Master Socket

[RubiconJK]

Ok, what am I missing? I haven't been able to find anything about this 1/2" drive 1 1/16" 12 pt socket. It is simply labeled Master USA MR34. It looks Cornwell or Wright, but just different markings than I've seen.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have seen some master mechanic brand socket sets. Not sure if it's the same brand.

 

[RubiconJK]

I have seen some master mechanic brand socket sets. Not sure if it's the same brand.

I've seen those too, but all of them I've seen say "Master Mechanic". The old Wards Master Quality sockets also looked different than this. Speed Master was different and Master Craft was different.

 

[3baygarage]

I think it’s quite old. There was a “Master” brand ratchet on Ebay a while back, apparently made by Bog. Could be Ward Master by Montgomery Ward.

Saw this box recently:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Montgomery-Ward-Master-Socket-amp-Ratchet-Metal-Box-Tool-Box-/254054871772?hash=item3b26d9b2dc%3Ag%3AKgoAAOSwMKxcMTEJ&nma=true&si=TyMN%252Bsz2p6ADFcLqT07uXQToTDU%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Yup I almost forgot the wardmaster

 

[RubiconJK]

Could be. Most of the Wards Master sockets I've seen were the Indestro looking ones.

 

[RubiconJK]

I think it’s quite old. There was a “Master” brand ratchet on Ebay a while back, apparently made by Bog. Could be Ward Master by Montgomery Ward.

3bay, I think you may be on to something with the BOG connection. After doing some more searching, I found a reference on AA referencing a "Master" 1/2 drive socket set in BOG catalog #7 dated 1927. BOG used product names such as "Master", "Multi-Fit", "Dandy", "Jumbo", "Speedy", "Mammoth" etc at that time but it does seem strange that they would leave off the "BOG" mark so I can't be certain. What does give me hope that this still could be the right assumption is that BOG was a supplier to Western Auto and references in old Western Auto catalogs didn't refer to manufacturer name, so perhaps they were also not actually marked by the manufacturer other than the tool set name? Best guess at this point.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That socket does look like these western giant sockets

 

[RubiconJK]

That socket does look like these western giant sockets

Thanks for the pics OTG. Yes it does and that fits the late 20's/early 30's time frame for Western Auto.

 

[3baygarage]

That socket does look like these western giant sockets

.... and some Western Giant rats were made by Bog. I think mystery solved.


The Master ratchet was identical to Bog but only said Master.

 

[RubiconJK]

Agreed! Thanks guys!