The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[maxcarp709]

I've been collecting boxes for about 7 years now. I have a small garage which doesn't allow me to keep many but when I saw this one for sale I decided to make to take a 40 mile drive to buy this one off of CL for 400.00. Certainly not a bargain but it has been taken care of very well by the PO.

A 1957 Snap On top box KR61 with a 1957 bottom roller a KR302. The patina and the overall condition made me fall in love. Trying to fit it in I decided to take a couple of family photos: (from the left)

1940's pair k60 top and k200 bottom
1940's plomb project that I hope to complete this fall
1957 boxes mentioned above
1967 KRA61B top and KRA300B

Great Collection!

 

[00fxd]

Looks great to me! I also have the 300-B with the wiring kit, it came from the estate of a former Coca-Cola fleet mechanic. It looks like yours has a newer badge than mine, plus the optional bottom three drawers which mine does not have.

Thanks Revere, the optional lower 3 drawers are nice to have.

 

[Tool_Master]

Check this one out guys. It's home made but I thought it was awesome for the junk yard hauls and so I bought it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rmalkow2]

Got any better pics of the small rolling cart under that box?

 

[DWise]

This Proto Toolmobile just showed up on CL.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/5775263022.html

 

[twertsy]

This Proto Toolmobile just showed up on CL.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/5775263022.html

That's cool aye Woody?

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[timbitca]

This Proto Toolmobile just showed up on CL.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/5775263022.html

That is really cool... Love that it has the dealer plate and socket holder.

 

[Rileysan]

If it looks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a ... ?

Looks like a Kennedy but is it a Kennedy-made-for-someone-else?

Brian

 

[rmalkow2]

If it looks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a ... ?

Looks like a Kennedy but is it a Kennedy-made-for-someone-else?

Brian

Generally I would date any tool box with a leather handle as pre-WWII but they would definitely never paint a leather handle like that. Someone did that later on and I would carefully try to restore that handle and remove the paint. The inside of the top lid looks silver and like spray paint? Maybe its the picture coloration. On the inside of that lid should be a Kennedy decal I think? Others here may be more precise. It sure looks like an old Kennedy. Nice box.

 

[thehorse13]

This J.H. Williams box followed me home last week. I plan on cleaning it up and using it for tool overflow.

From what I can tell, this was made by MB&C in Chicago sometime in the 1960s.

If anyone knows where I can find a new set of J.H. Williams decals for this box, I'd appreciate the assist. They will need to be replaced once I do the restoration.

 

[twertsy]

This J.H. Williams box followed me home last week. I plan on cleaning it up and using it for tool overflow.

From what I can tell, this was made by MB&C in Chicago sometime in the 1960s.

If anyone knows where I can find a new set of J.H. Williams decals for this box, I'd appreciate the assist. They will need to be replaced once I do the restoration.

That box doesn't look too bad Horse...........about the same condition as my Williams stack. I like 'em that way. Usually, I just clean up the slides and hinges and put 'em back to work.

 

[thehorse13]

Yea, I've already cut and buffed the paint. It looks 100 times better. My problem is that the decals are beat up and I would love to get new ones. After that, I will leave it, "farm fresh" because it cleaned up so well.

 

[Outlawmws]

If it looks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a ... ?

Looks like a Kennedy but is it a Kennedy-made-for-someone-else?

Brian

Generally I would date any tool box with a leather handle as pre-WWII but they would definitely never paint a leather handle like that. Someone did that later on and I would carefully try to restore that handle and remove the paint. The inside of the top lid looks silver and like spray paint? Maybe its the picture coloration. On the inside of that lid should be a Kennedy decal I think? Others here may be more precise. It sure looks like an old Kennedy. Nice box.

It's been spray bombed...

 

[taumac]

If it looks like a duck, and smells like a duck, it must be a ... ?



Looks like a Kennedy but is it a Kennedy-made-for-someone-else?



Brian

I'm guessing a Kennedy but best why is to pull drawers out and check back wall. It should be brown.

 

[taumac]

Ok I can't confirm this but it's something I posted I think somewhere before. I had 3 machinist boxes. One a silver craftsman Crowntop, a brown craftsman Crowntop, and a leather handle Kennedy. Now thing besides the latches and handle is the drawers. The Kennedy is in the middle and matches the silver craftsman more then the brown one.




So just taking the Kennedy and silver craftsman the drawers are ALMOST indentical



Now only difference I can't tell is this. Craftsman




Kennedy.




I can't confirm because I don't have a older Kennedy made craftsman. So IMO if felt has been changed and box has been spray bombed only way I know is to check the pulls.

But I'm certain yours is a Kennedy. Mine has the label saying it is


The pulls look the same and all the latches and handles off mine look the same.

 

[Rileysan]

Just got it aagggghhhh!!!

And one just came up in Portland, Or. for $550. This one has either never been used or it was restored. Gorgeous box!

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/tls/5765775366.html

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

Two acquisitions last night.

The first was from a CL ad. The ad was 5 days old and I had tried contacting the seller on days 2 & 3 but his voicemail inbox was full. I finally got through to the seller and he still had the box!

We met yesterday afternoon and I came home with a gray Craftsman 3D tool chest, dated December 1970, for $20.

The second item is this wall-hanging tool cabinet - which is similar to the Craftsman cabinet from the 1950s-60s.

There are no identifying marks on it except the scant remains of a decal on the front of the cabinet. $2 at ReStore because it was half price day.



Brian

 

[Zeeman]

Very nice Craftsman. I can't seem to find one locally. Want to sell it?

 

[Rileysan]

Very nice Craftsman. I can't seem to find one locally. Want to sell it?

Thanks for asking, but the time and cost to ship would be prohibitive. Besides, I've taken my inspiration from another GJ member and am building a wall of Craftsman boxes.

Brian

 

[rmalkow2]

Two acquisitions last night.

The second item is this wall-hanging tool cabinet - which is similar to the Craftsman cabinet from the 1950s-60s.

There are no identifying marks on it except the scamp remains of a decal on the front of the cabinet. $2 at ReStore because it was half price day.
Brian

That may be a salesman sample carry box based on the type of side latches and the handle placement. Nice finds.

 

[Rileysan]

That may be a salesman sample carry box based on the type of side latches and the handle placement. Nice finds.

That certainly seems plausible. It does, however, have punch-outs (still in place) in the back panel to allow it to be mounted to a wall. It's also exceedingly heavy (15-20lbs?). I'd hate to be a salesman carrying this box full of products from door to door!

Brian

 

[twertsy]

That certainly seems plausible. It does, however, have punch-outs (still in place) in the back panel to allow it to be mounted to a wall. It's also exceedingly heavy (15-20lbs?). I'd hate to be a salesman carrying this box full of products from door to door!

Brian

I thought salesman's case when I saw it too. Apparently, they could carry more than us back then. I have 2 twin hip roof "carry boxes" that without a single tool, weigh upwards of 75 lbs. I don't even know why there are handles on them! I can tell you I wouldn't F with the man, or woman, that carried their tools around in them............

 

[Makattak81]

S-K box I picked up today, for 12 bucks with the 1/2 breaker bar.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[paulm12]

thanks Taumac for the info, always helpful to have.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks for asking, but the time and cost to ship would be prohibitive. Besides, I've taken my inspiration from another GJ member and am building a wall of Craftsman boxes.

Brian

I don't blame you. I have a thing for the Craftsman stuff too. Good luck with your project

 

[taumac]

Two acquisitions last night.



The first was from a CL ad. The ad was 5 days old and I had tried contacting the seller on days 2 & 3 but his voicemail inbox was full. I finally got through to the seller and he still had the box!



We met yesterday afternoon and I came home with a gray Craftsman 3D tool chest, dated December 1970, for $20.



The second item is this wall-hanging tool cabinet - which is similar to the Craftsman cabinet from the 1950s-60s.



There are no identifying marks on it except the scant remains of a decal on the front of the cabinet. $2 at ReStore because it was half price day.







Brian

Nice find on the chest. It seems to be it good shape. The wall cabinet is nice. You don't see those very often.

 

[bubinga]

Got this with a bunch of tools, for $40.00
Its super heavy even empty.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[Rileysan]

Got this with a bunch of tools, for $40.00
Its super heavy even empty.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

One of my favorite tool chests! Outstanding find at a bargain price. Grats!

Brian

 

[honza.vosalik]

Rileysan: The box looks pretty well used!

 

[Rileysan]

Rileysan: The box looks pretty well used!

Yes! Aren't those the best kind?

A few dings and a little patina lead to bargain prices from people who think they have no value. If my boxes were pristine, I couldn't have afforded them.

I have the same 10D box in a little better condition, but I would be proud to own this one even at that price.

Admit it, Honza - you want this box!

Brian

 

[Al Borland]

Great old box!
And, added bonus points...
It has a Whiskey Drawer!

 

[littlebritishcar]

Got this with a bunch of tools, for $40.00
Its super heavy even empty.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

Selling one like it

V

 

[littlebritishcar]

I am trying to find a good home for this box. The lower is a Steelcraft and the upper is a Craftsman. Both in good shape with no dents, etc. I got them a few years ago with the intention of restoring them but never got to it. I like the patina but no room anymore. What should I ask?

 

[Zeeman]

Pm me about the top box please

 

[Outlawmws]

FYI that top weight about 90 lbs empty, so be advised about shipping costs...

 

[Rileysan]

I am trying to find a good home for this box. The lower is a Steelcraft and the upper is a Craftsman. Both in good shape with no dents, etc. I got them a few years ago with the intention of restoring them but never got to it. I like the patina but no room anymore. What should I ask?

It's so hard to come up with a price for these things. On the right day, you'll have people fighting over them. On other days, no one will take a second glance. I would sell them separately since they are different brands.

If the Craftsman has no damage, has the original lock & key, and everything works great, start at $150 and see if anyone bites. I think $100 is a reasonable expectation.

The Steelcraft is unknown to me. It could be worth $150 or $50. It looks cool so see if anyone bites at $100.

Good luck!

Brian

 

[montanafordman]

I am trying to find a good home for this box. The lower is a Steelcraft and the upper is a Craftsman. Both in good shape with no dents, etc. I got them a few years ago with the intention of restoring them but never got to it. I like the patina but no room anymore. What should I ask?

Damn, I wish I lived in your area or I'd be taking that bottom chest home for sure!!

 

[coleman10]

Hello, first post. 1964/65 Craftsmen. Craigslist find. Good overall condition, rattle can paint job on boxes, red drawers in fine condition. Came stuffed with tools (Snap-On. Craftsmen, many others.) Locks work with 2 sets of keys. Enjoy!

Very nice. How much did you pay? I'm just west of you in Coral Springs.

 

[Outlawmws]

I think the SteelCraft is a Pressteel made unit? 4 bearing rollers per drawer, right? pics of the slides/rollers?

Pressteel made some of the early Proto bottom rollers and some for Sears under Craftsman brand as well...

 

[thehorse13]

This followed me home on Friday evening. It's close to what I'm looking for but not the right vintage.

This box has an annoying locking mechanism. You have to keep the bottom door open in order for the drawers to remain unlocked. There is a large bar that runs through the cabinet which has to be positioned in such a way where the bottom door cannot close if you want to access the drawers.

My guess is that this is early 1960s based only on the appearance of the emblem.