The Frank Mossberg Company

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Early Tools
• Sockets and Drive Tools
• Fixed Socket Wrenches and Specialty Tools
• Later Socket Development
• The APCO Merger and Later Tools
• References and Resources
• What's New (Last Updated June 17, 2009)
  Recent changes to this page:

  • 06/17/2009: Added a Mossberg K9 9 Inch Bicycle Wrench.
  • 05/08/2009: Added a Mossberg "C" Bicycle Wrench.
  • 04/20/2009: Minor reorganization of sections, added Cover Detail for "Auto-Cle" No. 1 Socket Set, Mossberg "Auto-Cle" 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets, and a Mossberg "Auto-Cle" 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension.
  • 04/19/2009: Added a Mossberg "Auto-Cle" No. 1 Socket Set.
  • 04/17/2009: Added a Mossberg "Sterling" No. 30 Bicycle Wrench.
  • 04/01/2009: Added a Mossberg No. 253 Open-End Wrench.
  • 03/20/2009: Added a APCO-Mossberg 3011 Offset Box Wrench.
  • 03/19/2009: Added a APCO-Mossberg 979 Single-Offset Box Wrench.
  • 02/26/2009: Added a APCO-Mossberg 971 Single-Offset Box Wrench.
  • 02/17/2009: Added date code inset for APCO-Mossberg 3014 Offset Box Wrench.
  • 02/07/2009: Expanded company history, added advertisement of No. 45 socket set.
  • 02/04/2009: Updated company history.
  • 01/07/2009: Added a Mossberg 23/32x25/32 Double Socket Wrench.
  • 12/10/2008: Added a Mossberg 1/2-Drive Ratchet Adapter.
  • 11/16/2008: Added a Auto-Cle 1/2-Drive Ratchet.
  • 04/06/2008: Added a Mossberg "Sterling" No. 2 Bicycle Wrench.
  • 04/02/2008: Added a Mossberg No. 654 Valve Spring Lifter.
  • 03/29/2008: Added discussion of Pressed-Steel Socket Sizes.
  • 03/09/2008: Added a Mossberg Z-Shaped 19/32 Double Socket Wrench.
  • 03/04/2008: Added a Mossberg 371 11/16-Drive Adapter.
  • 01/31/2008: Added a Mossberg No. 355 Non-Reversible Ratchet.
  • 01/25/2008: Added a APCO-Mossberg 3014 Offset Box Wrench.
  • 01/23/2008: Added a Mossberg 715B Open-End Wrench.
  • 01/07/2007: Updated catalog resources.
  • 01/03/2007: Updated catalog resources.
  • 11/30/2007: Added a Mossberg Z-Shaped 17/32x21/32 Double Socket Wrench.
  • 11/09/2007: Added a Mossberg 2149 Socket Wrench.
  • 08/13/2007: Added a Mossberg 260-A Open-End Wrench.
  • 07/18/2007: Added a APCO-Mossberg 974 Single-Offset Box Wrench.
  • 05/21/2007: Added a Mossberg Male Drive Sockets.
  • 05/04/2007: Added a Mossberg 645 Ratcheting Box Wrench.
  • 05/03/2007: Added an APCO Early Double-Hex Box Wrench.
  • 02/19/2007: Added a Mossberg No. 1235 S-Shaped Wrench.
  • 02/03/2007: Added a Mossberg No. 234 Open-End Wrench.
  • 01/09/2007: Added a Mossberg F-2 Bicycle Wrench.
  • 01/04/2007: Added a Mossberg No. 11 Diamond Bicycle Wrench.
  • 11/29/2006: Added a Mossberg No. 1 Sterling Bicycle Wrench.
  • 11/21/2006: Added an Mossberg A1 Bicycle Wrench and a Mossberg Folding Drive Handle.
  • 11/19/2006: Added a APCO-Mossberg 1/2-Drive Extension.
  • 11/15/2006: Added a Mossberg No. 355 Non-Reversible Ratchet.
  • 11/14/2006: Added a Mossberg 624 Ratcheting Connecting-Rod Wrench.
  • 11/13/2006: Added Mossberg No. 363 Speeder Socket Wrench, a Mossberg No. 367 1/2-Drive Speeder, and a APCO-Mossberg 976 Single-Offset Wrench.
  • 11/12/2006: Added Mossberg Heavy-Wall Sockets.
  • 11/11/2006: Added a Mossberg 422 Spark Plug Socket.
  • 11/10/2006: Added a Double-Male Universal.
  • 11/09/2006: Started patent table, added a No. 351 Extension and a 1/2-Drive Socket.
  • 11/08/2006: Added a No. 10 Socket Set.
  • 08/19/2006: Added a rare 631 Ratcheting Socket Wrench.
  • 08/17/2006: Added a 623 Socket Wrench.
  • 08/15/2006: Added page, no content yet.

Introduction

The Frank Mossberg Company was an important early maker of wrenches, automotive tools, and especially interchangeable socket sets. In the years before 1920, Mossberg along with Walden-Worcester both defined and dominated the early market for socket sets, and their products laid the groundwork for the later development of interchangeable socket tools.

Company History

Frank Mossberg was a notable inventor and businessman in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a center for jewelry manufacturing in the 19th century. Mossberg was born in Wermland, Sweden in 1858 and had immigrated to America in 1882. After working as a draftsman for Brown & Sharpe for a few years, he began his first manufacturing business in 1889 as the Mossberg Manufacturing Company in Attleboro, Massachusetts. (Another early business venture is referred to as the Mossberg Wrench Company and is presumed to be a subsidiary of Mossberg Manufacturing, although the exact relationship is not yet clear.)

The company was initially a maker of tools for the jeweler's trade, but by the early 1890s had begun producing several styles of adjustable bicycle wrenches, which were very popular tools at the time. Several patents for adjustable wrenches were issued to Mossberg in the 1890s, with assignments made to the Mossberg Wrench Company.

In 1899 Frank Mossberg and other investors founded the Frank Mossberg Company to manufacture tools, with the intended production of pipe wrenches, bicycle wrenches, and related items. The company was initially located in Providence, Rhode Island and operated independently of Mossberg's earlier business(es), but by 1900 the company had moved to Attleboro, and then in 1901 the earlier business operations were merged into the Frank Mossberg Company. By the early 1900s the company was producing bicycle wrenches in a number of styles, with names such as Sterling and Diamond.

The Auto-Cle Line

In 1908 the company made a key acquisition with the purchase of the "Auto-Cle" line of automotive socket wrenches from the Quincy, Manchester, Sargent Company. These socket wrench sets consisted of pressed-steel sockets with a ratcheting drive tool, and were based on patents #751,055 and #RE12,379, issued in 1904 and 1905 respectively. Mossberg had previously been the contract manufacturer for the Auto-Cle socket sets and realized their significant market potential. The Auto-Cle acquisition was the starting point for a very successful line of socket wrench products, and Mossberg made numerous improvements and additions over the years.

In 1909 the Frank Mossberg Company built a significant new factory in Attleboro, with $50,000 of funding provided by a local group of business investors. This factory project is noted in the August, 1909 issue of The Horseless Age on page 186 at the top center. The article describes the factory as a two-story brick building of dimensions 60 by 290 feet, with a separate power plant included as well. Construction was expected to be complete by December 1 of that year.

The expansion of the automobile industry created great demand for automotive service tools, and in the years from 1910 to 1920 the Frank Mossberg Company became a significant maker of automotive specialty tools. These tools consisted primarily of fixed socket wrenches in many shapes and sizes, and Mossberg was probably second only to Walden-Worcester as a producer of such tools.

The Late Teens

In early 1919 Mossberg released an important new product, the No. 45 Socket Wrench Set, which combined a 1/2 square drive speeder handle with a selection of heavy-duty sockets. This socket set was featured in an advertisement on page 137 of the January 1919 issue of Popular Science Monthly, and the illustration shows the speeder handle together with a generous selection of sockets.

The No. 45 set was clearly intended for professional mechanics, who needed the faster operation of a speeder handle plus the stronger sockets for everyday use. (Modern readers may strain to imagine a time when there were no air-powered drive tools, but at that time a speeder was the fastest way to spin off a nut.) And with the interchangeable sockets, the No. 45 set could fit a wide range of nut sizes at a much lower cost and weight than a comparable set of fixed socket wrenches.

The timing for this set was critical too, as in early 1919 Blackhawk Manufacturing was just getting started (and its name hadn't even been decided yet), and the Snap-On Wrench Company was more than a year in the future. If the No. 45 socket set had turned out to be a huge commercial success, it very possibly could have significantly altered the balance of competition in the 1920s.

Later Developments

During the 1920s the company continued to expand its automotive service tools line. In 1927 the company was reorganized as the APCO-Mossberg Company by merger with APCO (The Auto Parts Company) of Providence, Rhode Island. APCO was a maker of parts and specialty tools for the Model T Ford, and some examples of their products can be seen in a later section.

Sometime during the 1930s APCO-Mossberg decided to drop their general service tools, perhaps because of excess competition, and became instead a specialized maker of torque measurement products. The APCO-Mossberg torque products remained in production for many years.

Patents

Frank Mossberg was extremely prolific as an inventor, and the following table lists only the tool-related patents, representing a small fraction of his total output.

Trademarks

A search of the USPTO trademark records found only one trademark registered by Frank Mossberg, the M-Diamond logo. The trademark was filed in 1907 and listed the first use as November 1902.

Early Tools

Early "C" Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 1. Mossberg "C" Bicycle Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1895-1899.

Fig. 1 shows an early Mossberg "C" bicycle wrench, stamped "Mossberg Wrench Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A" with "[Pat.] Nov. 19 & Dec. 31, '95" patent dates. (The left side of the markings was stamped very lightly and is difficult to read.)

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The first patent date refers to patent #550,025 filed by Frank Mossberg in 1894. The patent describes an adjustable wrench with a thin profile made possible by the laminated steel construction.

The later date refers to patent #552,325, filed by Frank Mossberg in 1895.

"Sterling" No. 1 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 2. Mossberg "Sterling" No. 1 Bicycle Wrench, ca. 1900-1902.

Fig. 2 shows a Mossberg "Sterling" No. 1 bicycle wrench, stamped "Manf'd by Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A" with a "Pat. Nov. 13, 00" patent date.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is fully polished with nickel plating.

The patent date corresponds to patent #661,810, filed by Frank Mossberg in 1900 and issued later that year.

The absence of the M-Diamond trademark suggests that this is an early tool, made before the general use of the trademark logo.

"Sterling" No. 2 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 3. Mossberg "Sterling" No. 2 Bicycle Wrench.

Fig. 3 shows a later Mossberg "Sterling" No. 2 bicycle wrench, stamped with the M-Diamond logos on either side of the model number, with "Manf'd by Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A" at the end of the shank.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is polished nickel, but with some loss due to wear and rust.

The wrench is also stamped with a "Pat. Nov. 13, 00" patent date, corresponding to patent #661,810, filed by Frank Mossberg in 1900 and issued later that year.

"Sterling" No. 30 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 4. Mossberg "Sterling" No. 30 Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 4 shows a Mossberg "Sterling" No. 30 bicycle wrench, stamped with the M-Diamond logo above the model number. The reverse is stamped "Manf'd by Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A" with "Pat'd. Nov. 13, 00", "Pat'd. Mar. 11, 02", and "Pat. Applied For" patent notices.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is polished nickel, with minor losses due to wear and rust.

The patent dates correspond to patents #661,810 and and #695,072, filed by Frank Mossberg in 1900 and 1901, respectively.

"Diamond" No. 11 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 5. Mossberg "Diamond" No. 11 Bicycle Wrench.

Fig. 5 shows a Mossberg "Diamond" No. 11 bicycle wrench, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro Mass. U.S.A" with M-Diamond logos on each side, and with patent notations "Pat'd. Nov. 13, 00" and "Pat'd. Mar. 11, 02".

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent dates refer to patents #661,810 and #695,072, both of which describe methods of constructing adjustable wrenches of this design.

A-1 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 6. Mossberg A-1 Bicycle Wrench.

Fig. 6 shows a Mossberg A-1 bicycle wrench, marked with the M-Diamond logo and patent notations "Pat. Nov. 13, 00 Mar. 11, 02".

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent dates refer to patents #661,810 and #695,072, both of which describe methods of constructing adjustable wrenches of this design.

F-2 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 7. Mossberg F-2 Bicycle Wrench.

Fig. 7 shows a Mossberg F-2 bicycle wrench, stamped with two M-Diamond logos and the patent notations "Pat. Nov. 13, 00 Mar. 11, 02".

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

K-8 8 Inch Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 8A. Mossberg K-8 8 Inch Bicycle Wrench, ca. 1905.

Fig. 8A shows a rare Mossberg K-8 8 inch bicycle wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo, and with patent notations "Patd. Nov. 13, 00 Mar. 11, 02".

The overall length is 7.9 inches.

One unusual feature is that the wrench body appears to be constructed of a copper alloy, as can be seen in the bright areas where the greenish tarnish has been removed.

K-9 9 Inch Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 8B. Mossberg K-9 9 Inch Bicycle Wrench, ca. Early 1900s.

Fig. 8B shows a rare Mossberg K-9 9 inch bicycle or auto wrench, stamped "Manf'd by Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with two M-Diamond logos bracketing the model number.

The overall length is 9.0 inches and the maximum opening is about 2.1 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of nickel plating.

Although we've called this a "bicycle wrench", the larger size suggests that it may have been intended primarily for motorcycle or automotive service.

Sockets and Drive Tools

Mossberg was a pioneer in the development and production of sockets and drive tools, and their earliest product in this area was the "Auto-Cle" line of socket sets, first offered probably around 1905. Initially Mossberg was the contract manufacturer for the Auto-Cle line, but within a few years had purchased the rights to the patents and brand for the product line.

The sockets in the early Mossberg sets were made of pressed steel, and the drive ends were cleverly sized to allow being driven either on the outside (approximately 11/16 square), or from the inside as 1/2 square drive. This drive configuration quickly became a standard, and sockets from other early makers (such as Walden-Worcester) were generally interchangeable.

By 1912 Frank Mossberg had filed a patent for a reversible ratchet to drive the sockets, and the resulting socket sets with reversible ratchets became best sellers of their time.

Size Conventions for Pressed-Steel Sockets

Before proceeding to show examples of the socket sets, we'll first take a look at the somewhat odd size conventions used for pressed-steel sockets. This is an area that will probably cause as much confusion for modern readers as it likely did for early auto owners or "automobilists", as they were sometimes called.

Readers familiar with early Model T socket sets may have wondered about the numerous "oddball" socket sizes in 32nds, sizes such as 17/32 or 23/32 that are seldom seen today. Based on the socket sizes, you might have concluded that the early automobiles used a lot of strange fastener sizes.

However, if you check the open-end wrenches from the same time era, these tools don't include all of the opening sizes seen on sockets. (Keeping in mind that wrench openings were marked by a U.S.S. or S.A.E. size.) So if a Model T really used 17/32 or 23/32 nuts, why weren't these sizes available in open-end wrenches?

This discrepancy turns out to be due to pressed-steel socket sizes being specified as 1/32 oversize, apparently an allowance for the manufacturing tolerance. This means that a 17/32 pressed-steel socket would be specified for an (across-flats) 1/2 inch nut, for which a modern 1/2 socket would work fine. This same nut would use an open-end wrench marked as "1/4 U.S.S." or "5/16 S.A.E." under the old size conventions.

So in reality the Model T didn't have any 17/32 or 23/32 nuts. The early automobiles used a mix of fasteners with sizes following the U.S.S., S.A.E., or Hex Capscrew conventions, which use a few of the 32nd sizes, but the "strange" sizes appear only when the 1/32 oversize socket allowance is added. Open-end wrenches (and modern sockets) don't need to use an explicit oversize allowance, as the manufacturing tolerances allow for a small oversize to be buried in the nominal size.

Table 2. Pressed-Steel Hex Socket Sizes for U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew Nuts

To help further clarify the situation, we've added a table showing the recommended pressed-steel socket size for the commonly used fasteners, along with the corresponding across-flats nut (or bolt) size. The information in Table 2 is from a 1922 Marwedel catalog listing for Mossberg sockets, and the catalog clearly states that a 1/32 clearance will be added if the sockets are ordered by nut size.

Keep in mind that the above table applies only to pressed-steel sockets -- later sockets were made with a broaching or forging technology that didn't require such a large oversize allowance.

Auto-Cle Socket Sets

We'll begin this section with a look at the early "Auto-Cle" socket sets, which served as Mossberg's introduction to pressed-steel socket technology.

The Auto-Cle socket sets were based on patents issued in 1904 and 1905 to Camille Contal, a French engineer. The earlier patent #751,055 was filed by Contal in 1903 and issued on February 2, 1904. (The date of this patent is sometimes marked incorrectly on tools.) The later patent was a re-issue of the original, issued as #RE12,379 on August 15, 1905.

The French origin of the design provides the "key" to understanding the name given to the sets. The socket sets were originally named Auto-Clé, with the word "clé" meaning "key" in French -- i.e. the key to your auto. Some early advertisements for the sets correctly included the accent mark, but later it was corrupted into the somewhat puzzling Auto-Cle name.

Before Mossberg acquired the rights to the Auto-Cle line, the sets were produced and marketed by the Quincy, Manchester, Sargent Company (Q.M.S.), a maker of hardware and tools located in New Jersey. It's currently an open question as to whether Mossberg served as the original contract manufacturer for the Q.M.S. company, possibly making the entire set, or at least the sockets. Auto-Cle sets are almost always found with Mossberg-marked sockets, and the other tools in the set were certainly well within Mossberg's manufacturing expertise. We're inclined to think that Mossberg was the maker of the sets all along, but will change this section as needed if new information is discovered.

After licensing the rights to the Auto-Cle line in 1908, Mossberg continued to supply the sets to Q.M.S. for some years. In late 1909 Q.M.S. established a subsidary division called the Motor Parts Company to handle all of their automotive specialties, and Auto-Cle sets sold after that time were marked with the Motor Parts name. Mossberg itself continued to sell the Auto-Cle sets for many years, and they were still listed in the catalogs at least into the early 1920s.

Mossberg "Auto-Cle" No. 1 Socket Set

Fig. 9. Mossberg "Auto-Cle" No. 1 Socket Set, ca. 1909-1912.

Fig. 9 shows an early Mossberg "Auto-Cle" No. 1 socket set, consisting of a ratchet, extension, universal, and sockets in a wooden case.

The hex sockets in the set cover the range from 5/16 to 1 inch by 32nds (23 sizes), plus four additional sizes 1-1/32, 1-3/32, 1-5/32, and 1-9/32, giving a total of 27 hex sockets. This particular selection of socket sizes became the de facto standard for "large" pressed-steel socket sets, and both Mossberg and other tool makers offered sets with these sizes for many years. (However, the rationale behind the selected sizes is a bit peculiar, as will be discussed at a later point.)

The set also includes three square sockets of sizes 13/32, 17/32, and 21/32, fitting square-head set screws of sizes 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8. In addition, the 17/32 square socket could be used as a connector for the 1/2-drive tools in the set.

This particular socket set was supplied to the Motor Parts division of the Q.M.S. company, as shown in the next figure.

Fig. 10. Detail for Cover of Auto-Cle No.1 Socket Set, ca. 1909-1912.

Fig. 10 shows the Motor Parts Company logo on the top cover of the socket set, with "Auto-Cle" inside an oval design resembling an old-fashioned keyhole. Within the oval are the markings "Motor Parts Co." and "Plainfield, N.J.", with "Reg. U.S. Pat. Off." below the oval. The markings are printed on (or possibly burned into) the wood cover, rather than being attached as a decal, as was commonly done for later Mossberg socket sets.

Mossberg 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets from "Auto-Cle" Socket Set

The Auto-Cle socket set was acquired with about a third of the sockets missing, but all of the remaining sockets (except one, possibly a later replacement) were marked with an older form of the Mossberg logo. This next figure shows some examples of the sockets.

Fig. 11. Mossberg 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets from "Auto-Cle" Socket Set, ca. 1909-1912.

Fig. 11 shows a group of three of the hex sockets from the Auto-Cle socket set, all stamped with the Mossberg M-Diamond logo on the base, with the fractional sizes stamped on a different side of the base. The sizes are, from left to right, 13/16, 27/32, and 7/8. (The selected sockets are the rightmost socket from the middle row and the left two sockets from the top row of the socket set photograph.)

Readers familiar with Mossberg sockets may notice the different style of marking on these sockets. The M-Diamond logo on the base is stamped with the diamond parallel to the axis of the socket, rather than in the transverse orientation found on later sockets. In addition, the logo is somewhat smaller, and the fractional size is stamped on a different side.

"Auto-Cle" 1/2-Drive Ratchet with Folding Handle

Fig. 12. Auto-Cle [Mossberg] 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1910-1915.

Fig. 12 shows an early 1/2-drive Mossberg "Auto-Cle" ratchet with a folding handle, stamped "Auto-Cle" and "Made in U.S.A." on the barrel (see inset). The markings also include "Reg. U.S. Pat. Off." with the patent dates "Feb. 5, 04" and "Aug. 15, 05".

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the handle bar length is 6.5 inches. The finish is nickel plating.

The earlier patent date refers to patent #751,055, filed by Camille Contal in 1903 and issued on February 2 of 1904. (Note that the stamped date is incorrect.) The second patent date refers to the re-issue patent #RE12,379 issued in 1905.

This ratchet is shown included in the Auto-Cle socket set above, but was acquired separately from the set itself.

Mossberg 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension from "Auto-Cle" Socket Set

Although the Auto-Cle socket set wasn't advertised as "1/2 inch drive", all of the drive tools were in fact 1/2-drive and would even work with modern sockets. Early socket sets were generally regarded as self-contained tool collections, without regard to compatibility with other tools, but the fact that a very popular early set used 1/2 inch square drive must have helped establish that size as the common standard.

Fig. 13. Mossberg 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension, ca. 1909-1912.

Fig. 13 shows the Mossberg 10 inch extension from the Auto-Cle socket set, unmarked but believed to have been made by Mossberg.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The construction of the extension includes four stop tabs on each end, produced by a circular dimple on each side.

Mossberg Pressed-Steel Socket Sets

After getting its start with the "Auto-Cle" socket sets, Mossberg continued to develop and improve the pressed-steel socket technology, and the later Mossberg socket sets were highly successful products.

No. 310 1/2-Drive Folding Offset Handle

Fig. 14. Mossberg No. 310 1/2-Drive Folding Offset Handle, ca. 1910-1915.

Fig. 14 shows an early 1/2-drive Mossberg folding handle, marked "Man'f'd by Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass." with the M-Diamond logo. Although not marked with a model number, this was identifed as a No. 310 handle by a catalog reference.

The overall length is 6.0 inches folded and 10.9 inches when fully extended. The finish appears to be a thin dark lacquer.

The handle is also marked with the patent date "Pat'd. Feb. 15-10", referring to patent #949,083.

Mossberg Early Pressed-Steel Socket Set

This next figure shows an early Mossberg pressed-steel socket set in a leather case. The set has not yet been identified from a catalog reference, but consists of a folding drive handle with a selection of sockets.

No. 7 Socket Set

The Mossberg No. 7 socket set was one of their more modest collections, consisting of two drive tools and 15 pressed-steel sockets in a wooden box. The drive tools are the No. 320 Ell handle and the No. 324 Tee handle; no ratchet was included in this set.

The socket sizes (all hex) are 13/32, 15/32, 17/32, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 23/32, 25/32, 13/16, 27/32, 29/32, 1 inch, 1-1/32, and 1-3/32. Also included is one 29/32 deep spark-plug socket.

Our set is currently being prepared for display.

No. 10 Pressed-Steel Socket Wrench Set

Fig. 17. Mossberg No. 10 Pressed-Steel Socket Set, ca. 1913-1923.

Fig. 17 shows an example of an early pressed-steel socket set, a Mossberg No. 10 socket set in a wooden box.

The original contents of the set were obtained from a 1922 catalog listing, and consisted of a ratchet, extension, universal, 19 standard hex sockets, two spark plug (deep) sockets, and an offset screwdriver. Our set as acquired is reasonably complete, but is missing the offset screwdriver and a few sockets, and at least one other socket is a later replacement.

The standard socket sizes (all hex) were 15/32, 1/2, 17/32, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, 23/32, 25/32, 13/16, 27/32, 7/8, 29/32, 31/32, 1 inch, 1-1/32, 1-3/32, 1-5/32, and 1-9/32. The set as pictured is missing the 15/32, 1/2, 27/32, and 1 inch sizes, and a 9/16 socket has been added.

The two spark plug sockets have sizes 29/32 and 1-5/32, and are shown in detail in the figures below.

Fig. 18 and Fig. 16 below show the decals glued to each end of the box, and it's fortunate that there are two, because both decals have suffered varying amounts of wear and damage over the years.

Fig. 18. First Decal from Mossberg No. 10 Socket Set.

Fig. 19. Second Decal from Mossberg No. 10 Socket Set.

Using both examples to fill in for the missing areas, the upper part of the decal reads "No. 10 Socket Wrench Set" with the M-Diamond logo (in red) in the center. The lower part reads "Made by Frank Mossberg Co." with "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." (partially missing) at the bottom.

No. 350 11/16-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 20. Mossberg No. 350 Ratchet, 1913+.

Fig. 20 shows the Mossberg No. 350 ratchet from the No. 10 set, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish appears to be nickel plating.

The ratchet is also marked with the patent notice "Pat. Nov. 11, 1913", which refers to patent #1,078,059, issued to Frank Mossberg and assigned to the company.

The large opening of the ratchet (approximately 11/16) is sized to drive the sockets from the outside, and is fitted with a friction ball to help secure the socket. This 11/16 drive size was a standard for the early pressed-steel socket sets, and the sockets and drive tools from all makers were generally interchangeable. Since the sockets could also be driven by the 1/2 square inside opening, the sockets could be regarded as both 11/16-drive and 1/2-drive.

No. 351 11/16-Drive Extension

Fig. 21. Mossberg No. 351 Extension.

Fig. 21 shows the Mossberg No. 351 extension included in the No. 10 set, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish appears to be nickel plating.

The extension has a distinctive design that makes use of the inner and outer drive capabilities of the sockets. The large end of the extension is sized like the socket drive ends, and the other end terminates in a 1/2-drive stud with a friction ball. This design allows several different usage patterns.

One typical usage would be to drive the large end of the extension directly with the ratchet, with the male end driving a socket from the inside. A second usage pattern would be needed to connect the double-male universal joint with the extension. For this case, the universal joint would be inserted in the socket and the large end of the extension, and the ratchet would then drive the male stud of the extension using another socket as a shim.

No. 336 Double-Male Universal

Fig. 22. Mossberg No. 336 Double-Male Universal.

Fig. 22 shows the double-male universal from the No. 10 set, unmarked but identified as a Mossberg No. 336 in the catalogs.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The male drive studs of the universal are 1/2 inch square, close enough to the industry standard to allow operation with modern sockets. The universal connects to the Mossberg sockets using the inside drive opening, and the connection to the No. 350 ratchet is made by inserting a spare socket as a shim.

402 29/32 Spark Plug Socket

Fig. 23. Mossberg 402 29/32 Spark Plug Socket, with Insets for Broach and Drive End.

Fig. 23 shows a Mossberg 402 29/32 spark plug socket, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." on one face, with the fractional size on another face.

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the hex opening and square drive ends.

This socket was acquired as part of the Mossberg No. 10 Socket Set shown above.

422 1-5/32 Spark Plug Socket

Fig. 24. Mossberg 422 1-5/32 Spark Plug Socket.

Fig. 24 shows a similar Mossberg 422 1-5/32 spark plug socket, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." on one face, with the fractional size on another face.

The overall length is 3.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This socket was acquired as part of the Mossberg No. 10 Socket Set shown above.

No. 30 Socket Set

The Mossberg No. 30 socket set was a compact collection intended for Ford owners. The set consisted of a No. 355 ratchet handle, No. 351 extension, No. 336 universal, and eleven pressed-steel sockets.

The sockets include the eight regular hex sizes 15/32, 17/32, 19/32, 21/32, 23/32, 25/32, 29/32, and 31/32, plus a 31/32 deep spark plug socket. Also included (at least in earlier sets) is a 19/32 oval socket for the early Ford main-bearing bolts, plus a 19/32 square socket for later Fords.

No. 355 Ratchets

Fig. 26. Mossberg No. 355 Ratchet.

Fig. 26 shows a Mossberg No. 355 non-reversible ratchet, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The ratchet is also marked with a "Pat. Pend." notice, but the corresponding patent is not yet known. It's possible that this ratchet is covered by one of the known Mossberg ratchet patents, or there may be another patent waiting to be found.

Fig. 27. Mossberg No. 355 Ratchet.

Fig. 27 shows another example of the Mossberg No. 355 ratchet, similar to the previous figure but with a painted finish. The handle is stamped "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo, and with a "Pat. Pend." notice.

This ratchet was acquired as part of a Mossberg No. 30 socket set, which will be displayed at a later time.

Fixed Socket Wrenches and Specialty Tools

Early 17/32x21/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench

Fig. 28. Mossberg 17/32x21/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench, with Insets for Socket Detail, ca. 1910-1918.

Fig. 28 shows a Mossberg 17/32x21/32 double socket wrench with a Z-shaped handle, marked with the M-Diamond logo on the shank and sockets.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

As can be seen from the photograph, this wrench was constructed by crimping two pressed-steel sockets to a bent steel handle.

This wrench was one of the tools included in the Mossberg No. 17 wrench kit for the Ford Model T, a set of five fixed socket wrenches in a canvas roll. The No. 17 set is listed for $2.00 in a 1916 Central Automobile Supply catalog.

Early 23/32x25/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench

Fig. 29. Mossberg 23/32x25/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench, with Insets for Socket Detail, ca. 1910-1918.

Fig. 29 shows another example of the Z-shaped wrenches, a Mossberg 23/32x25/32 double socket wrench of pressed-steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo on the shank and sockets.

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 23/32 and 25/32 socket openings on this wrench were intended for servicing 11/16 and 3/4 nut sizes, respectively, as pressed-steel sockets were always specified 1/32 oversize. This wrench was one of the tools included in the Mossberg No. 17 wrench kit for the Ford Model T, a set of five fixed socket wrenches in a canvas roll. The No. 17 set was offered with a list price of $2.00 in the 1916 Central Automobile Supply catalog.

Early 19/32x19/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench

Fig. 30. Mossberg 19/32x19/32 Z-Shaped Double Socket Wrench, with Insets for Socket Detail, ca. 1916-1918.

Fig. 30 shows another example of the Mossberg Z-shaped wrenches, a double socket wrench with 19/32 sockets of square and oval cross-section, stamped with the M-Diamond logo on the shank.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench was intended for servicing the Model T main bearings, which used oval-shaped nuts on earlier models and square nuts after around 1916.

This wrench was one of the tools included in the Mossberg No. 17 wrench kit for the Ford Model T, a set of five fixed socket wrenches in a canvas roll.

234 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 31. Mossberg No. 234 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 31 at the left shows a Mossberg No. 234 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench of stamped steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

253 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 32. Mossberg No. 253 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 32 shows a Mossberg No. 253 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench of stamped steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

260-A 5/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 33. Mossberg No. 260-A 5/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 33 shows a Mossberg No. 260-A 5/8x15/16 open-end wrench of stamped steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

715B 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 34. Mossberg No. 715B 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 34 shows a Mossberg No. 715B 1/2x11/16 open-end wrench of stamped steel construction, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1235 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 35. Mossberg No. 1235 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 35 at the left shows a Mossberg No. 1235 1/2x9/16 S-shaped wrench of stamped steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

551 25/32 Single Open-End Wrench

Fig. 36. Mossberg 551 25/32 Single Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 36 shows a Mossberg 551 25/32 open-end wrench of stamped steel construction, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

645 Ratcheting Box Wrench for Ford Applications

Fig. 37. Mossberg 645 11/16 Ratcheting Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 37 shows a Mossberg 645 11/16 ratcheting box wrench intended for servicing Model T reverse and brake bands. The handle is stamped "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo, and the application is noted as "For Ford Reverse & Brake Pedal Bands".

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The wrench is also marked with a "Pat. Dec. 28, 1915" patent notice, which corresponds to patent #1,165,995. The patent describes the construction of a simple and inexpensive ratchet, as needed for the high-volume but cost sensitive Model T tools market.

No. 654 Valve Spring Lifter

Fig. 38. Mossberg No. 654 Valve Spring Lifter, with Inset for Top View, ca. 1914-1920.

Fig. 38 shows an early Mossberg No. 654 valve spring lifter, stamped "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo, and with a "Pat. Jul. 28, 14" patent notice.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent date corresponds to patent #1,105,096, filed by S.C. North in 1912 and issued in 1914.

Mossberg 623 Socket Wrench

Fig. 39. Mossberg 623 5/8 Socket Wrench, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 39 shows a Mossberg 623 6-point 5/8 socket wrench with an offset curled-bar handle. The wrench is marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A.", with "Made in U.S.A." and the M-Diamond logo. The overall length is 10.4 inches.

The finish is a heavy nickel plating. The offset handle was designed for clearance in connecting-rod applications.

Mossberg 2149 Socket Wrench

Fig. 40. Mossberg 2149 3/4 Offset Socket Wrench, with Inset for Construction Detail.

Fig. 40 shows a Mossberg 2149 offset socket wrench with a 3/4 hex opening, stamped "Mossberg Corp." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is a heavy nickel plating.

The inset shows the hex opening forged into the handle.

Mossberg 624 Ratcheting Socket Wrench

Our next figure shows the fancy version of a connecting-rod wrench, with a built-in ratchet for more convenient operation.

Fig. 41. Mossberg 624 5/8 Ratcheting Socket Wrench, with Inset for Top View.

Fig. 41 shows a Mossberg 624 5/8 ratcheting socket wrench, marked "Frank Mossberg Co." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo. The overall length is 10.6 inches, and the finish shows some traces of the original nickel plating.

The ratchet mechanism is similar to that used on older bit braces, with dual pawls alternately deactivated by a rotating ring. The selector ring actually has three modes of operation, with one position leaving both pawls engaged so that the socket is locked in place.

Mossberg 630 Triple-Socket Wrench

Fig. 42. Mossberg 630 (9/16x11/16)x5/8 Triple Socket Wrench, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 42 shows a Mossberg 630 triple-socket wrench with (measured) sizes (9/16x11/16)x5/8, marked with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 10.3 inches.

Mossberg 631 Ratcheting Socket Wrench

Fig. 43. Mossberg 631 19/32x5/8 Ratcheting Double-Socket Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 43 shows a rare Mossberg 631 double-socket ratcheting wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo. The socket sizes were measured as 19/32 and 5/8 (or possibly 21/32).

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is polished nickel plating.

The ratchet action can be reversed by using the rod extending from the handle. The rod is first pulled out slightly, and then turned to reverse the ratchet direction. Although the ratchet mechanism is fairly coarse with only 7 teeth, it still offers greater convenience than a fixed socket wrench.

The dual socket unit is held in place by a spring circlip, suggesting that the tool may have had interchangeable socket sizes available. (No catalog reference has been found yet for this model.)

Later Socket Development

In 1919 Mossberg released an important new of set heavy-wall sockets combined with a speeder handle, the No. 45 socket set. This was a landmark product in the development of socket tools, although it turned out to be at best a modest commercial success.

The new style of sockets for the No. 45 set were circular on the service end and had much heavier walls than the older pressed-steel sockets. The construction technique appears to have been a hybrid of forging and pressing, possibly a hot blank of seamless steel forced into a die.

Mossberg No. 360 Short Speeder Handle

Fig. 44. Mossberg No. 360 Short Speed Handle, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1918-1920.

Fig. 44 shows a 1/2-drive Mossberg No. 360 short speed handle or brace, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 11.5 inches.

The drive end has a detent ball and four pinched tabs as stops, typical construction for early tools of this type.

The circular end cap is marked "Patent Pending", and a similar but later Mossberg tool showed the patent date to be March 20 of 1920. A search of the patent records found the corresponding patent to be #1,335,408, titled "Brace Construction" and issued to W.I. Tuttle. Based on the filing date of October 3 in 1918, this particular tool was likely made between 1918-1920.

This was the type of speeder (though not the exact model) included in the No. 45 socket set of 1919.

Mossberg Heavy-Wall Sockets

The next figure shows examples of the new style of heavy wall sockets used in the No. 45 socket set.

Fig. 45. Mossberg Heavy-Wall Sockets, with Inset for Interior.

Fig. 45 shows two Mossberg sockets made with a new style of heavy-wall construction, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo.

The fractional sizes are marked but a bit difficult to read. The left hand socket marking appears to be 1-1/64 and measures 1.016 inches, and the right hand socket is apparently 1-9/64 and measures 1.140 inches.

Note that the intended service size for these sockets would have been 1 inch and 1-1/8 respectively. Mossberg was apparently able to improved the size tolerance for the dies used in making these sockets, and as a result the marked oversize allowance was reduced to 1/64. (Recall that the pressed-steel sockets were specified as 1/32 oversize.)

Although the sockets are constructed with a square base resembling the pressed-steel sockets, these sockets were designed to be driven by the 1/2-square inner opening. Note that a hole has been drilled in the side to help secure the socket with a friction ball.

Mossberg No. 363 Speeder Socket Wrench

Fig. 46. Mossberg No. 363 Speeder Socket Wrench, with Insets for Socket and Marking Detail.

Fig. 46 shows a Mossberg No. 363 speeder socket wrench with a 49/64 socket, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo. The speeder has a throw of 4.2 inches and an overall length of 13.0 inches.

This speeder wrench is basically a standard 1/2-drive short brace with a permanently attached socket. The rotating hand grip and end piece are made of seamless tubing, swaged to the shank diameter, and the hand grip is held in place by two pins (not shown in photograph). The finish is nickel plating.

The left inset provides a close-up of the socket attachment, showing a standard socket attached with a pin to the square-drive speeder. The socket is marked "Made in U.S.A." with the fractional size (49/64) and the M-Diamond logo, the standard markings for Mossberg sockets.

Mossberg No. 367 1/2-Drive Speeder

Fig. 47. Mossberg No. 367 1/2-Drive Speeder, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1922-1929.

Fig. 47 shows a 1/2-drive Mossberg No. 367 speeder, marked "Frank Mossberg Corp." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo. The speeder has a throw of 4.2 inches and an overall length of 19.6 inches.

The rotating end piece is constructed from rolled sheet metal held in place with crimped end caps. Although not noted on this tool, the handle construction is covered by patent #1,438,970, issued to W. Tuttle in 1922.

Rotating hand grips of this type are characteristic of Mossberg's construction in the mid to late 1920s.

Mossberg Male Drive Sockets

Fig. 48. Mossberg Male Drive Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 48 shows a group of four Mossberg male drive sockets, marked on the base with the M-Diamond logo and fractional size.

The sizes are, from the left, 7/16 square, 7/16 hex, 11/16 hex, and 31/32 hex.

Alloy Steel Sockets

In later years Mossberg recognized that pressed-steel sockets could not offer the strength and durability needed professional service, and the company began producing heavy-duty machined sockets made of chrome molybdenum steel. These sockets were offered in sets of varying size.

Mossberg 1/2-Drive 5/8 Alloy-Steel Socket

Fig. 49. Mossberg 1/2-Drive 5/8 Socket, with Inset for Broaching.

Fig. 49 shows a 1/2-drive Mossberg 5/8 hex socket, marked with the fractional size and M-Diamond logo.

This socket is an example of the chrome molybdenum alloy steel sockets produced by Mossberg.

Mossberg 371 11/16-Drive To 1/2-Drive Adapter

Fig. 50. Mossberg 371 11/16-Drive to 1/2-Drive Adapter, with Inset for Top View, ca. 1920s.

Fig. 50 shows a Mossberg 371 adapter to convert 11/16 female drive to 1/2-drive, marked on the top with the M-Diamond logo.

This adapter allows the older Mossberg 11/16 female drive ratchets (e.g. No. 350) to be used with the newer 1/2-drive sockets.

Mossberg 1/2-Drive Ratchet Adapter

Fig. 51. Mossberg 1/2-Drive Ratchet Adapter, with Inset for End View, ca. 1920s.

Fig. 51 shows a 1/2-drive Mossberg ratchet adapter, used to provide a clutch-style release action to any drive tool. The tool is marked "Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." on the barrel.

The overall length is 2.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The APCO Merger and Later Tools

In 1927 the Frank Mossberg Company merged with the Auto Parts Company (APCO) to become the APCO-Mossberg Company. APCO was based in Providence, Rhode Island and specialized in automotive parts and service tools for the Model T Ford.

APCO tools are mentioned in some early automotive specialty catalogs. One notable product was an offset box wrench for Model T connecting-rod bolts, offered as early as 1922 and currently the earliest known box wrench made with a double-hex (12-point) broaching. An example is shown in the next figure.

APCO Early 5/8 Double-Hex Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 52. APCO Early 5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1922.

Fig. 52 shows a rare early APCO 5/8 double-hex (12-point) offset box wrench, marked with "APCO" and "Pat. Applied For" forged into the handle.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This model was listed in the Western Auto 1922 "Ford Owner's Supply Book" catalog for connecting-rod applications.

The patent pending notice is believed to refer to patent #1,424,069, issued to F.W. Blackmar in 1922. The patent describes the construction of deep offset wrenches with 12-point openings and has a rather interesting history, as it was later acquired by Snap-On around 1930.

This APCO wrench is mentioned in a new-product notice appearing in the February 1, 1922 issue of The Commercial Vehicle. A brief article on page 28 (at the lower right) mentions the intended use for the fourth connecting rod of the (Model T) Ford, although incorrectly referring to it as a ratchet wrench. The article notes the double-hex broaching of the opening and lists the price as 75 cents.

APCO-Mossberg 3011 Offset Box Wrench for Chevrolet Main Bearings

In the late 1920s Mossberg began offering specialty box wrenches with Bonney acting as the contract manufacturer. The next two figures show examples of these rare wrenches.

Fig. 53. APCO-Mossberg 3011 13/16x7/8 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1928.

Fig. 53 shows a rare Mossberg 3011 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench designed for Chevrolet main bearing service. The reverse shank is stamped "APCO-Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." with the M-Diamond logo at the left, shown as a close-up in the lower inset.

The overall length is 14.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is basically identical to the early production of the Bonney 2540 Main Bearing Wrench, and in fact some of Bonney's forged-in markings are still faintly visible on this example. (The top shank has a faint "CHR" of "CHROME" visible between the 5.0 and 5.5 inch marks, and the "3011" model number is stamped over the "BON" of Bonney.) Unfortunately the Bonney date code has been ground off, but the round shank style places it close to 1928 in Bonney's production.

APCO-Mossberg 3014 Specialty Box Wrench

Fig. 54. APCO-Mossberg 3014 9/16x13/16 Specialty Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1928.

Fig. 54 shows a rare Mossberg 3014 9/16x13/16 specialty box wrench, intended for Chevrolet connecting-rod and main bearing service. The shank is marked with the M-Diamond logo plus "APCO-Mossberg Corp." and "Attleboro, Mass. U.S.A." in forged raised letters. The shank also has a forged-in code "IT" near the small box end, as shown in the lower right inset.

The overall length is 14.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench was recently identified as contract production by Bonney Forge & Tool, based on the similarity of features with early Bonney specialty box wrenches, such as the Bonney 2540 Main Bearing Wrench. The identification was confirmed by the presence of a forged-in code "IT", a mark representing Bonney's date code system. (Similar marks can be found on most of Bonney's forged tools.)

The year code "T" in the Bonney Date Code System indicates production in 1928, somewhat earlier than had been first estimated.

APCO-Mossberg 971 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 55. APCO-Mossberg 9711 7/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 55 shows a rare Mossberg 971 7/16 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" on the top, with "APCO-Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F. Blackmar in 1922 and later acquired by Snap-On. The patent describes the construction of deep offset wrenches with 12-point openings, and has been noted on 12-point wrenches made by Blue Point, Bonney, and Williams, in addition to the present example.

The single-offset wrench style was popular in the late 1920s and 1930s and appears to have originated with Blue Point. Examples of single-offset wrenches from other makers include the Blackhawk 2924, Blue Point X-20, Bonney 2818, Walden-Worcester 2114, and Williams 8128.

APCO-Mossberg 974 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 56. APCO-Mossberg 974 5/8 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 56 shows a rare Mossberg 974 5/8 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" on the top, with "APCO-Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F. Blackmar in 1922 and later acquired by Snap-on. The patent describes the construction of deep offset wrenches with 12-point openings.

APCO-Mossberg 976 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 57. APCO-Mossberg 976 3/4 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 57 at the left shows a rare Mossberg 976 3/4 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" on the top with "APCO Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F. Blackmar in 1922 and later acquired by Snap-on.

APCO-Mossberg 979 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 58. APCO-Mossberg 979 15/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 58 shows a rare Mossberg 979 15/16 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" on the top, with "APCO-Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 13.8 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F. Blackmar in 1922 and later acquired by Snap-On.

APCO-Mossberg 1/2-Drive Extension

Fig. 59. APCO-Mossberg 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension.

Fig. 59 shows a 1/2-drive Mossberg extension, marked "APCO-Mossberg" and "Attleboro, Mass. Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

References and Resources

Photographs and observations of particular tools are based on items in the Alloy Artifacts collection.

As a notable business leader, Frank Mossberg was included in the 1915 publication Who's Who in New England by Albert Nelson Marquis (A.N. Marquis & Company, 1915). Biographical information for Mossberg is listed on page 770 of that publication.

The Frank Mossberg Company and the earlier Mossberg Wrench Company are listed in American Wrench Makers 1830-1930, 2nd Edition by Kenneth Cope (Astragal Press, 2002). The book includes information on the early history of the companies, and shows illustrations of some of the early Mossberg products, obtained from period advertisements and trade magazines. Also included are a number of patent dates.

Catalog Resources

Currently our only Mossberg catalog is the 1923 "Condensed Catalog of Wrenches and Tools", an abbreviated version of the No. 24 catalog. The catalog notes that chromium-manganese steel had been in use for socket tools for the past year, and had been very well received by their customers.

Industrial Distributors

Mossberg tools were carried by a number of industrial distributors and automotive dealers, and the catalogs of these companies provide valuable information on Mossberg products.

• A 1916 catalog from Central Automobile Supply (Des Moines, Iowa) lists a number of Mossberg socket sets, including the No. 7, No. 10, No. 11, No. 14, and No. 15A sets. It also lists several models of fixed socket wrenches, including Nos. 623 and 630, plus the No. 17 set of fixed socket wrenches in a canvas roll.

• The 1919 catalog from the Chandler & Farquhar Company, an industrial distributor, lists a number of Mossberg pressed-steel socket sets. The sets include the No. 1 "Auto Cle" and Nos. 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 30 standard sets, plus the No. 19 and No. 20 "Large Series" sets.

• The 1921 catalog No. 2 from Cragin & Co. of Seattle lists several pages of Mossberg pressed-steel socket sets, with models including No. 7, No. 10, No. 11, No. 14, and No. 15A, plus the No. 20 "Heavy-Duty" set. One useful detail is that the catalog descriptions itemize the contents, even listing part numbers for the individual sockets.

• The 1922 catalog No. 11 from the C.W. Marwedel Company, an industrial supplier, includes several listings of Mossberg socket sets. The listings include the "Auto-Cle" socket sets No. 1 and No. 2, and two heavy-duty "Large Series" socket sets, No. 19 and No. 20.

• The 1925-26 catalog for the Williams Hardware Company (not to be confused with J.H. Williams & Co.) lists two of the Mossberg Socket Wrench Sets, the No. 10 and No. 14 models, and provides a helpful listing of the contents.

• The 1928 catalog No. 28 from the McMaster-Carr Supply Company, a Chicago-based industrial distributor, lists several pages of Mossberg tools. The catalog offers a number of socket sets based on heavy-wall chrome molybdenum sockets, including sets No. 81 and No. 82 for professional use, and smaller sets Nos. 80, 83, and 84 for automobile owners.

  Mossberg pressed-steel socket sets were also still available, and the catalog lists sets Nos. 9, 10, 13, 14, and 30, plus the No. 20 "Large Series" set. These sets were packed in steel cases at this time, instead of the wooden boxes used earlier.

Advertisements

Mossberg placed advertisements in a number of popular magazines and publications of the time.

• An ad in the 1918 Automobile Blue Book, Volume Five (Midwest Region) shows a Mossberg No. 14 Socket Wrench Set at the bottom of page 33. A careful look at the illustration shows that the Tee-handle has a removable handle secured by a nut, a feature of older versions of the No. 14 set.

• A similar ad in the 1918 Automobile Blue Book, Volume Two (New England Edition) shows a Mossberg No. 14 Socket Wrench Set at the bottom of page 56. The illustration for this set shows the Tee-handle with a permanently attached handle, indicating a later version of the No. 14 set.

• An ad in the January 1919 issue of Popular Science Monthly shows a Mossberg No. 45 Socket Set on page 137 at the top left, along with some of the other tools offered by the company. Note the 1/2-drive speeder included in the illustration; this socket set marks one of the earliest moves to replace fixed socket wrenches with interchangeable models.

• The April 1919 issue of Outing magazine has a nice full-page ad for Mossberg Wrenches and Tools on page 52. The illustration shows the No. 14 socket set along with open-end wrenches, auto wrenches, a hub puller, and other tools.

Patents and Trademarks

Patent information was obtained from the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) web site at uspto.gov. Patent documents were obtained from sites offering free downloads, notably freepatentsonline.com.

Feedback

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