Question re: "C" 1/4" Craftsman Socket Set

[four.cycle]

Gentlemen:
Indulge me here if you would-

Per Mr. Lauver's "list", the Craftsman 1/4" drive socket set I was looking at earlier today in an antique mall was manufactured by Snap-on between 1932-1936. (C-nn = Snap-on, ca. 1932 - 1936)

The set contained several sockets, a 6-inch extention, and a sliding "T" handle.

I currently own both "BE" and "Circle H" sets, but not a "C" set.

I am wondering if any of you might be able to

(a) Provide a catalog image or description of what the original contents of that set would have been. I am particularly curious about what type of box it was in, as I have my doubts about the box being original to the set

and

(b) Offer your best estimate of current retail market value.

I have been quite deliberately ignoring Craftsman listings on Ebay for over three years, so I'm a bit clueless on this one at the moment.

Thank you very much.

BK

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have one set but probably missing something. Pretty sure it has all of the sockets.

 

[r_olson_06]

I think it may be a 9/32" set. I know a good complete would bring around $100 maybe a little less if complete.

Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Yes, 9/32 drive. They are numbered in 32nds, c 7,8,9,10,11,12,14 12 pointers, c8 and 10 8 pointers. Also a c94 sliding t. I suspect I am missing an extension.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

I'm fortunate enough to have 2 sets, both of which I came by haphazardly. The one in the nice clamshell on the left was included in a tool box buy that was full of tools so hard to say what I really paid for that set. The one on the right came to me for 12 bucks along with a 1/4" Plomb set and a seedless watermelon (long story). I have no reason to believe the clamshell on the right isn't factory. The attached clip is from the '34 Hardware Kitchenware Chinaware catalog. The midget set is offered as part of a 37 pc set or separately. Note it lists the box as "black crackle finish". At first I wondered if this was the "Vanadium" set but that set is generally seen in a fancier, fitted clamshell. Also note that it's listed at 1/4" drive but is, in fact, 9/32. Not sure which box is earlier but the maroon colored one is a much more ornate design, down to the fancy hinges on it. I'd think the 100 dollar range would be a fair price. There's been a Vanadium set on eBay missing 3 sockets and covered with markers marks that been driving me nuts so bad I stopped looking at it. I think it was around 100.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I too was eyeballing that vanadium set. A bit pricey for the condition imo. Your sets look similar to mine but it looks like I am definately missing an extension.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Yeah that vanadium set was making me itch. I didn't mind the owners marks as somebody obviously took a lot of care with it and even included the date but those 3 missing sockets would be a bear to find. I had to pass.

 

[Rileysan]

Well that makes 3 of us who have been watching that Vanadium set for some time.

As for retail on the C-series set, it's all about condition and the better condition sets are usually in the $75-$100 range.

I bought one of my two sets of eBay, along with another BE set, for under $50 (auction price, not BIN), however, so you never know. If I saw a complete set in an antique mall, etc, I'd would pay up to $50.

Brian

 

[JoCoSawdust]

I think the lower price for the C sets may be that a lot of people, even some new to the game collectors, don't know what they are. The guy that hooked me up with the seedless watermelon said "this set is kinda old and it's missing the ratchet".

 

[Catfishdan]

I, too, have what I believe to be a complete and correct set. 11 pieces in all. Sockets marked c-7 through c-14 with two 8pts and skipping c-13. Sliding t marked c-94 and 6” extension marked c-95. I wish it had the brown box, but beggars can’t be choosers.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Are there examples where you can buy a kingdom for a horse or a horse for a kingdom? Absolutely! This hobby is certainly no exception. I wouldn't necessarily omit using eBay as a price guide.

Lauver's list is a great guideline; however, the C-Series only existed in the Sears catalog from 1932-1935.

Four Cycle, a 1/4" drive "C-Series" kit didn't exist. It was 9/32" only.