Maker of these sockets and box?

[Leviton]

I could not find any logo or name on the box. The sockets only had sizes imprinted (some of them).

Any ideas on the manufacturer?

The thrift store is asking $40.

Thanks.

 

[four.cycle]

Looks like it could be old Mossberg stuff, but generally their product was marked with their logo - an "M" inside a diamond. (see here: http://alloy-artifacts.org/trademarks-and-logos.html - scroll down)(also see: http://alloy-artifacts.org/frank-mossberg-company.html )

The metal box, however, makes me think "RAY" (Packer Auto Specialty) (see here: http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#packer )

see also:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Ray-1-2-Socket-Wrench-Set-Packer-Auto-Specialty-Co-in-box/303415628858

this set is a hodge-podge of different brands, but gives a better view of the box:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Atq-Presse...yer-Mossberg-Ray-Packer-Tool-Box/133094998686

Hopefully somebody else is going to be able to chime in here with a more informed answer.

 

[Leviton]

Thanks four.cycle!
Your Packer Auto Specialty suggestion got me to looking online. At the other end of the thrift store there was a wrench (by itself) that said Packer Auto Specialty. It looked like the one in this photo (photo from Worthpoint) except it did not have "RAY" on it.

 

[four.cycle]

I believe there are a couple other members here who are more knowledgeable than I am about the early pressed-steel sockets and drive tools.
Hang in there - just a matter of time before they weigh in here.

In the meantime, I'm going to dump some photos here of a set previously listed on Ebay because it shows more detail of the latches on the box.

 

[four.cycle]

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks kinda like this one I saw on ebay

 

[four.cycle]

Hey, Mr. Leviton......

Don't know if you've already purchased that set in your first post, but if that one above is $40 bucks, you might want to keep your eye on this one that just popped up this morning:







$34.90 + $12.50 shipping - 0 bids now - ends Sat. 01/04
https://www.ebay.com/itm/233448501451

Depending upon who else might be interested, it's possible it could be had for not much more than the one you were looking at.
Later vintage, obviously, but it's certainly in better condition.

(Just have to hope Mr. OldTuleGuy doesn't start bidding on it. )

 

[four.cycle]

this looks like the same set OldTuleGuy posted above. just re-listed on Ebay earlier this evening for stupid money - $100 bucks minimum bid + $15 shipping. posting all three images for comparison purposes and because it's got an amazingly intact decal inside the lid:



(* unfortunately, NO detail of the latch on the lid. *)

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here is the one example I have. Has some cool stylized sockets and the embossed logo on the box lid is interesting. Ratchet is a clunker.

 

[four.cycle]

^ great set.

begs the question of when did they go from stamped to forged sockets.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Don't know, but the ratchet in mine is pat pending. If anyone knows the patent that would narrow it down. Aa shows use of the RAY trademark from 1919 to 1927, so in that range.

 

[four.cycle]

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Great ads ! The latest ad there is 1925, so later than that.After the merger it was auto accesories corporation, but they may have still sold them under the RAY trademark for a time.

 

[Leviton]

four.cycle and Oldtuleguy,
Thanks for your great help!

The box I saw did not have any embossing and was too dirty to see if there were any decals left. However, everything you have posted sure makes it seem like the box at the thrift store was a Packer Auto Specialty or Ray. The ratchet in the other part of the store did not have Ray on it, and was black oxide - but it might have been from somewhere else and not part of the socket box.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the e-bay set in post # 7.

Appreciate the education. I know almost nothing about stamped sockets.

Thanks guys!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Personally I think it is an interesting company, but the sets don't seem to go for much.