Dating a PROTO 12 Drwr. Top Box

[cag]

Hi Fellas,
I'd like to be able to date this Proto Box I purchased at a tool auction. I've attached a few pics; two of which show the drawer handles. My thinking is they might be the best way of dating the box.

The Snap On rep seems to think it's from the seventies but, was unsure.
Anyway, I'd be interested in thoughts gathered here on the board.

Thank you kindly.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Maybe. Tough to say for sure. Where is the rest of it?

 

[zkling]

It should be stamped, look in the top compartment on the "floor".

 

[bmwrd0]

The handles are a lot like my Cornwell that is from the early eighties.

 

[Steve from Socal]

I had Proto tool boxes from the early 1970's and they were stamped rounded handles. IIRC Waterloo made the boxes for Proto with the stamped handles until Stanley bought the company in 84? I think the handles are more like mid 1980's.

Steve

 

[cag]

zkling, Yes, I'll check the top compartment as I haven't gotten that far in cleaning things yet. Hopefully it'll be there plain as day. Or, shall I expect some sort of code?

Steve, I'm not sure what is meant by "IIRC". I mean I know Waterloo makes tool boxes, just clarify the IIRC part if you please. Interesting to learn Stanley acquisition was 25 years ago. I thought it was more recent.

bmwrd0, I wonder if Waterloo made those boxes as well. Any idea?

 

[thehorse13]

That's a 1980s Proto box for sure. My dad bought one in 1985 with the same exact handles.

 

[charger 73]

The handles in the picture appear to be the same design mac went to in the eighties

 

[Steve from Socal]

Steve, I'm not sure what is meant by "IIRC". I mean I know Waterloo makes tool boxes, just clarify the IIRC part if you please. Interesting to learn Stanley acquisition was 25 years ago. I thought it was more recent.

bmwrd0, I wonder if Waterloo made those boxes as well. Any idea?

IIRC, is "If I Recall Correctly", Waterloo made the tool boxes for Proto, no clue if they made them for Cornwall. The cast handles on Proto boxes appeared around the time Stanley bought the company.

Steve

 

[LXCam]

Flowers and a romantic dinner might get you the rest of the box and not just some drawers.

 

[zkling]

zkling, Yes, I'll check the top compartment as I haven't gotten that far in cleaning things yet. Hopefully it'll be there plain as day. Or, shall I expect some sort of co

Going from memory, it should be stamped in the front left hand corner. Something like "USA 78" indicating 1978. If it is the box I think you have.

 

[cag]

Well, I finished cleaning and reassembled it. I didn't see any stamp on the inside of the till to designate the date. Judging from the conversation so far, I'm inclined to believe it's likely from the mid 80's.
It's missing 3 drawer retainer clips. I wonder whether they're still available...hmm. And there's no keys for the box either.
I'm going to try selling it off. It's 26 x 20 x 16 at 115 lbs.
Anyone care to estimate its value or am I out of line?

 

[zkling]

Look it over again, it should be stamped, perhaps on the outside. Really think it should be towards the front in the far left (as facing box) narrow compartment.

Thanks to harbor freight's full depth 26" offering at ~$200, older 26" friction slide boxes don't have much value to the masses. Especially "off" brands such as Proto.

 

[cag]

OK, I'll look it over again, maybe I missed it. As far as the masses, I guess I'll be counting on someone who knows a thing or two about a thing or two. Or maybe someone with a nostalgic approach. We'll see...

Thanks Pal.