The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[WagonHo!]

What's the story on that? I am well versed in the history of Simonsen and the heavier duty versions of these cantilevered hip roof tyle boxes they made for the US Army Air Forces (Mechanics, Type II, Class A, Size 2), before and during WWII through the early 50's when they got rounded corners and a metallic instead of a leather handle. Those didn't have the embossed wings, just horizontal bars. Are the wings - which came much later in the 50's, supposed to be a nod to that legacy or what? I searched around a little and couldn't find anything.

This article talks about a different box and a different logo (the dog), but it's a fun read.

Anyone know?

Thank you Lugnutz great article, that Niki logo is what first got me interested in Simonsen boxes. I noticed quite a few makers like Kennedy Kits for one used family pet in their logos. Italian Raimondi tile tools maker initially used their dog. Wish I new the wings/ bird story on the Simonsen boxes, first saw it back in the early 70’s. A Vietnam vet in our electrical shop had the larger, he had to stop using it because all boxes going to the flightline had to have foam cutouts for every tool And his box was loaded. That SSgt was the quinticential Airman had worked on bombers, hueys, tankers whatever flew in the conflict and the SR-71 Blackbird. Dressed in Vietnam era slant pocket fatigues, bloused his pantlegs in spit shined jungle boots And drove a 69 charger - Damn! He shared his knowledge mentored us newbies really good guy.
I don’t doubt you’ll Ferret out the story of the Wings stamping, suspect a special Gov contact but speculating.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[snorvet]

I made this one in high school shop class 1969 or 1970. I put it to use now only on special occasions.

 

[genog]

I just picked up this Snap On KRA-500A....
and if it wasn't for my Good Friend Shawn @ALLFAST it wouldn't have happened at all
A Big Thumbs Up for Shawn

Got a text from him last night to GO GET THIS Snap On roller!
He sent a link from our SF Bay Area Craigslist that showed the posting was 4 hours old....

I thought it was Long Gone since the Seller didn't respond to my -I'll take it- messages!
Then....at 7 am this morning, the Seller said come get it after 8:30

The box was 7 minutes away

1968? As the 68 seems to indicate after Kenosha Wisc USA on the third line?
But no month code?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice! Has the rare mid box section as well.

 

[genog]

I saw the pic of your setup
I really like your Top Box

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Thanks was pretty much a total rebuild on that one.

 

[ALLFAST]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Hi Lugz-I’m pretty sure he’s making reference to the front reinforcement panels ( on certain models of Simonsens) being embossed with that horizontal “flying” wing type of decor, which another member wisely mentioned was to strengthen said panel……it was some days back, but I didn’t try to find it here.

As always, your depth of knowledge on the historical ( and technical) aspects of the MANY (and varied) vintage artifacts is very impressive, and much appreciated.

Stay safe,

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

Nice! Has the rare mid box section as well.

Props to you OTG for posting your thread and highlighting this rare model-I hadn’t intended on reading it at the time, but the image ( and comments on their rarity) was seared into my brain…

When I saw that ad I KNEW I had seen it here before; Geno was in his area and I figured it was worth a shot.

It was fun being able to get a piece of history into a fellow GJers hands from remembering an old writeup!

Stay safe everyone,

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

Hi Lugz-I’m pretty sure he’s making reference to the front reinforcement panels ( on certain models of Simonsens) being embossed with that horizontal “flying” wing type of decor, which another member wisely mentioned was to strengthen said panel……it was some days back, but I didn’t try to find it here.

As always, your depth of knowledge on the historical ( and technical) aspects of the MANY (and varied) vintage artifacts is very impressive, and much appreciated.

Stay safe,

Shawn

If I’m referring to the correct winged detail, this is the box!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, @ALLFAST. I was tracking the conversation on the embossed wings. (I actually started it with a query if anyone else had any info or thoughts that would confirm my speculation that it was related to Simonsen's cantilevered box production for the USAAF. They were legendary in every ground crew.) I was trying to make a joke about the reference to the SR-71 between my statement of ignorance and my mousepad. (I had a professional hand in a payload put on one of its iterations.) Thanks, also, for the compliments. "Anything worth doing..." as the old saying goes.

 

[Jayman17]

That's a nice color alright! It'd be fun to see some photos of the tackle.

I've got the same box, but the aluminum version in blue. I'd been meaning to share photos and this seems like a good time.

​

I've been using mine to store router bits. I'm guessing the cork liners are original. It came with a waxed paper bag of dividers that clip into place.



Edward Simonsen patented the trays and dividers in the mid fifties. Here's a link to that patent.

US2788912A - Tray - Google Patents

These say Patent Pend. on them.


Tom

That's a great idea for router bit storage...might have to steal that.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's a great idea for router bit storage

That is! Considering how heavy these things stat out, router bits aren't heavy at all!

 

[tibwd]

I came across a tool box in the metal dumping dumpster at my town yard. I was astounded to see it was a very old Kennedy in unbelievable shape. I wrote to the company and asked them about it's origins, since it was not labeled with a model number, and looked like no other I have seen online. check it out .... Kennedy responded to me with a copy of their catalog from the 1930s, showing this chest . Notably , the pulls on the drawers are metal loops vs. the normal style pulls most you see have. Again, the condition is amazing , regardless of the fact it is possibly 80 + years old!! Front panel is intact, and works properly...even top leather handle is still holding up..only missing the key...

 

[Beerhippie]

I came across a tool box in the metal dumping dumpster at my town yard. I was astounded to see it was a very old Kennedy in unbelievable shape. I wrote to the company and asked them about it's origins, since it was not labeled with a model number, and looked like no other I have seen online. check it... out Kennedy responded to me with a copy of their catalog from the 1930s, showing this chest . Notably , the pulls on the drawers are loops vs. the normal style pulls most you see have. Again, the condition is amazing , regardless of the fact it is possibly 80 + years old!! Front panel is intact, and works properly...even top leather handle is still holding up..only missing the key...

I feel a great suckage in the force....

That's an absolute beauty--for a Kennedy--and the fact you rescued it from the scrap dumpster... unbelievable!

 

[tibwd]

i backed my truck up to the dumpster to unload some metal , and there it was sitting on top of some scrap metal. Lucky for me, it was not thrown into the dumpster, (a 40 ft model), as I would not have seen it,. Whoever left it there, placed it on top . It had some rainwater in the drawers from the night before, but that is it. The rep from Kennedy told me I found a treasure! Evidence of it's sturdiness, it weighs as much empty as other boxes I have with tools in them!!

 

[Outlawmws]

I feel a great suckage in the force....

Me too! Incredible find!

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I came across a tool box in the metal dumping dumpster at my town yard. I was astounded to see it was a very old Kennedy in unbelievable shape. I wrote to the company and asked them about it's origins, since it was not labeled with a model number, and looked like no other I have seen online. check it out .... Kennedy responded to me with a copy of their catalog from the 1930s, showing this chest . Notably , the pulls on the drawers are metal loops vs. the normal style pulls most you see have. Again, the condition is amazing , regardless of the fact it is possibly 80 + years old!! Front panel is intact, and works properly...even top leather handle is still holding up..only missing the key...

Where is that dumpster? I'll grab my sleeping bag.

 

[Provincial]

Another ****! Nice pick. Nice save, too. It would have been a shame to have that melted down for scrap.

 

[four.cycle]

a brand I had not yet heard of... did they re-name the product?

 

[RTM]

a brand I had not yet heard of... did they re-name the product?

Green-Case Inc was prior known as Green Toy Works (1926)

Hardware Dealers' Magazine

www.google.com

That ad only showed up in 1927 - 1928 with the Racine address. The Racine address only appeared in 1927-28 as Green-Line, then in '59-66 as an Engineering firm (Styberg)

In 1918, the NY address made cheese

In 1921, was listed as Cavanagh Bros in Hardware Journal - made blowlamps

The NY address of Cavanagh was a sales office, as of Nov 1927

Hardware World

www.google.com

Little later (Oct '28), the Racine address was changed to 34 N Clinton St Chicago, don't know what happened to the factory at that point.

Hardware Age

www.google.com

Looks like Surpless Dunn took over sales at both ends

Hardware World

www.google.com

In 1929, "B.G. Baker Mfg Co and Green - Case ( Inc. ) have merged under name of Baker - Case Mfg . Co"
A snippet view from American Lumberman.

American Lumberman

www.google.com

Green-Case, Inc. : A Complete Tool Case Line : Green-Case, Inc. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

7 p., illus., 6.7 cm, advertisements

archive.org

Gonna leave "Baker-Case" as an exercise for the reader.

 

[RTM]

Looks like "Baker - Case Mfg" only survived into 1931

"baker-Case mfg" - Google Search

"baker-Case mfg" - Google Search

As Baker Case Manufacturing, they are found making pinball machines

"baker-Case manufactuiring" - Google Search

Internet Pinball Machine Database: Baker-Case Manufacturing Company 'Wild Widow'

www.ipdb.org

"baker-Case manufacturing" - Google Search

 

[four.cycle]

doesn't look like they were around a long time

 

[rtvinc]

I am trying the Glidden Max Flex Dark Granite Satin. I had just returned 2 cans of Rust-oleum that had failed so I thought I would try something else. And thanks.

the kennedy is "Glidden Max Flex Dark Granite Satin"? did you spray or roll?

 

[Ducky]

Just a rattle can spray

 

[Old Radar]

doesn't look like they were around a long time

Cool suit case chests, though.

 

[garilla]

late in the day, I found a garage sale and there was this old, I think 1950's maybe 60's vintage tool box, no tools, thinking the owner would want big bucks for it I only commented my brother had one like it years ago. Suddenly he says to me, well it could be yours for 50cents !! well I couldn't resist that price, so here it is in all it's glory: a bit of the polish and wow !

 

[Outlawmws]

Suddenly he says to me, well it could be yours for 50cents !!

For that box, in that condition, you ****!

 

[ZRX61]

If I’m referring to the correct winged detail, this is the box!

Just found one The thin cork in the trays was so dry it exploded into confetti. The outside will NOT be staying pink...

 

[Old Radar]

That's not pink--it's oxidized red. Polishing compound and a little elbow grease will likely make it look like new!

 

[ALLFAST]

That's not pink--it's oxidized red. Polishing compound and a little elbow grease will likely make it look like new!

Old Radar is right on the money. What a fantastic find ! Congrats to you!

 

[ZRX61]

late in the day, I found a garage sale and there was this old, I think 1950's maybe 60's vintage tool box, no tools, thinking the owner would want big bucks for it I only commented my brother had one like it years ago. Suddenly he says to me, well it could be yours for 50cents !! well I couldn't resist that price, so here it is in all it's glory: a bit of the polish and wow !

Handy Andy Tool Chest Vintage Kids Tool Box And Tools Partial Set | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Handy Andy Tool Chest Vintage Kids Tool Box And Tools Partial Set at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[ZRX61]

That's not pink--it's oxidized red. Polishing compound and a little elbow grease will likely make it look like new!

The paint on it is rougher than a bears ***, it's beyond compounding. It's been painted with a brush, & when I say brush, I mean a yard brush..... Plus it looks like they used red oxide, so likely contains lead.
I may wet sand it (outside in the yard), get it smooth & then hit it with OD green... or I may knock the dents out, hit it with roloc scotchbrite discs & refinish with something close to the original color.
The inside hasn't been repainted.

 

[Beerhippie]

The paint on it is rougher than a bears ***, it's beyond compounding.

Is that a factory run in the paint?

 

[ZRX61]

Is that a factory run in the paint?

Edited the previous post

 

[Old Radar]

The paint on it is rougher than a bears ***, it's beyond compounding.

Happy to say I'm a neophyte when it comes to gaging a bear's *** coefficient of friction, so I bow to your proximity-based assessment.
Good luck and happy restoring!

 

[ZRX61]

Good luck and happy restoring!

There's also a couple of larger Simonsen's sitting on a shelf awaiting resto.

 

[outofbounds]

Found this at a recent estate sale. I liked it because it’s a little different than most hand carry boxes.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...it’s a little different than most hand carry boxes.

Is it a carry box? I don't see any handle or provision for one. Are there handles on the ends? Two man carry? Hard to tell how big it is.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

A little snapon and a Hamilton from a storage unit sale. Had a bunch of ww2 surplus stuff in them, some bluepoint, snapon,crescent etc...