Billmont No. 8 ratchet

[Northwoods]

Picked up this baby last week somewhere in Minnesota:

https://books.google.com/books?id=uwc0AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA60&lpg=RA2-PA60&dq=billmont+ratchet&source=bl&ots=xIg8QDzFEX&sig=wVMzP3fSonreiCNA6rAStx12X6U&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8ppit4eHOAhVCVyYKHZn9AsYQ6AEIJTAB#v=onepage&q=billmont%20ratchet&f=false

If I count right, it has 80 clicks to the revolution.  It is 3/4" hex female.  I think I have some pressed steel sockets--somewhere--that will fit it.
Alas, the idea did not catch on...

[mvwcnews]

I've looked for a patent corresponding to this Billmont ratchet & so far no luck.    If you find a Billmont  drive adapter (they made one at one point), you could use this with "standard" sockets, otherwise you'll need their own sockets and drive extension.

[Northwoods]

Yep.  I found a couple of closed-end hex drive pressed steel sockets (one VLCHEK and one orphan) in 3/4" that will fit it.
The problem is that the little friction clip that should hold the socket in place is missing.  I read that that is a common problem.  The Billmont (Edward C. Gutmard was late of Billings, Montana before selling out and relocating to Chicago) is cool, but no longer practical as a user.

[bill300d]

I think this is it Stan.https://www.google.com/patents/US1455147

[turnnut]

Bill, reading William I. O'Neill's patent write up of almost three complete pages to describe his idea,  I can understand why the patent office took
31 months to issue a patent.

they had to study other like patents to make sure his idea was not already used.

their job was not an easy one. and to think that they used to work even on December 25th.

how times have changed.

   

[Northwoods]

I don't see that date, but I have a little set of sockets with a hex ell bar Pat 31 Dec. 1918.
Did I read somewhere that the patent eagle flew on Tuesdays?

[bill300d]

Bill, reading William I. O'Neill's patent write up of almost three complete pages to describe his idea,  I can understand why the patent office took
31 months to issue a patent.

they had to study other like patents to make sure his idea was not already used.

their job was not an easy one. and to think that they used to work even on December 25th.

how times have changed.

Some times when I read thru one I have to read it more than once, no make that more than 22 times till I understand the point they are trying to make. Its no wonder it took as long as it did for some of these things.

[turnnut]

Northwoods,  Dec. 31, 1918 fell on a Tuesday   ( ? when did they stop issue of a patent on New Years day ???? )

as for Dec. 25th, Christmas Day, it was not declared a federal holiday until 1870

according to one article, they started using Tuesday for patent issue around 1848

so prior to that, it could have been any day that they gave the final approval. ( as I see it )

some time back, I received a 200 year calendar booklet that gives the date and day of the week from 1828 - 2028
this booklet was put out by; Fairfiels & Ellis Insurance, 99 Milk St. Boston, Mass.

handy little book, kept by my computer.

[Northwoods]

Just google the date and you will have it.