The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Private Lugnutz]

Had a bunch of ww2 surplus stuff in them, some bluepoint, snapon,crescent etc...

Is that a Vlchek ball-pein?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Good eye!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here's an naf diamond needle nose that was in the hamilton

 

[Oldtuleguy]

A bunch of bluepoint wrenches

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Good eye!

One can never really know for sure without some kind of provenance, and tools do travel well, but there's a good chance a number of the tools in that wartime box stayed with it for a good long time, including that Vlchek hammer.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The traces of the Vlchek logo are still there. Also a bunch of 40s snapon sockets.

 

[d42jeep]

Plenty of GMTK correct tools in that batch. I’ve never found a Hamilton wartime box.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The traces of the Vlchek logo are still there. Also a bunch of 40s snapon sockets.

Nice. What size is the hammer? 16 ozs? I've assembled several GMTKs in the past 12 years or so, and in one of them, all the 1/2- and 1/4-drive pieces were Snap-on. Thread here...

The WWII Mechanics' Kit: a Living History Display

Here is the same tool-set, minus the box, laid out on a Jeep windshield cover: Entire album, with sub-albums, and many more photos of the tools in and out of the box and removable top tray, including close-ups, can be found here...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I don't miss them, they are all in the hands of fellow collectors and good guys, but if there's one I wish I had back, it's that one.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Read through it, looked like a great set!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

There is a mixture of other brands in there. This one is hard to read but it says "Harrold non-twist".

 

[Private Lugnutz]

There is a mixture of other brands in there. This one is hard to read but it says "Harrold non-twist".

It looks like it could meet, with some reasonable +/- tolerances, the specs for the Close-Quarter (i.e., colloquially, "Stubby") Screwdriver issued to every GMTK. The blade length was 1-3/4", 1/4" wide tip, and 4" OAL. Not a common make and model, but I can see it.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have heard of harrold pliers before. Same outfit? Couple of wire cutters, a crestoloy and a channellock. Also two diamond adjustable wrenches.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have heard of harrold pliers before. Same outfit?

I would think so. They made screwdrivers. I'm assuming the branding is promising that the shank won't twist inside the ferrule. We have a Harrold thread.

 

[outofbounds]

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.

Lugz, Yes handles on each end. about 22" long x 7" deep x 4" tall. A different tack on a homeowner box I suppose. I believe that Defiance by Stanley was largely directed at price point marketing to the homeowner rather than any professional trade? Seems the tools I've ever seen were down market from the type of quality that Stanley enjoyed as a reputation back when everything was made here.

 

[RTM]

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

Looks like 1950 vintage for the Defiance 891 tool box

Hardware Age

books.google.com

 

[lrhredjb]

Today I hit the flea market and 2 garage sales. I found a pagoda styled toolbox. For $5 I couldn't pass it up. I can't find any makers id on it and a Google image search didn't turn up any thing. On the under side of the lid there is a trap door that opens into the lid area. It appears to be made of galvanized metal and there is no rust anywhere. I wonder if it could be handmade?

 

[Beerhippie]

Today I hit the flea market and 2 garage sales. I found a pagoda styled toolbox. For $5 I couldn't pass it up. I can't find any makers id on it and a Google image search didn't turn up any thing. On the under side of the lid there is a trap door that opens into the lid area. It appears to be made of galvanized metal and there is no rust anywhere. I wonder if it could be handmade?

I'd be mighty pleased with something like that!

It may be hand-made, but forming those ogees would have been a bit of work!

 

[Beerhippie]

I picked up a couple more today. Nothing great, but one I was actually looking for:





Nope, that's not it. Anyone need a USN NAF 1140-1 tool box? This thing is huge and heavy. I have no real use for it, but the price was... bring it home. If you want it, you'll have to come and get it.

Here's the one I was looking for:



Spill Proof latch! Different design from my others, but still works.



Lots of organization for my taps, dies, associated drill bits and holders--which is what I wanted.



It's another of what I'm calling Union boxes. This one was probably intended as a tackle box, and was full of sinkers, swivels and other fishing gear. I dumped it all in a box and set it in front of a few local fishermen. I don't think they drew any blood.

The label on front says "Revelation Eastern Auto Stores".

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice finds!

LRH I tend to agree, Hand made; likely by a sheet metal worker. The "attic" is interesting - maybe for gloves/rags? Seems unpractical for tools. Definitly a work of art on the Art Deco/Pagoda styling!

Nice finds Timm! That red box is cool with the "reel compartment" to one side.

 

[d42jeep]

I picked up a couple more today. Nothing great, but one I was actually looking for:





Nope, that's not it. Anyone need a USN NAF 1140-1 tool box? This thing is huge and heavy. I have no real use for it, but the price was... bring it home. If you want it, you'll have to come and get it.

Here's the one I was looking for:



Spill Proof latch! Different design from my others, but still works.



Lots of organization for my taps, dies, associated drill bits and holders--which is what I wanted.



It's another of what I'm calling Union boxes. This one was probably intended as a tackle box, and was full of sinkers, swivels and other fishing gear. I dumped it all in a box and set it in front of a few local fishermen. I don't think they drew any blood.

The label on front says "Revelation Eastern Auto Stores".

Could you post a picture of the NAF markings on the Kennedy cantilever box, please? I’ve seen a couple with different markings.
-Don

 

[Beerhippie]

Could you post a picture of the NAF markings on the Kennedy cantilever box, please? I’ve seen a couple with different markings.
-Don

Don, it's about eight layers of paint deep. The picture above is as good as I think I can get without removing some paint and I'm trying to keep my investment down as I was hoping someone else would want it.

But, from what I can see, it's similar or identical to yours--just a little more beat-up and painted--many times. Mine also has the single latch, like older Kennedy boxes, and the cast-aluminum handle.

Are all of these embossed? If mine is, I may have to raise my estimate of layers of paint.

Maybe I'll have to hit it with a bit of paint stripper tomorrow. My embossing seems mush shallower and crisper than yours.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is another NAF box, not a Kennedy, that just has a label rather than embossing.
Here is an eBay photo of a Navy box that is embossed but isn’t a NAF box.
-Don

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Here's one ya don't see everyday... Bonney top and bottom setup. Kinda rough but aren't most of the good ones. Picking it up here in a bit. Anyone have any info on these?

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Today I hit the flea market and 2 garage sales. I found a pagoda styled toolbox. For $5 I couldn't pass it up. I can't find any makers id on it and a Google image search didn't turn up any thing. On the under side of the lid there is a trap door that opens into the lid area. It appears to be made of galvanized metal and there is no rust anywhere. I wonder if it could be handmade?

If this wasn't on FB MP, then there are at least 2. Almost certain I saw a twin in MP.

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Can anyone identify this old chest?

Going to pick this up now.

 

[Shelbylex]

This is great Bonney set!!! The manufacturer of the top made the same box for Blackhawk!
Look through a Bonney thread - there were pictures there of these boxes in their natural shop environment...


Here you go: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...nney-affliction.273680/page-138#post-10674668

 

[Beerhippie]

@d42jeep : Here's what I found while digging through the multiple layers of paint:





It looks like one layer of OD paint, the USN and NAF #s stenciled on, then another layer of OD, where Mr WC Watson stenciled his name, then another layer of OD--or maybe gray--followed by the black top layer. My crude attempt to reveal the original markings has probably nullified any value the box might have to a collector of militaria.

The cast aluminum handle also appears to be shop-made and the two rings securing it are different--one is a D-ring, possibly original, one is just some very stout wire. I suspect this box had the leather-wrapped handle when it left the plant.

I guess I'm stuck with this massive old Kennedy box.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks for checking through the layers. Here is another box for sale in Arizona showing the markings.
My box was pretty rough when I received it.
-Don

 

[hobie18]

This pic show?
Old 1940s from gramps. Pic not showing. Will try again later

 

[hobie18]

Gramps old tool chest. No information.

 

[hobie18]

Reposted

 

[Beerhippie]

The Union/Revelation tackle box has been assimilated:



Perfect for my taps, dies and associated tools!

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Here's one ya don't see everyday... Bonney top and bottom setup. Kinda rough but aren't most of the good ones. Picking it up here in a bit. Anyone have any info on these?

Wow. Took another day but got it home for $50. Thing is BEEFY man. I mean, I dunno I've felt an old box with metal this thick. Went to pick up the top box and about fell over with it. Very cool box with the pull out tray and little drawers. Guy said it was his Grandpa's. He had a garage full of brand spankin' new Kobalt boxes

 

[Beerhippie]

Wow. Took another day but got it home for $50. Thing is BEEFY man. I mean, I dunno I've felt an old box with metal this thick. Went to pick up the top box and about fell over with it. Very cool box with the pull out tray and little drawers. Guy said it was his Grandpa's. He had a garage full of brand spankin' new Kobalt boxes

Yeah, some of these old boxes can be kinda stout--and heavy:



That's empty.

 

[Outlawmws]

Gramps old tool chest. No information.

Post dimensions and a pic of the drawer layout, and we can probably ID the year range for that box.

 

[lrhredjb]

If this wasn't on FB MP, then there are at least 2. Almost certain I saw a twin in MP.

Not FBMP, local garage sale. I will check FB for similar box. Odd wooden handle on this box. Looks too flimsy for the size of the box.

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Not FBMP, local garage sale. I will check FB for similar box. Odd wooden handle on this box. Looks too flimsy for the size of the box.

I remember that crazy deco top, almost certain it was MP. Have you done an image search?

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

Thought I was done picking up old boxes...
This came up at auction and I really wanted the dividers and calipers out of it. It went super cheap so I bid and won.
It's available, I'm not into wood boxes. St. Louis area, give it to ya cheap as I got it!

Looks to be a home or shop made carpenters suitcase style box. Pretty cool design not the best materials. $25

 

[lrhredjb]

I remember that D image search?

I found one on Etsy that was similar but not as elaborate. No clue as to who built it.