When I got the one one the right it was marked 1950 ford. No idea who marked it.
The one to the right of your photograph is a correct 1939 - 40 starter. That "wide" end plate was authentic to those years.Before I get these rebuilt, I need to be sure they are the right ones. Is the left one for a 59a and right for a 8ba or are they all the same? I have built lots of short blocks but these guys want more. Thanks Bill
The one on the left is more likey for a 1950 because of the bronze paint. 50/51 8BA starters were painted engine paint (Bronze). 52/53 EAB starters were engine color (Orange). 49 and earlier were Black.
The thin bushing plate was used starting 1949.
Ray
You had asked what the starters were from. What they came out of, what color they are - has nothing to do with their identity.The one on the left was removed from a 39 to 41 merc engine with factory relief. Even the 3 Strombergs were painted copper.