The first set posted above that sold for $670.00 was listed as a "CF" code set, manufactured by Herbrand (Fremont, Ohio) between 1934-1939.
Up until I clicked on this thread, I wasn't even aware that Herbrand was a supplier for Sears Craftsman.
I have never seen any "CF" Craftsman socket sets listed in the five months I've been using Ebay, and I check all the "socket set" listings daily.
The ratchet looks more like Proto or Penens - it is clearly not of Herbrand manufacture -the handle would look completely different if it were.
As to the "why", I would submit it is simply another case of an Ebay bidder with too many dollars and not enough sense, because I don't see how that set could possibly be worth even a fourth of that price.
The second set posted just above - the 9/32" drive set - appears to be "C" code, manufactured for Sears Craftsman by Snap-on between 1932-1936, and would be an extremely rare find. Moreover, even though it is missing the breaker bar and t-bar, the sockets and extension appear to be in excellent condition, and the little decal on the inside of the box lid looks pretty cherry.
Not all small older 1/4" drive sets included a ratchet; many contained only 6-point or 12-point sockets from 7/32" - 3/8" (or 7/16"), 8-point sockets in 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8", a breaker bar, and the "t-bar" for the breaker bar.
Not all of them even included an extension (or any other drive accessories.)
There were thousands and thousands of small socket sets sold like that for "handyman fixes around the house" - I own several of them made by Indestro.
I am not at all surprised that the 9/32" set sold for $127.50 - that sounds like a fair and reasonable price for a collector. (I am hoping Dr. Doom will weigh in on this with an opinion as well, as he's been collecting Craftsman much longer than I have.)
