Spiegel Precision-Bilt midget socket set

[Private Lugnutz]

As I first reported on the 2017 Garage Sale tread, I found this Spiegel Precision-Bilt 1/4-inch square drive socket set at the flea market this past Sunday.

I cleaned it up today and took some better photos.

Honestly, I had never heard of the brand before, but I was drawn to the set by the cool name and the metal badge boldly riveted to the top of the lid. It had a classic, classy, high quality industrial look to it.

The contents did not disappoint.

I immediately recognized the Precision-Bilt marked pieces as New Britain made. And it had an extra pair of MUSTANG sockets (duplicates, unfortunately), as if put there to confirm its heritage, sealing the deal.

The handles and the sockets that originally came with the set are chromed. The MUSTANG sockets are natural steel and I believe they are wartime or made shortly thereafter. The handles and all the original set sockets except the smallest, which uses an abbreviation instead, are marked Precision-Bilt. Oddly, the Precision-Bilt sockets do not follow the New Britain (NM-)/None Better (M-)/Husky (H- model numbering scheme.

CONTENTS:

Ratchet: Precision-Bilt 9093
Hinged handle: Precision-Bilt 9094
1/4” 6-point: P-B 9098
9/32” 6-point: Precision-Bilt 9099
1/4” 8-point: Precision-Bilt 9104
5/16” 8-point: Precision-Bilt 9105
3/8” 8-point: Precision-Bilt 9106
Extra sockets:
1/4” 6-point: MUSTANG MM-608
9/32” 6-point: MUSTANG MM-609

Judging by other New Britain empire sets in that era, and the fact that the tray will hold eleven (11) sockets, it’s probably missing six (6) 6-point sockets: 3/16” (and extrapolating, probably 9096), 7/32” (9097), 5/16” (9110?), 11/32” (9111?), 3/8” (9112), and 7/16” (9114?).

The Precision-Bilt name dates back to the early 40's, used by Spiegel on everything from power tools to spirit levels. These socket sets were apparently sold in the Spiegel store in Chicago as well as by mail order catalog in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. The ratchet is the 18-tooth 1946 Fors patent style that the New Britain empire went to after WWII.

I figured the set was uncommon, but I didn’t know how uncommon it was until I started doing research.

The name has shown up here on GJ before in several threads, typically when the subject is New Britain made brands or contract production.

For example, GJ member MAD posted a Precision-Bilt ratchet a few years ago, and it has a different model number (9042). He identified it on another thread as 1/2-inch drive.
Link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=412479&postcount=3

And Powder Keg posted a photo of nine (9) different versions of the 1946 Fors patent ratchet, including a Precision-Bilt brand here on GJ. Unfortunately, the link is broken. I don’t know what drive size ratchet he posted.
Link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=283087&postcount=9

But, I can’t find any photos of any sockets or extension in any drive size here on GJ or anywhere else. In fact, I can’t find a photograph of another set like mine or any Precision-Bilt set in any drive size anywhere on the internet, either on AA, the Tools Archive, or here.

I plan on doing some research. In the meantime, if anyone has a Precision-Bilt 1/4-inch drive socket set or any of the pieces, please post. If anyone has any research material (catalogs or ads etc showing the set), please post.

Here are more photos:

 

[Username already in use]

That set is super cool. Great find!

 

[disston]

That's nice looking stuff. I can't add to your quest but wanted to compliment you on good taste and an awesome find.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, guy. I am hoping more sets or pieces turn up. I'm totally hooked on this brand now!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Spiegel was a mail order company, similar to Wards or Sears. I don't recall them ever having much in the way for tools in their catalog, though - they seemed to be more specialized in clothing and home furnishings, that sort of thing.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It was the Precision-Bilt brand I had never heard of, Stuart. As a child of the 60's, I remember the Spiegel catalogs well. And that was my recollection, as well: basically women's stuff. I will admit that most of the set's allure comes from the fact that New Britain was the OEM. But part of it comes from the fact that it's Spiegel and strikes such a bizarre counterpart to the flowery covers I remember arriving in the mailbox.

But our recollections are shortsighted. They started in 1865, and according to their website, they had a department store in Chicago and 168 other retail stores around the country "featuring a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, furniture, and auto supplies.” They sold all the retail stores off by 1954.

EDIT: The set demonstrates they sold tools, of course, but if you'd like to see some literature, a few years ago GJ member MAD, who owns the 1/2-inch drive ratchet I posted a link to above, also posted a copy of a catalog page from 1942 selling Precision-Bit tools (no socket sets, though). See this post: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=412593&postcount=5

 

[jaykhjr]

Resurrecting an old thread, but I think I bought the big brother of this set yesterday. I'll post pictures tomorrow!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Eager to see it, jay!

 

[jaykhjr]

Here is the set I found, missing a few sockets but mostly complete. Came with another ~50 sockets. Mostly craftsman, sk, and plumb. About 5 were made in Taiwan but not bad for 12 bucks. Newspaper at the bottom dates August 1985.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Wow.

That is awesome. In the original low slung carry box, with leather handle! That newspaper was put in there as a box liner many years later, Jay. These sets were made in the late 1940s.

Congrats on a very special find.

If you plan on keeping it, it should clean up nicely. I can even give you some tips on the handle. Enjoy your show n' tell time with it! But, if you're not absolutely committed to it, please keep me in mind. It would be neat to have the midget and standard sets!

 

[jaykhjr]

Wow.

That is awesome. In the original low slung carry box, with leather handle! That newspaper was put in there as a box liner many years later, Jay. These sets were made in the late 1940s.

Congrats on a very special find.

If you plan on keeping it, it should clean up nicely. I can even give you some tips on the handle. Enjoy your show n' tell time with it! But, if you're not absolutely committed to it, please keep me in mind. It would be neat to have the midget and standard sets!

Thanks Lugs!

To be honest, I bought it for another tool box to store stuff in, so I dont have much attachment to it. If you are interested in it message me and we can figure something out.

Looking at your little bio on the side of this thread, I may have another set you would be interested in. I have an ammo can with most of a set of snap-on sockets, still wrapped in the cosmoline/wax paper, and I believe they are ww2 era. When I find it, I'll send you pictures of those also. I found them in a craftsman tool box that I, again, just bought to store my own junk in Haha.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

PM sent.

 

[Username already in use]

Anything cool going on in here?

 

[r_olson_06]

Maybe

Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Hahaha! Too much longer now it should not be. To those who wait good things come.

 

[2oolhound]

Interesting. I hope this works out for you. Your addiction complimented by your extensive research and great photo documentation is a true asset to GJ and the many readers who past though and will continue to do so for years to come.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Your addiction...

Hey now! I prefer "extreme focus."

Interesting. I hope this works out for you.

It did work out, but not in the way it may seem following this thread! The guy who posted the partial 1/2-inch drive kit - jaykhjr - never got back to me, but, thanks to Unaiu, who recently tipped me off to a 1/2-inch drive kit in the box on Facebook Marketplace, which I purchased, and Roy (r_olson_06), with whom I just traded for a ratchet and some sockets that I needed to complete a 3/8-inch drive set I had acquired in the meantime, I now have what adds up to a Master Socket Wrench set, all P-B. So, stay tuned for more!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Without further ado... I am pretty excited to announce that I have now turned my little Precision-Bilt midget set into a 47-piece Precision-Bilt Deluxe Master Combination Socket Wrench Set!

I've got the 1/2-inch drive pieces in the removeable tote tray.

And the 3/8- and 1/4-inch drive sets in the main compartment under the tote tray.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here are some closer looks at the 3/8-inch drive pieces...

CONTENTS:

3/8-inch drive
9072 7-1/2” ratchet
9073 16-1/2” speeder
9074 7-1/2” hinge handle
9075 3” extension
9076 6” extension -MISSING
9077 11” extension
9078 universal joint
9079 3/8” 12-pt socket
9080 7/16” 12-pt socket
9081 1/2” 12-pt socket
9082 9/16” 12-pt socket
9083 5/8” 12-pt socket
9084 11/16” 12-pt socket
9085 3/4” 12-pt socket
9088 1/2” swivel
9089 9/16” swivel
9090 5/8” swivel

 

[Private Lugnutz]

And here are some closer looks at the standard pieces...

1/2-inch drive

9042 10-1/2” ratchet
9043 18” speeder – MISSING
9044 17” hinge handle
9045 ???? Not included in ad
9046 ???? Not included in ad
9047 5” extension
9048 10” extension
9049 10” sliding tee

9114 1/2” 8-pt - Not included in ad text, but implied by number of sockets in figure
9115 9/16” 8-pt “
9116 5/8” 8-pt “
9117 11/16” 8-pt “

9050 7/16” 12-pt
9051 1/2” 12-pt
9052 9/16” 12-pt
9053 19/32” 12-pt
9054 5/8” 12-pt
9118 21/32” 12-pt – Odd part number
9055 11/16” 12-pt
9056 3/4” 12-pt – MISSING
9057 13/16” 12-pt
9058 7/8” 12-pt
9059 15/16” 12-pt
9060 1” 12-pt
9061 1-1/16” 12-pt
9062 1-1/8” 12-pt - Not included in ad text, but implied by number of sockets in figure

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Finally, more looks at the empty hip-roof carry box.

I am leaning strongly to a total refinish job. I know that won't be popular with everyone, and you guys know I usually prefer to preserve, but there is very little paint left on this thing after de-rusting (the inside of the lid only, basically), and there are still some unsightly box rot stains. And the midget box is just as bad. The tools are so immaculate or near-immaculate, that I almost hated to even put them in the boxes. And the mismatch - roached box and near-mint tools - offends my sensibilities. On top of that, I plan to re-clad the handle with new leather, which will be another mismatch. Plus, I have to admit, I just think they're really going to pop with a coat of satin cornflower blue paint.

 

[r_olson_06]

Looks good Lugz.

Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061

 

[Username already in use]

Looks good Lugz.

Looking real good!
I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job on the boxes.
What pieces are you missing?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks. Wouldn't have it without your help, fellas! 'Ppreciate it.

What pieces are you missing?

I'm still working on that through period ads (none exactly for this set) and inference with the model numbers.

 

[2oolhound]

"extreme focus." I like that, I can use it.

This is great news, I'm glad it worked out in the end. If I run into any pieces I'll check against your lists on the 1st page.

This stuff is like old cars, they look really good all painted up too.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, 2oolhound.

I just updated the contents lists on the last page. I am using 1949-1952 period ads and inference.

In typical fashion meant to confound collectors decades later, the 51-piece Deluxe Set ads refer to "thirteen 12-point sockets (7/16 to 1-1/16 in.)" for the 1/2-inch drive set, which obviously doesn't include the 1-1/8" socket in my box, or any of the four (4) 8-point sockets in the box, but the ads include a figure of the tools showing eighteen (18) total sockets! I have seventeen (17) and I know it would have a 3/4" socket, so that's the one I am missing. I am inferring the part number for it from the sequence.

I also know for sure the 1/2-inch drive set is missing the 18" speeder and I am inferring that part number as well from the sequence.

The only piece missing from the 3/8-inch drive set is a 6" extension, which I am not too worried about.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

"extreme focus." I like that, I can use it.

Be careful, though. As you probably already know, "extreme focus" can lead to doing things like buying collectible catalogs like this (...and they ain't cheap!), just for one page!

 

[3baygarage]

Wow. That’s great. You sure worked hard on that set. I’m always impressed how some of you guys build or recreate sets.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks. Credit to Unaiu for spotting the FB Marketplace ad and for thinking of me when he saw it, and also to Roy for giving up his 3/8-inch drive ratchet and some sockets in trade.

 

[Farmer J.]

That looks great Lugz, and I anticipate you will do some wonderful detailed job on refinishing the exterior of the box.
If your gonna put together a 'set' of anything it may as well be the 'Deluxe Master Combination Set'!
I have nothing useful to add so didn't comment at the beginning, but interesting to see this thread and I enjoy it as the name Precision Bilt sticks in my mind, I think i must have seen it on a tool box years ago.