Crank stroke before 49

[3W Hank]

I has a question on cranks how the old guys did this before the 4” stroke came out.
War ended 45 but some guys was still at home and not much ( hotrod ) racing was going on ( streets or El Mirage ) my guess but 46/47 they was back in ( LA )
Ex Pete Henderson I think worked at Boeing in LA under war.
Reson I ask is I build up a 59 engine with a hair more early ideas than late 40’s or in the early 50’s.
So, painted stock heads, Weiand early Hi-Rise, dual 97’s with Wittek style clamps, Kurten modify LZ V12 distributor, Potvin cam, the early 39 alternator and 34 oilfiller cap tube, 32 fan.
Well I could get a new strokerkit, but I like do it the ’hard’ way.
I can find a crank for free and I grind cranks in my shop.
This is not because I’m greedy to save some bucks get a ex 4” ( I had one, just sold it… ) or I must has a big stroker, it’s more the history ( and som stupidety… )
I’m not after the HP.
( my other Merc 41 block will has a baby stroker + 1/8” 4” )

So the cranks ( 3.75 ) on Merc’s at 1940 was std rod 2.139 and Fords at 47 the same.
The older had the 2” rods.

So do this cranks had 2 oil holes per rod throw or just 1 ?
So how did they do it back then ?
Did they use the 21A rods ( 2” ) or did they used the rods to this cranks and welded on and stroke them 1/8”, or even go up to 4” ( or did they go even further upp ? )
If so, what piston companys sold pistons and now we talk before the 4” crank came out.
So go 4” from 3.75” it means C-H was lowered 0.125”.
Did some made them 1948 ?
-Question is also as a historical point,
I guess few or non care now, but I like the history how is was made.
Did they also go over 4” stroke, if some know, please tell the story.
Note, this is before the 4” was out.

I dont kniw whst ex Henderson used but I guess std 3.75 but maybe it was crank shops in LA sold this (?)