Gamble Stores

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gamble Stores, sometimes known as Gamble's Auto Supply, was a retail chain offering home furnishings and automobile accessories, including a selection of automobile service tools. The chain was operated by Gamble-Skogmo, Incorporated.

Company History

The company was founded in 1920 by Bertin C. Gamble and Philip H. Skogmo, who were childhood friends from North Dakota. Their initial business was an automobile dealership in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

After a few years of operation the partners found that automobile parts were the most profitable aspect of the business, and in 1925 they opened the first Gamble's Auto Supply store.

Patents

Trademarks

Tool Identification

Gamble Stores used "Artisan" and "Tiger Tools" as brands its tools.

References and Resources

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

Catalog Coverage

Production by Diamond Calk Horseshoe

The Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company produced adjustable wrenches for the "Tiger Tools" brand.

Tiger Tools Adjustable Wrenches

Fig. 1. 1940 Catalog Listing for Tiger Alloy Adjustable Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 1 shows a listing for Gamble's and Tiger Alloy adjustable wrenches, as published on page 49 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The wrenches in the illustration can be identified as Diamond production by the forged-in markings. The "Gamble's" wrenches would be the Diamond tool steel models, and the "Tiger Alloy" were the Diamalloy models. (Observations of online photos show that the "Gamble's" wrenches were actually marked "Tiger".)

Note that the wrenches are illustrated with broached hanging holes, and the text refers to the "12-point box-end wrench" in the handles. The 1940 Gamble's catalog (and a later one from 1942) are currently the only catalogs known to offer Diamond wrenches with broached hanging holes.

A similar listing appeared in the 1942 Gamble's catalog.

Currently we do not have an example of a Tiger Tools adjustable wrench, but are displaying this catalog listing as a placeholder.

Production by Duro/Indestro

In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for Gamble's by Duro/Indestro.

The company used the "Tiger Tools" brand for a line of tools including open-end wrenches, box-end wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and socket sets. The brand was in use from the late 1930s through at least the early 1940s.

Tiger Tools Deep Offset Box-End Wrenches

Before showing examples of "Tiger Tools" wrenches made by Duro/Indestro, we'll present a listing from the 1942 Gamble's catalog in which the company can be identified by the distinctive streamlined panels on deep offset wrenches. (A similar listing appeared in the 1940 catalog as well, but the illustration wasn't as clear.)

Fig. 2. 1942 Catalog Listing for Tiger Tools Deep Offset Box Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 2 shows a listing for Tiger deep offset box wrenches, as published on page 40 of the 1942 Gamble's Mail Order catalog.

The dart-like streamlined panels on the wrenches closely resemble the known production by Duro/Indestro. The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking on the panels is visible in the illustration.

The raised panels in the illustrations seemed to have some additional markings, so we magnified the image to get a better look. To our surprise, the panels were marked with numbers recognizable as the S-K model numbers for offset box wrenches!

Fig. 3. Panel Detail from 1942 Catalog Listing.

The scan in Fig. 3 shows a close-up of the panel on the largest wrench, in which the number "33030" can be seen at the left. This is the S-K model number for the 15/16x1 inch offset box wrench!

We originally added this catalog illustration as a way of proving that Duro/Indestro provided contract production for Tiger Tools, but got a lot more information than expected. The illustration also proves that Duro/Indestro provided contract production for S-K (which was not unexpected), and then indirectly provided production to Tiger Tools via S-K.

To add to the intrigue, the illustration in Fig. 2 also appeared in the 1940 Gamble's catalog, but the panels on the wrenches were indistinct and seemed to have been air-brushed, as though the catalog layout person realized that they shouldn't be publishing unnecessary detail. We suspect that the 1942 illustration is based on the photograph from 1940, as Duro/Indestro production for S-K was expected at that time.

Tiger Tools 5/8x11/16 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 4. Tiger Tools 5/8x11/16 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 4 shows a Tiger Tools 5/8x11/16 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the front panel, with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench, illustrating the deeply offset box ends.

The dart-like streamlined raised panels are characteristic of Duro/Indestro production. The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and chrome plated finish suggest production from the late 1930s to early 1940s.

Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 Deep Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 offset box wrenches, but with a significant difference in the markings.

Fig. 5. Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 5 shows a Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the front panel, with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench, illustrating the deeply offset box ends.

The dart-like streamlined raised panels are characteristic of Duro/Indestro production. The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and chrome plated finish suggest production from the late 1930s to early 1940s.

Fig. 6. Tiger Tools 3324 3/4x25/32 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Early 1940s.

Fig. 6 shows a Tiger Tools 3324 3/4x25/32 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number on the front panel, with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some loss due to rust.

The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench, illustrating the deeply offset box ends.

This second wrench is nearly identical to the first example in dimensions and construction, confirming its production by Duro/Indestro. The markings are different though, and the "3324" model number is the key to understanding the difference.

This number has been identified as the model number used by the Brazil Tools division of S-K for the 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench included as part of a 71-piece "Mechanics' Tool Chest". (The S-K equivalent would be the Model 33024 Offset Box Wrench.)

Brazil Tools provided extensive contract production to the Gamble Stores chain, and a catalog listing for the 71-Piece Mechanics' Tool Chest can be found in our article on S-K. The illustration of the 71-piece set shows a group of six offset box wrenches, one of which would have been the 3324 wrench.

The presence of the Brazil Tools model number "3324" on this second wrench means that the wrench was "secondary" contract production, first supplied by Duro/Indestro to S-K, then supplied by S-K's Brazil Tools to Gamble's Tiger Tools. We always like to think that the tools posted on this site have a story to tell, but this wrench has a more interesting story than most.

Production by S-K

Sherman-Klove (S-K) was a supplier of "Tiger Tools" and "Artisan" brand tools to Gamble Stores.

Tiger Tools Socket Sets

The 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply & Tool Catalog was published in April of 1940 and has extensive listings for "Tiger Tools" sockets and drive tools on pages 45-47. The illustrations show socket sets and tools matching the "Chrome Alloy" examples shown in our article on Brazil Tools.

Currently we don't have a Tiger Tools socket set to display, but have added these catalog listings to show the different models that were available.

Fig. 7. 1940 Catalog Listing for Tiger Tools Socket Sets.

The first page of the listings has "Tiger Tools Are Fully Guaranteed" prominently displayed at the top.

The scan in Fig. 7 shows a listing for two Tiger Tools socket sets, as published on page 45 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The "71-Piece Mechanics' Tool Chest" at the top has an extensive collection of sockets and drive tools in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4-drive, plus a selection of box-end wrenches.

A comparison with the Brazil Tools No. 600 Socketchest shown in our article on S-K reveals that these are the same set, and even the prices are virtually the same!

One detail to note in the illustration for the 71-piece set is that the 3/8-drive round-head ratchet is shown with a flat forged handle. This style is not shown in the S-K catalogs, but an example can be seen as the Artisan 4570 3/8-Drive Ratchet.

The set at the bottom is a "23-Piece Chrome Socket Set" in 1/2-drive, with an illustration showing seven drive tools and 16 sockets.

A careful examination of the lower illustration shows that the sockets in the bottom set match the "Chrome Alloy" Sockets shown in our article on S-K.

Fig. 8. 1940 Catalog Listing for Chrome Alloy Socket Sets.

The second page of the listings has two sets noted as "Chrome Alloy", plus a "Tiger Super Strength" set and a "Tiger Midget" set.

The scan in Fig. 8 shows a listing for "Chrome Alloy" and "Tiger" socket sets, as published on page 46 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The set at the top is a "12 Piece Chrome Alloy 1/2 Drive Socket Set", consisting of a flex handle, cross-bar, and 12 sockets.

The set at the middle left is listed as a "17 Piece Chrome Alloy Socket Set" and consisted of 3/8-drive tools, including a round-headed ratchet.

The lid of the case has a sticker showing the "Tiger Tools" logo, seen as a close-up in Fig. 9 below.

Fig. 9. Close-Up of "Tiger Tools" Logo.

Fig. 10. 1940 Catalog Listing for Chrome Alloy Sockets.

The third page of the listings has "Chrome Alloy Sockets" displayed at the top, with tables of individual sockets below.

The scan in Fig. 10 shows the listing for "Chrome Alloy Sockets", as published on page 47 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The tables include 1/2-drive standard, 1/2-drive spark-plug, 3/8-drive standard, 3/8-drive extra deep, and 3/8-drive universal sockets. The table at the top right shows 3/4-drive sockets available on special order, in sizes from 15/16 to 2 inches.

Note that the tables of sockets refer to them as "Tiger Chrome Alloy" sockets, and a careful look at the illustration shows the sockets marked "Chrome Alloy", with a wide knurled band at the base. The sockets in the illustration match the "Chrome Alloy" Sockets shown in our article on S-K.

The lower part of the page shows four carbon-steel socket sets, and the illustrations of the sockets closely resemble the Early Brazil Tools Socket shown in our article on S-K.

In summary, these listings from the Gamble's catalog show how S-K used its Brazil Tools second line to supply "Chrome Alloy" sockets and drive tools to the Gamble Stores chain. We hope these listings will assist our readers in identifying any Tiger Tools socket sets they may find.

[Brazil Tools] Tiger Tools 4270 1/2-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet

Although we don't have a Tiger Tools socket set to display, this next figure shows a round-head ratchet that was probably made for the Tiger Tools brand.

Fig. 11. Tiger Tools 4270 1/2-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 11 shows a 1/2-drive model 4270 ratchet, stamped "Chrome Alloy" and "Pat. No. 1981526" on the front panel, with "T T" on the back panel.

The overall length is 10.2 inches.

Although not marked with the S-K name, the ratchet can be readily identified as S-K production by the patent #1,981,526, assigned to the Sherman-Klove Company.

In addition, the distinctive forged handle is nearly identical to a later S-K Model 42470 Ratchet shown in our article on S-K.

The four-digit 4270 model number indicates that the ratchet was contract production sold through the Brazil Tools line. (The 4270 model is derived from the standard S-K 42470 model number.)

The attribution to the Tiger Tools brand is based on the "T T" marking on the back panel, which appears to be a factory marking. With the recent (2022) discovery that Brazil Tools supplied socket tools for the Gamble Stores "Tiger Tools" brand, we think it's likely that the "T T" marking is an abbreviation for "Tiger Tools".

Artisan 1/2-Drive 16-Piece Socket Set

The next several figures show examples of S-K production for the Artisan brand.

Fig. 12. Artisan 1/2-Drive 16-Piece Socket Set, ca. Mid 1940s.

Fig. 12 shows a 1/2-drive Artisan socket set in a metal case, consisting of a ratchet, flex handle, extension, and 13 sockets ranging in size from 7/16 up to 1-1/8.

The reader will immediately recognize this as an S-K set, and in fact no attempt has been made to disguise the maker, with all of the tools (except the ratchet) bearing standard S-K markings.

The flex handle is an S-K model 41653, and the 10 inch extension is an S-K model 40162. The distinctive forged-handle model 4270 ratchet was produced for the Brazil Tools line from the late 1930s through at least the mid 1940s, although this style is not documented in the S-K catalogs. The set is missing the cross-bar for the flex handle.

The sockets in the set all have the distinctive knurled base and tapered upper walls of the S-K 401xx model series. The models and sizes are, from the left, 40114 (7/16), 40116 (1/2), 40118 (9/16), 40119 (19/32), 40120 (5/8), 40122 (11/16), 40124 (3/4), 40126 (13/16), 40128 (7/8), 40130 (15/16), 40132 (1 inch), 40134 (1-1/16), and 40136 (1-1/8).

Currently we don't have a catalog description for this set, so the original contents are a bit uncertain. The set is very similar to the S-K No. 4168 Socket Set shown in our article on S-K.

[Brazil Tools] Artisan 4270 1/2-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet

Fig. 13. Artisan Model 4270 1/2-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1940s.

Fig. 13 shows the 1/2-drive Artisan 4270 ratchet from the above set, marked with the Artisan brand on the raised panel, and with the model number and "Pat. No. 2232477" on the back side.

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

This ratchet can be readily identified as S-K production by the patent #2,232,477, assigned to the Sherman-Klove Company.

In addition, the distinctive forged handle is nearly identical to the S-K Model 42470 Ratchet shown in our article on S-K.

The second-generation patent and chrome finish suggest a manufacturing date in the mid 1940s.

The four-digit model number shows that the ratchet was sold through Brazil Tools, with the number derived from the standard S-K 42470 number.

[Brazil Tools] Artisan 4570 3/8-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet

S-K also produced 3/8-drive tools for the Artisan brand, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 14. Artisan Model 4570 3/8-Drive Forged-Handle Ratchet, with Insets for Back and Edge View, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 14 shows a 3/8-drive Artisan 4570 ratchet with a forged handle, stamped with the Artisan brand on the raised panel, with the model number and "Pat. No. 2232477" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This ratchet can be readily identified as S-K production by the patent #2,232,477, assigned to the Sherman-Klove Company. In addition, the distinctive forged handle is similar to the S-K Model 42470 Ratchet shown in our article on S-K.

The plain steel finish suggests production during the 1941-1945 wartime years.

The four-digit model number shows that the ratchet was sold through Brazil Tools, with the number derived from the standard S-K 45170 number.

Production by Vlchek

Vlchek was one of the suppliers of "Tiger Tools" brand tools sold by Gamble Stores. The brand appears to have been used for a relatively brief period in the late 1930s to early 1940s.

Tiger Tools Combination Wrenches

Fig. 15. 1940 Catalog Listing for Tiger Tools Combination Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 15 shows a listing for Tiger Tools combination wrenches, as published on page 48 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The text notes the use of chrome molybdenum steel, as would be expected for production by Vlchek.

The illustration shows the wrenches with raised oval panels.

We are fortunate to have several examples of Tiger Tools combination wrenches closely resembling the catalog illustration.

Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 16. Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 16 shows a Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 Combination Wrench

Fig. 17. Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 17 shows a Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "3" visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 18. Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 18 shows a Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.9 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with some losses due to wear.

Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 19. Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 19 shows a Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in number "3" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.6 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of the original nickel plating.

This wrench is very similar to the ChromeXQuality WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench made by Vlchek for Western Auto Supply.

Tiger Tools [WBC1214] 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 20. Tiger Tools 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 20 shows a Tiger Tools 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Tiger Tools" on the front panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

This example doesn't have a forged-in number, but the back side of the shank has a forged-in asterisk at the left.

The overall length is 4.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is similar to the Vlchek WBC1214 Short Offset Box Wrench, but is somewhat shorter.