Help with =V= series ratchets

[hammlm]

Hi. I came across a nice set of (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2) =V= series ratchets over the weekend as part of a surprise haul that came together over the weekend.. I think I've dated them to Late 40's to 50's.

The 1/4" still has the oil port, but the oil port is missing on the 3/8" and 1/2". They cleaned up pretty nice, and I'm wondering if there is any known source for the oil port parts.

Figured if anyone knows, it will be someone here.

Bonus question -- anyone have a photo of the sockets from this vintage? I'm assuming there were "sets" made, and I have a mix of sockets in the piles of stuff. I'd like to see if I can organize them by "family" or series or age, etc.

Thanks.

 

[d42jeep]

Photos might be helpful for dating.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

Those Moore Drop Forge ratchets were solid users. If that's the style you got then you did well.

Though if you need rebuild kits that might be tough, as they are rare.

 

[hammlm]

Yes those are the ones. I plan to use all of what I scored. I’m not much of a collector although I love old tools that I use and the stories of how they came to be mine. I have never been concerned with the collectability so that means I probably clean and “restore” more than is considered appropriate by collectors. I like stuff clean . And I like to clean stuff. So old tools are a great match for me.

Thats the main reason I didn't post photos. But with that out of the way I will post some next time I’m in the garage. Hopefully my honesty will avoid the admonishment I try to avoid.

Thank very much! Those sets you showed photos of are so nice!

The sockets I have are different. I will try to explain when I post a photo.

Thanks again @bonneyman !!

 

[hammlm]

The ratchets are =v=.

The sockets look like circle h. At least the ones I am cleaning up and might resemble a “set”. I have so many to get through

Some pics if it helps to date them..

I’m really a fan of the sockets.





Most all of he sockets start out like the one on the left in the trio. It’s a process…. The middle is after a good soak in the witches brew. Then the right is after I scrub them and wipe and polish

 

[alinc100]

The ball oiler replacements exist https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ball+oiler+ports&crid=NXCCJUYD7KV6&sprefix=ball+oiler+ports,aps,183&ref=nb_sb_noss&tag=atomicindus08-20
Your ratchets are 'boxhead' ratchets the one with out indentations are first generation 1948-1953 ,the 2nd gen with the indentations in the handle was 1953-1956
Your circle H sockets are older , the line blurs (at least in my memory ) between the BE series and Circle H somewhere in 1940-45.

Heres a great video on the boxheads.

 

[four.cycle]

H-circle = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947

V = Moore Drop Forge, ca. 1946 - 1967

V (continued) = Easco, ca. 1968 - 1986 perhaps as late as 1991 as NOS