1960's Craftsman bottom tool chest?

[cclfn]

Hey guys this appeared on CL and I have never restored a tool box so I need some help. This looks cool but I am unsure how to value these boxes or confirm its age. Owner does not have key so I am assuming the face cover on the bottom slides out to secure lower drawers. I have don't made an appointment to inspect for condition as I don't know how to value. He is asking $100 is that good, bad, or indifferent, for a restoration project?

Thanks
Wes

 

[87Pomona]

$100 is too much for that one, in my opinion.

 

[zkling]

This came up a while back. Do a search and you will probably find the thread. Yes that model is more rare with the extra drawers on the bottom. As long as it isn't rusted out or have a bunch of problems, $100 was deemed fair for that box. It is from the late, very late 50's and early 60's IIRC. Eariler they had a different badge, and later, by the mid 60's they switched to full length drawer pulls.

Are you buying it to use or to resell?

 

[bluebolt]

That Crown logo makes it late 1950's or early 1960's. That style of box started disappearing in the 60's, gradually replaced by the grey with the red drawer's ones. Look it over real good in person checking for rust, dents, drawers working properly, draer slides in good shape and not breaking off the side rail inside. Value is subjective, if you like the box and they don't show up in your area very often that price is not to bad for a starting point. Any major flaws is a bargaining point or too much problems walk away.

As a Crown collecter I would check that box over carefully and if the "bones" are good would probably pay that price. Have not seen any of that style in my area for sale in the two years I have been looking.

 

[FJ 432]

I'd pay $100

 

[930dreamer]

I'd give $100 for it, it has great style.

 

[cclfn]

Well based upon all the great info I will go inspect it and see what I can do. I am not looking to resale. I have a couple old Craftsman vises that I thought might look good sitting on top of a restored Craftsman box.

Thanks for all the responses this group is great.

Good hunting
Wes

 

[Packard V8]

I have a couple old Craftsman vises that I thought might look good sitting on top of a restored Craftsman box.

JMHO, but unless one just enjoys the investment of time and effort with no thought of quantifying the result, restoring a tool box is the most work for the least potential profit out there. By the time I've bought the materials, put in the hours, I'm way upside down in the box. Now, it's either shine it up and leave the patina or pay a little more for a better box.

jack vines

 

[Fordman7795]

I have one in A LOT better condition that i will sell to you for less than $100

 

[egnorant]

I would give $100 for it! But I like these boxes more than my big Snappy.
Looks like a black crown logo and may say US Pat. or something rather than the "guaranteed for life " of the later boxes. Look in the drawer behind the badge for a date code and Advertising Metal Company.

Bruce

 

[cclfn]

I would give $100 for it! But I like these boxes more than my big Snappy.
Looks like a black crown logo and may say US Pat. or something rather than the "guaranteed for life " of the later boxes. Look in the drawer behind the badge for a date code and Advertising Metal Company.

Bruce

Hey Bruce thanks for the info I just got back from dropping the box off at my storage unit. I am in the process off redoing my garage so I didn't bring it home. I did buy the top box for it as well but will have to look tomorrow and advise on the crowns, and dates. Also got a large US vise, Durham 4 drawer parts cabinet with the parts drawers all for $195 so I am happy with the results.

Thank you and the others for the comments and info.
Wes