Antique Packer Auto Specialty The Ray 29 piece Ratchet Socket Set Model A Period For Sale

Antique Packer Auto Specialty Chicago Ratchet Wrench and Socket Set in Metal Case with Ray Ratchet Wrench, Two Spark Plug Sockets, Universal, Extension, 7 Square Sockets and 16 Hexagonal Sockets. All dimensional square and hex sockets are impressed with Ray (except one unmarked) and the sizes of the sockets. The sockets were cleaned of grime and coated with wax to prevent rust. Sizes are as follows:SQUARE SOCKETS:1-9/32"; 1-5/32"; 1-1/2"; 23/32"; 21/32"; 15/32"; 13/32"HEXAGONAL SOCKETS:1-9/32"; 1-5/32"; 1-3/32"; 1-1/2"; 1"; 15/16"; 29/32"; 7/8"; 25/32"; 23/32"; 21/32"; 15/32"; 13/32"SPARK PLUG SOCKETS:1-1/16" (Unmarked); 29/32"(Circle A Logo, FH Ayers, Chicago)Universal has a slight twist but functions properly.The Extension functions properly and is in good shape.The Ratchet Wrench is Impressed withPACKER AUTO SPECIALTY CHICAGOTRADEMARKTHE RAYMissing is the screwdriver attachment and 1/2" x 1/2" short square drive.
The Black Metal Case has dents and dings from use and has been refinished with a strong bonding acrylic lacquer to protect it. No attempt was made to remove all the dings. The original decal remains inside. The waterslide decal on the front top was copied from one that I found years ago, cleaned up and placed slightly off center as these usually came, most likely added by hand as the last stage of production. During use, these decals were often destroyed and wore off over time.
I have over a hundred single pressed steel sockets and other parts that I have collected to restore these sets. Often when I get one to restore, there are parts missing and sockets cracked or twisted out of shape. I go through all the sockets and replace the ones that are damaged with period correct and brand names when possible. Sometimes, I sit on a set for over a year while I await the location of a single size such as a 3/4", 7/8", or 1" socket.Refurbished cleaned and waxed.
Packer Auto Specialty, The Ray was one of multiple manufacturers offering sockets, wrenches and automotive parts, tools and accessories for the new autos and trucks emerging in the early 20th century. Three majors working in Chicago were Mossberg, Ayers, and Packer Auto Specialty. In the early days they often shared pressed steel parts, especially sockets. Although Ayers sold socket sets and featured a patented vertical cylindrical ratcheting similar to the French AutoCle, they mostly offered these to the other two manufacturers until new technologies replaced the Ayer's ratchet and over time their business changed away from tools to more complicated machining. Mossberg led the way in these designs and many of the Ray wrenches resemble the Mossberg or were perhaps made by them.
As drop forging later emerged and sockets and wrenches became stronger, preserving these early sets makes one thankful for those innovations and although busted knuckles continue to this day, I am certain that these early days produced many more as these sockets twisted, cracked and gave way when nuts and bolts were frozen and the concept of the cheater pipe became neccessary. Perhaps some of the best swear words ever spoken presided over these early tools. I recall my grandmother saying my grandfather made her blush when he was under the car and things weren't going well. In those days all Saturdays and often Sundays were spent working on the #$%@&X car.
Only the items described are included. Other items are to show display suggestions and scale and are not included.
Please read the description and view pictures carefully. Our goal is to provide you with a great buying experience. We are selling vintage items and accept returns if you are unhappy. We would prefer not to cost either of us the inconvenience of a return. We respond to questions as quickly as possible.For combined shipping, please place items in your cart and request a total. We will package accordingly and give you the best possible shipping rates. We do not ship outside the continental United States. No exceptions.Each item is carefully packaged to protect it in transit. Keeping thrift in mind, I ship using recycled materials and pack according to fragility.
What you get from me. I often purchase tools that come to me with undeclared flaws. I go through them and correct as many flaws as possible and sometimes use the tool for parts if it beyond refurbishing. Replacement parts are no longer made and sourcing them is difficult and expensive. Sometimes, I must purchase another tool just for a single part. I believe in transparency and tell you what I have done. I have decades of experience restoring antique tools. Please look closely at the pictures and make sure this is the item you want before purchasing. Only the item listed is included. Items in the background are for scale reference and display suggestion only.