Date code location on F-70-M ratchet, plus year?

[Bill_Houghton]

I've got an F-70-M ratchet and have two questions related to the date code:

1. There's a number 2 between "on" and "off" under the directional lever.

Snap on F-70-M head.jpg (68.93 KiB) Viewed 1830 times

There's no other date-related stamp on the ratchet. Is that where Snap-on put the date code on this ratchet?

2. Comparing the number shown to the chart of date codes, it looks like this is a 1952 ratchet, but I'm finding the distinction between 1942 and 1952 codes for this number rather subtle, and would appreciate help from those more experienced than I am in deciphering the code.

Thanks for your help.

[snapmom]

It would be 52, as this model was not in production until then

[Bill_Houghton]

I talked with a Snap-On rep today, and was told that the M series started in 1945 (not 1952 or 53, as I've seen elsewhere), continuing until 1958. He confirmed that the date stamp is between "On" and "Off," so I've got a 1952 ratchet; the shape of the "2" fits the shape for that year in the date charts. I was four years old when this was built. It's working better than I am.