a "No. H" set of heavy duty sockets and drive tools. Given Bethlehem's set nomenclature, "No. H" is an interesting designation, just two letters away from "F." Probably just a coincidence, but intriguing nevertheless. Unfortunately for the tools research community, AA does not open source its catalogs, and the Bonney No. 630 brochure is not available anywhere else on the web.

- In 1932, Bonney introduced its first full line of detachable sockets and drive tools. The ratchet did not look like this Bethlehem Spark Plug Company inspired 4093. It looked like the classic 4093, which have as early as 1930 date codes. (See Catalog No. 32)

- To sum up, my hunch is that Bonney used its earlier (1922-1926) contract work for
Bethlehem Spark Plug's 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet - and perhaps even the very same dies, as leverage for its earliest 1/2-inch drive ratchet, and its rather late entry into a detachable socket tool market already occupied by Blackhawk, Walden, and Snap-On. And I think you have one!

 

[twertsy]

Well, there's not much that is legible, but the few words that are clearly legible are very interesting.

- First of all, on the left hand side, where the sockets are listed by number and size, the words "(illegible) Link Socket" are clearly visible. I have no doubt that "Drag" precedes it.

- Just above that I think I see the word "Alemite". My experience with vintage Alemite is limited to WWII era grease guns with zerk fittings. Is there some logical connection between the wingnut socket and Alemite?

- In the middle section, under the logo, where the "Set D" description is normally provided, it's obvious that there is a different description. The words "trucks" and "(illegible) Link Adjustments" appear. These words do not appear on the "Set D" label with the "Set A" cutout and no special sockets. And again, no doubt a reference to the drag link bit.

- On the right, in the 'Tools and Attachments' section, the last tool listed is part #69, Universal Joint. That is the same last part number and tool listed on the "Set D" label, so the handles (ratchet, extensions, etc) may be and probably are the same.

- Finally, again on the right, under the 'Tools and Attachments' section, where the company information is, the manufacturer is SPLITDORF-BETHLEHEM ELECTRICAL COMPANY, BETHLEHEM, PA. That dates this set to 1925 to 1927. (And while we're at it, my "D" set and your other "D" set - manufactured by Bethlehem Spark Plug Company, to before 1925.) And that may also imply that it's not so much a special set as a standard "Set D" in the late/last production era for the company with slightly different pieces.


And it's an envy-inducing Bethlehem Spark Plug Company reminiscent beaut!!

As long as we're cross-referencing the BSP Co "D" set ratchet discussion, I will reiterate my position on your Bonney 4093 ratchet for the record from TA to here.

I think it represents the earliest production Bonney 4093 in existence, I date it to 1926-1931, and, I think it was clearly made with a die for at least the head of the Bethlehem Spark Plug Company "D" set ratchet.

Rationale/Timeline:

- In 1922 and 1923, at least (examples with those date codes), and probably through 1927, Bonney is one of several manufacturers of a Bethlehem 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet with that same head.

- At that time and through 1924, Bonney was not making any sockets or drive tools of its own. (See Catalog No. 23)

- As late as 1925, Bonney was only making T and L handles and brace type speeders with non-detachable socket heads. No detachable sockets or tools of any kind. (See Catalog No. 25)

- Interestingly, AA has a No. 630 brochure dated 1930 that includes a "No. H"
set of heavy duty sockets and drive tools. Given Bethlehem's set
nomenclature, "No. H" is an interesting designation, just two letters away
from "F." Probably just a coincidence, but intriguing nevertheless. Unfortunately for the tools research community, AA does not open source its catalogs, and the Bonney No. 630 brochure is not available anywhere else on the web.

- In 1932, Bonney introduced its first full line of detachable sockets and drive tools. The ratchet did not look like this Bethlehem Spark Plug Company inspired 4093. It looked like the classic 4093. (See Catalog No. 32)

- To sum up, my hunch is that Bonney used its earlier (1922-1926) contract work for
Bethlehem Spark Plug's 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet - and perhaps even the very same dies, as leverage for its earliest 1/2-inch drive ratchet, and its rather late entry into a detachable socket tool market already occupied by Blackhawk, Walden, and Snap-On. And I think you have one!

If you follow the link to my site, there IS a date code, but I just can't make it out. Have at it! And by the way, I have a line on scans of 4 more 20s / 30s hole filler Bonney cats. Awaiting the flash drive in the mail!!

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[four.cycle]

re-listed 11/09 14:58 PST
(this is the fourth or fifth (or sixth?) time this has been listed.)

Bethlehem "Quickway" 10-piece "Set A" 3/8" hex drive SAE socket set
9/32" - 1/2" sockets, "Ell" handle, "Tee" handle with cross bar, wooden box
used. complete
$20.00 + $6.65 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Thurs. 11/16
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bethlehem-...973537?hash=item41d3e682a1:g:6JwAAOSwtGlZCTb-

 

[twertsy]

The search result here on google books is "probably" my oddball set. Unfortunately, since it's only a snippet, we can't see for sure.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If you follow the link to my site, there IS a date code, but I just can't make it out. Have at it!

I've studied it many times before! I can't make it out either.

Below is a thumbnail of three Bonney made ratchets showing the progression I see, from 1922 BSP Co (top), to unknown date code Bonney 4093 with an unmistakably BSP Co head and a different handle forged onto it (middle), to a 1930 Bonney 4093 with wedge shape head and handle (bottom). Note the consistency in the number and placement of screws in all three ratchets.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

re-listed 11/09 14:58 PST
(this is the fourth or fifth (or sixth?) time this has been listed.)

Has it not reached his reserve price or what? I see that it has the cross-bar!

The search result here on google books is "probably" my oddball set.

I agree! (Clever to search on Splitdorf socket set.) I've requested an un-lock.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I don't believe he put any "reserve" on it.

It's been listed several times for auction - it's timed out every time with no bids.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

At $20? Well, if Todd doesn't want it to complete his wood box D/A combination set, I may buy it just for the danged crossbar!

 

[four.cycle]

^ Go for it. I think I'm going to be out of town next Thursday... not sure.

To be candid, I don't think it will get bid way up, if bid up at all... I'm seeing all kinds of stuff going for one bid, like the J.P. Danielson "Auto Kit 100" wrench set (complete with the tapered screw and knurled thumb nut) I just got on a single bid.
Maybe that Craftsman =V= stuff is getting all the action. Other stuff, not so much.

 

[twertsy]

I've studied it many times before! I can't make it out either.

Below is a thumbnail of three Bonney made ratchets showing the progression I see, from 1922 BSP Co (top), to unknown date code Bonney 4093 with an unmistakably BSP Co head and a different handle forged onto it (middle), to a 1930 Bonney 4093 with wedge shape head and handle (bottom). Note the consistency in the number and placement of screws in all three ratchets.

Here are a couple more efforts at the date code........I'm seeing an S? - 1927

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[twertsy]

Contents of my Wood Box Set D, as described on the inside box lid:

#10 through #30 Sockets Looks like 9/32(?) through 15/16" by 32nds
#50 Ratchet
#60 Universal Joint
#70 L Handle
#71 T Handle
#71a Bar for T Handle
#81 (x2) Adapters
#84 Adapter

 

[twertsy]

Well, a little more shop digging produced another Bonney example. Unfortunately, the date code is too worn to read on this one too...

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[Private Lugnutz]

^ Go for it.

I was just trying to shame Todd into buying it! Not that he needs any prodding to whip the old wallet out... I probably have a few 3/16" crossbars laying around with my midget stuff somewhere. I try to pick up bars whenever I see them 'cuz you ALWAYS need them to complete something!