Gerstner Lot Numbers, re. manufactured year

[toolboxted]

Even though Gerstner has said the year of manufacture is represented in the Lot Number (stenciled on the inside of the bottom board of chests and cases) since 1953, they remain confused on how to decipher the year.
I decided to do a historical study on stenciled LOT numbers to see if I could make any sense of them, year wise. I found that they actually started this practice in (I believe) 1959, not 1953. I was very surprised to come up with this preliminary conclusion, though it’s not cast in stone. This is based on Style #42 and #52 chests for now. The requirements for other chests and cases may have to be defined differently.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and its carrying handle is on the top of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1959 – 1968. For this group use the FIRST 2 numbers in the lot number as its manufactured year.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and the handles are on the ends of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1968 – 1980. For this group use the FIRST and LAST number for its year.
If your chest has the Rounded Ends nameplate and the Style # (O52 etc.) is included in the stencil, then it was manufactured in 1980 or later. For this group use the LAST 2 numbers for its year.
I found lot numbers varying from 2 to 7 digits, but that didn’t have an effect on the year. Chests before 1959 did not have lot numbers. The word ‘LOT’ may or may not appear in the stencil.
(Here’s a side fact that showed up – Instead of the late 70’s, it was in 1981 that they changed #42 & #52 from 8/3 drawers to 7/3.)
I’d really appreciate you Gerstner owners applying this study result on your #42 and #52 chests that have the Rec. w/# or Rounded Ends nameplates. Then, please post your reply with your Style #, Lot # and year date. Also include if you feel the year date worked for you or not. This will benefit everybody and maybe we can finally clear up this issue in the future.
Thanks much………toolboxted

https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/

 

[Roberts210]

Thanks for doing this. SWMBO's granddad had a leather covered Gerstner, he was a machinist at Douglas Aircraft during WW2. He told me they covered the war time Gerstners in leather because they couldn't get enough quarter sawn oak.

 

[toolboxted]

Thanks for the input Roberts

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Thank you for doing the research on this project toolboxted. I saw this thread the other day but just got around to checking out my box. A couple pics of my Gerstner top and riser. Looks like I've got a 1980 box and 81' riser. I'd always assumed early 80's. Ed.

 

[Tarnished]

rock crusher, Is your box walnut? with the "W" in the number I'm thinking that it is and it looks like it from the pic. Have a set like yours and will have to check mine now.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Yes it is walnut and that is exactly what the W stands for. Last I checked Gerstner charged quite a premium for it. Ed.

 

[toolboxted]

Thank you for doing the research on this project toolboxted. I saw this thread the other day but just got around to checking out my box. A couple pics of my Gerstner top and riser. Looks like I've got a 1980 box and 81' riser. I'd always assumed early 80's. Ed.

Thank you Ed. Glad to see your pictures and find that it worked for you also. It seems to be working for everybody. I really appreciate you including your riser and verification that it works on them too. Good news.......Ted

 

[propmaker]

Thank you for the info. I just picked up a Gerstner this morning for 115.00 from offer up. I saw it a minute after it was posted and immediately asked for the address so I can pick it up. The top felt an mirror are missing and the front door came apart, but all pretty minor repairs. Very happy to have picked it up. Based on your info the box is from 1965.

 

[2-Ton]

I have two old Gerstner boxes, the first one I don’t even remember where I got it or payed for it. It is vinyl covered and shows some wear. The second one Is smaller and shows wear. I bought it at an auction years ago cheap, it is still full of vintage Machinist tools. I’m 65 now and started in machine shop when I was 16. It was a good trade.

 

[toolboxted]

Hey 2-Ton, I'm looking to buy a particular old Gerstner #41, leatherette finish, to complete my collection. Post some pictures if you would consider selling and I'll see if I'm interested. Have a good one........Ted

 

[toolboxted]

Pg 10s of 'The' Guide has been updated. Gerstner Stencil manufactured year dating now includes ALL Styles up to 1999......toolboxted
https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, Ted.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Pics of my Gerstners' below:

The upper box was my dad's, and it is one of earliest memories of my dad's shop. I was born in the mid fifties. It is a model 52, has the carrying handle on the top panel, and I suspect it may be older than me.

The lower box I bought much more recently.

Stencil inside my dad's box (note the pencil mark "472"):

Stencil inside the much newer bottom box:

 

[toolboxted]

Thanks again guys for your postings. I’m updating my spreadsheet with your data to help define Gerstner’s 1960 – 1999 product line, including Bases. Your input really helps…….Ted

 

[Dave@GJ]

Even though Gerstner has said the year of manufacture is represented in the Lot Number (stenciled on the inside of the bottom board of chests and cases) since 1953, they remain confused on how to decipher the year.
I decided to do a historical study on stenciled LOT numbers to see if I could make any sense of them, year wise. I found that they actually started this practice in (I believe) 1959, not 1953. I was very surprised to come up with this preliminary conclusion, though it’s not cast in stone. This is based on Style #42 and #52 chests for now. The requirements for other chests and cases may have to be defined differently.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and its carrying handle is on the top of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1959 – 1968. For this group use the FIRST 2 numbers in the lot number as its manufactured year.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and the handles are on the ends of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1968 – 1980. For this group use the FIRST and LAST number for its year.
If your chest has the Rounded Ends nameplate and the Style # (O52 etc.) is included in the stencil, then it was manufactured in 1980 or later. For this group use the LAST 2 numbers for its year.
I found lot numbers varying from 2 to 7 digits, but that didn’t have an effect on the year. Chests before 1959 did not have lot numbers. The word ‘LOT’ may or may not appear in the stencil.
(Here’s a side fact that showed up – Instead of the late 70’s, it was in 1981 that they changed #42 & #52 from 8/3 drawers to 7/3.)
I’d really appreciate you Gerstner owners applying this study result on your #42 and #52 chests that have the Rec. w/# or Rounded Ends nameplates. Then, please post your reply with your Style #, Lot # and year date. Also include if you feel the year date worked for you or not. This will benefit everybody and maybe we can finally clear up this issue in the future.
Thanks much………toolboxted

https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/

First, many thanks! Everything has worked fine on your dating information until today. Can't make sense of this #52 (8/3) Chest Lot number. The chest is currently on eBay Item # 324870445797. It is a B52 with an 8/3 configuration and the lot number is S 2234. No Name Plate remaining on the front. Per your notes it would be before the 1981 switch from 8/3 to 7/3. Any help would be appreciated-Thanks!

 

[toolboxted]

Hi Dave, I went to the ebay listing you're asking about. The stencil picture he’s showing is for a Base, B52, not a chest. I’d get this cleared up before you proceed.
Your stencil question is still relevant. I’ve seen that stencil number occasionally in my research and must say that I don’t know what it means. My best guess is that the S stands for Second, a unit that has blemishes and is sold at a reduced price. I’ve seen it on chests also. Another possibility maybe is Special order. It certainly does not include a date. You might contact Scott at Gerstner to see if he knows the answer.
Gerstner’s ‘Identify Tool Chest’ site says, “In the late 1970’s, the Style 52 changed from an 11-Drawer Chest with a top handle to a 10-Drawer Chest with side handles.” This statement is simply not correct. Their 1982 Flyer includes the Style #52, 11 Drawer with end handles.
In my stencil spreadsheets the latest date that I’ve found for the #52, 8/3 drawer, is 1985. There’s not enough brochures or flyers on the internet to determine the date that they went to 7/3, but it is shown in Gerstner’s 1990 Flyer.
Date ranges on Pg 220 and 240 of ‘The’ Guide are to help define stencil dates only.
Hope this helps…….toolboxted

 

[Dave@GJ]

Awesome, Thanks! It does seem that the nice folks at Gerstner have a few "history" details to clean up. With the large user following they have I think it would be a plus for them to have the correct details available.

 

[Dave@GJ]

I'm not trying to stir things up but, I just re-checked the pictures in the listing (eBay Item # 324870445797) and the stencil sure seems to be for the chest pictured. Look at pic #7 you can see the bottom edge of the center drawer (Machinist Handbook drawer). Then, in the same pic, notice the blemish (oval shaped) on the drawer above the stencil. If you go back to pic #5 (front of whole chest with all drawers) you can see the blemish on the first wide drawer that matches pic #7. So, it seems like the stencil is for the Chest pictured. Again, all comments welcome - Thanks!

 

[toolboxted]

I studied the #7 pictured and agree with you. I’ve never seen a Gerstner #52 chest stenciled B52 before. The letter B had always been used for Bases. So, I have no idea what’s going on here either. Good luck…….toolboxted

 

[Dave@GJ]

I think I can answer that one. I have seen other posts that "W" is for Walnut, "O" is for Oak, "C" is for Cherry and "M" for Mahogany. So, I'm guessing that in this case "B" is for Birch. If I was a good Wood Guy I could confirm that by looking at the pics but I'm not a good wood guy so maybe someone else can take that on. Second, the 0/1 Walnut Base for my Walnut Chest is marked "WB-26". From your data this would be a B-26 in Walnut making it a "WB-26". However, my Walnut #52 Chest is not marked with any Model # but it is obviously Walnut and a #52. Sure would be great for the Gerstner Folks to provide the decoder ring! Thanks for everything!

 

[MushCreek]

Anybody checked the prices of these things lately? Wowza- $1800 for a 26" box! I paid $225 for mine, brand new, around 1998.

 

[d42jeep]

I’m new to the world of Gerstner ownership. I found this one today at a Tahoe garage sale. Any info would be appreciated. One drawer needs glueing and one of the lock pins for the front cover is missing.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice find, Don. The link in post #1 is an amazing resource.

 

[toolboxted]

Thanks Private Lugnutz for your comment. Don’s looks like it was made in the 60’s. I can’t read the 5 digit number in the stencil, except the first digit is a 6. The second one may be a 5, making it 1965. Don should be able to confirm.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks for your response. I can’t make it out either. I wiped off the discoloration with plain water and now there isn’t much to see. Here are before and after shots plus pics of the backs of the drawers.
-Don

Drawer pictures

 

[kslawman]

Even though Gerstner has said the year of manufacture is represented in the Lot Number (stenciled on the inside of the bottom board of chests and cases) since 1953, they remain confused on how to decipher the year.
I decided to do a historical study on stenciled LOT numbers to see if I could make any sense of them, year wise. I found that they actually started this practice in (I believe) 1959, not 1953. I was very surprised to come up with this preliminary conclusion, though it’s not cast in stone. This is based on Style #42 and #52 chests for now. The requirements for other chests and cases may have to be defined differently.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and its carrying handle is on the top of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1959 – 1968. For this group use the FIRST 2 numbers in the lot number as its manufactured year.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and the handles are on the ends of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1968 – 1980. For this group use the FIRST and LAST number for its year.
If your chest has the Rounded Ends nameplate and the Style # (O52 etc.) is included in the stencil, then it was manufactured in 1980 or later. For this group use the LAST 2 numbers for its year.
I found lot numbers varying from 2 to 7 digits, but that didn’t have an effect on the year. Chests before 1959 did not have lot numbers. The word ‘LOT’ may or may not appear in the stencil.
(Here’s a side fact that showed up – Instead of the late 70’s, it was in 1981 that they changed #42 & #52 from 8/3 drawers to 7/3.)
I’d really appreciate you Gerstner owners applying this study result on your #42 and #52 chests that have the Rec. w/# or Rounded Ends nameplates. Then, please post your reply with your Style #, Lot # and year date. Also include if you feel the year date worked for you or not. This will benefit everybody and maybe we can finally clear up this issue in the future.
Thanks much………toolboxted

https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/

I have a toolbox that has no plate, the handle is on top and it is a 8/3 style. It also has no numbers only the Gerstner & Sons and made in Dayton Ohio. How do I tell if it's a #42 or #52 and how old is it.

 

[RTM]

20” wide is 042.

26” wide is 052

 

[toolboxted]

Your stencil was used from 1940 – 1959 and does not include the manufactured year. See Pg 68 of ‘The’ Guide.
https://sites.google.com/site/thegu...pg-68-gerstner-stencils-year-dates?authuser=0

In 1959 Gerstner switched from the ‘Rec. no#’ nameplate to the ‘Rec. w/#’ nameplate, which your chest has. See Pg 74 of ‘The’ Guide.
https://sites.google.com/site/thegu.../pg-74-gerstner-hdwr-period-dating?authuser=0

Therefore, I’d say your chest must have been made in 1959. Your fortunate not to have a range of dates, but a singular year.

Good luck…….Ted

 

[SusanX]

Even though Gerstner has said the year of manufacture is represented in the Lot Number (stenciled on the inside of the bottom board of chests and cases) since 1953, they remain confused on how to decipher the year.
I decided to do a historical study on stenciled LOT numbers to see if I could make any sense of them, year wise. I found that they actually started this practice in (I believe) 1959, not 1953. I was very surprised to come up with this preliminary conclusion, though it’s not cast in stone. This is based on Style #42 and #52 chests for now. The requirements for other chests and cases may have to be defined differently.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and its carrying handle is on the top of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1959 – 1968. For this group use the FIRST 2 numbers in the lot number as its manufactured year.
If your chest has the Rec. w/# nameplate and the handles are on the ends of the chest, then it was manufactured in 1968 – 1980. For this group use the FIRST and LAST number for its year.
If your chest has the Rounded Ends nameplate and the Style # (O52 etc.) is included in the stencil, then it was manufactured in 1980 or later. For this group use the LAST 2 numbers for its year.
I found lot numbers varying from 2 to 7 digits, but that didn’t have an effect on the year. Chests before 1959 did not have lot numbers. The word ‘LOT’ may or may not appear in the stencil.
(Here’s a side fact that showed up – Instead of the late 70’s, it was in 1981 that they changed #42 & #52 from 8/3 drawers to 7/3.)
I’d really appreciate you Gerstner owners applying this study result on your #42 and #52 chests that have the Rec. w/# or Rounded Ends nameplates. Then, please post your reply with your Style #, Lot # and year date. Also include if you feel the year date worked for you or not. This will benefit everybody and maybe we can finally clear up this issue in the future.
Thanks much………toolboxted

https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/

Hi, I appreciate your posting of this info. It seems my Gerstner #52 is a little different. By looking at the imprint, it was made in 1966, right? However, it has side handles, and no top handle. Perhaps you can give me your opinion.
Thanks,
Susan

 

[toolboxted]

I see what you mean Susan. My first thought is that a previous owner installed the end handles. Look closely at the outside of the top to see if there’s evidence of top handle attachment holes and let us know.

 

[SusanX]

Thank you for responding to my reply.
Here are a couple pics. It doesn't look to everyone had holes on top, to me anyways.
By the way, I read that the top center drawer was made specifically for Machinery's Handbook. I imagine the book got bigger with each new edition. Does anyone know if the handbook edition versions mattered with a #52 tool box from the 1960's?
I thought I'd ask before buying a copy of it.

 

[mogandave]

I think the handbook at least to the 2000 edition will fit, but I don't think the hardcover will fit.

There are enough around used, and they are cheap enough that can probably get one from the sixties, they looked a little cooler back then too.

 

[mogandave]

Here's a '69:

Vintage Machinery's Handbook 18th Edition, Published 1969 | eBay

<p>Pre owned Vintage Machinery's Handbook 18th Edition, Published 1969. In great condition.</p>

www.ebay.com

 

[d42jeep]

I have this one in mine. It’s from 1988
-Don

 

[SusanX]

Thanks everyone for the Machinery's Handbook replies. I will finally buy me a copy to put I my #52 tool box. I picked up the tool box for cheap. I plan on restoring it a bit. It's good that the Gerstner website sells restoration stuff where I could get the right felt, handles, wood finish, leatherette, etc. to get it back to it's original look.

 

[mogandave]

I have this one in mine. It’s from 1988
-Don

Here's mine, I think I got it in '98...

 

[mogandave]

Thanks everyone for the Machinery's Handbook replies. I will finally buy me a copy to put I my #52 tool box. I picked up the tool box for cheap. I plan on restoring it a bit. It's good that the Gerstner website sells restoration stuff where I could get the right felt, handles, wood finish, leatherette, etc. to get it back to it's original look.

I think your box looks pretty good as-as, I don't know that I would much beyond a good cleaning.

It's easy to dump hundreds of dollars and hours into one of these boxes and never be happy with it.

I think you can bring it back great without replacing a bunch of stuff.

 

[SusanX]

I think your box looks pretty good as-as, I don't know that I would much beyond a good cleaning.

It's easy to dump hundreds of dollars and hours into one of these boxes and never be happy with it.

I think you can bring it back great without replacing a bunch of stuff.

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback, Dave (I assume) or Mogan, lol.
I wasn't planning on buying a Gerstner, but couldn't resist the $120 price. The only catch was that it is missing the front lid.
Now, I know that we don't normally need that, but I also know its resale value plummets when it is not complete. So, this way my kids can sell it easier once I croak ;-) .
Plus, the rusty side handles with chrime paint coming off bugs me, and the bottom of this leatherette tool box, much like my leatherette covered 1930's Craftsman tool box is all ripped up.
I saw a video of a man putting together a Gerstner #52 "kit," where he glued the 5 pieces wood from the kit to make the front lid/cover. I still haven't gotten rid of my woodworking equipment, and I know I can easily make that part. Plus, Gerstner has all the hardware I'd need.
I also saw a video on installing the leatherette, and it looked very straight forward. I would rather work on this long term project than to pay $300 for a custom made front lid when Gerster uses knotty wood under the pieces covered in leatherette.
Ugh, I have typed so much. So, that's that. No rush.

 

[mogandave]

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback, Dave (I assume) or Mogan, lol.
I wasn't planning on buying a Gerstner, but couldn't resist the $120 price. The only catch was that it is missing the front lid.
Now, I know that we don't normally need that, but I also know its resale value plummets when it is not complete. So, this way my kids can sell it easier once I croak ;-) .
Plus, the rusty side handles with chrime paint coming off bugs me, and the bottom of this leatherette tool box, much like my leatherette covered 1930's Craftsman tool box is all ripped up.
I saw a video of a man putting together a Gerstner #52 "kit," where he glued the 5 pieces wood from the kit to make the front lid/cover. I still haven't gotten rid of my woodworking equipment, and I know I can easily make that part. Plus, Gerstner has all the hardware I'd need.
I also saw a video on installing the leatherette, and it looked very straight forward. I would rather work on this long term project than to pay $300 for a custom made front lid when Gerster uses knotty wood under the pieces covered in leatherette.
Ugh, I have typed so much. So, that's that. No rush.

Yeah, the handles are pretty rugged, and it does look like a fun project if you have the dough and the go.

Incidentally, my mother (RIP) used to put the leatherette on Fender cabinets so it can't be too hard!

(just kidding mom)

 

[RTM]

I saw a video of a man putting together a Gerstner #52 "kit," where he glued the 5 pieces wood from the kit to make the front lid/cover. I still haven't gotten rid of my woodworking equipment, and I know I can easily make that part. Plus, Gerstner has all the hardware I'd need.
I also saw a video on installing the leatherette, and it looked very straight forward. I would rather work on this long term project than to pay $300 for a custom made front lid when Gerster uses knotty wood under the pieces covered in leatherette.

I bought a used box for the measuring tools in it, and realized afterwards that it was a Gerstner leatherette. I have the leatherette waiting here, I’ve watched the video, and it makes it look much easier than I expected.

My front panel was busted to get into it without the key, so I only have to make about half the pieces. Finding matching wood should be easy, I know several guys who stripped the leatherette hoping to find nice wood hiding, not realizing that leatherette was compensation for using unattractive wood.