Help me identify this [Snap-On?] toolbox?

[mccachar]

I can't find a specific Snap-On model that matches this exactly, but it sure seems like a Snap-On to me.

Notable features:

• Can't find any ID (specifically no S-O model stamped in the back).
• Was originally a very S-O red.
• Shallow top tray.
• Riveted flat handles that are rounded for the whole width (as opposed to being more-or-less rectangular).
• Visible piano hinge at top front (whereas some models, such as a KRA I have from ~1960, has it hidden under the lid lip).
• Single knob handle (I looked and there's no evidence that there were ever other handles or a two-hole handle in the center)

TIA

Thanks,
Chaz

 

[T45]

If theres not markings on your box, I'm guessing its not a 'snap-on' branded box. It might be an OEM model/verions.



IIRC, the Old snap-on toolboxes came in grey as well as red. Ive seen some kra-21 gable tops in grey with leather handles.

I'm pretty sure they are always stamped in some way, tho. These are grey OEM paint with embossed fronts, from the 1940s. You can tell they are pretty old vintage by the leather handles, etc.

The drawer details on these are also different, although these are kra-21s not kra-56(?) or whatever the fold downs would be.

 

[Shelbylex]

Not a Snap On

 

[mccachar]

I'm pretty sure they are always stamped in some way, tho.

I've read several places elsewhere that some older boxes weren't stamped, hence my not ruling S-O out. And it's always possible that it is stamped somewhere under that olive drab paint job, but I can't find it.

Another notable feature is that it only has the lid support under the left side, not both sides as in your picture.

Any idea who the manufacturer might be if not S-O?

 

[mccachar]

Not a Snap On

Any idea who the manufacturer might be?

 

[Shelbylex]

I think it's an early Rem line tool box

Try to post it on Vintage toolboxes of garagejournal thread - somebody will recognize it

The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

Just arrived, a tiny bit bigger than I thought- LOL well a lot Usable size thou and I did want the full length drawers-probably pass one on and put 2 in my shelves, They are now project number one, even if I find a matching blue pretty sure they will end up the same copper color to match the...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[mccachar]

I think it's an early Rem line tool box

Try to post it on Vintage toolboxes of garagejournal thread - somebody will recognize it

The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

Just arrived, a tiny bit bigger than I thought- LOL well a lot Usable size thou and I did want the full length drawers-probably pass one on and put 2 in my shelves, They are now project number one, even if I find a matching blue pretty sure they will end up the same copper color to match the...

www.garagejournal.com

Thanks for pointing out that vintage toolbox thread. I looked high and low last night for an example of a Rem Line box like this to no avail.

 

[txvwnut]

I think MBC made boxes for Snap-on.

 

[mccachar]

I think MBC made boxes for Snap-on.

So I've heard. Just did some googling for similar MBC boxes and struck out. That single knob on the lid seems to be especially hard to find.

 

[mccachar]

Found it! It was this *AWESOME* bunch of information from @twertsy that led me to it: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vintage-tool-box-identification.295748/.

It's a Bonney. Looks like mid-50s. This is the only pic I've found so far of such a thing:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/484629609903977525/

 

[Shelbylex]

Nice! I missed an oval behind the stickers

Now you have to post it in the Bonney thread

Spreading the Bonney affliction!

I managed come across a few catalogs with it Hey, thanks, Steve! It's likely because on the archive website if you looked there. It's all jumbled up when you try to search things. No. I am familiar with IA and ITCL. Not sure what you mean by "all jumbled up", but you know that you can sort by...

www.garagejournal.com

McCahar, it's not too late to run away or you will become a tool addict like majority of us here!!!

 

[mccachar]

Nice! I missed an oval behind the stickers

Now you have to post it in the Bonney thread

Spreading the Bonney affliction!

I managed come across a few catalogs with it Hey, thanks, Steve! It's likely because on the archive website if you looked there. It's all jumbled up when you try to search things. No. I am familiar with IA and ITCL. Not sure what you mean by "all jumbled up", but you know that you can sort by...

www.garagejournal.com

McCahar, it's not too late to run away or you will become a tool addict like majority of us here!!!

No, it's *way* too late, LOL. I had to spend a couple of weeks recently clearing all the boxes out of my living and dining rooms I had still missed the oval until you pointed it out, so thank you!