c. 1920's Gray Tools Toronto Canada Socket Wrench Set

[Stubby1743]

Thanks for the catalogue, it's really interesting. As you say, my socket is just part of a standard range rather than being a special use one as I thought. I am however still surprised by the thinness of the wall for a socket of that size.

 

[Ayrhead]

Hi All: I just acquired a Gray #160 pressed steel socket set. It’s a bit different than @ LukeOresk’s set as mine has both the hex and square sockets. 9 hex sockets: 17/32, 19/32, 21/32, 23/32, 25/32, 26/32, 28/32, 31/32 & 1 9/32. 4 square sockets: 13/32, 15/32, 17/32 & 21/32. 1 plug: 17/32 socket with a couple of pinch marks on it. There is no manufacturer’s stamp on the hex, square or plug sockets. There are 3 sockets where the size stampings are sideways where the rest of the socket stampings are vertical. It also has a double ended socket: 29/32 & 31/32 you loosen or tighten by using the small bar that goes through the hole in the socket sideways. The set has a universal joint as well as a small screwdriver which looks identical to a Mossberg 101. None of the above items have any manufacturer’s stamp on them. There is also a ratchet that is marked with Frank Mossberg #355. There is also an extension that has a 17/32 attached on the one end of the extension. This unit is stamped Gray, Toronto, #691. This set looks very similar to if not identical to the Frank Mossberg #16. Which makes me believe that Mossberg was the supplier to Gray Canada for this socket set. The Gray logo is stamped on the inside as well on the outside of the box. The is also No. 160 stamped on 3 sides of the box. Pictures are attached.

 

[Ayrhead]

Hi All: I just acquired a Gray #160 pressed steel socket set. It’s a bit different than @ LukeOresk’s set as mine has both the hex and square sockets. 9 hex sockets: 17/32, 19/32, 21/32, 23/32, 25/32, 26/32, 28/32, 31/32 & 1 9/32. 4 square sockets: 13/32, 15/32, 17/32 & 21/32. 1 plug: 17/32 socket with a couple of pinch marks on it. There is no manufacturer’s stamp on the hex, square or plug sockets. There are 3 sockets where the size stampings are sideways where the rest of the socket stampings are vertical. It also has a double ended socket: 29/32 & 31/32 you loosen or tighten by using the small bar that goes through the hole in the socket sideways. The set has a universal joint as well as a small screwdriver which looks identical to a Mossberg 101. None of the above items have any manufacturer’s stamp on them. There is also a ratchet that is marked with Frank Mossberg #355. There is also an extension that has a 17/32 attached on the one end of the extension. This unit is stamped Gray, Toronto, #691. This set looks very similar to if not identical to the Frank Mossberg #16. Which makes me believe that Mossberg was the supplier to Gray Canada for this socket set. The Gray logo is stamped on the inside as well on the outside of the box. The is also No. 160 stamped on 3 sides of the box. Pictures are attached.

Some more pictures… Also I added 2 pictures showing the Frank Mossberg sets. The 2nd pic shows the set #16… in the description is 9 hex sockets, 4 square sockets, 1 plug. This looks the same as the Gray no. 160.

 

[four.cycle]

Wow! What a find!
Yes, it certainly does look Mossberg-ish.
Right down to the hardwood box.

 

[LukeOresk]

Nice, I’m thinking gray was just doing casting and forging for their tools so they made a deal with mossberg to expand their tool offerings, this is just me guessing

 

[four.cycle]

^ The Frank Mossberg Co. was supplying those stamped-steel sockets to a number of different companies, so finding them in a "Gray" box comes as no surprise at all.

 

[Ayrhead]

Thanks @four.cycle . Do think that The Frank Mossberg Co. supplied Hinsdale and Walden-Worcester as well??

 

[four.cycle]

I would doubt Walden was buying from them - they had their own forging facilities.

It would appear Hinsdale was making their own pressed steel sockets during the 1920s.