My New (1914) Tool Box

[Chipmunk]

Got my new tool box home today and put it in the house until I can get it to my cabin workshop this spring. This was formally a Rail Road Map Cabinet.

One thing has me puzzled...on each side near the front of the lower rail on the middle section is a Brass Circle Insert (see photo) and the inside detail opposit the insert...anyone have any idea what that could be used for?

 

[softailgarage]

Dont know about the insert's but, DAMN that's a nice cabinet, where'd ya find it?

 

[Chipmunk]

Dont know about the insert's but, DAMN that's a nice cabinet, where'd ya find it?

Craigs list

 

[98TJ]

Nice box.

One thing has me puzzled...on each side near the front of the lower rail on the middle section is a Brass Circle Insert (see photo) and the inside detail opposit the insert...anyone have any idea what that could be used for?

Drawer lock system?

 

[Arne73]

Wow is that nice. I doubt if I could have passed that up. I agree w/ 98TJ on a possible lock but it's hard to tell from the pics. I've never seen anything like that before.
Are there any holes on the drawers that correspond to the inserts?
There looks to be a manufacturers name plate on the top, a source for further research.

 

[upndown]

I like how the handles are staggered.. amazing how well they built something just for paper storage ! nice find

 

[G_P]

That is gorgeous

Hell that looks good enough to be a piece of living room furniture!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I wouldn't take that out of the house.

 

[Rust]

Nice flat-file cabinet. No clue on the inserts...
I have one similar to it. Yours looks like a Globe-Wernike or a Stow Davis.

Too nice to beat up as a daily tool chest, but really nice for a collection cabinet.

 

[bobemmerich]

I wouldn't take that out of the house.

I agree with this^^^That is one hell of a nice cabinet! It is
1) A beautifully crafted cabinet
2)A nice piece of history

 

[Chipmunk]

The manufacture is Yawman & Erbe of Rochester New York. There are no holes in any of the top drawers that would match up to some sort of locking devise.

 

[930dreamer]

Any hidden compartments?

 

[Chipmunk]

Any hidden compartments?

Not that I can find, and believe me, I have looked.

 

[MoToys]

Very nice Richard.

 

[Chipmunk]

The mystery is solved. According to Laura Smith, of Smith's Antiques in Summerduck, Virginia..."That is the identical same feature that I have seen on many file cabinets. When they were used in an office setting stacked side by side they used a small rod with threads on each end…..they had to of course take the drawer out to thread the nut on each end (that’s why it is countersunk on the interior). It gave them a more unified appearance and added stability to the unit."

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

I agree with this^^^That is one hell of a nice cabinet! It is
1) A beautifully crafted cabinet
2)A nice piece of history

^^+1

Is the cabin heated? Those beautiful joints might come apart otherwise.

 

[briandrex]

So the real question that needs to be answered is how much did ya pay for the beauty?? I need me some old school toolbox for the bedroom!

 

[Chipmunk]

The cabin is heated of course, but my workshop is in my garage which isn't. If the jounts are still secure after nearly 100 years I think they will endure a few winters in my unheated garage.

$1750.00