Vintage Craftsman 12" Combination Square, Ship Gray, Model 4, Tempered, USA

Description

As the pictures show, this is a good example of the gray-painted Craftsmans, #4.  The blade still has crisp edges.
I also own a Starrett, and do I dare say it, the two tools have a similar "feel."
I don't know the history of when they were painted gray, but I suspect it has to do with WWII and, probably, the U.S. Navy.