Vintage Cornwell Tool Box info needed

[JDunigan]

I searched this Forum and couldn't find an answer. I got this Cornwell tool chest a couple of weeks ago. The seller said it had been in his family for some time, that his dad made the rolling cart that it sits on soon after he bought it just after WWII. I can't find any online vintage Cornwell catalogs that even mention a tool cabinet. I thought it was black and red, but the black is peeling revealing a darkish blue underneath. However, the red seems to be original. it occurred to me that if I drilled out the rivets that held the nameplate, the original color would be underneath. I did...and it was. It was originally wrinkle-finish red - see the 3rd photo below. The blue and black must have been repaints sometimes in its 70+ year history. Can anyone supply any information or point me to a resource for more information?

 

[JackDiddly]

Looks like a Huot chest.

 

[MR.X]

Tool Archives has a catalog section with Cornwell catalogs but there's a jump from 41 to 55 so if you're correct about the time frame, and you probably are, yours would fall inbetween there somewhere. Towards the back of the 38 and 41 you'll see some that are close to what you have but the handles are scalloped rather that the style on yours.

 

[drivesitfar]

JD: first of all WELCOME TO GARAGE JOURNAL.
I have a Cornwell toolbox almost identical to yours and yes mine is all BLUE.

if you would like to post pics of this on the VINTAGE TOOLBOX THREAD in vintage tool section you might get a few more responses cause new threads about just one toolbox don't generally get many eyes. that said one of our experts (Mr. X) just saw it and I'd listen to anything he has to say.

 

[Username already in use]

There's a tread dedicated to Cornwell. Feel free to cross post your box over there. Link to that thread is in the sticky at the top of the vintage tool forum and also linked HERE.

Your box is the same as mine I think. Also red. Mine is sporting a fair bit of overspray.