Tell me about my Craftsman Circle "U" set

[MercLSU]

Picked this up at an estate sale last month; it was a grab and go frenzy so this has been at the bottom of a box until yesterday. I was pleased to find that it was a mostly complete (my assumption) set of early 1/2" Craftsman.

In looking around the web, I know that they were made by Plomb in the early to mid-fourties. That's about all I know, however, and I'm curious if anybody else is familiar enough with this set to tell me what I might be missing. The breaker bar and sockets (7/16" to 1") are in great shape. The bar used for leverage (proper name escapes me) is pretty rough.

Looking at the set it appears that was room for a 3/8" socket and either an extension, universal, or both. Would it have included a ratchet as well? I'm not sure if a ratchet would fit, but that's assuming that the box is original. Otherwise it could have been a larger or smaller (unlikely) set. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[gungatim]

cool. I have that same breaker bar and a 3 or 4 sockets like that...didn't know they were plomb...

 

[r_olson_06]

I have the same set found at a swap meet. Mine didn't have a ratchet but the same sockets. I am unsure if a 3/8 would have been included in this set. I know many early tool manufactures did not include this size. Having the cross bar is very good even in bad shape. Nice find.

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[chopper1]

I believe your set is complete. Here is a clip from the Craftsman 1952 catalog.

 

[jim]

I have the same set with 10 sockets and with a circle H. Exact same metal case. Jim

 

[Gear Wolf]

I believe your set is complete. Here is a clip from the Craftsman 1952 catalog.

Mike that set you demonstrate is from the "Raised Panel" era. These sport a different metallurgy and design philosophy than the OP's set. Your picture doesn't have the handle knurling or the acute angles found at the apex of the breaker bar.

The Circle U sets were available from 1944-1948.

 

[chopper1]

You're right, Cody. But I mainly posted that to show what was in the set. I'm sure that despite changing suppliers Sears maintained the same set configurations.

 

[Gear Wolf]

You're right, Cody. But I mainly posted that to show what was in the set. I'm sure that despite changing suppliers Sears maintained the same set configurations.

This is very true! They did maintain that philosophy for a long time!

 

[r_olson_06]

Here is mine in rougher shape. Same case

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk