The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[davethorik]

Picked up this Kennedy today. No insignia or sticker, just says Kennedy on keys (Which look new). Seller thought it may have been a factory 2nd due to paint color variation (lower drawer seems to be slightly brighter red), possible it was repainted after but it looks somewhat original. Drawers have friction slides like big Kennedy boxes, fairly sturdy, and lid has to be open to open drawers. It's a keeper.

 

[Bockscar]

Picked up this Kennedy today. No insignia or sticker, just says Kennedy on keys (Which look new). Seller thought it may have been a factory 2nd due to paint color variation (lower drawer seems to be slightly brighter red), possible it was repainted after but it looks somewhat original. Drawers have friction slides like big Kennedy boxes, fairly sturdy, and lid has to be open to open drawers. It's a keeper.

They do sell seconds out of the factory

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[Tynee]

Picked up this Kennedy today. No insignia or sticker, just says Kennedy on keys (Which look new). Seller thought it may have been a factory 2nd due to paint color variation (lower drawer seems to be slightly brighter red), possible it was repainted after but it looks somewhat original. Drawers have friction slides like big Kennedy boxes, fairly sturdy, and lid has to be open to open drawers. It's a keeper.

I’m probably the only one who keeps my basic electrical tools in a Kennedy of that model. Brown krinkle on mine.

If it’s a repaint, it’s a nice finish other than the noted color variation.

 

[davethorik]

I’m probably the only one who keeps my basic electrical tools in a Kennedy of that model. Brown krinkle on mine.

If it’s a repaint, it’s a nice finish other than the noted color variation.

This is my first Kennedy that isn't brown crinkle, lol. I have a 5 drawer roller/side cab/mid box/machinist chest at work, and a really beat up CS-19 hand carry box in half brown crinkle/half rust. This is now the "presentable" addition to my collection

Looking at it again, the entire lower drawer is slightly lighter red than rest of box. Zero overspray, drips, runs, etc. No Kennedy in cursive script on lower left side of lid. No id sticker or stamps anywhere. Who knows.

Got a model # for this box?

 

[Bockscar]

This is my first Kennedy that isn't brown crinkle, lol. I have a 5 drawer roller/side cab/mid box/machinist chest at work, and a really beat up CS-19 hand carry box in half brown crinkle/half rust. This is now the "presentable" addition to my collection [emoji481]

Looking at it again, the entire lower drawer is slightly lighter red than rest of box. Zero overspray, drips, runs, etc. No Kennedy in cursive script on lower left side of lid. No id sticker or stamps anywhere. Who knows.

Got a model # for this box?

220R

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[davethorik]

220R

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Thanks!!

 

[jagwinn]

Went fishin' with Dad and brother; visited Dons shop afterward. He bought at auction some 10 old tool chests for $30 and gifted me this one:

View media item 86188
Has new lid.

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Only manufactured for 2 years, 1920-21 the fire destroyed factory.

 

[LesNewcomer]

Re: Craftsman "Our Best" tool chest of 1954. Rare?

I picked this up via Marketplace yesterday. From the chatter on other groups, it seems to be a rare bird. It is in the '54 as "Our Best" at a whopping $86.50. In '55 a slightly smaller, non ball bearing box became "Our Best" and retailed at $57.50. So I suspect it was overpriced for the market (The next toolbox that I can find that is more expensive is a taller, all-drawer for $99 in 1964)

The box is larger than average at 18 3/16x 28 x 37 1/4 (on 4" post-type casters)
Amusingly, the "Advertising Metal Display Co." is stamped upside down, so when you stick your head in the drawer, you can read it. (the bottom of the drawer is in the top of the pic)


So Here are the questions:
*Is it any catalog from 1950-1953? (It's not in the '49)
*what was/is that piece of sheet metal (shown with the square for scale) for? It doesn't have any spot weld marks and the paint matches so it went somewhere!
*How the ruddy 'ell do you get the drawers out???!!
Much like kitchen drawer guides there's a bearing in the back of the drawer on each side that runs in a fixed track, and a bearing on carcass that rides on the ridge of the drawer--two drawers blew out their bearings so I can get those drawers out easily. The upper drawers are causing no end of frustration as it seems there's not enough space above the carcass/case bearing for the drawer bearing to pass over it.
*Has anybody else seen/owned one?

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Re: Craftsman "Our Best" tool chest of 1954. Rare?

I picked this up via Marketplace yesterday. From the chatter on other groups, it seems to be a rare bird. It is in the '54 as "Our Best" at a whopping $86.50. In '55 a slightly smaller, non ball bearing box became "Our Best" and retailed at $57.50. So I suspect it was overpriced for the market (The next toolbox that I can find that is more expensive is a taller, all-drawer for $99 in 1964)

The box is larger than average at 18 3/16x 28 x 37 1/4 (on 4" post-type casters)
Amusingly, the "Advertising Metal Display Co." is stamped upside down, so when you stick your head in the drawer, you can read it. (the bottom of the drawer is in the top of the pic)


So Here are the questions:
*Is it any catalog from 1950-1953? (It's not in the '49)
*what was/is that piece of sheet metal (shown with the square for scale) for? It doesn't have any spot weld marks and the paint matches so it went somewhere!
*How the ruddy 'ell do you get the drawers out???!!
Much like kitchen drawer guides there's a bearing in the back of the drawer on each side that runs in a fixed track, and a bearing on carcass that rides on the ridge of the drawer--two drawers blew out their bearings so I can get those drawers out easily. The upper drawers are causing no end of frustration as it seems there's not enough space above the carcass/case bearing for the drawer bearing to pass over it.
*Has anybody else seen/owned one?

Very cool rolling cabinet. I'd love to have one like that. Congrats on the find!

 

[Rileysan]

I am so fascinated by this box! Roller slides, 28" wide, no front cover; it's truly unique!

As I implied in the Craftsman collector's group on FB, I believe you have a rare piece, Les, and very well might have the only one amongst all the vast membership here on GJ.

If ever you decide to part with it, please contact me!

Brian

 

[LesNewcomer]

I wanted to build a window seat in my daughter's room. Wife said no, so we compromised. I built this:

 

[Outlawmws]

I am so fascinated by this box! Roller slides, 28" wide, no front cover; it's truly unique!

As I implied in the Craftsman collector's group on FB, I believe you have a rare piece, Les, and very well might have the only one amongst all the vast membership here on GJ.

Brian

Nope! I have one!

Les, as far as I know it was only made in 1954. They were made by Pressteel who also made Plvmb boxes in the 40's (Pressteel, 9705 East Garvey Ave El Monte, CA) as wel as under their own name. (I have a 3 drawer Pressteel)

Possible Replacement Rollers(if the link is stil good) : OR you you can get a 1" bearing adn bolt that on. http://www.allaboutdoors.com/product_info.php?products_id=17296

Mine is posted in this thread on post 534

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1673958&postcount=534[

Yours is missing the hardboard top pad and the aluminum trim.

To get the drawers out you have to BANG them out to get past the "stops". same to get them back in. Some lube helps.

I picked this up via Marketplace yesterday. From the chatter on other groups, it seems to be a rare bird. It is in the '54 as "Our Best" at a whopping $86.50. In '55 a slightly smaller, non ball bearing box became "Our Best" and retailed at $57.50. So I suspect it was overpriced for the market (The next toolbox that I can find that is more expensive is a taller, all-drawer for $99 in 1964)

The box is larger than average at 18 3/16x 28 x 37 1/4 (on 4" post-type casters)
Amusingly, the "Advertising Metal Display Co." is stamped upside down, so when you stick your head in the drawer, you can read it. (the bottom of the drawer is in the top of the pic)


So Here are the questions:
*Is it any catalog from 1950-1953? (It's not in the '49)
*what was/is that piece of sheet metal (shown with the square for scale) for? It doesn't have any spot weld marks and the paint matches so it went somewhere!
*How the ruddy 'ell do you get the drawers out???!!
Much like kitchen drawer guides there's a bearing in the back of the drawer on each side that runs in a fixed track, and a bearing on carcass that rides on the ridge of the drawer--two drawers blew out their bearings so I can get those drawers out easily. The upper drawers are causing no end of frustration as it seems there's not enough space above the carcass/case bearing for the drawer bearing to pass over it.
*Has anybody else seen/owned one?

 

[Rileysan]

Nope! I have one!

Les, as far as I know it was only made in 1954. They were made by Pressteel who also made Plvmb boxes in the 40's (Pressteel, 9705 East Garvey Ave El Monte, CA) as wel as under their own name. (I have a 3 drawer Pressteel)

Possible Replacement Rollers(if the link is stil good) : OR you you can get a 1" bearing adn bolt that on. http://www.allaboutdoors.com/product_info.php?products_id=17296

Mine is posted in this thread on post 534

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1673958&postcount=534[

Yours is missing the hardboard top pad and the aluminum trim.

To get the drawers out you have to BANG them out to get past the "stops". same to get them back in. Some lube helps.

His box has the AMD (advertising Metal Display) embossing behind the Craftsman badge. Did they both make that box?

 

[Mazdawg09]

After some further research and the help of this forum I was able to figure out my great grandfather’s craftsman box we inherited years ago is dated 1959. Now that I figured that out I’m struggling to find what the box would’ve looked like new. Our ultimate goal is to restore the box

 

[Rileysan]

After some further research and the help of this forum I was able to figure out my great grandfather’s craftsman box we inherited years ago is dated 1959. Now that I figured that out I’m struggling to find what the box would’ve looked like new. Our ultimate goal is to restore the box

Thanks for posting. Your box pre-dates all conventional estimates for the beginning of the Craftsman "crown top" era (the Craftsman crown logo), which makes it very, very cool! I'm sure someone here will chime in and tell you what paint is an exact match, but I can say with certainty, it was plain old boring gray. Have you pulled a drawer and looked inside the cabinet yet? Often times the original color will be left untouched in areas that are not easy to see.

Brian

 

[FJ 432]

Nope! I have one.

One of my all time favorites. The only Craftsman I would buy.

 

[bmwrd0]

Actually, Rileysan, I have a seven drawer roller from '58 that is Crown Top. It is the one you have seen.

 

[bmwrd0]

Picked this beauty up yesterday for a double-sawbuck

It was packed, lotsa trash, some gold.

 

[Outlawmws]

His box has the AMD (advertising Metal Display) embossing behind the Craftsman badge. Did they both make that box?

Mine does not have that AMD embossing, and AFAIK Pressteel is the only box MFG that used the 4 roller bearings per drawer slides. other design features on both the Craftsman and Pressteel are the same. The slides are manufactured identically, so I suspect that either AMD licenced it, or, more likely IMO, contracted with Pressteel for that box. odd that one example has the embossing and the other does not...

 

[jeffmoss26]

Jagwinn, that is awesome!!

 

[Rileysan]

Picked this beauty up yesterday for a double-sawbuck

It was packed, lotsa trash, some gold.

Excellent find! You've been hitting home runs all weekend!

Now where's that tool board?

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

Mine does not have that AMD embossing, and AFAIK Pressteel is the only box MFG that used the 4 roller bearings per drawer slides. other design features on both the Craftsman and Pressteel are the same. The slides are manufactured identically, so I suspect that either AMD licenced it, or, more likely IMO, contracted with Pressteel for that box. odd that one example has the embossing and the other does not...

Very strange, indeed!

I wonder though ... is it possible that Sears contracted with multiple manufacturers to limit cost of shipping much like Waterloo and Beach made Craftsman boxes are.

And, whose to say those drawer slides weren't made by a third party and sold to both manufacturers? Certainly the lift handles on the sides of those boxes were made by a third party - the same handles are found on a many different manufacturer's boxes from the 1950s through 70s.

I suppose we'll never know ...

Brian

 

[LesNewcomer]

One other slight variation: The trim around the top edge and the trim on the masonite (I do have it, just not in the photo) are not made of aluminum, but reg a lure ole steel and painted hammertone grey. So maybe more than one man'f'r was making the same box.

 

[Smokeshow69]

One other slight variation: The trim around the top edge and the trim on the masonite (I do have it, just not in the photo) are not made of aluminum, but reg a lure ole steel and painted hammertone grey. So maybe more than one man'f'r was making the same box.

Most likely, to get your drawers out, you will need to start with the bottom drawer and work up to the top... it is that way with all my pressteel boxes with those rollers so I would think it would be the same for your sweet box ! Great find. I do believe there is one of those for sale on eBay last time I checked ?


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[LesNewcomer]

I do believe there is one of those for sale on eBay last time I checked ?

I'm not sure what happened to my previous reply, but yes there is one of these on ebay right now. His does have the aluminum trim and, as shown in the photo he sent me, is not made by AMD. And while our population is too small (3) to draw any real conclusions at least we are consistent with "Aluminum Trim=Pressteel". "Steel trim=AMD"

So here's the next question: Does anybody have a Preesteel roller/toolbox that comes close to the dimensions of 18x28? I figure heigh is easily adjustable but width and depth is more difficult.

And while we have the idea that Pressteel used the ball bearing style tracks, if we could find a catalog or toolboxes made by Pressteel that are the same dimensions, that would be, at least for me, that the design, and possibly the tooling came from Pressteel. All of AMDs boxes for Craftsman are slightly smaller and it doesn't make sense to me for AMD to go through a massive re-tooling for just one box. Yeah, make the dies for the drawer fronts, but use the same carcass, it saves money.

Below is a photo from the seller on ebay.

 

[Outlawmws]

Again, the construction details are the same Pressteel to Craftsman,

Plan view dimensions are the same, rolled corners, the same etc. etc.

CASE height (not including the casters) is 29-1.2 for the Pressteel and 32 for the Craftsman.

I've seen other Pressteels (FAR more common; even the Plvmb boxes are more common...) with the Masonite and aluminum trim. I can't recall ever seeing an AMD with either trim or Masonite.

 

[Rileysan]

Actually, Rileysan, I have a seven drawer roller from '58 that is Crown Top. It is the one you have seen.

I totally forgot about yours! Maybe it's time to start tracking dates & logos.

 

[6pony6]

I totally forgot about yours! Maybe it's time to start tracking dates & logos.

I would be willing to help with this. I have this red/gray combo dated 05 76 with a rectangular logo instead of the chevron. Only one I have seen.

Also have a red/gray with a combination lock I’ve wondered about.


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[Rileysan]

Re: Craftsman "Our Best" tool chest of 1954. Rare?

I picked this up via Marketplace yesterday. From the chatter on other groups, it seems to be a rare bird. It is in the '54 as "Our Best" at a whopping $86.50. In '55 a slightly smaller, non ball bearing box became "Our Best" and retailed at $57.50. So I suspect it was overpriced for the market (The next toolbox that I can find that is more expensive is a taller, all-drawer for $99 in 1964)

The box is larger than average at 18 3/16x 28 x 37 1/4 (on 4" post-type casters)
Amusingly, the "Advertising Metal Display Co." is stamped upside down, so when you stick your head in the drawer, you can read it. (the bottom of the drawer is in the top of the pic)


So Here are the questions:
*Is it any catalog from 1950-1953? (It's not in the '49)
*what was/is that piece of sheet metal (shown with the square for scale) for? It doesn't have any spot weld marks and the paint matches so it went somewhere!
*How the ruddy 'ell do you get the drawers out???!!
Much like kitchen drawer guides there's a bearing in the back of the drawer on each side that runs in a fixed track, and a bearing on carcass that rides on the ridge of the drawer--two drawers blew out their bearings so I can get those drawers out easily. The upper drawers are causing no end of frustration as it seems there's not enough space above the carcass/case bearing for the drawer bearing to pass over it.
*Has anybody else seen/owned one?

Ok gentlemen, I have new information. I was searching through my backup files (external hard drive) for more Craftsman catalogs when I encountered a 1952 mechanics catalog (in pdf) I didn't realize I had (along with the 1958 mechanics catalog). Both files used a different naming convention so I totally missed them.

Anyways, I found your box in the 1952 catalog. It's introduced on page 27 as "NEW! Craftsman Deluxe Roller Cabinet". It has an artist's rendition of the box as well as diagrams of the drawer dividers of the top two drawers.

The dimensions and shipping weight are the same in both catalogs so there's no real clue as to which manufacturer made them.

The only differences I see in the ads are the price ($79.00 in 1952, $86.50 in 1954) and the introductory sentences ("NEW!" in 1952, "Our Best!" in 1954.)

I'm excited to find that but even more excited to finally find my roller with locking front cover and top chest with drop down cover. Now I can pin a date on my set!

Brian

 

[winchman]

Probably sound advice but ebay is too much of a hassle. I much prefer Craigslist locally.

Sometimes is nice just to save an old box, its not about the hours if you enjoy doing it

 

[d42jeep]

I would be willing to help with this. I have this red/gray combo dated 05 76 with a rectangular logo instead of the chevron. Only one I have seen.

Also have a red/gray with a combination lock I’ve wondered about.



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It looks like your upper box was made a few months before mine that I bought new in 1977
-Don

 

[WagonHo!]

All right den, try this one out.
I’m thinking 50’s Bonney, cuz #1 the guy said it was there when he was a little boy and his family ran a mine in Tijeras New Mexico. #2 has the roller bearings. I saw a photo of the Bonney logo in the oval pressing. That’s all I have been over it haven’t found a maker’s stamp, label anything and he removed the stem rollers for caster wheels.

 

[Shelbylex]

Nice find, WagonHo!
Try to see if you can get a reproduction sticker - I saw them several times on e-bay (was looking for long C craftsman - there was a bottom box in MA, but it went fast...). With a little bit of love and a lot of work it will be a great box!!! (looks fine as is, but given the rarity, I would consider going all out on it at some point...)

 

[WagonHo!]

Thanks Shel, it will need work at that. The fold up door needs to be muscled in and out but the rollers are smoooth. That cabinet weighs 140#’s easily. Wish I could figure out who made it, thinking AMD, Pressteel. I have aBonney chest made by Duplex I believe made in 70’s that needed a base.

 

[Username already in use]

Thanks Shel, it will need work at that. The fold up door needs to be muscled in and out but the rollers are smoooth. That cabinet weighs 140#’s easily. Wish I could figure out who made it, thinking AMD, Pressteel. I have aBonney chest made by Duplex I believe made in 70’s that needed a base.

Nice find! The bottom roller is Bonney as well. Probably 40's. Check out this post.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3942688&postcount=16

Don't care what you paid, you ****.

 

[WagonHo!]

Well thank you very much and you know you’re an enabler in this habit, addiction.... so here’s some more of this years finds. A Blackhawk, Kennedy from JC Penney’s (when did they stop selling tools?), and a SK Wayne.

 

[CRTDI]

That particular Blackhawk box is not very common. It’s certainly worthy of another post here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127364&highlight=Blackhawk

 

[smokeyburb]

Craftsman heritage logo "lunch box"

Got this from my father-in-law who was happy to watch his sons and sons-in-law look through his workshop and peacefully divide his estate while he could enjoy the act of giving. Three weeks later he passed away in his sleep at the age of 88. Korean War vet; family man; lifelong farmer; die-hard Allis-Chalmers fan. I already miss him.

View media item 86352
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These pics make this old box look pretty good, but the bottom has rust holes which are covered from the inside by a piece of sheet metal, plus the drill index and metal dividers are long gone.

Except for the body hammer, these are the more interesting tools found inside. I put the hammer inside to save space packing, but mostly the box held an assortment of old files, castoff hardware, broken things, Taiwanese & other unmarked sockets/screwdrivers, and lots of grimy dirt from years of storage/use on the farm.

View media item 86355
When I have some time I'll post more about the Bonney hammer in the Hammer Time thread.

 

[Tynee]

Thats great.

 

[davethorik]

Got this today. No idea on age. 36h×30w×12d. 30 drawers. Steelmaster by Art Steel Company New York USA.
Drawer have no slides but whole thing is sturdy, weighs I'd guess 80 lbs. Card catalog?