Here is a REALLY old set of spark plug sockets

[Lump]

This post is about some antique tools. If that is not your thing, you may want to ignore it. Thanks!

A new GJ member recently posted a wanted ad in the classifieds, looking for really old socket sets in their original wooden boxes. Tonight I stumbled onto this APCO Mossberg Spark Plug Socket set among some old car stuff I inherited from my dad, while searching for some rubbing compound. I posted a reply to that fella's ad, but I thought that some other GJ members might like to see them too. So here they are, for those who like OLD tool ****!

Most notably, this set is dated, because of the original paper-label-spark-plug-size chart, which is still intact on the front. The newest model listed is a 1932, which probably gives us a pretty good idea about the age, right?

Interestingly, the Duesenberg listing is misspelled!

It is interesting to note that some pretty rare cars are listed on this little label, including the Cunningham and the DeVaux.

The sockets themselves are all nickel plated. Some are two-ended, for different sizes, and others (as shown below) are one-ended one-size only. Not all are marked with Mossberg "M" logo, but all appear to be part of this original set.

I know that most of you have some pretty old, pretty uncommon tools of your own. But I'm thinking that this set with its dated paper label must be pretty uncommon too. At least, I haven't seen too many like it myself!

 

[Coach James]

Those are cool^100. Congrats and I am jealous.

Coach

 

[Jim C.]

Lump,

Really cool set of sockets!! I'd like to have that set!! I absolutely can't get enough of old machines, cars, etc., and the tools that went along with maintaining and repairing them. That is a fantastic set of sockets. If you ever decide to part with them, I call "first dibs." Great thread. Thanks for posting the pictures.

Jim C.

 

[Jure]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew man they are so sick! wish that i own them!

 

[Jim C.]

Hey Lump,

What other sizes come in the set? I see that one is 27/32" and another is 29/32", what are the others?

Jim C.

 

[Gregg33]

Sweet set. It's sad how underappreciated Mossberg tools are! Imo a set like that should be worth over $150, but it would probably sell for less than a beat up Snap On ratchet on eBay.

 

[davesnothere]

F'n a that's a sweeeeeeeeet set of socks!

 

[Lump]

Hey Lump,

What other sizes come in the set? I see that one is 27/32" and another is 29/32", what are the others?

Jim C.

There are several sizes included, all of them in 32nds of an inch. Interestingly, the 29/32" size is repeated in different socket shapes (must have been popular size?) For example, the other one-ended socket (3rd from left in the box). is size 29/32" (just like the long double-ended socket shown at left in the wood box). But this one is single-ended, and is the only socket in the box which is totally round on the outside (presumably for extra clearance on tight, recessesed spark plug holes.)

Notably this round single-end socket is even round at the hex (outside only) , with the hex extending nearly the whole length of the inside of the socket. The obvious draw marks on the outside give us a clue as to how they made it. Interestingly, the inside of the closed end (should I call it a "cap?") is as smooth as the outside.

Next is a double-ended socket in two different sizes...1-1/32" and, again 29/32". (Both of the two sockets at the right of this box are double-ended, shown with the smaller size up.)

The last socket on the right in the box is the largest, at 1-5/32" and 31/32".

Finally, here are a couple photos of the long double-ended 29/32" socket from the far left side of the box.

This socket is broken at an obvious weak point.

I wonder what stories this old Spark Plug Socket Set could tell? I wonder what all different makes, years, and models it was used upon?