Tool chest identifcation

[Cameronl]

Last year I posted this chest I found found for $25.

Because of the big Mac Tools sticker and magnet on the front, I assumed it was a Mac box. But in the process of restoring it, and going over every square inch, I find no identifying markings. Search on GJ and elsewhere on the interwebs, I can't find another Mac box that looks similar.

I've got a big vintage-looking Mac Tools sticker to put on the front as the final touch of my resto, but I'd like to be sure it is in fact a Mac before I do so.

Anyone who knows more about vintage boxes have any input?

 

[nine4gmc]

Snap On

 

[Cameronl]

How does one tell? Any idea on the year?

 

[Outlawmws]

Look on the back for a "K" something number (it may be faint) if it has that it probably has a date code too. I suspect 60's based on the full width drawer pulls.

 

[Cameronl]

I had both pieces stripped down to bare metal and saw nothing. It's painted now.

 

[mvptrukin]

I don't think it is a SO--the handle on the roll cab, no holes for the emblems on the top and bottom box .
Have you browsed the old SO catalogs on : www.collectingsnapon.com. ?

 

[dandan111]

Are their holes for emblems under the decals?

 

[Cameronl]

I found no holes, or any evidence of an emblem. MVPTRUKIN, I've browsed at collectingsnapon.com. The top box certainly bears a resemblance to the KRA-56A. The bottom is similar to the KRA-352A, but the lock's not right.

 

[bobcatdan]

Although the boxes look SOish and I could be talked into the top being SO. The bottom is not. The lock postion is just wrong. Besides being offset, iot should be on the lower self. I wonder if it is MBC, who made SO boxes and can be very similar. Older Mac I also do not think, but old examples are very rare so my knowledge is vimited. For what ever reason, I kinda want to say Beach. Willaims also pops into my brain.

 

[Cameronl]

Willaims also pops into my brain.

Williams is looking good. bobemmerich's William in this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139619
looks right. Not the same combo, but looks like the same line. The cut of the edges of the drawer pulls is exactly the same (a bit of an oggee outline that I don't think the SOs have). same handle and lock position on the top box, and an offset lock on the bottom.

 

[Cameronl]

Wasting more time online when I should be working...
I've found pics of top boxes that look exactly like mine. An SO, two Williams, an Union, and another unidentifed box. (no Macs, though).
In this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119071
JBWrench tags it as made by MBC.

Still haven't found anything that matches the bottom box. It definately pairs with the top box. Same drawers.

 

[bobcatdan]

Older Willams boxes from what I have seen in person look very SOish for what it is worth. I often have wondered if MBC was the manufacture

 

[rusty65]

Mostly likely snap on like everyone else has said.

 

[Outlawmws]

Probably MBC built, whether SO or some other.

 

[Cameronl]

OK, I'm going with "could be anything but manufactured by MBC."

I'm going to go ahead with my original plan and brand it Mac, if nothing more than to honor the original owner who made his livelihood with that box.

The box belonged to an elderly neighbor on the last street I lived on (I moved across town about 5 years ago.) I only had a nodding acquaintance with him. He passed away, and the family had an estate sale. I know it was a box from work and not a hobby, because it had a letter in it addressed to a service station from Shell headquarters. Plus there was a wall storage cabinet with a big Shell logo in the garage (I should have bought that as well.)

So, old neighbor, if you're watching, I hope you like the restoration. The rest of you; stay tuned for the unveiling . . .

 

[bobemmerich]

I was going to say it looks like a Williams. The offset lock and no #'s are a giveaway. There are still a few of these floating around at work, and they all look the same way.

 

[1982fxr]

PIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cameronl]

PIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming soon. I finished painting the last two drawers today (I missed them when I painted everything else... plus I'm waiting on a couple replacement locks and then it will be done.