Kennedy Kits Tool Or Tackle Box Age

[LaneFowler]

Hi... Hoping someone has some knowledge of Kennedy Kits Tool and Tackle Boxes.

I have an old box that has been in basement for years:

Kennedy Kits logo on inside of Top Lid with Leather Handle. On the inside, there are 2 stackable trays. When trays are removed, bottom of box, also has a sectioned compartment in the corner that is big enough for a Fishing reel?

Front of Box has 3 latches... Center latch locks with a key. Harware made by Corbin (Stamped on outside latches)... Lock in center is stamped "Kennedy" with "OX1" stamped on bottom of lock.

Does anybody have any idea as to the MODEL NUMBER and AGE of this Box. I am thinking it is a Tackle Box (Not a Tool Box) from the 1940's??? However, knowing it belonged to grandfather, it could be earlier.

When did Kennedy stop using leather Handles?

Any Input is appreciated.

 

[LaneFowler]

Forgot to Mention... The Box is 21 Inches Long... 6 inches wide.... 6 1/4 inches tall.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

judging by the latches, and the lack of corner protectors, I would say late 20's to late 30's, maybe up to mid 40's. Kennedy used leather handles up through the 60's, but that handle is the older half moon style, not the U shaped one from the 40's into 60's. Prior to the mid 20's, there were also corner protectors on most of their boxes.

 

[zkling]

Sorry I have nothing helpful to add, but just wanted to say that is a cool box. I think the old square corners looked better than the modern round ones.

 

[LaneFowler]

Thanks... I would like to "restore"...

Clean up the latches... Find a key... Sew a New Leather Handle.. Find a Replacement Logo Decal, and (gulp).. Paint...

Thoughts???

Does anyone have reference material to Model Numbers on these boxes from the 20's and 30's??

I believe it was originally a Fishing Tackle Box that my Grandfather began using as a Toolbox.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

take a magnet to the latches, see if they're steel or brass.... then some simple green and a lot of scrubbing should clean it up fairly nicely.

 

[Flatintoone]

judging by the latches, and the lack of corner protectors, I would say late 20's to late 30's, maybe up to mid 40's. Kennedy used leather handles up through the 60's, but that handle is the older half moon style, not the U shaped one from the 40's into 60's. Prior to the mid 20's, there were also corner protectors on most of their boxes.

rick,
In what timeframe did Kennedy use the Corbin latches?

For that matter, is there an online guide to dating Kennedy boxes? I have one I'm curious about.

 

[zkling]

rick,
In what timeframe did Kennedy use the Corbin latches?

For that matter, is there an online guide to dating Kennedy boxes? I have one I'm curious about.

In for info. I've tried to put together a timeline on kennedy boxes, even just the common 520. Lets just say it is sketchy at best. I have a few random catalog scans from the 30's up to the 80's but there were so many different boxes and styles it is really hard to narrow things down for sure.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I bought a few kennedy's in the last year or two, the one I have that has 1919 patent dates on it has the brass corbin latches and corner protectors on it. But the one I just resto-modded for the other half's paint supplies had Kennedy latches, no corner protectors, but had real drawer sliders and the Kennedy Kit's logo on the inside. A red mechanics tool box dated in the 60's does not have the Kennedy Kits logo in it. From what I've found, they stopped using Corbin and Brass in the early 30's, corner protectors towards the end of the 30's or early 40's. This is all just from what I've gathered from other people's pictures, catalog scans, etc.

 

[Flatintoone]

I think I've posted this here before, but this is the one I was wondering about:




Corbin latches, no corner protectors, wire handle, and the 'Kennedy Kits' logo stamped inside the lid. Hmm...

 

[LaneFowler]

Rick: You are Spot-on... I found a Print Ad for the Tackle Box dated 1925 that would place the box in that era.

Although the corbin latches appear brass, a magnet will stick to the latches.

Does your collection of reference data have any images of the Kennedy Kits Logo that you can share??

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

In that time frame, this looks to be about the one used on your box. The same one on my '19 Kennedy, roughly. Found this on google awhile ago, my original one was painted over.

 

[LaneFowler]

Rick: Thanks... The logo/Trademark you found is the same as mine. My is chipped/cracked/flaked-off in the upper right hand corner.... The logo you found is chipped on the bottom right.

I am looking for an un-tarnished Kennedy Kits Logo from the 20's in order to restore on my end..

Anybody???

 

[TimmoTool]

The photos match a 1925 Kennedy Kit Tackle box Print Ad for Model 621.

I need a key for the Corbin Lock and a new leather handle.

Does anyone know a good source for a key and leather handle fabricator?

 

[orangeblood]

Does anyone know a good source for a key and leather handle fabricator?

I too am interested in any thoughts from GJ members on how to replace this style leather handle on a tool box. If not "how to replace" hopefully where to find someone that does this type of work. Thanks.

 

[RTM]

Does anyone know a good source for a key and leather handle fabricator?

You need to get the broken key out first, keep the stub if you do.

Usually there is a number stamped on the lock, eBay often has replacements, tho expect to pay $20+ for them.

@Private Lugnutz posted a great replacement that buckles on, looks good, but no time to look for it now, forget which thread it was on.

 

[TimmoTool]

Thanks RTM… Why do you think there is a broken key in the lock? I don’t see any key in the lock. The key is simply missing. The key blank should look similar or the same as the attached. I don’t know the identifier of the blank. I used a dremel tool to make 2 tooth key with teeth same tooth length this AM.

There seems to be 2 tumbler in lock that spin to move a hook upright. If I jiggle the key, I can get partial movement of one or the other tumbler, but not both at same time

As the tumblers are right next to each other, I am thinking maybe a single tooth key with blade of tooth being proper width may work, but I have no more blanks.

Anybody have any thoughts or resources?

 

[TimmoTool]

I see why you thought there is a key stuck in keyway… I don’t know what’s up with that photo.

The keyway is definitely open…

 

[RTM]

If you flip the hasp up, is there a number on the side of the base plate? I’m not sure if any of mine have Corbin locks, gotta check.

 

[TimmoTool]

Correct… It is OX1

Not sure if the first digit is an O (Oh) or a Zero

Can a key be cut with this code?

 

[RTM]

This thread might work, but you might need to join to see the pics.

https://forum.antique-locks.com/showthread.php/3136-Corbin-Lock-Key-for-a-Tackle-Box

 

[TimmoTool]

Thanks RTM… That’s actually my post from years ago without a solution…

I have been working on this thing for a LONG time!

Time and Life gets the best of most of us where projects are sometimes dropped. However, I am back on the box restoration now.

The Corbin Lock Code “0X1” means something. Someone has to know!

 

[TimmoTool]

When did Kennedy patent their metal boxes?

The Kennedy Kit Logo featuring the 2 Cats on the inside Lid does not reference “patented” while the same logo on other boxes will have an extra line with this reference.

My Kennedy Kit 621 box with the Corbin OX series lock does not reference “patented” on the logo, and the 621 box is referenced in a 1925 print ad.

We know Kennedy moved to Van Wert OH in 1915. Van Wert is shown on logo. The box can, therefore, date from 1915 to a date just prior to the patent date.

Boxes are seen for sale without the reference to patented on the logo, but the Corbin Lock is then engraved with a patent date … I have seen 9/16/16 on a Corbin OW series lock.

Thoughts

 

[d42jeep]

I mostly hang out in the vintage forum so I just happened to see this thread today. My box was probably made around the same time period as to OP’s.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Another early Kennedy box.
-Don

 

[RTM]

When did Kennedy patent their metal boxes?

Difficult question to answer in the context of your question. These are all the patents, and catalog dates that I have found where I can find differences in the 520 series box. Did not look to see if there was a logo with or without patent info included in the catalog.
Remember the patent expiration date was 17 years after issue, so there is not much time where they could NOT claim a fresh patent. My list of catalogs ran out in 1970, with 1942 being the last patent, so that is the only era where they woul be required to take the patent info off.

 

[four.cycle]

Kennedy / Kennedy Mfg. Co., LLC, 1260 Industrial Dr., Van Wert, OH 45891 / https://buykennedy.com/ / est. 1911 acquired by Cornwell 2016 / tool storage systems / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/help-identifying-this-kennedy-toolbox.490813/ /

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

Easy / EasyKeys, 11407 Granite St. Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28273 / https://easykeys.com/ / keys, locks, locksmith tools / * this is the company that supplies keys for tool boxes * /

Weaver Leather Supply - manufacturers of replacement leather handles for luggage and tool boxes

 

[TimmoTool]

Difficult question to answer in the context of your question. These are all the patents, and catalog dates that I have found where I can find differences in the 520 series box. Did not look to see if there was a logo with or without patent info included in the catalog.
Remember the patent expiration date was 17 years after issue, so there is not much time where they could NOT claim a fresh patent. My list of catalogs ran out in 1970, with 1942 being the last patent, so that is the only era where they woul be required to take the patent info off.

RTM... I see... so your saying that a logo without the reference to be patented is probably a later box... Produced AFTER the patent expired? Yes?

 

[TimmoTool]

Another early Kennedy box.
-Don

A STAMPED LOGO!! I have never seen this. Nice!

 

[RTM]

RTM... I see... so your saying that a logo without the reference to be patented is probably a later box... Produced AFTER the patent expired? Yes?

Not saying, just suggesting that it MIGHT be after ALL those parents expired. I'd need to do more digging into catalogs and features to say that specifically.

Look here for the full sheet of details I was recording for the 520 series.

Kennedy Features.pdf | Powered by Box

app.box.com

 

[TimmoTool]

Yep... Do we think they ever used the logo without the reference to patent BEFORE the patent was issued or pending. The original owner of the 621 box was born approximately 1905... As a young man in his 20's, the date of the box could be 1925 or beyond. He was a big fisherman... The 1916 Patent doesn't reference anything... Simply a general patent in 1916...

Switching gears... Folks posting pics seem to keep boxes in original condition with much patina. However, these boxes are deteriorating with leather falling off handles and rust on boxes. This is reason I will "restore" my box...

Does anyone have experience separating the lid from base of box or removing/re-installing hardware from my box. With the folded corners, I don't see a means to remove the pin within the hinges. I will have to grind off or drill out the rivets and rivet back. I think I need to remove the lid and hardware to properly and gently pound out dents and re-paint.

Any input is appreciated...

Thanks.

 

[TimmoTool]

... and by the way... I contacted Kennedy sending pics, etc. A very fast response from Kennedy said that the 621 box was produced on or after 1930. However, I don't believe that correct. I did find a Print Ad I labeled as being from 1925 from an eBay seller advertising the 600 series boxes as "Kennedy Kit's a Comrade! ... The Taking of Fish is Not all of Fishing... Waterproof... Finished in Brown Baked Enamel that won't chip or rub off... When Hunting, a Perfect Carrier for Cartridges... See it at any Sporting Goods House"

The specs shown for the 621 box in regard to the dimensions are exact to my box. Therefore, if the ad is really from 1925, places the box as old as 1925. Just trying to hone in further.

 

[four.cycle]

1915 J.M. Warren & Co. catalog Kennedy ad pp 265

1922 Dakota Iron Store catalog Kennedy Peerless Victor ad pp 31

1925 Dunham Carrigan & Hayden Co. catalog Green Line Kennedy ad pp 126

1925 Dunham Carrigan & Hayden Co. catalog Kennedy Tool Box ad pp 127

1925 H. Channon Co. catalog Kennedy Union Wizard ad pp 258

1926 Vonnegut Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Peerless Tool Box ad pp 122

1926 Vonnegut Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Tool Box ad pp 121

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[four.cycle]

1927 Belknap Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Buhrke Tool Box ad pp 138

1927 Belknap Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Tool Box ad pp 137

1927 Joseph Woodwell Co. catalog Kennedy Union ad pp 275

1927 Joseph Woodwell Co. catalog Kennedy Union Wizard ad pp 276

1930 Belknap Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy ad pp 133

1930 Belknap Hardware Co. catalog Union Kennedy ad pp 134

1930 Honeyman Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Union ad pp 409

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[four.cycle]

1930 Honeyman Hardware Co. catalog Kennedy Union ad pp 410

1933 Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co. catalog Kennedy ad pp 156

1933 Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co. catalog Kennedy ad pp 157

1933 Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co. catalog Kennedy ad pp 158

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[four.cycle]

Kennedy catalog front cover

Kennedy catalog pp 4

Kennedy catalog pp 14

Kennedy catalog pp 16

Kennedy catalog pp rear cover

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[four.cycle]

Kennedy tool box flyer (d42jeep 01)

Kennedy tool box flyer (d42jeep 02)

Kennedy tool box flyer (d42jeep 03)

Kennedy tool box flyer (d42jeep 04)

Kennedy at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[TimmoTool]

Thanks Four Cycle… Saw all that… There is not a single reference to 600 series boxes..

Attached is what I have from 1925

 

[four.cycle]

All the material I have on "Kennedy" is now posted in this thread.
Check ITCL

I just shot all that above to Mark so he'll probably get it all uploaded as *.pdf files shortly.
Not sure where else to look, to be honest.

Are there fishing tackle discussion sites? I joined one for information on fishing poles years ago, but I don't think I've ever seen one dedicated to tackle (or tackle boxes.)

 

[TimmoTool]

Thank You…

… and yep … saw the files on ITCL

Will be interesting figuring this out