41-W-2620 and Other 3/4" Socket Sets

[Len Jones]

Part One

Thanks mrbill for the prompt

A while ago I was able to obtain this large, & rather ' heavy ' box

The 1935 Duro-Chrome catalogue shows an identical box with the same distinctive hasp which is described as follows ' Metal boxes are of extra heavy gauge steel finished in durable green hammerloid enamel ' - ' No 9924 Box, only 20 9/16'' X 6 7/16'' X 3 1/8'' '.

Looking at the 1940 Duro-Chrome catalogue shows some minor changes to the hasp & the decal shape. Where it is now described as ' Packed in a heavy gauge steel box 20 1/2'' X 3 1/4'' X 6 5/8'' in size, finished in baked grey enamel '.

Those very precise dimensions listed in the 1935 catalogue were some what puzzling But careful measuring show them to be accurate for the base without the lid. However the height shown the 1940 catalogue includes the lid, giving it a height of 3 1/4'' as shown in photo 3.

However the 1953 Duro-Chrome catalogue lists the same ' No 9924 Box ', but now the dimensions have changed to ' 19 3/4'' X 6 1/4'' X 2 5/8'' '.
It can be seen that the shape of the hasp & the decal have reverted to that illustrated in the 1935 edition, and described as being ' finished in durable green hammerloid enamel '.

Therefore it would appear that this ' box ' was manufactured before 1940 ? Anyone else like to comment

To be continued - -

[Len Jones]

Part Two - Now for the bid reveal

The contents included the following

D-I sockets in the following sizes 7/8'' - 1'' - 1 1/16'' - 1 1/4'' - 1 3/8'' - 1 7/16'' - 1 1/2'' - 1 5/8''.

Bonney 4285 ratchet ( Listed in the 1939 - 1947 catalogues ).

Duro-Chrome 4264 8 inch extension bar.

Unmarked 16 inch extension bar - ( Duro-Chrome 4265 ).

Unbranded 18 inch cross bar - But marked 2363 - Perhaps incorrectly stamped ( Duro-Chrome 4263 )

Unbranded adaptor.

At a whopping 26.6 lbs it was hardly surprising that the original leather handle gave up ! Why the red paint ? No idea, nor did the Vendor.

I have included another Duro-Chrome 4263 as a comparison, which did not come with the set.

Stay safe, Len