Craftsman BT ratchet

[Northwoods]

I count myself pretty fortunate to have scored an example of Craftsman's first 1/2" reversible ratchet.
The springs work just right, and it's all lubed up and ready for another 80 years.  It cost $1.98 back in the day.  I paid three bucks today.
This fellow paid a little more last Sunday....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-BT-Ratchet-1-2-Drive-Vintage-Old-/291858540331?nma=true&si=frvXL3WkNDJfHpOAvnagq%252FZnhqY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[3baygarage]

Great buy. I am still waiting to find one the way you have. That's part of the fun.

[EVILDR235]

Made by NEW BRITAIN. I have a whole 3/8 set including the box.

EvilDr235

[Northwoods]

Outstanding!  Is yours the earlier one with the sliding reverse button--or the one with the lonnnnng reverse lever?
Either way, it is a stroke of good fortune--or a long-term project.

[BRwrench]

This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection.  They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.

[Northwoods]

This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection.  They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.

Very good.
I find myself drawn to the old rats more and more.  It is surprising how many can be revitalized with a good cleaning and some grease.  Very satisfying.

[Twertsy]

This Craftsman ratchet was made by Vlchek. I have a both a Craftsman and Vlchek version in my collection.  They are identical except for the name. Really a smooth functioning ratchet. Pictures of both ratchets can be found on Alloy Artifacts.

I have them both as well, but don't believe for even a split second they were made by Vlchek.  I don't believe Vlchek had the equipment to produce sockets or drive tools during that period.  To be clear, I've no proof..................yet.

[kwoswalt99]

So then who do you think made them?

[Twertsy]

So then who do you think made them?

Best candidate, for me, is NB.  Again, I stress I have no proof but I'll bet there is a BT style rat out there with New Britain/None Better stamped on it.

[Uncle Buck]

So then who do you think made them?

Best candidate, for me, is NB.  Again, I stress I have no proof but I'll bet there is a BT style rat out there with New Britain/None Better stamped on it.

I have no proof either but I would agree with this idea.

[Northwoods]

If it's there, we will find it.
BTW, I picked up a Circle H in 3/8 the other day.  Really nice.

Today, though, was a near dry hole.
Got a WF box ender and a no-name screwdriver with a really cool turned handle, though.