Thanks, Roy. I don't recall, honestly. It's certainly consistent with the 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, and 3 year codes on the earlier PLOMB LA period, which also had letters. If there aren't any higher than D, quarters make sense, it's just not something I ever delved into.
For the part numbered (1927-1941) they ran this date code system before switching to the 2 letter system. I have only ever seen the A-D after the year number.
Yes, of course. I should've been clearer. It's only the letters I never paid much attention to.
You guys are right I thought the letter after the number was the month. Most of the sockets are 5A,B,C,D and one of them is 9B and it is non Los Angeles.
Thanks.
Lugz,
Yes.
Unless a collector even squirrelier than the squirreliest of us all wanted to assemble a set of all 1935 matching year code sockets, yes, it's implausible. Note that when I thanked you for reminding me of the theory I have not delved into, I didn't say I subscribed.
Doh! Indeed. I was so fixated on trying to reconcile the MADE IN USA box with the LA tools I didn't even notice the drive mismatch.
Your in too deep nowYes.
Unless a collector even squirrelier than the squirreliest of us all wanted to assemble a set of all 1935 matching year code sockets, yes, it's implausible. Note that when I thanked you for reminding me of the theory I have not delved into, I didn't say I subscribed.
Yeah, I need to climb up for some fresh air before another case of Study/Survey/Research thread-itis breaks out.
)when the "group experts" rush in to school the newbies on the Plomb Enthusiast site by telling them which MONTH their 30's Plomb Tool was made I can't help but think of the original Point Break bank robber / surfing theory...."4 months" ''we won't see them again until next January" "they're traveling on the money...going where the waves are...." Pendleton and Williams are making tools...to finance their Endless Summer!
I'm guessing that's a reference to FBMP?
Plomb Tools Enthusiasts and Collectors Facebook site.
Oh boy… I’m a long time lurker and casual poster over there. Most times it hurts my brain and is hard to show restraint. Mostly like herding cats
Rgr/Ack. Not a member.
Not a member either but post very occasionally thru an associates account. The site can come up with some good stuff but in general the members aren't real big on requesting sources when a supposed expert makes evidence free definitive declarations.
So level check question
I don't go to that page often, but it is good for a chuckle every once in a while. Unless I see Roy or Wayne Brammer post something there to catch my eye, I just move along.
I found the set local. The guy that sold it to me said it was his dad's and He was a collector. I also got some other plomb goodies from him and he said there's more stuff to come.
Cool. Thanks. My question, already a little moot - with me so intent on rationalizing the box also possibly being original to the tools that I didn't notice the drive mismatch, was made even more moot with you reporting all the year codes, leaving zero doubt that set has been together since 1935. But even without that level of detail, the appearance - identical finish and condition of every tool - exudes its originality.
I see the stubby driver but is that a Snappy fixed head breaker bar as well?! Also looks like maybe a pebble flex head breaker bar. Nice score.
The 2 spinners, and one being a stubby would hook me. All pieces look like quality.
Well every great idea seems good on paper until validated against reality. Here is a list of my "original" socket set.
I only have one question - Why isn't t in your shop now?
Hi Don,This might be a leap year socket on the right. Most of the ones I’ve checked so far are A, B, C or D. I’ll keep looking.
-Don
Hi Don,As you know, I have traded away many of my LA tools as I tend to concentrate on tools made after the transition to tools marked Made in USA in the late ‘30s. A check of my remaining LA tools don’t seem to show any examples other than A, B, C or D. This photo captured from the old Plombob website may be of interest, however.
I would think that any prewar Plomb tool with odd date markings would be of interest. At least they are to me.
-Don
Yeah, at the price, the stub handle and the fixed head breaker with the knurled handle were enough to make the deal. I haven't cleaned anything yet...Bonney box, Plomb 1/4 and 9/32 stuff, Cal Air, Hinsdale, Long C Craftsman, Blackhawk, Snap On ...I used to score these quality mix socket boxes all the time but it's been awhile.
Any letters higher than "F"?
Thanks for sharing that. Gonna make a copy when I get home, that is a great resource.As you know, I have traded away many of my LA tools as I tend to concentrate on tools made after the transition to tools marked Made in USA in the late ‘30s. A check of my remaining LA tools don’t seem to show any examples other than A, B, C or D. This photo captured from the old Plombob website may be of interest, however.
I would think that any prewar Plomb tool with odd date markings would be of interest. At least they are to me.
No it's a standard Plomb 4767 1/4" drive. A couple of these Plomb sockets are 9/32 as is the Cal-Air and a Hinsdale. There is a 4847 Proto 1/4 to 9/32 adapter here too.
Nice score! Solid fixed head breaker bar being Blackhawk!
