Vintage tool box ID Help

[ericr_27030]

can someone help me find a date code on this box, just bought it and want to know how old it is.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[FJ 432]

Craftsman may have stamped a 2 digit number into the metal behind the badge. If not there look on the front right side below the bottom drawer.

Early to mid 70's would be my guess.

 

[bluebolt]

I would think very late 50's to early 60's.

 

[FJ 432]

I would think very late 50's to early 60's.

I had one exactly like this one which had the heritage badge instead of the crown logo. It was made in 1957.

The gray paint to me would indicate government/miltary box.

 

[FJ 432]

This was mine. Sold it.

 

[zkling]

It's a be'tweener box. Meaning it has the older style drawer pulls of the 50's, but the more modern logo of the 60's. I'll wager a guess of 1959. That box was only made for a few years, if that.

Craftsman may have stamped a 2 digit number into the metal behind the badge. If not there look on the front right side below the bottom drawer.

Early to mid 70's would be my guess.

Into the 70's even the mid 60's they switched to full length drawer pulls instead of individual pulls.

 

[FJ 432]

And one for sale in Boulder, CO.

http://boulder.craigslist.org/tls/4482656881.html

 

[drivesitfar]

Eric: nice looking box under all that battleship grey paint. since it's got an image of the Craftsman crowntop i think that dates it late 60's and early 70's which was still good old US made boxes.

i'm not sure where the date codes are, but you might list this with a picture over on the vintage toolbox thread and see if someone over there knows where the date is if one of the members doesn't tell you here.

welcome to Garage Journal and i hope you stick around to learn more and teach us what you know.

 

[FJ 432]

Into the 70's even the mid 60's they switched to full length drawer pulls instead of individual pulls.

I don't know why I have it in my head that the crown logo was started in the 1970's. Thanks mentor!

 

[ericr_27030]

Does anyone have good pictures of the way the emblem should be painted, and what color should the box be?

 

[drivesitfar]

i'm guessing it would look like this on that is on my top box that needs some spiffing. i think mine has original paint in case you wanted to know that too.

 

[ericr_27030]

I am going to paint this one, someone did it with the wrong color, the bottom and inside drawers are still original grey, I heard hammertone is a good color to use to match the original color is That right? And is the date under the emblem or can I see it onside the drawer? Didn't really want to try to take the emblem off.

 

[egnorant]

I have one similar (see my avatar). The date code may be inside the drawer behind the badge but I have seen later ones without. My 58/59 set has "Patented Trademark" under the red "craftsman" on a white field with black border on the crown part.

Have seen the later ones (1962and up) with a red ring around the "Craftsman" on the white field and it says "Made in America" underneath.

Hope this helps.

Bruce

 

[ericr_27030]

Stamped on the emblem on the inside of the drawer is 59 and the handles are chrome just painted

 

[ericr_27030]

the lock is long gone, where can I find a lock and key for it?
Thanks again for the help