E and G Date Codes

[Wingnut]

Why did Snap-On/Blue-Point use an 'E' and a 'G' for 1944 and 1945 instead of a '4' and '5' in the 40's font style? This may seem like a banal question, but I can't locate a single definitive answer, and I'm not strictly a Snap-On/Blue-Point collector. I've run into several explanations on various "wrencher" boards pertaining to wartime production. 'E' for Emergency. 'G' for Government. If these were War Department designations, or even Treasury Department (which sold common tools in the Federal Standard Stock Catalog to all branches of the federal government during wartime), why didn't EVERY manufacturer follow suit? (The only other manufacturer that used a "G" code on wartime tools was Duro-Chrome, and it hasn't been established that it only designated 1945 production.)

Can anyone help me out with a definitive answer?

Is there a good, definitive reference that discusses this to point me to?

THANKS

[snapmom]

I not sure if we will find an answer. Some of us are thinking that the E code started in 1943, since the 43 code is very rare. Also not all the 44-45 tools were made for the military. The 45 cat was produced in Dec 44, has a comment on the war.

[Wingnut]

Thanks.

[ranger]

I have an M70M midget rat. in 9/32 dr. with a '43 code! Does this make this a rare ratchet? Thanks, Ranger.

[snapmom]

Yes it does. But the Blue Point B1052 wrench is too.

[Wingnut]

I found a bunch of NOS Snap-On sockets in a 1951 Army depot re-pack box that also had Williams and Plomb WF sockets and sliding tees, all 9/32nds. All of it with that phosphate residue on it. The Snap-On was all G code.

The genesis of my question was finding a Barcalo Buffalo DOE wrench with an E code on it. That's unusual and has not been identified. It could be a series designator. It could be a contract wrench. It could be almost anything other than an E code similar to the wartime designator explanations I have heard for Snap-On. But it did make me wonder.

[snapmom]

Another odd thing. S/O made both 1/4 and 9/32 dr with the E and G code. Also I have some E code 1/4 dr in chrome. So maybe the chrome is early 43. Anyone else with chrome E/G?

[Snap-on Boy 92]

Hello folks long time no speak, I will have to check snapmom If I have chrome G code, I do have a 42 stamp then re stamped G, errm in the uk as you will know snap on wasn't sold here until 1965 but got brought in for the slight fall out between 1939-45, even though E and G was government related over here I find 40,41,42,43,E,G no other, yes I do also have a 43 but I often wondered if there was ever a plan made and stamp for a 4 and a 5 in 44 and 45 any ever found or was that just inpossible? Be nice to hear back from you all.

[ranger]

I have a 1/2 dr. 1/2 socket in 12pt. that is chrome with a G code. I think I have others too.

[fishchips]

I found a BluePoint XD2022 with a "E" stamp today for $5.