SR socket set-need information

[coolford]

Until recently I had a few SR (SR in a small rectangle) sockets but no drivers to go with them. Recently I bought an SR 1/2" drive socket set that appears to have all Plomb drivers most of which are not marked. However the sockets are all marked SR. The only Plomb item marked is the ratchet which is WF-38. I contacted the seller and the tools were bought during WW-2 or just after and also included 1/4 and 3/8" sets. Someone else bought the other two sets. Does anyone have any information relating to a relationship between SR and Plomb. Note, I do know the 3/8" set also had a Plomb ratchet.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

We have been debating who they were. All of the tools marked sr appear to be plomb.

 

[r_olson_06]

Until recently I had a few SR (SR in a small rectangle) sockets but no drivers to go with them. Recently I bought an SR 1/2" drive socket set that appears to have all Plomb drivers most of which are not marked. However the sockets are all marked SR. The only Plomb item marked is the ratchet which is WF-38. I contacted the seller and the tools were bought during WW-2 or just after and also included 1/4 and 3/8" sets. Someone else bought the other two sets. Does anyone have any information relating to a relationship between SR and Plomb. Note, I do know the 3/8" set also had a Plomb ratchet.

The best story I heard so far was from a guy who I bought a Craftsman set off of locally. He asked about the SR as I he knew I collected old tools. He mentioned that his dad had a set that he bought after the war for a trade. It was part of deal and he remembers it being Sears Robuck. Now here is mine opinion. This could make sense after dimissing the Strudvent Richmont because during that time it was just Strudvent it is the most probaibal. Plomb did make socket sets for craftsman and these could have been left overs from the WF contract that we sold at a discount.

The hunt still continues for the smoking gun.

Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks for posting pictures of your set. I have a very similar unmarked sliding tee as well as an unmarked speeder. I’ve only found three SR marked sockets. Your set does provide a possible explanation for these unmarked pieces. I suppose it’s possible that Plomb used the WF tool dies to make an economy and short lived line of tools as the war came to an end.
-Don

 

[woody 73]

Very interesting indeed, something that has eluded me for a long time.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I've been sending all my "[S.R.]" sockets to RagTopTA, who has been MIA of late. I have another pile ready to go with several swivel sockets. This is the largest one fell swoop including handles set I have seen, and good to see it confirm the long-standing conviction about Plomb as the immediate postwar OEM.

I'll come back with the link to a former main thread on the topic, coolford, if you're interested.

 

[RubiconJK]

I think we all agree that they are indeed Plomb made, but as the other guys have mentioned we haven't found the evidence of marketing material to validate why they were marked this way. As Lugz said, this is the largest grouping of these bought together at one time I've seen and it is cool that you have the provenance of the set. Is it possible that the original owner can remember where they purchased the set? That info could point us in a direction.

 

[RubiconJK]

Here is a SR marked Plomb ratchet I recently acquired.

 

[coolford]

Great, now we know that some SR drivers are out there and it isn't only sockets. My source of the set I posted is three generations away from the purchase and has no idea where the father's uncle bought the set.

 

[RubiconJK]

Other folks have found SR marked ratchets before and there has been discussion on this topic on multiple threads here in the past. Here is one such thread that Lugz referenced above.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328268&highlight=socket

 

[coolford]

Thanks for the link----So, most agree they were made by Plomb, but as far as the SR goes its still up in the air??

 

[3baygarage]

Yes sir.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I bought an unmarked plomb speeder from a guy who had a whole box of them. Box was marked sears, but not sr.

 

[rdjohannes]

I love jumping into an 8-year old discussion, which looks like it’s been a discussion for many years before. Look what I found today! Both 1/2” drive. One is drilled. Does anyone have an answer yet?

 

[rdjohannes]

Found these in a rusty toolbox with one Billings Vitalloy and three Snap-On S-over-O marked sockets.

 

[RTM]

Try this thread, I think it answers it near the end, last year or so.

"S.R." Sockets? Can't seem to find any info.

screenshot of the 1946 Craftsman catalog showing the mixed brand 1/4 drive set- Note the unmistakable plomb pear head ratchet. These sets that I have seen in person include the traditional be/ circle h sockets in them with the traditional knurling at the base

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