Check out patent # 2500835 Feb 1947. I have both MAC & Powrcraft ratcheting box ends with the number. Technology seems the same on Craftsman, Dunlap, etc.
from DATAMP.ORG:
US Patent: 2,500,835
Ratchet Wrench
Patentee:
John W. Lang (exact or similar names) - Racine, WI
USPTO Classifications:
192/41R, 81/61, D8/25
Tool Categories:
wrenches : ratchet wrenches
Assignees:
None
Manufacturer:
A & E Mfg. Co. - Racine, WI
Witnesses:
none listed
Patent Dates:
Applied: Feb. 17, 1947
Granted: Mar. 14, 1950
Patent Pictures: [ 1 | 2 ]
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Description:
Simple rugged ratcheting box wrench; side plates are stampings; held together by rivets.
According to Alloy Artifacts, A&E Mfg. was formed by Daniel Lang in 1932, and after this patent was received, produced these wrenches under contract to many "Brand" names, as well as issuing them under their own "Langline" house brand.
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