O Galoots:

Yard sale four blocks from my house today. I got a MF ratcheting screwdriver and
a North Bros. 30A.

The 30A is supposed to be non-quick-return, but my new one does have a spring
and the screw pops out when you release the latch. However, its a weak screw,
whether from metal fatigue or because it was made that way. So what goes? Did
the non-quick-return "Yankees" ever have a spring, just a weak one? Or is this
some kind of user modification or aftermarket upgrade?

FWIW, this 30A has a brass frame with the remains of a black paint job on it. On
the other hand, it has a 1923 patent date as part of the mark. Do these details
together help to date it?

Tom Conroy
Berkeley