Snap on 1/2" 71-10 Ratchet ID

[gw105]

I have a Snap on 1/2" ratchet I got from my Grandfather. It has the markings "Snap/On 71-10 Made in U.S.A." on one side, and "Pat No. 1854513" on the other. There are quite a few years of dings and scratches on it, but those are the only markings I can see. The ratchet is 9.5" long. I am trying to identify the year of manufacture, and I was hoping someone here could help me out. I have attached some pictures as well.

 

[snapmom]

Below the selector switch, between the on/off should be a number, that will match up with this date code sheet. Prob. from 1939-49

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Around 1947 +

 

[gw105]

Below the selector switch, between the on/off should be a number, that will match up with this date code sheet. Prob. from 1939-49

Wow thanks for the date codes. It is very hard to tell for sure but it looks like a 1 or 2 (1941 or 1942) or possibly the backwards lower case "e" (1939). Would make sense as my grandfather said he used it in the war. How large is the date code supposed to be compared to the "on/off"? Regardless, very cool to think of where it has been and what it has done!

 

[gw105]

Okay I cleaned it up and took a better look at it under better lighting and with a magnifying glass and I am 99% sure it is 1940.
I would never dream of selling it, as I plan on passing it down to my son someday because of the family history, but does this ratchet have any significant collector status or value?

 

[snapmom]

They are not to hard to find, but its nice to have a tool your grandfather has used.

 

[Mr_P]

I know this is an old thread, but I just picked up this Snap on ratchet which I think there is a similar one on ebay with a buy it now price of $129.99

K596 SNAP-ON rare US GOV'T 1945 G RATCHET No. 71N Ser. 2251 1/2" drive Snap On
http://www.ebay.com/itm/K596-SNAP-O...ive-Snap-On-/251992422211?hash=item3aabeb3743

I paid $20 for mine. My question is, is mine the rare G Govt. version?

Here are some photos of mine...

 

[ganymede]

There's nothing rare about G stamped model 71n ratchets.
The fact that both are stamped with serial #'s makes them a little more interesting but not $129 more interesting.
Your govt ratchet is a better buy at 20 bucks .
Clean it up and rock n roll!

 

[johninct]

I still use my father's 71-10.

 

[Mr_P]

ganymede, thank you for the reply. I will surely post after pictures once I give it an electrolysis dip or a white distilled vinegar bath...

Best thing about this ratchet is that is works like a charm as is.

Thank you again.

 

[ganymede]

ganymede, thank you for the reply. I will surely post after pictures once I give it an electrolysis dip or a white distilled vinegar bath...

Best thing about this ratchet is that is works like a charm as is.

Thank you again.

Cool.
If you can, try to save the selector switch on yours. It's one of the nice old school brass ones .
Modern replacements are kinda ******.

 

[snapmom]

What is odd about this one, is the 2251 stamp. Looks factory.

 

[Mr_P]

Will do.

 

[Mr_P]

Snapmom, the one on ebay also has that 2251 stamp as well, but you're correct his looks more like it was just punched onto it; it's not even aligned correctly. Would you happen to know what that 2251 serial number means?

 

[snapmom]

No. Some of the female hexagon drivers have a four digit number like 7116. I have not noticed the 2251 before, but have not had to many 71N rats.