Identify Old Machinist Box

[silva]

Can someone please help identify this vintage machinist box.

I acquired it about 20 years ago and have used it since.
I've decide I'd like to freshen it up, remove layers of paint and restore to its former beauty.
As such I'd like to identify what it is, any info would be great!

7 Drawers, metal drawer bottoms. The # 370 in pencil on the back of the drawers. The lock made in Rockford Illlinois...

Thanks in advance.

 

[rburke65]

No help here but " Welcome to The Garage Journal from Ohio! "

 

[zkling]

Ask member Beatcad, he's up on those old wooden boxes.

 

[Terranova]

Pull the bottom drawer and then then pull the face plate that pushes back into the box out. You should find a "gerstner and sons" stamp.

View media item 46657
http://www.gerstnerusa.com

 

[Cyberbear]

I'm no expert by any means on old wooden tool chests, but the Gerstner name is usually thought of when these great old tool chests are mentioned. They are famous for their line of solid quarter sawn white oak boxes, and they also will refurbish and supply parts for any of their boxes of whatever age.
I found a very nice one with original dust cover in qtr. sawn oak with nice "tiger striping" that's in very good condition that I use to store the nicer portions of my eclectic knife collection. Good luck in your restoration.

 

[silva]

Thanks fella's.
I don't think its a "Gerstner" there are no indications that it is. I've searched the box extensively for "Gerstner" identifiers and have found none.
Union, Sipco and Pilliod are other possible manufacturers, hoping someone recognizes the clues I've provided and can help...

 

[Terranova]

So no stamp under the bottom drawer? Are the drawer bottoms metal?
Is there a mirror in the top? What color is the felt in the drawers? Actual physical dimensions?
T

 

[Terranova]

Now that I look at the front fold up door, I don't think it is a Gerstner, because the almost exclusively use stiles and panel for that.

 

[glmron]

May be a very old Gerstner. Here is one of mine, if you look at the drawers there is a small bead on the lower edge that matches up pretty well with yours. The drawer pulls match up also. I would call it a Gerstner until someone can prove it is not.

 

[beatcad]

dang! how did i miss this?
not a gerstner.
the lock is a yale. used by gerstner and others.
jmoss may(will) know more about the locks than i do

the rest of the chest is ruff so i cant say for sure.
i'd say it could be a union or maybe lean toward a pilliod.