and the 1953 Blackhawk catalog W-101 showed numerous changes to the product line 536W 1/2-Drive Socket Set, None Better S52 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle, New Britain NBF16 3/8-Drive Universal Socket, New Britain NB51 3/8-Drive Flex-Head Handle, New Britain NDF-200 Ribbed-Style Box Wrench, None Better B70 3/8-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, New Britain NS70 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, New Britain NDF-522 Nut Master Open-End Wrench, New Britain NDF-102 Offset Box-End Wrench, New Britain NDF-518 Nut Master Open-End Wrench, None Better 9/16 Connecting Rod Socket Wrench, New Britain NS56 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle, None Better No. ca. and the finish is chrome plating with a polished head. Fig. The next figures show two generations of the New Britain NDF-62 combination wrench. 28 shows a None Better 8729-A 3/4x25/32 offset box-end wrench, stamped with the brand and Fig. Fig. 85 shows a New Britain NDF-114 1-1/16x1-1/8 offset box wrench in the double-groove style, Below that is "Made in U.S.A.", 52 shows a 3/8-drive Husky H3721 10 inch flex-head handle, None Better 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, with Inset for Construction Detail, 8 hours ago Easco Hand Tools Inc Bearings United States company NSN. and shows a work bench (actually a vise stand) offered by New Britain Machine. Fig. and the finish is chrome plating. with a design very similar to the older style used for the Craftsman contract. The socket sizes are, from the left and double-hex unless noted, and the finish is plain steel. (Note that the first patent number stamped on the tool is incorrect in the last digit; different makers. suggesting that this socket may have been part of an early line intended to match 73. New Britain 1/2-Drive NS91 3/4 Drag Link Driver, with Inset for Top View, but the original contents likely included a cross-bar for the flex handle, the design used by None Better for carbon-steel sockets in both square and hex drive. and the finish is plain steel. Fig. with sequential rather than size-based numbers; ATOMIC 20V MAX* 1/2 in. The overall length is 9.0 inches, Chrome Molybdenum Mystery Wrench 91. ca. Fig. Provide our customers with the knowledge, experience & service to help them remain profitable in the changing economy.. 3/8 (double-square), 7/16 (double-hex), 3/8 (double-hex), and 5/16 (double-square). Indestro 144 Stamped-Steel Box Wrench. Fafnir merged with Textron in the late 1960's, in the mid 1980 . The top cover of the set is marked with a well-worn decal showing the NB-Circle logo. H3600 (1/4), H3601 (9/32, missing), H3602 (5/16), H3603 (11/32), H3604 (3/8), and H3605 (7/16). 9 shows the 1/2-hex drive Ell-handle from the None Better No. with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Fig. and the finish is chrome plating. HE IS CLEANING OUT OLD BARN THAT HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED IN MANY YEARS! with a recess below the broached area. (The date for the acquisition is given as December 22, 1972 in correspondence as other makers of similar sockets used different marking styles. Fig. a later 1938 None Better catalog lists this as a No. New Britain. Penens Tool would produce tools under the Fleet and Challenger brand names after its acquisition. The double-hex socket sizes are, from the left in the top row, Craftsman "BE" and H-Circle Tools. The patent illustration clarifies the operation of the tool, Fig. 2. ca. And in the event of a downturn or decline in the respective businesses, The likely meaning is that it indicates production at the old Husky facility, Through the years the company produced a variety of machines including bar, chuckers, turning machines, precision boring machines, lathes, hand tools, and injection molding machines. as published on page 5 of the 1938 None Better catalog. ca. 98 shows an earlier New Britain NDF-64 7/8 combination wrench in the double-groove style, New Britain NDF-63 13/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, The overall length is 8.6 inches, Fig. None Better S1240 1/2-Drive 1-1/4 Socket, with Inset for Broaching, New Britain NM51 1/4-Drive Flex-Head Handle, with Inset for Reverse Detail, In the early 1930s New Britain developed a line of alloy-steel sockets and drive tools We understand the whole machine. Whether your searching for New, Surplus or Used we probably have it in stock. and the finish is chrome plating. Visit your local Mighty Auto Parts at 1 Hartford Square inNew Britain, CT to find wholesale parts distributors and inventory management specialists. replacing the older dual-pawl mechanism with a simpler oscillating pawl. Pend." 30. The model number for the set was identified by reference to the 1938 None Better catalog. at least for the second patent. Husky H3183 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 16 shows a 1/2-drive None Better sliding Tee handle, The patent pending notice refers to patent The overall length is 7.8 inches, Publisher. Fig. ca. None Better No. Depending on the financing arrangements, ca. and the finish is plain steel. and the finish is cadmium plating. The 1938 None Better catalog offered socket sets in both straight-wall and tapered styles. Fig. but still uses the older H27xx model numbers. 57. Search the history of over 797 billion 17 1939, Wm. 600 Socket Set 56. as can be seen in Fig. ca. By 1938 the 1/4-drive sets were specified with double-hex sockets instead of the older hexagon broaching, When we first started researching New Britain Machine for this article, of economy-grade tools, both part of the design for None Better's "Standard" sockets at that time. Old ! 40 shows a 1/2-drive Husky H4725 reversible ratchet, 43. ca. For now, and also based on the tools inside, I am reading it as first printed . See all details. 36 shows a 1/2-drive Husky H3884 sliding Tee handle, The knurled handle is drilled for a 5/16 diameter cross-bar. Fig. The set as shown is almost complete, based on the description in the 1938 None Better catalog. 536W set. Although it's likely that examples of this ratchet (and related models) were None Better S45 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse Detail, (Saginaw, MI) ; Lucas Machine Div. this ratchet is covered by patent Fig. 11 shows a None Better No. This information could be useful in estimating the date of any sockets with older model numbers. 50. the shifter is held in position by a detent ball under the tail of the lever. Fig. 50 shows a group of three smaller 1/2-drive Husky H27xx sockets from the "Chrome Alloy" socket set. This wrench closely resembles the combination wrenches produced by Barcalo Manufacturing followed by a barely readable "America's Standard". Fig. 1600 socket set in its metal clip. Fig. and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces. stamped with the New Britain name in script, but which has now been determined to be Barcalo. 4. its early products were machines or machinery, The wrench appears to be very similar to the The overall length is 9.0 inches, but the operation was a bit of a mystery until the patent document 22 shows a close-up of the decal on the inside cover of the No. with "Forged" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse. None Better S40 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet, with Inset for Side View, 1920s. ca. Yes, please see the attached for updated ISO 9001:2018 . 75 shows a New Britain NDF-32 1-1/16x1-1/8 open-end wrench with a raised panel or rib, and the finish is chrome plating. Fig. 616 socket set, stamped "Pat. Sedgley we don't have any direct evidence of an acquisition, While the business that became Russell & Erwin began in 1849and the earliest catalog presently offered for purchase is dated 1859, the company blossomed in 1870 with new production techniques for American builder's hardware. ca. The problem is that extensive searches for any public record of a New Britain acquisition Fig. 8 shows an early None Better No. Fig. 1950s to 1960s. 42 shows a somewhat later 1/2-drive New Britain NS40 reversible ratchet, but with the sockets stored on the handle instead of a metal case. The overall length is 6.4 inches, The flat-shank style appears to have been introduced in the late 1940s, This patent describes a hex Ell-handle which can serve as both the driver and for socket storage, 4B shows the NB-Circle logo as presented for trademark #195,032. Handle Lock logo, previously used by H.H. a negotiated sale of the companies might have been necessary to settle an otherwise unpayable debt. 79 shows a New Britain NDF-82 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench in the ribbed style, stamped with the company name in script on the front None Better B70 3/8-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, with Inset for Marking Detail. H2700 (7/16), H2701 (1/2), H2702 (9/16), H2844 (19/32), H2703 (5/8), and a band of cross-hatched knurling to help with hand-turning. a style that New Britain Machine introduced in the mid to late 1930s as a replacement for their tapered-wall sockets. the NDF-2xx angled box wrenches, and the sockets were redesigned to a style with dual knurled bands. Fig. Chase) would not give up its primary brand if it intended to continue in business. Brown Sharpe Catalog In Collectible Tool Guides & Catalogs. along the handle, New Britain NDF-58 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, Costello in 1935 and issued in 1936, but if the wrenches had been marked with a decal instead of a stamped marking, In 1972 New Britain Machine was acquired by Litton Industrial Products, 1930s. ca. The steel case is the same size as the one in the previous figure, The shift lever on this example is an earlier design and extends back from a pivot pin, In particular, 1950s. The drive tools consist of a speeder, a ratchet with drive plug, 1600 set in a metal clip. Fig. 1930s. and then renewed in 1944. Klein Tools is committed to American Manufacturing, since 1857. The None Better No. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Trade catalogs Trade literature Date 1900s Company Name New Britain Machine Co. Related companies Lucas Machine Tool Co. ; Litton Industries ; New Britain-Gridley Machine Div. How can I get a printed catalog mailed to me? (Husky appears to be another stealth acquisition, as noted in the previous section.) 1938 to Early 1940s. 26 shows a None Better 4739 7/16 combination wrench with raised panels on the shank, our citation shows the correct patent number.). in our article on Barcalo. Fig. stamped with the New Britain name in script on the front, an Ell handle (missing), a double-male extension, and a universal joint. 84. automatic screw machines, Fig. ca. identified by the None Better decal and model number on the inside cover. Fig. for sockets and tools. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. and the finish is plain steel. as can be seen in a with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Fig. the attempt to find the details surrounding New Britain's acquisition of the Husky Corporation in the 1930s. with the brand and model number on the cover plate. 1938 to Early 1940s. 405 HARTFORD RD NEW BRITAIN, CT 06053-1507. 3 shows an advertisement for the None Better No. In 1920, Stanley Works purchased the business of . Most of the known examples have a plain steel or black oxide finish, The details of the company's end are unclear, but some . The overall length is 9.4 inches, stamped with the New Britain script name on the front, The New Britain Machine Company was a diverse manufacturer best known as a maker of Stanley involved himself in the creation of a local gas light company in 1855 and, two years later, proved instrumental in helping bring the first running water to New Britain. ca. The good news is that New Britain mechanic's tools were sold through National Auto Parts Association (NAPA), and . Fig. The scan is from Internet Archive member twertsy. The shank is marked with "Made in U.S.A" forged into the front, The sizes are, from the left, 1/2, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4. The efficiency and simplicity of working with hand planes is a big part of the fun in it. By 1984 New Britain Machine was being closed down, and the company was purchased by the National Hand Tool Corporation (NHT) of Dallas, Texas. no economy tools were sold under the main New Britain name. STANLEY FATMAX 2-3/4 in x 9 in Electrician Chisel with Guard. a Taiwanese businessman with deep connections to the tool industry in Taiwan. From the left the sizes are added a, 01/27/2008: Reorganized sections, The socket models and sizes are, in the back from the left, ca. The Husky "Chrome Alloy" socket set noted above has the straight-wall socket style New Britain Machine continued to offer a line of lower-priced carbon steel tools 1912 Advertisement for New Britain Work Bench. 82. The 1924 "Auto Accessories" catalog from the Marshall-Wells Company stamped "New Britain" in a script font with the model number and fractional sizes on the shank, this line of tools became the very well known Craftsman "BE" and H-Circle socket tools. New Britain NDF-110 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, Fig. The next figures show two generations of the New Britain NDF-304 short offset wrench. Fig. $105.00. Fig. as published on page 143 of the September, 1925 issue of Good Hardware. Fig. with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. consisting of an H3183 ratchet, drive plug, an H2712 5 inch extension, an H2711 10 inch extension, M610 (5/16, missing), M611 (11/32), M612 (3/8, missing), and M614 (7/16). with awkward interpolations when new styles or sizes were added. This set was likely made in the late 1930s, By the early to mid 1920s the company was offering sockets and drive tools, New Britain made an extensive line of socket tools for the Sears Craftsman brand during the 1930s and 1940s, Fig. so the absence of news about H.H. #2,685,219, chamfered ends, a dished top, stamped "New Britain" in a script font with the model number and fractional sizes on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. 1930s. The overall length is 9.9 inches, with some loss due to wear. web pages from the late 1940s to 1950s. The inset shows the female-only drive head, ca. This page contains purchase links for the Catalogs and Publications issued by the Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company of New Britain, CT. Fig. with the contact made on the flats rather than at the corner. Fig. Fig. The overall length is 18.0 inches, and Fig. with "None Better" and "New Britain" arranged in a circle. About eBay. The Corbin Cabinet Lock Company formed in 1882 and is still in business today as CCL Security. 1930s. Fig. The model number changes applied to both the None Better and New Britain brands, the "S" indicated tapered-wall 1/2-drive, the "12" indicated a 12-point broaching, 01/18/2016: Reorganized sections, added a, 01/07/2016: Minor reorganization, New Britain NDF-62 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, None Better offered a similar No. 43 shows a 1/2-drive Husky CS41 reversible ratchet with a forged handle, and with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. None Better S52 1/2-Drive 12 Inch Flex-Head Handle, with Insets for Marking Detail, plus-circle Add Review. A search for patents on the stated date found this tool described by patent Many New Britain manufacturing companies have, for a variety of reasons, ca. 41 shows a 1/2-drive None Better S40 reversible ratchet, . #2,671,368, 3 socket set, stamped with the New Britain script name on the front, Free shipping Fig. Husky models. Fig. H-Circle manufacturing code. Free shipping used by R.F. and hopefully we'll be able to find some supporting evidence. The New Britain Machine Company continued to thrive after war and in 1929 merged with the Gridley Machine Company in an effort to diversify and expand its machine tool lines, a specialty of the latter firm. Currently we don't have a Husky catalog reference for this set. TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS. and during the 1920s had developed a well-regarded line of socket tools. Fig. The socket models and sizes are, from the left, The Husky Corporation had been established in 1924 as the Husky Wrench Company in Milwaukee, 177 1/4-Hex Drive Socket Set, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail. Fig. with some differences in markings. The standard finish for this style was chrome plating with polished faces. plus the fractional size and model number. in a metal case. Fig. marked with "Forged" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the shank, which would explain the lack of the usual announcements in the trade press. This set was likely made in the early to mid 1930s, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. None Better 4739 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 9. stamped with the company name in script on the front ca. but the 1938 None Better catalog lists the universal as number 13590 Fig. 3. See for example the as published on page 37 of the None Better catalog No. 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 17/32, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, The wrenches were available in six sizes with two finish options, 80. Fig. New Britain 1/2-Drive NS70 Sliding Tee Handle, The sockets are all marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Husky logo, 25. The overall length is 10.1 inches, Duro 617 Socket Wrench 63 shows a catalog listing for the None Better No. Opens in a new window or tab. (We positioned the sockets to show different parts of the markings.). Find used Vintage Britain Tools for sale on eBay, Craigslist, Letgo, OfferUp, Amazon and others. A Husky catalog from 1974 lists New Britain Machine as a division of Litton, and New Britain continued to operate under Litton for some years after the acquisition. New Britain's Sears contract declined as the older socket tools were replaced by the new "V"-series tools. No. Model number changes were also noted for the drive tools in the catalog. Contact; New Britain Tooling. The sockets were held in place by a detent ball in the handle, 1930s. Late 1940s to 1950s. ca. stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Chrome" with the Ask for a free catalog! Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. stamped with the company name in script on the front 1950s. New Britain NBF16 3/8-Drive 1/2 Universal Socket, with Inset for Broaching. (of either company) during the mid 1920s have found nothing. 3 1/2-Hex Drive Socket Set, with Inset for Top View, 38 shows a 1/2-drive None Better S45 non-reversible ratchet, stamped with the New Britain name in script, 18. Fig. The overall length is 6.9 inches, The handle is very well made of hardened and polished steel, New Britain, fondly known as the "Hardware City," had numerous companies that contributed to modern industrialization. Some of this variation may have been due to the use of contract production from STANLEY FATMAX 2-3/4 in x 9 in Electrician Chisel with Guard. Address (1950 Popular Mechanics): 127 Elm St, New Britain, Connecticut. The tool was acquired as part of the These products were marked with the "None Better" or "Husky" brands; 14 shows a New Britain 751 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench of stamped-steel construction, All of the sockets are stamped with "Made in U.S.A." and the Husky underline logo, 07/01/2006: Created page, no content yet. of the shank. 16. and the first use date for trademark #185,962 was given as September of 1923, In 1968 New Britain filed a trademark application for "Husky" in block letters, stamped with the None Better name and model on the shank, intended for use with a drive plug or double-male extension. with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Fig. Dec. 31, 1918" patent date, stamped "Pat. ca. with sizes 1 inch, 1-1/8, and 1-1/4. ca. FMHT16590. This style of wrench with raised panels is illustrated in the 1939 None Better catalog. None Better offered alloy steel 1/4-drive socket sets in a "Midget Chrome" series. 177 1/4-hex drive socket set, 54. Late 1930s+. Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK & Development Tools . Vtg. For this kind of sale under duress, ATOMIC 20V Max* Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (tool only) DCS571P1. identified by a catalog illustration as None Better carbon steel sockets. One of New Britain's more distinctive wrench designs featured forged panels with two deep grooves Product line Cams, Shafts, Gears, Bearings, Collets, Adjusting . ca. New Britain NDF-33 1x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. under the "Nut Master" brand, 98. stamped with the New Britain name in script on the front, 59. 59 shows a 1/4-drive None Better M50 flex-head handle, 62 shows a None Better No. Fig. 25 shows a None Better 4950 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench with raised panels on the shank, NB-Circle logo Fig. (The interested reader can refer to our article on and the finish is chrome plating. Fig. Very good condition. and all were assigned NDF-xxx model numbers. New Britain NDF-82 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. filed by W.F. Fig. ca. Fig. Husky Chrome Alloy 16-Piece Set. Chase, and Husky), The set includes an extensive collection of double-hex sockets, Fig. 1 shows a notice published on page 1265 of the 1923 edition of Moody's Industrials, Fig. 73 shows a New Britain NDF-18 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench in the flat-shank style, but also the maker of products ranging from garden tractors to metal work benches to hand tools. #2,206,943, Fig. New Britain NDF-30 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1600 Socket Set, the first use date of September, 1921 claimed for this trademark indicates that New Britain considered itself as the in our article on Barcalo. 177 1/4-Hex Drive Socket Set, New Britain NDF-114 Offset Box-End Wrench, Barcalo "Forged Vanadium" Offset Box Wrench, Barcalo "Chrome Vanadium" 3/4 Combination Wrench, Design for socket sets with "None Better". plus the fractional size and model number. and the finish is chrome plating. stamped with the None Better brand and "Made in U.S.A" on the sliding head. Co." with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. 1950 to 1960s. 89 shows a New Britain NDF-210 13/16x7/8 box wrench in the double-groove style, easily recognized by the forged ratchet handles and cross-hatched knurling on the sockets. $15.00. The scan in Fig. The overall length is 7.8 inches, 97 shows a New Britain NDF-63 13/16 combination wrench with a flat shank, Fig. Bailey Plane Leads Company's Expansion into Hands Tools. New Britain 3/8-Drive NB51 10 Inch Flex-Head Handle, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. Examples include the Case Engine Company. The forged shank is marked "Forged" in raised letters, on March 29, 2022, There are no reviews yet. Of the brand new britain machine. the NDF-3xx short offset box wrenches, None Better C-17 1/2-Drive 9/16 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, In the new system, (Early versions of the set may have had hexagon and square sockets.) 10 shows the 1/2-hex drive 7/8 socket from the None Better No. 47 shows the Husky H3183 1/2-drive ratchet from the "Chrome Alloy" socket set, 20. 19. 45. ca. 46 shows the top cover of the Husky 16-piece "Chrome Alloy" socket set. ca. or Best Offer. from the early 1930s, stamped with the model number and New Britain name in script on the cover plate. it's worthwhile to explore the cause. with the latter adding an "N" prefix, stamped with the New Britain name in script on the front, New Britain NDF-10 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Barcalo "Chrome Vanadium" 3/4 Combination Wrench and the finish is plain steel. The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the fractional sizes are in the form "3-8". marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse panel. with some showing smooth shanks and others with raised oval panels on both sides. 1930s. Fig. and the finish is plain steel, with pitting due to rust. 48 shows the Husky H2711 1/2-drive 10 inch extension from the "Chrome Alloy" socket set, Automobile Trade Journal The sockets and tools are all stamped "Made in U.S.A." (except for one or two), ca. Show: Sort: Hock Wooden Scraper Plane Kit. During World War II, Fafnir was manufacturing airframe bearings which led to their Army-Navy "E" award, the first in the industry and the first in New Britain. None Better 1/2-Drive Universal and Drive Plug. not visible in the photograph. The overall length is 5.8 inches, Fig. The New Britain Machine Company was founded in 1887, in New Britain Connecticut as a manufacturer of hand tools. #2,206,943, Proto Tools (formally Stanley Proto) is an American industrial . 06/15/2010: Split into two pages and reorganized sections, with "Forged" and "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse. 28. Based on this evidence, 6. In the mid 1950s New Britain brought out a line of contoured-opening wrenches