Vintage "Mustang" 1/2 drive socket set

[sonnyboy]

I picked up a small box of assorted USA sockets and ratchets last weekend at an auction. I bought it for a few Snap-On items that were in it, but after I got home and went through it, there was also a nearly complete vintage "Mustang" brand 1/2 drive set - complete with 12 pt sockets 7/16-1", ratchet, speed handle, breaker bar, and extensions.

I have no need for another 1/2 socket set, and was wondering if anybody had an idea of value?

I could always put it on ebay, and let the market decide the value, but I would rather let it go where I don't have to pay out huge selling fees.

 

[HubbaBubba]

Who's going to ask for pictures? Not me!

 

[sonnyboy]

I was going to wait until somebody asked to see pictures, but since nobody did, I'll just post these crappy phone pics.

I'm not sure if the box came with it originally, or was added later.

The upside down socket is a replacement for a missing Mustang socket.

 

[Outlawmws]

I can't help you on value, but I've had a 13/16 Mustang socket I've used as my lug nut socket on an electric impact for around 30 years, (Home use and race cars...) and it's yet to fail, hardly shows any impact wear either. So I'd rate then as pretty stout, all things considered.

 

[toymn6366]

i got that pull handle in my flea market box been asking $8 for it

 

[chopper1]

That ratchet was made by New Britain.
Pretty complete set, should fetch about $35-40 in my area

 

[Benny Sorbello]

I am interested in your socket set let me know if its still for sale

 

[Man of Many Vices]

From what I have learned, Mustang was a secondary line of tools from Sears in the 1950s, similar to Dunlap and later Companion. I bought a Mustang socket set for a few bucks from its original owner, a wedding gift he received from his wife in 1955 (my birth year). He was willing to part with it because his now ex-wife was willing to part with him.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Re-animated thread from the dead...
I have a 1/4-inch drive socket set that's Mustang... the ratchet and breaker bar are New Britain.

 

[lbgradwell]

From what I have learned, Mustang was a secondary line of tools from Sears in the 1950s, similar to Dunlap and later Companion.

No, I don't think Mustang was connected to Sears in any way.

As chopper1 says above, Mustang was a "value" brand for NB and, to the best of my knowledge, sold via NAPA and perhaps other auto part chains.

 

[Thumper]

Mustang was a New Britain line. I got my dads old set and that looks like the original box it came in. Those sets are tough as nails but not too pretty.

 

[chopper1]

I may be wrong but I believe that Sparta replaced the Mustang line.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I may be wrong but I believe that Spartan replaced the Mustang line.

No NAPA sold both Mustang and Sparta tools at the same time. Mustang tools were the bottom of the barrel ( still very nice USA made tools) and Sparta tools were the middle grade.

 

[woody 73]

I come across mustang tools from time to time, they are built like a tank but they will not win any beauty contests, kind of reminds me of barcalo tools just as ugly.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I come across mustang tools from time to time, they are built like a tank but they will not win any beauty contests, kind of reminds me of barcalo tools just as ugly.

They are generally the same exact tools as the more expensive New Britain tools but they are finished rougher and they are cadmium plated instead of hard chromed.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I picked up a massive vintage Mustang 1/2" socket set some time back. A few of them had some corrosion and many with light surface rust. I derusted them then decided to paint them all! Worked great! Any future owner could always take off the paint if desired. This way they won't rust though. The cadmium plating is not chrome. Wish there was a way to replate tools easily with new chrome! If any Mustang collectors had an interest in it, send me a PM. These sockets remind me of Indestro or Wright or Proto - tough as nails. - Paul

 

[jockeylot]

I have some Mustang sockets in 1/2" drive and have been searching for info on them. There seems to be different opinions on who made them. I haven't been able to find anything concrete. If anyone knows maker and value I would appreciate the info. Thanks.

 

[woody 73]

jockeylot New Britain made them they got the official name in records dating to 1954. As for value not a lot of value, well made but ugly as sin.

 

[bluebolt]

jockey market to an older Ford Mustang guy. If I had a Mustang car it would be cool to have Mustang tools with it!