Can anyone identify this old cart?

[firingsquad]

Picked this up last year at an auction on the cheap and stuck it in the corner until recently. The cart spent it’s life in a factory that produced screws, and it was there for a good long while. It was filthy rotten disgusting, covered in cosmoline and grease, which in reality kept it from rusting. After a good disassembly and some serious elbow grease it’s all cleaned up but I was unable to find a makers mark or a tag anywhere on it. The thing is built like a tank, and it’s as heavy as one too. As far as I can tell the orange is the original color, I looked inside all the nooks for some overspray or signs of a paint job and found none. Theres signs of what was once a sticker on the lower part of one side under one of the black cubbies, but nothing was left that would tell me what it said. The missing lock is in my backpack, gotta take it to the locksmith and get a key made.

Really torn on what to do from here with this. I really dig the wear on it, it’s been heavily used but well cared for. No dents, no smash marks from a pissed off hammer blow. The wheels are on roller bearings and they got regularly greased and cleaned. I think it would strip and paint incredibly well but I’m afraid ill regret doing it. What say you?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks good how it is just use it! I think simonsen made those.

 

[4xdog]

“Something can be restored many times. It can be original only once.”

My vote — no doubt — leave it as found. The cart looks similar to those I (barely) remeber the millwrights using in a paper mill I worked a summer job while at university in the late 1970s.

 

[The Cobbler]

if you like it the way it is, leave it alone. if you want it in new paint, and you feel like tackling it, then go for it.
It would be an easy fun project to strip apart, sand, and re spray
I don't think you'll affect the value or desire for it either way .
It's a great piece, for sure

 

[LSU]

Nice find.

Are the rear wheels cast aluminum? If yes, do you think they re original?

I am just curious.

 

[firingsquad]

Nice find.

Are the rear wheels cast aluminum? If yes, do you think they re original?

I am just curious.

Yeah, they're aluminum. I searched those for a casting mark too but found none.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I would match the blue.

 

[Provincial]

It seems like yellow/black was related to Williams somehow. Maybe Vulcan?

 

[bigredcornhead]

That is too awesome to restore completely, very curious to see if anyone can match it to a manufactuer or if anyone has another one. Do what the Japanese do and highlight the blemishes, Kintugi: the art of precious scars. Ive seen guys pinstrip old machines around dents, dings, and patina and it look just a cool. Good Luck!