Gifford & Smith Socket Ratchet Wrench

[fliffy42]

Anyone ever see one of these? Datamp notes that it was not known to be manufactured but I think I have one.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1435288&typeCode=0

I will post pics as soon as batteries are charged.

[fliffy42]

crappy pics but will try again later (Lots of Mom Day running around to do).

It is abut 9 1/2" long. Hex shaped drive and handle. I dont think the drive plug shown is original but works. No markings except a stamped R (right) & L (left) on drive heads. Kind of odd that the knurl bands on each head are different too.

[Lewill2]

The thing you have to keep in mind about DATAMP is that it is maintained by volunteers that are responsible for different types of tools that are listed there. Stan Schulz has taken over the responsibility of the wrench patents. He took this over after someone or several other people had started it. He is open to inputs on new finds and incorrect listings that you might come across. Pictures are always welcomed by him. He is in the process of trying to update the site with unlisted patents and listed patent updates as his time permits. 

[fliffy42]

I have just started using datamp. When I first tried a ways back I had trouble with it. I will try and get some better pictures and send them off.

[rusty]

From: "The American artisan and hardware record, Volume 81" ; 1921

"The Viking Specialty Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, has been incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts with a capital stock of $10,000 to manufacture hardware and tools. The incorporators, directors, and officers are: President, Willis R. Smith, Auburn; Treasurer, William E. Gifford; Clerk, Frederick A. Nelson. The company is looking for a location."

They seem to have found a location by 1922

"American machinist" 1922

Wrenches, Socket:
  Viking- Specialty Co., 25 Bartlett St., Worcester, Mass.  The wrenches are put up In Sets of various combinations for automobile work. The general service set comprises a double-end ..."
[That's all the snippet would give me]

[rusty]

An addendum.....

There is a lot of history at this address in Worcester....

Just prior to 1921, the place was occupied by the Worcester Machine Tool co, which moved in after the William M Steele Switchboard co left.

The Worcester Machine Tool co failed however, and was picked up by Morgan Crittsinger inc, which then became Churchill, Morgan Crittsinger, which moved down the street a block, and  then renamed itself to the Morgan Grinder Co, which was then aquired by the Greenfield Tap & Die company along with the Greenfield Machine Company, which then build everybody a shiny new plant elsewhere...

Dizzy yet?

[eddie hudson]

crappy pics but will try again later (Lots of Mom Day running around to do).

It is abut 9 1/2" long. Hex shaped drive and handle. I dont think the drive plug shown is original but works. No markings except a stamped R (right) & L (left) on drive heads. Kind of odd that the knurl bands on each head are different too.

The one I have is marked "VIKING" on the hex shaft.

[mvwcnews]

Hello all,
Thanks for the heads up on the Gifford & Smith  VIKING ratchet socket.
Another DATAMP member has done basic entries for several hundred wrench patents & then assigned them to me for completion as I have time or as more information appears.    There are default texts for some of the DATAMP "lines" -- The manufacturer  "box" defaults to "Not Known to have been produced" until  something else is entered.
I use mvwcnews at gmail.com for wrench related e-mail
If I can copy your photo from Papaws, can I use it for the DATAMP entry & in the M.V.W.C. newsletter?
Regards, Stan Schulz, DATAMP "wrench steward" and Editor, Missouri Valley Wrench Club Newsletter.

[Papaw]

Stan, any photo here can be copied for non-commercial use as your use would be. If the original owner of the photos does not wish that to happen, it is up to that member, but I don't think you will have any trouble.

[mvwcnews]

Follow up -- ran across an ad in 1921 AMERICAN MACHINIST:

[rusty]

Very nice :)

If only that snippit had given me the photo ...Grrr

Does it look like those have that odd heat treated surface?

[fliffy42]

anyone know if the sockets are marked at all?