Older snap-on ratchet

[G1K]

Can anyone give any info on this?

G for government?

R

 

[wrenchr]

That "G" is nothing more than the code for industrial finish. I think at one time it was for goverment though.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Paging Chad!..............................

 

[plinker]

That "G" would be a 1945 date code, so a 1945 vintage ratchet.

 

[chad s]

That "G" would be a 1945 date code, so a 1945 vintage ratchet.

Correct. While G was used during war time, it was the 1945 date code, and only used for that year.


However! That G is most likely (99.9%) not the date code! If you can, show us a good close up of the other side of the ratchet, the date code for this should be between the "ON" and "OFF" of the reverse leaver.

This is really past my time frame of study (1920's-mid 1940's), so I did a little searching on ebay.

All of the GS-71 sockets had the G stamped:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-2-drive-Ratche...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap-...DVW#ht_500wt_0

and a standard S-71:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S-71-...DVW#ht_500wt_0

Wrenchr is correct. The "G" stands for industrial finish. Just like the F720a, and the Gf720a (maybe from the same or close era), the only difference is the chrome or plain steel (before they did black oxide) finish.

Not sure they they stamped them, but can only assume it was to save money, and not have to make new forging dies for a different model of the same ratchet.

 

[G1K]

The date code looks kind of like an 8
Thanks for the info guys.


Ryan

 

[64merc]

I have a model 71N and the date code by the lever looks like a "G". It does not have a bid G like the OP's ratchet though.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

The date code looks kind of like an 8
Thanks for the info guys.


Ryan

1978 date code.

 

[wrenchr]

1978 date code.

1978 so that does mean industrial finish.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Very nice looking ratchet. i've always thought they look rather comfy to work with too. just waiting for a mint on to appear on evilBay for me to snap up and put in the box.

 

[cb450r]

Here is a photo of my 1945 1/2"

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Very nice. looks to be in mint condition.

 

[wrenchr]

Very nice. looks to be in mint condition.

The selector is cracked.

 

[cb450r]

Wrenchr I assure you it isn't cracked. That is just the result of a bad camera angle here is a better one.

 

[wrenchr]

Oh I see it now.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Oh I see it now.

Wild, in both the first pics it looked cracked to me as well!

 

[cb450r]

Wild, in both the first pics it looked cracked to me as well!

Yeah I can see how you would think that. It is however just a little impact mark in the brass from either being dropped or possibly used as a hammer at some point in it's life.

 

[rocco]

why does'nt SO offer this style of ratchet anymore?

 

[sgort2]

just out of curiosity, how much is one of these ratchets worth?

 

[snapmom]

They sell from 10-50 depending on condition and who wants it that day.