Help with ID of old tool box

Katoom37 · Oct 30, 2017

Hey guys, I'm new here and hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I'm in the process of restoring my dad's old tool box. He's pretty sure it's a Proto and he thinks he bought it in 58-59 but can't remember for sure. I'd really like to find an emblem for it (assuming it had one when new). And if anyone thinks it's another make please let me know.

Any ideas where I can find an emblem? I have scoured the web and cant find much info. I even called Proto hoping they could help but no luck. Does anyone know which emblem Proto was using in 1958?

Thanks for your help!

Katoom37 · Oct 30, 2017

Forgot to mention I searched the box high and low for a date stamp or any other identifying marks but I can't find anything. And yes, that is the original key in the picture!

Katoom37 · Oct 31, 2017

Maybe this will help.....

I took the drawers out tonight hoping a Mark or stamp might be lurking inside but no.

Anyway, here's a picture of the inside construction - double wall everywhere.

Hiatt1991 · Oct 31, 2017

Katoom37 said:
Maybe this will help.....

I took the drawers out tonight hoping a Mark or stamp might be lurking inside but no.

Anyway, here's a picture of the inside construction - double wall everywhere.

Very interesting. A version of the craftsman grey and red boxes came with those same slides and side handles.

Rileysan · Nov 1, 2017

Hiatt1991 said:
Very interesting. A version of the craftsman grey and red boxes came with those same slides and side handles.

Definitely. But the drawer pulls don't look familiar to me. I'm thinking it's made by Waterloo, but for whom?

Proto boxes were made by Waterloo, but that era didn't have rectangular emblems like the one on your front cover. However, the plate appears to be secured with screws, which makes me thing it was added by a previous owner. I would begin by removing the plate to see what's on the other side.

Waterloo put date codes on their boxes beginning in the early 60s. I suspect yours is early 60s.

With the lid open, look down into the front/left corner of your box - right where the putty knife is located in your photo. There should be a 4-digit date code stamped in that area. If the box has been repainted, it may not be visible.

Brian

Katoom37 · Nov 1, 2017

Sorry, I should have mentioned that the emblem is not from the manufacturer, that's just dad's name tag. I did take it off and checked the back, it's just a piece of tin. The box would have to be post '54 as that's when dad got out of the Navy and started wrenching.

There are no date codes or any other stamps where you mentioned and it has never been repainted. Dad bought it new. Thanks for the info though! I have had others tell me it's a Waterloo and am leaning that way myself. Didn't know they made boxes for Proto.

Katoom37 · Nov 1, 2017

Rileysan, I just noticed that your in Milwaukee, I'm in Bend! Small world...

So if it was a Proto box it should have the flying lady emblem correct? And if it's a Waterloo it would likely be the rectangular Waterloo emblem?

If I am understanding correctly, this box could certainly be a Proto. I am just trying to figure out which emblem I should be hunting for....

Thanks, Ernie

3baygarage · Nov 1, 2017

What's under the lid?

Sort of looks like this Thorsen branded box.

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=768&bih=928&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=bgH6Wc6fLseHmQHd0aCwDw&q=vintage+waterloo+green+red++tool+box&oq=vintage+waterloo+green+red++tool+box&gs_l=mobile-gws-img.3...130316.132948.0.133759.11.11.0.0.0.0.111.752.10j1.11.0....0...1.1.64.mobile-gws-img..0.2.189...0j30i10k1.0.nOCwqrZhxJ8#imgrc=BB32oH82AseOTM:

FJ 432 · Nov 1, 2017

I believe the box was made by Duplex, who made boxes for Proto.

Edit: Or maybe Kennedy made.

Rileysan · Nov 1, 2017

Katoom37 said:
Rileysan, I just noticed that your in Milwaukee, I'm in Bend! Small world...

So if it was a Proto box it should have the flying lady emblem correct? And if it's a Waterloo it would likely be the rectangular Waterloo emblem?

If I am understanding correctly, this box could certainly be a Proto. I am just trying to figure out which emblem I should be hunting for....

Thanks, Ernie

Small world, indeed! There's quite a few of us GJ members in Oregon & Washington, and many of us have brought, sold, and traded to each other. It's a great community!

You correct on the Flying lady emblem. Looking at that photo posted by FJ432, he definitely found a match. I think the jury is still out on who made it, but perhaps it was not Waterloo afterall. The drawer slides and handles could have come from most any manufacturer, so I shouldn't be surprised to see them boxes other than Waterloo.

I've personally purchased two Proto flying lady top chests that were made in the mid 60s, but the front covers were embossed with the outline of that familiar emblem and had decals placed inside the embossing.

I'm gunna break the bad news to you and tell you it will take an act of congress to find that emblem. It's not impossible, but definitely going to be hard!

Brian

ssdave · Nov 1, 2017

I've had one of those boxes for many years that was branded Williams. Snap-on has a similar box. There are other brands also that I've seen. I've seen a lot of speculation on who made them, but nothing definitive.

I got a pretty definitive clue this week on who made them. I bought another of those boxes at a yard sale. It had a Duplex tag on it. I believe that Duplex was the manufacturer of those boxes, based on this box. I know Duplex made boxes for Proto, and I believe was later acquired by Proto.

I'm probably going to scrap out the box, if anybody needs parts. I'll probably keep the side handles, and definitely will deep the duplex tag.

Katoom37 · Nov 2, 2017

FJ 432 said:
I believe the box was made by Duplex, who made boxes for Proto.

Edit: Or maybe Kennedy made.

Well we're down the rabbit hole now....I have found the exact same box with a Waterloo emblem on it. I give up, I'm going with what dad said; it's a proto!

ssdave · Nov 2, 2017

IN looking at mine closely, it is a bit bigger than yours, by one long drawer. It is identical to my williams one in appearance, down to the orange color of the original paint. I can't get to my Williams one at the moment to compare them side by side.

Help with ID of old tool box

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