Metal Cabinets vintage or homemade and no name toolboxes. got any to show please do

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I have one of those. They make great camping units.

The shelves can be attached to the base unit and it gets real stable.

If you want another one - I have one new three section one and a used multi opening one - both in zip code 76226.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you want another one - I have one new three section one and a used multi opening one - both in zip code 76226. Let's make a deal!

Thx, don't need a second, and TX is a long way from where I am, so shipping...

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Thx, don't need a second, and TX is a long way from where I am, so shipping...

Shipping is Crazy these days!

Through networking, trust and integrity - shipping could be avoided if one were located along the i35 E/W, i30, i40 & i81 interstates between zip code 76226 and 20110

(Sorry @Beerhippie - my brother lives in Northern Virginia and visits this area & Katy TX every now and then to see me or his son - hence the possibility of a networking like of delivery).

 

[Bamacruiser98]

Penetrol is marketed as a paint additive to self level and reduce roller marks. It is also is used to coat bare metal to prevent rust (i.e. tools). Can use CLR (for couple minutes max), wash, dry, then Penetrol. Alternatively, like I did, lightly sand, clean with alcohol, and apply Penetrol. I like how it brightens the paint akin to an inexpensive clear coat.

Very cool. Good to know. I still have a half pint I used years ago on a cabinet job and I thought I'd never use it again. Good info.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I picked up this super cool cabinet yesterday off Facebook. No markings or tags whatsoever. The seller says it’s off a ship but I have no way of confirming that. It’s 78” tall, 36”wide and is 24” deep! It’s heavy as heck and is definitely industrial grade which is why I bought it! To me it looks ww2 era? Anyone know the manufacturer?

 

[Jacko264]

The gray one was what I got from my Dad
The blue one I made the second week I started work at 14 Im 70 next
The last one I made about 30 years ago
and I still have them today

 

[Outlawmws]

The seller says it’s off a ship but I have no way of confirming that. It’s 78” tall, 36”wide and is 24” deep! It’s heavy as heck and is definitely industrial grade

Smoke, is that one of those heavy 12 ga. cabinets like Jack used in his 12 Ga garage?

 

[Jgaz]

Smoke, is that one of those heavy 12 ga. cabinets like Jack used in his 12 Ga garage?

Stronghold?

 

[rocksnstumps]

Stronghold? Nah, not even close. Latches and hinges way too light duty and the doors would not need the extra vertical support shown. Sorta looks like the typical modern "industrial" cabinet that uline and others sell these days. Also those dents along the top would not happen with a Stronghold. Still you order these new and hundreds of bucks. Used at auction, $75 and under. I've picked up several for around $20

I did try to buy some Stronghold at an auction earlier this year along with another company very similar. I studied the pics for all sorts of clues as Stronghold was mentioned in one description but not others. Alas, too many folks across America have seen write ups about Jacks garage and the word is out on those type of cabinets. Pricey even used and auction bidders are nuts. Kinda like Lista cabinets.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Smoke, is that one of those heavy 12 ga. cabinets like Jack used in his 12 Ga garage?

No, it's probably 16 gauge....I'll have to measure it.

Stronghold? Nah, not even close. Latches and hinges way too light duty and the doors would not need the extra vertical support shown. Sorta looks like the typical modern "industrial" cabinet that uline and others sell these days. Also those dents along the top would not happen with a Stronghold. Still you order these new and hundreds of bucks. Used at auction, $75 and under. I've picked up several for around $20

I did try to buy some Stronghold at an auction earlier this year along with another company very similar. I studied the pics for all sorts of clues as Stronghold was mentioned in one description but not others. Alas, too many folks across America have seen write ups about Jacks garage and the word is out on those type of cabinets. Pricey even used and auction bidders are nuts. Kinda like Lista cabinets.

It's not a stronghold but is definetly old. For sure it's not one of the cheap crappy u line cabinets made of tissue paper. Look at the art deco handles on the face. The lines indicate some age based on the design. Also the hardware is all flat tip screws...again not something modern. I run from the u line cabinets as they don't hold the weight I want. I know you can't see it but the base of this thing is reinforced with angle iron. I had help loading it and no help unloading it. I almost dropped it and I'm 6'3 and 220 and am no stranger to hard work.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I snapped a few other photos of any distinguishing features...no real interesting identifiers other than these breather holes. Wonder if it held some sort of electronic equipment?

back side of the cabinet shows these 2 breathers


The sides have one each

 

[RTM]

back side of the cabinet shows these 2 breathers

That “cloth” pattern was big in what ¿50s 60s?, swear dad had chairs and something metal with that pattern

 

[Smokeshow69]

That “cloth” pattern was big in what ¿50s 60s?, swear dad had chairs and something metal with that pattern

Yup, the wicker/ caning patterns were all the rage back then

 

[rocksnstumps]

Smoke,
How about some pics from inside the door of the latching mechanism and the rods that extend through the top and bottom of door. Have had some no label cabinets that was able to trace OEM for replacement of these parts based on studying these and different OEM parts diagrams. The usual suspects like Tennsco, Hallowell, Lyon, Sandusky among others.

The door hinges mounted from the outside is a bit unusual though. Also is it all welded construction with no bolting together of panels and no plastic guides for the latches top and bottom. That would indicate some age as you suspect.

Are those shelves plywood? Almost looks like it from pics but maybe that edge laminated look is stamped metal. But my first glance at hazy pic was why would it have plywood shelves.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

That “cloth” pattern was big in what ¿50s 60s?, swear dad had chairs and something metal with that pattern

Yup, the wicker/ caning patterns were all the rage back then

My 1940s house had that caning pattern as a vent panel under the kitchen sink. Original? Probably not. Who knows in this crazy place.

 

[Arne73]

Smoke,
How about some pics from inside the door of the latching mechanism and the rods that extend through the top and bottom of door. Have had some no label cabinets that was able to trace OEM for replacement of these parts based on studying these and different OEM parts diagrams. The usual suspects like Tennsco, Hallowell, Lyon, Sandusky among others.

The door hinges mounted from the outside is a bit unusual though. Also is it all welded construction with no bolting together of panels and no plastic guides for the latches top and bottom. That would indicate some age as you suspect.

Are those shelves plywood? Almost looks like it from pics but maybe that edge laminated look is stamped metal. But my first glance at hazy pic was why would it have plywood shelves.

I can't imagine ******* that cabinet up & down shipboard ladders or thru watertight doors.
It it a stout looking piece, nice pick!

 

[Smokeshow69]

Smoke,
How about some pics from inside the door of the latching mechanism and the rods that extend through the top and bottom of door. Have had some no label cabinets that was able to trace OEM for replacement of these parts based on studying these and different OEM parts diagrams. The usual suspects like Tennsco, Hallowell, Lyon, Sandusky among others.

The door hinges mounted from the outside is a bit unusual though. Also is it all welded construction with no bolting together of panels and no plastic guides for the latches top and bottom. That would indicate some age as you suspect.

Are those shelves plywood? Almost looks like it from pics but maybe that edge laminated look is stamped metal. But my first glance at hazy pic was why would it have plywood shelves.

I'll get better pictures this weekend. The hazy picture is from the original sellers ad. The shelves are plywood not a sweet "veneer"

I can't imagine ******* that cabinet up & down shipboard ladders or thru watertight doors.
It it a stout looking piece, nice pick!

Yes, its very stout. I would not want to be manuvering this through any type of vessel for sure due to its weight.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Vintage tool cabinet built into super heavy duty fully welded wheeled cart with center parking brake - sourced from a usps service garage. I bought it for the Bullet vise bolted to it. It came with three keys. Made in Ohio.

Edit - the O.D. green card cabinet is a "Bell Labs" cabinet.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

A brief follow up on more military cabinets. There are two of these cabinets.

Mittens some nos some used

Misc cleaning brushes

I should put these on marketplace along with a vintage army wood field desk /file cabinet and folding stool and my old (not vintage) military issue inventory so someone can play army at home.

 

[Beerhippie]

A brief follow up on more military cabinets.

Mittens some nos some used

Misc cleaning brushes

I should put these on marketplace along with a vintage army wood field desk /file cabinet and folding stool and my old (not vintage) military issue inventory so someone can play army at home.

I see you're ex-Army--aren't those "misc cleaning brushes" part of rifle cleaning kits? Third pic looks like chamber brushes and the third drawer in the second pic looks like folding handles for them--M16?

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Spring cleaning in my workshop. Finding more **** I forgot I had and/or don't need/have time or room for.

I did forget that I had several of these vintage 1962 US military modular barrister bookcase units. Too many really.

Leaving one with ancient magazines alone and adding more to the repositioned empty set.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I spotted this Marquette Rod Bar (welding station) at the flea market this morning. Left it behind. It was cheap and in my mind I could see it as a cocktail station, gleaming black with a wooden butcher block, liquor bottles, and glasses of maraschino cherries and olives on top, with glasses and whatnot underneath, but I already have too many projects.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I spotted this Marquette Rod Bar (welding station) at the flea market this morning. Left it behind. It was cheap and in my mind I could see it as a cocktail station, gleaming black with a wooden butcher block, liquor bottles, and glasses of maraschino cherries and olives on top, with glasses and whatnot underneath, but I already have too many projects.

"Too many projects?"

 

[Private Lugnutz]

^ Those are awesome!

Every time I see a Blackhawk Porta-Power roller I see a future Porta-Bar!

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

^ Those are awesome!

Every time I see a Blackhawk Porta-Power roller I see a future Porta-Bar!

Once upon a time I had scored one Hazet Assistent, but then two more became available and very reasonably priced......My brother likes his bar trolley.

 

[Georgeinidaho]

This isn't technically a 'no name' but the name is obscured.
No other marks other than the decal on the drawer.

.
.
.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for oak machinist's chests.

Looks a lot like my 1914-1916 Gerstner

 

[Georgeinidaho]

This isn't technically a 'no name' but the name is obscured.
No other marks other than the decal on the drawer.

.
.
.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for oak machinist's chests.

Check my post: Gerstner and son's , what should I do with it? I have a pic of my lable there. Look a lot like yours.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Looks a lot like my 1914-1916 Gerstner

I will try to dust my oak machinists jest that a late customer gave me a few years ago..

 

[zanyad]

Check my post: Gerstner and son's , what should I do with it? I have a pic of my lable there. Look a lot like yours.

Link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ns-box-early-what-should-i-do-with-it.549238/

 

[Smokeshow69]

I spotted this Marquette Rod Bar (welding station) at the flea market this morning. Left it behind. It was cheap and in my mind I could see it as a cocktail station, gleaming black with a wooden butcher block, liquor bottles, and glasses of maraschino cherries and olives on top, with glasses and whatnot underneath, but I already have too many projects.

Dang, thats hard to walk away from(kinda like the pressteel roller I had to walk away from for $40 this weekend). But I get wanting to limit projects

 

[Steven 33]

I'm already having a minor case of Regret Syndrome that I left this little Equipto cabinet behind at the flea market this morning. I'm trying to be more selective, buying less, and thinning the herd, but this thing is so dang appealing with those waves of drawer pulls my willpower will probably crumble if it's there on Sunday.

Never even heard of them till I stumbled upon this little thing. Pretty cool

 

[Tapeguns]

Because I'm not 100% sure of the brand, I'll post this in here. But I do think the shape of the handles (last pic) hint that this could be a military issued tool box by Cole Steel. Possibly for aircraft maintenence?

 

[Tapeguns]

Here are some pics of various, separate Cole Steel handles I've found online for reference.

 

[drivesitfar]

While I don’t recall any Cole toolboxes in this thread or in my travels it sure looks like a match for the handles. I am definitely a fan of old Cole cabinets and I own more than a few. In many cases their name tags just fell off cause they were glued on and not riveted.

Nice find!!

 

[mikeinri]

Did Colt only use that specific handle style for military contracts?

Mike

 

[drivesitfar]

No idea but their hardware was always top shelf.

 

[STINEY]

I found these locally a few weeks ago. Figured either my oldest son could use them in his garage, or if he isn't interested I can always make a spot for them.

 

[senlow]

Here are some pics of various, separate Cole Steel handles I've found online for reference.

That same style handle was also used by the General Fireproofing Company.

 

[Tapeguns]

That same style handle was also used by the General Fireproofing Company.

Good to know. Now I have another lead to follow. Thanks!

 

[Tapeguns]

Also, here's a FB Marketplace listing I just found. Unfortunately many are rusted through the top due to being outside for too long.

Listed as "Military maintenance storage cabinets" in Bristow, Virginia. Seller is asking $30 each, with discounts if you buy more.