Trying to date a Kennedy tool box

[Nfenimore]

I picked up this little Kennedy box a few weeks ago, and I'm trying to figure out when it might have been made. I've looked in web searches, but I cannot find any with a flat leather handle like this has.

 

[Shiftless]

I’m betting that your flat leather handle was a replacement of the original leather handle that was NOT flat!

 

[d42jeep]

I agree with Shiftless. An interior view might be helpful especially an interior view of the lid to see if there are traces of the original handle attachment method.
-Don

 

[readhead]

Dinner and flowers?

 

[Nfenimore]

I agree with Shiftless. An interior view might be helpful especially an interior view of the lid to see if there are traces of the original handle attachment method.
-Don

I will take a look. Makes sense. When I see these handles they are listed as trunk handles. Will take a look tonight. Looking forward to using it on my bench for something or other..

 

[Nfenimore]

It looks like the twenties might be a good guess on age..

 

[d42jeep]

Or ‘30s. Here are some pictures of one of my earlier Kennedy boxes.
-Don

 

[Packard V8]

It's older than any I've ever seen. That the leather handle is still in that condition is sorta unbelievable. It led a sheltered life.

jack vines

 

[Nfenimore]

Thanks everyone. I will post some detailed pics by tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Nfenimore]

A few more photos

 

[d42jeep]

I see no evidence of a handle change. That one may have originally sold as a tackle box. I think that there were Kennedy early catalogs on Tool Archives but I was unable to find another source.
-Don

 

[PugetDude]

Dinner and flowers?

....beat me to it!

 

[Modern Garage]

I wouldn't think anyone would put a leather handle on a tackle box where it would be repeatedly exposed to moisture? I don't fish so I have no idea.
I'm picturing the tv repair guy coming to the house when I was little. I could see a box like this filled with electrical components.
To my eye the Kennedy trademark typeface seems newer than the 1929 ad Don posted. I have little to go on but I would guess 40's or 50's?

 

[Nfenimore]

I see no evidence of a handle change. That one may have originally sold as a tackle box. I think that there were Kennedy early catalogs on Tool Archives but I was unable to find another source.
-Don

Funny you mention this - as I tool the pics I found a few inch piece of mono filament fishing line in one of the compartments. I found this as a local antique store for $32, I think it was..

 

[Modern Garage]

Oops, I mixed up the photos. I think this box does compare very well to the ones in the 1929 ad when looking at the hasp and the label. Especially the slant of the "y" in "Kennedy"
Joe

 

[Speedracer 64]

Picked up a Kennedy cantilever box off Marketplace for $10 yesterday

 

[DAustin]

I'd write Kennedy or email them.

 

[d42jeep]

Picked up a Kennedy cantilever box off Marketplace for $10 yesterday

Looks like a 1022, the largest cantilever. Here is a page from a ‘67/‘68 flyer. It‘s shown on the upper left. Very hard to determine the exact date.

 

[Jay__Dub]

I picked up this little Kennedy box a few weeks ago, and I'm trying to figure out when it might have been made. I've looked in web searches, but I cannot find any with a flat leather handle like this has.

Nice to find this thread. I came in to a box, with the exact same handle. It hasn't been replaced. Identical box. Not sure if you ever figured this one out.

 

[d42jeep]

Although the handle isn’t shown, it could possibly be this tackle box shown in a 1929 Saturday Evening Post Ad.
-Don

 

[Beerhippie]

Picked up a Kennedy cantilever box off Marketplace for $10 yesterday

Make sure you put that where you want it before filling with tools!

Those are heavy boxes. I have one for electronics parts and tools and another for soldering/brazing.