Amongst collectors of Craftsman tools determining who made the tool and when is part of the process. Was itWilde, New Britain, Moore? Is it a “Long-C”, “Crown logo”, “=V=”? The search can be entertaining, tedious or frustrating or some of each. So, how about this Set?
- Part numbers were added to tools in the 1960s, though such numbering existed on Catalog pages. The Vinyl Pouch is numbered, “4344”, but none of the Wrenches are (see images).
- Tool Maker Marks go back to the 1930s and can usually, but not always, identified definitively. The Wrenches are stamped with a “-V-” (see images) that identifies the Maker as Moore Drop Forge and likely mid- to late 1960s. Except that Moore was acquired in the 1960s and it might be Easco before they adopted a different Mark.
- The CRAFTSMAN Banner on the Vinyl Pouch is not the “Crown” that can be seen on 4033 in some in Catalogs in the 60s. The Banner on the Pouch does appear in the 1960 and 1966 Catalogs.
- In the 1968 Catalog the 8-Piece Set is 4306, “Midge Ignition Wrench Set” and a 10-Piece Set is 43441 “Midget Wrench Set”. There is no 4033.
We’re certain that Moore made the Wrenches and our best guess for when is Mid- to Late 1960s, if you care.
The Wrenches show little evidence of use and the Pouch, while dirty (see images), has only a few flaws (see images). It is sufficiently large to contain all eight plus two small Wrenches. The Snap Closure is secure. We cannot offer suggestions on how to clean the Vinyl Pouch, though we have seen positive results. Surely, the internet has suggestions and methods.
Obviously, this Set could be put to work on receipt. It could also be added to a Craftsman Show-and-Tell Collection while doing double duty when needed.
We will ship the Combination Ignition Wrench Set on the next regular business day following receipt of payment.