Volume & Speedmaster

[tin medic]

What do we know about Volume & Speedmaster tools? I picked up several 3/8 drive sockets that are all etched with USAAF. Two are Speedmaster 3/8, two are Volume 11/16 and one S.R. 3/8.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This is tangential to your query, tin, which I know nothing about. But, if you're saying that "[S.R.]" socket has "USAAF" etched on it, it is a significant find. It helps confirm the vintage (immediate postwar) that many of us have suspected, and narrows the production of at least that example to pre-1947. They are a long-standing mystery. If you search on "S.R." you'll find a few threads. Also a thread on Garage Gazette. EDIT: My best hunch is made by Plomb for a company with those initials. (Before someone says it, it is assuredly NOT Sturtevant-Richmont.)

 

[bill300d]

The Volume is a brand of J H Williams.
The Speedmaster is Montgomery Wards mfd by Wright Tool & Forge I believe.

 

[tin medic]

If you look at the top of the SR socket you can see the AA and a partial F which is upside down.


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[Ole Slewfoot]

Plomb is definitely a supplier of some but not all Ward Speedmaster.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Montgo...:eagAAOSwY~1aKaKL:sc:USPSPriority!95019!US!-1

 

[r_olson_06]

Speedmaster is quite common in these parts. I have never seen a volume anything. I have been on the hunt for a ratchet for a couple of years.

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[alton1911]

This is tangential to your query, tin, which I know nothing about. But, if you're saying that "[S.R.]" socket has "USAAF" etched on it, it is a significant find. It helps confirm the vintage (immediate postwar) that many of us have suspected, and narrows the production of at least that example to pre-1947. They are a long-standing mystery. If you search on "S.R." you'll find a few threads. Also a thread on Garage Gazette. EDIT: My best hunch is made by Plomb for a company with those initials. (Before someone says it, it is assuredly NOT Sturtevant-Richmont.)

I live near a closed military base. I see a lot of military wrenches. I don’t see any military markings on this one. There is a large 3 or poorly struck 8. On the reverse side.
I have wondered about it.
Thanks again
alton1911

 

[four.cycle]

^ interesting font style on the "3" in that image. flat top bar with serif.