A few more tool chests

[glennbad]

I managed to score a few nice old tool chests recently...

This one is not in the best shape...missing the top handle, and the cover is gone. Also missing some of the original knobs. But not bad for $15




These other two I picked up from a guy. They were his grandfather's. He was responsible for liquidating what was left of the estate. I paid more for these, but they were also in better shape.








Does anyone know where I can get some replacement hardware like the knobs and the locks?

The guy asked me what I was going to do with them. I said I might use them for storing knives. He reached in a box of tools and other stuff and came out with these.

Winchester

A little Empire

Some German maker

An Imperial and a PAL



Best part...all 5 for $20

Is the Winchester worth anything in this condition? If not, I may do a little something to it.


This last one is a little wooden box I picked up. Just a cool knick-knack box...




Glenn

[Quick Steel]

I managed to score a few nice old tool chests recently...

Looks like you will have quite a few projects to work on if you plan to clean up all of them. They look like they will make wonderful knife cabinets when restored. And the knives are a nice bonus.

[vikingdog]

Those tool chests have a lot of potential, I hope you post a picture of them when you clean them up. I can't make out a brand name but I wonder if you do a search you can find reproduction knobs? They make nice knife cabinets, I have a cheapie I bought at Harbor Freight.

Just found this, check it out: http://machinistchest.com/site/

[knife7knut]

Beautiful old tool boxes! I collect these and use them for knife storage as well. If they were mine,I wouldn't do much more than give them a good cleaning with Murphy's Oil Soap and coat them with a good liquid furniture polish.Make sure you do the inside of the drawers as well(but not the felt linings).
I would try a good sized hardware store to get some suitable knobs.If the chests were Gerstner's,you can get replacement parts from them but be advised that they are not cheap.
You can get green felt by the yard at most yardgoods stores.Cut them to size and use automotive spray adhesive to install them.
I had a couple that were missing the front cover and went to a local cabinet maker to get wood.He made one for me and charged me $20 for it.I made another from a piece of basswood and stained it to match the rest of the box.I used a knob from an old jewelry box I had purchased at a yard sale.Matched nearly perfect with the rest of the knobs.

[glennbad]

Thanks for the tips. Half the fun of getting these is bringing them back to life.

I may be able to even make doors for the missing ones. I saw some real thin hardwood stock at Home Depot the other day. There's also a hardwood specialty store not too far away.

Stocking up on my winter projects, ya know?

[Iron Hoarder]

Great haul on all counts!

[biglmbass]

Great finds, Glenn.

[glennbad]

I finally scored a Gerstner. It ain't perfect, looks like it had some water damage. My dad said you can steam that out and glue it back down. Maybe Joe or someone else has some ideas.

Anyway, it's pretty nice regardless.

[chetr1200c]

i like the way that old grestner has a mysterious shot of the photographer in that diamond mirror.
love that toolbox.

[Iron Hoarder]

You could probably just peel that section of veneer out and put in a new one without too much trouble.

[knife7knut]

Glenn:Before you do ANYTHING to the Gerstner I would take it to someone familiar with woodworking and get their thoughts on restoration of the veneer.As for the rest of it,give it a gentle cleaning with Murphy's Oil Soap(or an equivalent)and after it dries,use a good quality furniture oil on the surface.I wouldn't worry about the scratches;they give it character.
Even better;I would contact Gerstner and get ideas from them.They have a toll free number and are located in New Carlisle Ohio near Dayton. GREAT SCORE!

[glennbad]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm stockpiling some good winter projects!

[philco]

Glenn it looks like you have hit the mother lode on wooden storage boxes.

Please keep us updated as you wind your way through the restoration process.


Phil

[glennbad]

I will. My dad was looking for something do, so I took a couple chests over to him to work on. He seemed happy to have a project to work on.

[singin46]

Man these are really neat pieces Glenn! Old tool boxes are so great to put your collections in.

[glennbad]

Man these are really neat pieces Glenn! Old tool boxes are so great to put your collections in.

That's the idea.

Now I just gotta find some knives to fill them all

[singin46]

Ha Ha