I just picked this set up because of the neat ratchet.  Not being a wrench collector myself, even though I do have some odd wrenches on the wall,  I'm wondering if this is valuable to a wrench collector because of the condition, or should I just hang it on the wall?
The ratchet is about 95% condition.  The sockets are just average, and the box is ratty.

Thanks,
Mel 

That's a nice set- more info here- http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/frank-mossberg-company.html#sockets
Scroll down to Sockets and Drive tools.

Very nice find!  The box looks salvageable; maybe start with Murphy's Oil Soap.

I've no idea how valuable it is, but that sure is a neat old ratchet!

I have a couple of mossberg sets but nothing with a ratchet like that. that's the first one I've ever seen. Very cool.

Quote from: Wrenchmensch on July 16, 2012, 09:07:18 AM
Very nice find!  The box looks salvageable; maybe start with Murphy's Oil Soap.

Start cleaning up the old oil from the wood with paint thinner before using the Murphy's.   That's an old museum practice for removing oily or greasy dirt from wooden objects.

Thanks for the input.  I worked as a mechanic, and am drawn to tools & things with interesting mechanical aspects.  The ratchet is neat (reversible) and in fine condition, almost like it was stored separately from the rest of the sockets which have some rust and the box is split & grimy. 
Most likely I will hang the ratchet on the wall where I will see it frequently and can demonstrate it to friends.  The rest, while it could be cleaned up, can just sit up on a shelf out of the way.

Does anybody know if there were other socket ratchets made before this one?

Thanks,
Mel

Yes, possibly the Mossberg 355 ratchet was earlier, about 1915.  The picture shows the 355 ratchet in my No. 13 Mossberg Socket Wrench Set.