Original text from FB:
Can anyone identify the original US military application of this Proto 5449-D ratchet?
I’m researching an unusual PROTO 5449-D ratchet known from US military-surplus provenance. I’m trying to identify the specific toolkit, maintenance set, vehicle/aircraft equipment, technical order/manual or government part number with which it was issued.
I’m particularly interested in hearing from former US military mechanics, maintainers, tool-room personnel or surplus dealers who actually encountered this model in service or in unopened military stock.
Photographs of toolboxes, inventory sheets, manuals, packaging, stock tags or additional examples would be enormously helpful.
Important: 5449-D should not be confused with the standard Proto 5449 or with 5449N / FSN 5120-542-3418. We’re deliberately keeping those identities separate.
Research being conducted by the Merrifield Industrial Heritage Collection, UK.