Here you go. If I remember all of the early boxes had the brushed stainless panels, the alu themed panels came along much later than mine (purchased mine ~1980). The black top surface of the masonite is very smooth and hard like the masonite. Maybe it was laid down in the mold like a gel coat...
Masonite is 1/8" thick with a hard thin black layer on top that doesn't appear to be paint. I want to say in the years after I purchased my boxes that I have seen special editions that had aluminum front panels rather than the brushed stainless. The AL panels always had some theme or tribute on...
I have owned a Ridgid in my home shop for about 10 years and have used Wilton's for over 30 years in various shops including my own. The Ridgid has been a good vice. I bought it over a Wilton because it was cheaper and it wasn't going to see the use at home like the Wilton's do at the main shop...
I still own a set of these boxes (top and bottom) that I purchased new in 1980. I would say they are about 95+% just shy of pristine. The top panel above the small drawers is Masonite and the top of the bottom box has the same Masonite cover as well. Neither of mine was ever glued on from the...