Gerstner 42
- Thread starter ekegelmann
- Start date
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
kd3pc
Well-known member
the real ones are very nice, if kept up - but pricey.
The knockoffs are pretty sorry, but people like the price and are not concerned about having the real thing.
The knockoffs are pretty sorry, but people like the price and are not concerned about having the real thing.
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
how can you tell a knockoff from a real one?
kentenn
Well-known member
Roberts210
Well-known member
My wife's grandad, Jack, who passed away in 2002 had a black, leather covered Gerstner 11 drawer chest. He said he bought it when he went to work as a machinist at the Douglas Aircraft factory in Los Angeles in the early days of WWII. He said Gerstner couldn't get quarter sawn oak during the war, and so they covered the regular oak panels with leather. Don't know if this is true, but that's what he told me. Sadly after he passed one of his friends told my wife that Jack had promised the chest to him before he died. So she gave it to him.
MushCreek
Well-known member
Wow- Has anyone priced these things lately? I bought a Style 52 brand new about 20 years ago. I had a friend who was a sales rep at a tool supply house, and he got me a great deal at $225. They don't make the 52 any more, but the similar 2610 has a retail of $1895! I guess I better go out to the shop and give mine some love.
I also have a very old small tool box, but I don't think it's a Gerstner. Similar, but too many differences. I need to refinish that one.
I also have a very old small tool box, but I don't think it's a Gerstner. Similar, but too many differences. I need to refinish that one.
woody 73
Well-known member
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
Now, if it doesn't have the original hardware I can contact Gerstner correct?
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kentenn
Well-known member
Yes, you can get original hardware directly from Gerstner or replacement hardware from me.
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
Ah thx, I'll have better pics from all angles tomorrow, what's best way to immediately clean and treat wood?
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LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Replacement Hardware
http://gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware
How can I tell if my chest is a Gerstner?
There are three main areas to look for identifying marks. First, look for the Gerstner name to be stamped on the catches or lock. Second, look for a Gerstner name tag to be located on the face of the bottom drawer. (Sometimes the tags have come off, but there will be an outline of where a tag used to be). Finally, there will sometimes be a stamp on the inside of the bottom of the chest cavity. To look for this stamp, one must remove the long drawers, extend the front lid and inspect the inside of the chest bottom. If none of the above three are found and you still believe this chest to be a Gerstner, follow the Age of Chest guidelines.
http://gerstnerusa.com/frequently-asked-questions
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
Ok looking good via the pic I have. Picking it up tomorrow.
Replacement Hardware
http://gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware
How can I tell if my chest is a Gerstner?
There are three main areas to look for identifying marks. First, look for the Gerstner name to be stamped on the catches or lock. Second, look for a Gerstner name tag to be located on the face of the bottom drawer. (Sometimes the tags have come off, but there will be an outline of where a tag used to be). Finally, there will sometimes be a stamp on the inside of the bottom of the chest cavity. To look for this stamp, one must remove the long drawers, extend the front lid and inspect the inside of the chest bottom. If none of the above three are found and you still believe this chest to be a Gerstner, follow the Age of Chest guidelines.
http://gerstnerusa.com/frequently-asked-questions
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OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
I'm excited, this will be going in my office for my special tools.
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Stooge
Well-known member
a few years ago, we surprised a guy who was working in one of the departments that fell under me with a Gerstner 2613 as a sort of secret retirement gift. i don't think I've learned more from anyone in my life than what i learned from him in the 2-3 years i worked directly with him, and as he was an avid gun collector, figured it would be something he would appreciate. i forget the exact cost but $2500'ish sounds about right with the cover and we opted for a personalized nameplate as well. probably not something i would ever buy myself from how spendy they are but with a company credit card, it made for a nice memorable retirement gift for someone
.
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
What is the best way to clean up and Polish the wood? Any cleaning product the best? As for rust on the hardware, would a vinegar bath be best or?
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OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
What's the best way to clean the hardware of rust?
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Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
A little PB Blaster or something like it with some light Scotch Brite usually does it.. Slot and careful polishing..
TheGrooveking
Well-known member
I have 13 Gerstners, a 41C Oak, 42 Walnut, 52 Oak, two 82's Oak, 82 Cherry and bases for all of them, a distressed 8 drawer office chest, a Cherry briefcase that my guys bought me.
I won't go i to the deals I got, they'd draw suction, I bought all of mine between 86 and 1998.
I also have a Star 41 in oak, its from 1906, a guy I worked with got from his great aunt, her father had bought it and she told him he was getting it he went to her place and found she tried carrying it up the stairs and she dropped it. It split at all the joints, the wood damage except the front valance. I sanded it and refinished it and sent all the hardware out for gold plating. The wife wants it for jewelry, sorry babe, not going to happen.
TheGrooveking
I won't go i to the deals I got, they'd draw suction, I bought all of mine between 86 and 1998.
I also have a Star 41 in oak, its from 1906, a guy I worked with got from his great aunt, her father had bought it and she told him he was getting it he went to her place and found she tried carrying it up the stairs and she dropped it. It split at all the joints, the wood damage except the front valance. I sanded it and refinished it and sent all the hardware out for gold plating. The wife wants it for jewelry, sorry babe, not going to happen.
TheGrooveking
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OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
ok here are pictures of the work in progress so far.... how about cleaning the rust off the hardware that is attached and cannot come off due to not having screws etc? Ive used oil and 0000 pad but may take forever. problem is I do not want to scratch or ruin and of the plating etc. Im using Howards golden oak for the cleaning etc. and ten will add the Howards wax after. This thing I love. Wouldnt sell it... it will be going next to my grandpa's secretary he used for bills and storing his .22 in lol
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
OP
ekegelmann
Well-known member
The front clasp say Excelsior Stamford Ct. instead of Gerstner, but I read they used their clasp for quite a long time. Hard to pinpoint the year of this chest.
kentenn
Well-known member
If I had to guess, I'd say it was made in the 70's. Gerstner has a pretty good forum where you might get more info. To clean, I would use a mild Scotchbrite pad with GoJo hand cleaner (no pumice). Gently rub into wood and wipe off with a rag or paper towels until clean.
The last one I restored by sanding down to raw wood and finishing with shellac.
The last one I restored by sanding down to raw wood and finishing with shellac.
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bubinga
Well-known member
looking good OP, I usually use Murphy's Oil soap, or paint thinner.
don't use lacquer thinner, or acetone,
then I use Paste wax.
don't use lacquer thinner, or acetone,
then I use Paste wax.