Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration

Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration

Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration

Another item from Country Artifacts, Great Northern Liquidation, Springfield, Vermont. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration. This old toolbox came to us from the Vermont estate of a Bryant Grinder machinist.

The contents dated from the early days of the machine tool industry here in Springfield to the mid-20th Century. The wood has a black oil cloth covering that is pretty much in tatters (I couldn't get a picture of the underside because of picture number limits, but the fabric hangs off the bottom more than it does in the pictures shown). At least some of the wood looks like oak to me, particularly the drawer parts. I don't know what the wood is under the fabric for sure.

The leather handle is closer to intact, but is oil soaked like the rest of the cabinet, with some wear from use. It still does it's job OK at this point. The steel metalwork for the most part is oxidized to a dark patina. It is all there except for one drawer knob missing from the bottom drawer. The bottom two drawers sag and fall down when the front cover is not slid into place under them, even though the slides are still in place on the sides.

It's probably because the sides are bowed out just enough in that place. All of the green felt will need replacement, if it's even there in the first place. The mirror and frame are missing from the inside cover, but you can see the diamond where it was mounted.

The lid closes with some effort to align everything, and the latches only work somewhat. I don't have a key for the latch. The front cover goes into its place and is secured by the pins coming down from the lid, but it's not secured at the bottom, and it is very worn as shown. Overall size: 21" wide x 9" deep x 13-1/2 high, including all hardware with the handle down.

Gerstner chests are iconic, and quite nice when in good condition, so I would think someone talented could make something of this piece. It's kind of cool the way it is, if you like a very rustic look. Unpacked weight & size: 18.05, 21x9x13.5. Package Notes & Ref: 0I85, 28#. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration" is in sale since Friday, September 11, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Tool Boxes, Chests". The seller is "countryartifacts" and is located in Springfield, Vermont. This item can be shipped to United States.
Antique H. Gerstner & Sons 7 Drawer Wood Machinist Tool Box Chest for Restoration