The vintage Blackhawk Thread

[Private Lugnutz]

Langenau made boxes for several companies in the 1930s. Blackhawk and Bonney were just two of the companies who slapped their logos on Langenau made boxes.

Langenau Mfg Co, in Cleveland, O., dates back as early as 1915. They have several clasp and latch patents. They also made caskets. The other tool mfgrs they made boxes for, since the 1920's, includes Packer Auto ("RAY") and Edgar Guthard ("Billmont"). Britool was apparently a customer for the same boxes as the later Bonney and Blackhawk supplied Caterpillar Tractor service sets.

 

[Dave455]

Langenau Mfg Co, in Cleveland, O., dates back as early as 1915. They have several clasp and latch patents. They also made caskets. The other tool mfgrs they made boxes for, since the 1920's, includes Packer Auto ("RAY") and Edgar Guthard ("Billmont"). Britool was apparently a customer for the same boxes as the later Bonney and Blackhawk supplied Caterpillar Tractor service sets.

Yes, the larger Britool boxes, for their “Tractor Service Sets” and “Universal Service Sets” were supplied by Langenau.

I’ve never been able to confirm it, but I’ve long suspected that many of the other, smaller, Britool boxes were supplied by Langenau too, probably up to the 1970’s.

I’ve never been able to track down a U.K. manufacturer for these boxes, or even the maker of the paints that gave the distinctive “cracked” finish. Given that the paint is identical to the bigger boxes, I suspect Langenau supplied the lot.

This would have been expensive, but Britool back then didn’t cut corners, and many of their tools were very much in the American style.

Both Gordon and King **** also bought in Langenau boxes. I’ve seen several Gordon boxes, and here’s an ad showing a King **** version.

 

[thehorse13]

Here's my 49K set that I'm trying to complete. Original decal and paint. Anyone turning loose any nuggets that go to this little bomb box?

I do have a few extras in here that do not belong. I opened this box up today to move the mismatches over to the Red Rover stack.

 

[four.cycle]

found these in my "Black & Decker" folder.


1941 Automotive Digest Blackhawk ad pp 3

1946 Mills Supplies Blackhawk ad pp 155

 

[bmwrd0]

found these in my "Black & Decker"

Here's my 49K set that I'm trying to complete. Original decal and paint. Anyone turning loose any nuggets that go to this little bomb box?

I do have a few extras in here that do not belong. I opened this box up today to move the mismatches over to the Red Rover stack.

Horse, what are you looking for? I have some worthy sockets that are duplicates of what I have. If they match up, I am more than willing to send them your way.

 

[jabberwoki]

Now you need to repost your Bonney box on the Bonney thread.

 

[Shelbylex]

Picture?

akasrick

Spreading the Bonney affliction!

I am intrigued by those two sockets. I can’t think of anything automotive that they could be. The decidedly offset drive broaching of the drive end is very curious, combined with the odd configuration of the fastener. I’m interested to see how this turns out.

www.garagejournal.com

Please look at the picture posted by Mritchie77 (post 5252)

Sorry for the off topic post - wanted to complete the earlier thought

 

[thehorse13]

Horse, what are you looking for? I have some worthy sockets that are duplicates of what I have. If they match up, I am more than willing to send them your way.

I appreciate anything that you're willing to cut loose. Below you'll find my list of missing items. Thanks!

Item No.	Description
39965	.035 x 1/4 Screw Driver Socket
39966	.040 x 11/32 Screw Driver Socket
39976	Grip Hdl.
SOCKETS - Double Square
35212	3/8
35214	7/16
35224	3/4
SOCKETS - Long-Type
35314	7/16
35316	1/2
35320	5/8
35322	11/16
35324	3/4
35330	15/16
35336	1 1/8
Univ. Jt. Sockets
35414	7/16
35416	1/2
35418	9/16
35420	5/8
35422	11/16
35424	3/4

 

[akasrick]

[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/spreading-the-bonney-affliction.273680/page-132#post-10375499[/URL]

Please look at the picture posted by Mritchie77 (post 5252)

Sorry for the off topic post - wanted to complete the earlier thought

Shelbylex,
This link will take you directly to Mritchie77's post.
I got this link by going to post #5252 right clicking on the posts' number then copy and paste to here.

post5252

I read your post as a phone problem, and sure enough, used a phone to connect, it would log me out after reading one post. My problem.
Confusion is on my end.

akasrick

 

[bmwrd0]

Sorry Horse, my spares don't match anything on your list. I will keep my eyes open for you though, as a matter of course.

 

[thehorse13]

Sorry Horse, my spares don't match anything on your list. I will keep my eyes open for you though, as a matter of course.

Thank you for looking. It's become ridiculous out there when trying to complete these old Blackhawk sets.

 

[Dave455]

Gentleman - may I put a question “to the floor” as they say? Apologies if it’s been covered before.

Does anyone have any colour codes or other information about the dark red paint used by Blackhawk?

I have a complete British Standard set, which is in excellent condition apart from the box, which I intend to repaint.

I may leave the interior (certainly the lid) as the decal is original, but the exterior is very rusty so needs a refurb.

I’m in the U.K. which makes life difficult if the exact colour is available from one of the big U.S. stores, but I can get anything mixed in any colour if I have a paint code.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Sunrise red rustoleum is pretty close

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here's a couple of those little boxes. You can see the shade varies a bit. The regal red is a bit closer to the 1/2" set, sunrise the Nugget box. You can probably use either without any affront to historical accuracy

 

[Dave455]

Here's a couple of those little boxes. You can see the shade varies a bit. The regal red is a bit closer to the 1/2" set, sunrise the Nugget box. You can probably use either without any affront to historical accuracy

Thanks, that’s a start!

I think my box was originally the darker of the two, but interesting to know there were different colours on otherwise similar sets.

I suspected as much as I have a larger Blackhawk (Langenau) box and that’s also a much lighter shade.

Sadly, the “pre mixed” Rustoleum that’s available in the U.K. doesn’t include Sunrise Red. You can get any colour to order of course, if you have the colour code..!

 

[Madjik Man]

Horse, what are you looking for? I have some worthy sockets that are duplicates of what I have. If they match up, I am more than willing to send them your way.

I would like to ask if there's anything left over after Horse's request I'd appreciate opening up a dialogue about this. This is what I'm missing to complete my 30x set (7/16s drive):

30x Contents	Currently Need
Handles
39983 6" Extension
39986 Handle Bar (9")
Single Hex Socket
35110 5/16
Double Hex Sockets
35114 7/16
35124 3/4

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Yes the regal red looks closer on your box

 

[Madjik Man]

I appreciate anything that you're willing to cut loose. Below you'll find my list of missing items. Thanks!

Item No.	Description
39965	.035 x 1/4 Screw Driver Socket
39966	.040 x 11/32 Screw Driver Socket
39976	Grip Hdl.
SOCKETS - Double Square
35212	3/8
35214	7/16
35224	3/4
SOCKETS - Long-Type
35314	7/16
35316	1/2
35320	5/8
35322	11/16
35324	3/4
35330	15/16
35336	1 1/8
Univ. Jt. Sockets
35414	7/16
35416	1/2
35418	9/16
35420	5/8
35422	11/16
35424	3/4

FYI I found this ebay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3258671641...vHcF1jdzDKngEg8D4MIwIaPA==|tkp:Bk9SR-T_ts7vYg

 

[thehorse13]

FYI I found this ebay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325867164124?hash=item4bdf3251dc:g:8ukAAOSwnaVlPqbr&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA8O8CNXT7FgXGb3qH5AP6DgKhNyxrfE1UbYmw6r8OBeh7HWgqiPwwZa1HfUDx3k1liYF1Y2TlqcO0QKH0gF1L4dm8UVGGdmtUhgJf2KWe8Tm4GhOE5rejpAXM+TxCvdBlHHmRv+hVpbJjVzMmz2kZExCB7lKhH567aoMbhyu+GZNBcf+vCjPCuBFwOHpRPw0uTL3eROf3fOmwJE1v+5Lni5AtsGb9N269TqoUcXzuSV2omRNUWjAAlrPCeCWnyXWxlQGebaGgeM6FE+RnZa3uLojidJkLegVmE96XLjYGPsvHcF1jdzDKngEg8D4MIwIaPA==|tkp:Bk9SR-T_ts7vYg

Yea, I'm watching that lot right now. I can use 4 of the 6.

Thanks.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I may leave the interior (certainly the lid) as the decal is original,

An admirable, applause-worthy principle!

You can see the shade varies a bit...[ ]...You can probably use either without any affront to historical accuracy

I was about to suggest the same, Dave, and point out what you yourself would certainly realize, that a new finish on the outside will not match the 70+ years old finish of the lid you plan to preserve. That's an advantage, in my opinion, not an issue. You're not trying to match the brand new color, you're trying to match the current color. Granted, the underside of the lid would have faded less than the exterior. But the advantage is not having to be perfect. Even the best examples of the most well kempt original boxes rarely are. I take that advantage even further by deliberately fading, distressing and aging the repainted areas to match the areas I preserve with painterly techniques. I think of this as the effects that the best museum curators in the world use when they are forced to make repairs on antiques.

Long story much shorter, don't sweat it too much. With that decal, and the right tools inside, any minor shade and hue differences in your refinished areas are minimized by the overall appearance.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Dave,

I have a whole thread on the approach I described above, with techniques, materials, and process, that I call prestorvation, plus several examples. Post #26 is exactly like your situation. A Williams box, pretty much roached everywhere else except the underside of the lid, which also had a very decent original decal. I protected that, refinished then aged and distressed the other surfaces, and put a repro decal, then aged and distressed that, on the top side lid, so that everything matched in appearance. I fully realize not everyone shares my affinity for this look. But do check it out if you're mildly interested.

Toolbox Refinishing - The "Barn Find" Look

The subject of refinishing WWII era toolboxes has come up a few times recently. By request, and instead of barraging either of those threads with photos, I am putting this on a separate thread. Maybe others can add their own procedures and materials. I'm always open for new ideas. For starters...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Dave455]

An admirable, applause-worthy principle!

I was about to suggest the same, Dave, and point out what you yourself would certainly realize, that a new finish on the outside will not match the 70+ years old finish of the lid you plan to preserve. That's an advantage, in my opinion, not an issue. You're not trying to match the brand new color, you're trying to match the current color. Granted, the underside of the lid would have faded less than the exterior. But the advantage is not having to be perfect. Even the best examples of the most well kempt original boxes rarely are. I take that advantage even further by deliberately fading, distressing and aging the repainted areas to match the areas I preserve with painterly techniques. I think of this as the effects that the best museum curators in the world use when they are forced to make repairs on antiques.

Long story much shorter, don't sweat it too much. With that decal, and the right tools inside, any minor shade and hue differences in your refinished areas are minimized by the overall appearance.

Thanks Private Lugnutz!

The question of when to restore, and when not, is sometimes a difficult one.

If I do any repainting I always try a do a decent job of it. If it was a full repaint I‘d probably want the paint shade “correct”. In the case of a partial repaint, then I definitely do! In this case I think I’m in to having some paint mixed, but not a problem.

I don’t go for “distressed”. Call it an “honest” refurb if you will, but in an ideal world I’d like it looking like it was just delivered from Blackhawk!

Yes, I’ll definitely be leaving the original decal, though I’ll probably try and photograph it in case I need to get replacements produced at a future date.

Blackhawk tools are very special to me, so not everything I might undertake makes sense from a financial point of view! This is one thread where the majority of readers probably understand!

 

[Dave455]

Dave,

I have a whole thread on the approach I described above, with techniques, materials, and process, that I call prestorvation, plus several examples. Post #26 is exactly like your situation. A Williams box, pretty much roached everywhere else except the underside of the lid, which also had a very decent original decal. I protected that, refinished then aged and distressed the other surfaces, and put a repro decal, then aged and distressed that, on the top side lid, so that everything matched in appearance. I fully realize not everyone shares my affinity for this look. But do check it out if you're mildly interested.

Toolbox Refinishing - The "Barn Find" Look

The subject of refinishing WWII era toolboxes has come up a few times recently. By request, and instead of barraging either of those threads with photos, I am putting this on a separate thread. Maybe others can add their own procedures and materials. I'm always open for new ideas. For starters...

www.garagejournal.com

Thank you once again, a very interesting read.

I‘ve recently been preserving some vintage steel boxes that have been in the family for some years. In this case, preserving the original finish was important, so I opted for a gentle clean, some localised rust removal, and then sealing with Ankor Wax (A durable preservative widely used on classic commercial vehicles).

 

[don long]

I can finally finish up my porto power tool boxes. I went and picked up the chrome that I've been waiting 2 months to get back

Here is the Torpedo box with the chrome wheels, handle and twist lock all shiney new



Here is the tools inside the case



I also picked up the handle for the gravestone box



Here is the entire porto power display along with my 49 nugget set







I need to put the decals back into the open cases

 

[Dave455]

I can finally finish up my porto power tool boxes. I went and picked up the chrome that I've been waiting 2 months to get back

Here is the Torpedo box with the chrome wheels, handle and twist lock all shiney new



Here is the tools inside the case



I also picked up the handle for the gravestone box



Here is the entire porto power display along with my 49 nugget set







I nrrd to put the decals back into the open cases

Awesome job!

You mentioned decals. Can I ask if you had these made up yourself, or is there somewhere that sells them?

 

[four.cycle]

Jim's Engine Decals on Ebay or engine-decals.com

 

[Dave455]

Jim's Engine Decals on Ebay or engine-decals.com

Well that’s just fantastic!

Thanks!

 

[four.cycle]

^ I believe he is a member here. Makes an awesome product. First-rate stuff.

 

[thehorse13]

Jim is a member here but rarely posts. He once told me that his daughter really enjoys doing the old school tool labels so most likely she is the actual artist doing your repops. They get busy from time to time and it's not uncommon to have to wait months for a label. I have a backup label maker for times when I need something a little quicker.

 

[d42jeep]

I rarely find Blackhawk tools around here so I was surprised to see this DBE wrench at a local sale.
-Don
Here it is after a bit of cleaning.

 

[don long]

Nice find Don

 

[don long]

Since I've finished the restoration of my Torpedo cases and the Tombstone case that I picked up from Joshotto I thought it time to reorganize the Blackhawk area by putting all the porto power sets together and the Nugget sets together and scatter the CD tool boxes and the bigger tool boxes along the wall.

Here is what I came up with
The Porto powers



The nuggets


Looking back the other way



The entire wall looking West to east



from the other end

 

[Dave455]

Since I've finished the restoration of my Torpedo cases and the Tombstone case that I picked up from Joshotto I thought it time to reorganize the Blackhawk area by putting all the porto power sets together and the Nugget sets together and scatter the CD tool boxes and the bigger tool boxes along the wall.

Here is what I came up with
The Porto powers



The nuggets


Looking back the other way



The entire wall looking West to east



from the other end

That’s a gorgeous set up you have there.

Like walking into a Blackhawk dealer 70 years ago!

I can’t even begin to estimate the number of man hours you must have spent, but on behalf of all Blackhawk enthusiasts, I’m glad you have.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

@don long amazing work as always. Just curious....have you ever thought of contacting Blackhawk and sending them pics of your items and restorations? I wonder what their reaction would be, if any. You never know what a company might do for you.

 

[Madjik Man]

Since I've finished the restoration of my Torpedo cases and the Tombstone case that I picked up from Joshotto I thought it time to reorganize the Blackhawk area by putting all the porto power sets together and the Nugget sets together and scatter the CD tool boxes and the bigger tool boxes along the wall.

Here is what I came up with
The Porto powers



The nuggets


Looking back the other way



The entire wall looking West to east



from the other end

 

[four.cycle]

1919 Motor Age Blackhawk ad pp 19

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a 1/2” T handle I found at a garage sale yesterday.
-Don

 

[Fred Knox]

I was encouraged to post this find in the Blackhawk thread (first reported on the GS thread). Via an elongated route to me, this Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest has a new proud owner. The story goes like this:

Sometimes you just get lucky. Late one night, I was looking for some vintage tool brands I love. I came across a Blackhawk tool chest that had been posted for sale about an hour earlier. The three photos were blurry, but the price was extremely reasonable. I emailed, texted and left messages to the Seller to confirm I wanted it, but didn’t hear back. It is an older Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest.

I started to work on the next step, which was how the heck to get it, as it was located nowhere near me. I thought of everyone I knew nearby and finally remembered a cousin (now she has been renamed FCM as in “Favorite Cousin Mary”) who I texted because it was too late at night her time.

The next morning, I received a text that the chest was mine and how was I going to pick it up? FCM was willing to be the go-between and one of my daughters Venmo’d her the money. I massively underestimated its size or dimensions, which of course were much too heavy for her to lift. The dimensions are 27” x 13” x 11” and it weighs 67 lbs.

Somehow FCM got it to a UPS store which quoted her more than twice the purchase price to transport it to me. Then, real luck happened. She remembered that one son-in-law may be driving out here in the following 6-8 weeks for a short business trip. Of course, he’s a big strong young man who delivered it door-to-door! It is in great condition, and it did come with the original key. The Blackhawk sticker says it’s a Blackhawk “Chief” Wrench Set, more specifically the Tractor & Construction Wrench "W" case from the late 1930s - early 1940s (thank-you Lugz). The PO did not have any Blackhawk tools to go with it, so if you have any duplicates, any help/trades would be appreciated. In any case, a little luck, divine intervention, good family, or whatever, made for a memorable tool day.

 

[thehorse13]

I was encouraged to post this find in the Blackhawk thread (first reported on the GS thread). Via an elongated route to me, this Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest has a new proud owner. The story goes like this:

Sometimes you just get lucky. Late one night, I was looking for some vintage tool brands I love. I came across a Blackhawk tool chest that had been posted for sale about an hour earlier. The three photos were blurry, but the price was extremely reasonable. I emailed, texted and left messages to the Seller to confirm I wanted it, but didn’t hear back. It is an older Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest.

I started to work on the next step, which was how the heck to get it, as it was located nowhere near me. I thought of everyone I knew nearby and finally remembered a cousin (now she has been renamed FCM as in “Favorite Cousin Mary”) who I texted because it was too late at night her time.

The next morning, I received a text that the chest was mine and how was I going to pick it up? FCM was willing to be the go-between and one of my daughters Venmo’d her the money. I massively underestimated its size or dimensions, which of course were much too heavy for her to lift. The dimensions are 27” x 13” x 11” and it weighs 67 lbs.

Somehow FCM got it to a UPS store which quoted her more than twice the purchase price to transport it to me. Then, real luck happened. She remembered that one son-in-law may be driving out here in the following 6-8 weeks for a short business trip. Of course, he’s a big strong young man who delivered it door-to-door! It is in great condition, and it did come with the original key. The Blackhawk sticker says it’s a Blackhawk “Chief” Wrench Set, more specifically the Tractor & Construction Wrench "W" case from the late 1930s - early 1940s (thank-you Lugz). The PO did not have any Blackhawk tools to go with it, so if you have any duplicates, any help/trades would be appreciated. In any case, a little luck, divine intervention, good family, or whatever, made for a memorable tool day.

I've lost count how many Blackhawk addiction stories began this way. Welcome to the fold.

 

[y'sguy]

I was encouraged to post this find in the Blackhawk thread (first reported on the GS thread). Via an elongated route to me, this Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest has a new proud owner. The story goes like this:

Sometimes you just get lucky. Late one night, I was looking for some vintage tool brands I love. I came across a Blackhawk tool chest that had been posted for sale about an hour earlier. The three photos were blurry, but the price was extremely reasonable. I emailed, texted and left messages to the Seller to confirm I wanted it, but didn’t hear back. It is an older Blackhawk Master Mechanic Wrench Chest.

I started to work on the next step, which was how the heck to get it, as it was located nowhere near me. I thought of everyone I knew nearby and finally remembered a cousin (now she has been renamed FCM as in “Favorite Cousin Mary”) who I texted because it was too late at night her time.

The next morning, I received a text that the chest was mine and how was I going to pick it up? FCM was willing to be the go-between and one of my daughters Venmo’d her the money. I massively underestimated its size or dimensions, which of course were much too heavy for her to lift. The dimensions are 27” x 13” x 11” and it weighs 67 lbs.

Somehow FCM got it to a UPS store which quoted her more than twice the purchase price to transport it to me. Then, real luck happened. She remembered that one son-in-law may be driving out here in the following 6-8 weeks for a short business trip. Of course, he’s a big strong young man who delivered it door-to-door! It is in great condition, and it did come with the original key. The Blackhawk sticker says it’s a Blackhawk “Chief” Wrench Set, more specifically the Tractor & Construction Wrench "W" case from the late 1930s - early 1940s (thank-you Lugz). The PO did not have any Blackhawk tools to go with it, so if you have any duplicates, any help/trades would be appreciated. In any case, a little luck, divine intervention, good family, or whatever, made for a memorable tool day.

Sounds like luck and good favor are on you side! Welcome to Blackhawk ownership. I've had thesame box for a long long time and can assure you it's a good one. Congrats and Enjoy!