c. 1920 Otter Mfg Co. "Oman" Junior Socket Set

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks to an enabler and tipster who knows my passion for this era and anything odd, obscure, and unique, I snagged this Otter “Oman” Junior Socket Set off of evilBay last week.

The tools in this uncommon 5/16-inch hex drive set are serious and well-made. The sockets are machined and cold-broached, with the typical flaky leave-behinds inside. Deep, attractive knurling. No branding, just size markings.

(More to follow...)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

A couple noteworthy features about this set are the tommy bar for the L-handle and the fact that the sockets with the 1/4”, 9/32” and 5/16” service openings are also marked with the names of the respective ignition components they fit, namely, “SPLITD” (for Splitdorf), “EISEM” (for Eisemann), and “REMY WAGNER” (self-explanatory). I have never seen that on sockets before. Ignition open end wrenches, yes. Socketry? No. Pretty cool.

Also, if the shape, style and design characteristics of the tin box this set came in seems familiar to you, it should. It is identical to the box that Bethlehem Spark Plug Company put its smallest "Quickway" sockets sets in, and there is zero doubt in my mind that they used the same supplier as Otter Mfg Co. Literally the only difference is the color scheme and branding. They have the same exact dimensions, the hinge elements and simple clasp are identical, and they are marked on all sides.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

No reference to Otter on AA. We've got a reference to Otter and "Oman" in four.cycles's Mfgrs List thread here on GJ, but I couldn't find any examples of Otter tools here on GJ, or any bio, hence this thread.

Otter Manufacturing Company, Inc., was founded by a couple brothers named Otter in NYC in 1917 (See Pic 1). They seem to have specialized in ignition parts and accessories, judging by this socket set and the ads I found in various trade journals. 1919 seems to have been a peak year. See Pics 3 & 4 from the March 1919 Automobile Dealer and Repairer (Pic 2).

“Oman” seems to be a brand or line of tools. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be read like, “Oh man!” or “o-MON”, like the country.

I couldn't find any reference to socket sets or the "Oman" brand in any early ads, so I am guessing they came later.

Last known reference for Otter being in business that I can find is a 1927 NY State Manufacturers Directory.

Not a bad run for a quirky outfit with a quirky name and a narrow niche with pyramid-shaped O’s in their branding reminiscent of Plomb.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice. Interesting similarity to the bethlehem stuff.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, Otg.

The Bethlehem Set A is 3/8-inch hex drive, as you know. And the Otter set is 5/16-inch hex drive. But the case being identical is interesting. The pieces are kind of similar, too. Same construction, same type of knurling. Not copper-plated, obviously, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility that BSP is the OEM.

 

[four.cycle]

Very nice set, Lugnutz.
Similarity to the Bethlehem "Quickway" Set A box is uncanny.
Glad you were able to score that one.

I've seen many empty "Otter" boxes listed on Ebay, but the sellers always seem to think they're gold plated.

 

[4xdog]

Very cool.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, 4.c and 4xdog. One of those sets I don't think about too much until I have to move it on a shelf or something like that.

Still the only sockets I have ever seen marked with ignition system names.

 

[Farmer J.]

That's a nice little set and good condition too. Looking at the first posts I was thinking that box looks like a bit like a Bethlehem one..

 

[lardy1]

Very nice, Lugnutz.

 

[outofbounds]

Thanks, 4.c and 4xdog. One of those sets I don't think about too much until I have to move it on a shelf or something like that.

Still the only sockets I have ever seen marked with ignition system names.

You sir, are cutting your jib in waters the depth of which I cannot fathom....

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Sometimes the only way to make it across a lake is to take a different tack.

In hindsight, this...

“Oman” seems to be a brand or line of tools. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be read like, “Oh man!” or “o-MON”, like the country.

...was pretty dense.

The "O" in Oman is probably for "Otter" and the "man" in "Oman" is probably for "manufacturing."

 

[four.cycle]

Is there any possibility that "Oman" might have been a given name or surname?

Or is it possible that Occam's Razor says a portmanteau of "Otter Manufacturing" might be the answer?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm going with the razor, 4.c.