Revived 1950 Machinist’s Tool Chest.

[formariz 11,987]

 

I was offered this vintage machinists tool box by  @Handy Don who was kind enough to even bring it to me. It is from the 50s. It was missing  two drawers and at some time in its life it was exposed to water. Some veneer in back had delaminated and broken off.  As soon as he offered it I knew right away its future function.  My oldest son has given similar machinists boxes , but in metal to each one of the boys. So I am giving this one to my granddaughter. She can keep her little stuff in it and it can also be a future jewelry box. It’s Union Tool Chest model B20 from 1950. It is stamped on the interior with number 394 which I am sure it’s the serial #. 

 

Made two new drawers and repaired veneer. Also lined all the drawers with new felt this time lining the entire inside surface of drawers . Removed the old damaged finish , restained it and applied some wipe on poly . Finally cleaned and reinstalled all hardware. Even found a reproduction factory tag for it. 

I just need to find two correct little pulls for new drawers. 

Rather than being discarded it now will have a new life and purpose for at least another generation. Thank you @Handy Don

Before

 

 After

Before

After

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Achto 27,609]

Absolutely Beautiful !!!   

[8ntruck 7,017]

Nice job.  Gives me some inspiration.

 

When we took over my wife's parent's place, one of the items that came with it is an old wooden machinist's tool chest. It has been on the back corner of the work bench for as long as I can remember (I first visited that house in the '70s).

 

I have not pulled it to the center of the work bench for a really close inspection yet.  On casual inspection, the case looks solid, but it has many missing drawers and other parts.  I'm thinking that this will be a someday restoration project.  

[SylvanLakeWH 25,600]

Beautiful!!! 

[ebinmaine 67,632]

VERY nice!! 

[Pullstart 62,913]

Wood is so pretty!  Another work of art, saved by an artist alike!

[WHX?? 48,830]

Could those drawer pulls be turned on a lathe? 

[rjg854 11,387]

Again, excellent job on rebuilding that chest, Cas.  

[squonk 41,156]

I had an old Gerstner box I bought at auction. I cleaned it all up and discovered nothing I had would fit in the drawers. 

[formariz 11,987]

2 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Could those drawer pulls be turned on a lathe? 

They could. However last night I found that Gerstner sells identical backplates. They also sell the little knobs although the shape may be a little different. I have already ordered both.

[formariz 11,987]

Correction. The number 394 stamped inside box is not a serial number but rather a number to identify all the parts belonging to box during manafacturing and or assembly. Front lid is also stamped on edge with same number and drawers have it hand written on back along with their respective locations within box. 
 

 

 

[Handy Don 12,237]

Makes perfect sense when you figure there was likely some handwork to do final fitting of the drawers and door. Probably also had to do with grain matching.

Edited December 22, 2023 by Handy Don

[D_Mac 8,623]

Love those old chests. I have had several of them.  One on my dresser now  that i keep my watches, pocket knives, and other things in. I have ordered keys, felt, and locks from Gerstner before. Now i get emailed to death by them. I dont mind because i like looking at there stuff. Did you stamp the drawers you made with the same number?

 

Here are a few I have owned. Also have had several Kennedy's as well.

Edited December 24, 2023 by D_Mac