Trying to identify an old Craftsman toolbox

[DHH]

I picked up this tool box because it was cool. From the way it is assembled with the rivets and gusseted corners, old logo etc. I'm thinking it's from the 40's. Anybody know for sure? Also torn about restoring it or leaving it as is. Any opinions, help is appreciated.

 

[jakemac]

Normally I'm a "leave it alone" kind of guy, but on this one I think it would look really cool restored with shinny hardware and a Verde Green hammered finish. That badge is in really nice shape.

 

[nine4gmc]

I'm torn, I wouldn't know what to do with it. It looks cool as is but could be cool refinished too. What condition is the rest of your shop, is it all vintage used or new school looking? I know it's older than the one I have that style, yours has square top corners and the cast handle. Nice find

 

[DrivewayDave]

DHH

Look's '40s to me. I've a Union made brand TB that looks nearly like it. Mine has Machinist's Mate stenciled in yellow paint & w/a No. like a dog tag no. or something in a couple places. It's is drk green & must be WWll, so '40s definitely. RoseAntique's is a website with a few Sears Catalog from the '30s> in odf form one can download if desired. You might check it out - most catalogs are power tool ones but hand tools & boxes here & there in some. I have a carpenters TB that shows up in the '49 cat. Hope this helps? Happy Trails 2 u!

 

[thundermug]

I've got one similar to that. I'm on the fence about refinishing it. Has rust on top of the lid.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/302846_610467282332_890167572_n.jpg

 

[zkling]

Please leave it as is. Not nearly enough missing paint or rust to warrant a repaint IMHO. I'm pretty sure it is from the mid to late 40's. Sweet box. Can we get some more pics pleas? Top open, top closed, just go crazy with the camera.

shiny

I've heard this word "shiny" before, just not seen it apply, looking around the garage. Nope, not sure what that means. Patina all the way.

I've got one similar to that. I'm on the fence about refinishing it. Has rust on top of the lid.

Yours is a bit newer than the OP's based on the ridges on the front panel. IIRC they were added ~1950. BTW, cool box.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you restore it, that thing has to be literally perfect. If not you will do more harm than good and I'm not just talking about it's value.

 

[rusty65]

Cool box made by Kennedy in the 1940s I believe.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

believe the logo is definitely post war... did they use that logo before the war? but, the corners say pre war... so maybe right there in that era? early-mid 40's?

Regardless, scrub it, compound it, and either wax it or cover it in poly to preserve it.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Regardless, scrub it, compound it, and either wax it or cover it in poly to preserve it.

+1

 

[zkling]

believe the logo is definitely post war... did they use that logo before the war? but, the corners say pre war... so maybe right there in that era? early-mid 40's?

Regardless, scrub it, compound it, and either wax it or cover it in poly to preserve it.

I'm thinking something ~47-49. I have a larger version of that box, the carpenters box. Same features and I tracked it down to late 40's. I can't seem to find late 40's craftsman hand tool catalogs? Only one I could find is 49 then pre war stuff. But that is definitely pre 1950 based on the lack of front ridges.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to leave it alone, except minor clean-up and wax.

Nice vintage box which will be perfect for old CMans you have.

 

[thundermug]

The voices of wisdom have spoken. I will clean and wax the box. No painting. It's pretty far down my list of projects, though.

 

[DHH]

My shop is pretty much a collection of new & old. What I could afford at the time.

 

[DHH]

I've attached more pics. I'm leaning towards just cleaning it up. I gave it a very quick once over with simple green. I'm thinking steel wool and a light oil. Any suggestions? I also have a home made blast cabinet and if I go in that direction I'm thinking a hammer tone finish of some kind. I appreciate the responses.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

scrub it with a paint prep pad and simple green, wet sand, and seal with poly has been my formula with good results.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Yeah, I would clean it and leave the original paint alone. Its got great patina.

 

[zkling]

My shop is pretty much a collection of new & old. What I could afford at the time.

Same here, as some people have said "A working museum"

That is a really cool box. I would just clean it up. Gently clean the rust and possibly clear coat it to prevent further rusting. Way to nice to fully repaint IMHO. That is definitely a 40's box. I think it is a early version of the "mechanics' tool box". Do you have the tray for it? Did you purchase it buy itself or did it come with tools in it?

 

[ganymede]

Great box! Looks like most of the original paint is still there and the rust is minor. I'd clean it and leave it.

 

[DHH]

It was full of tools. Mostly stuff you'd give your teenager but a couple are cool. I'll post those when I get time. No tray, got it from a sweet old woman at a garage sale.

 

[ZRX61]

Cool box made by Kennedy in the 1940s I believe.

I have the Kennedy version & saw another one at a local junk/antique store yesterday.

 

[zkling]

I have the Kennedy version & saw another one at a local junk/antique store yesterday.

I did not know Kennedy made boxes for Craftsman. How long did that last? Was it specific models or specific years?

 

[ZRX61]

No idea, I just recognized the box.