Bought 7 drawer Leather Covered Machinist Chest - 1920

[Buffalo Bob]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mac...yNpjtFrOHj8om2NPKIOw4%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Bought myself a Christmas present. A Leather covered, 7 drawer Gerstner or Sears machinist tool box. Dated 1920 by builder or owner. Real leather carefully fitted to entire case. Well made case with hand made parts. Not soiled in any way so I am thinking possibly a Jewelers or watchmakers case? Has been used as drawers have wear. Soon as I saw it had to have it. No idea yet what I'll use it for.

I searched for any similar items and the closest I got was a leatherworking business that made trunks, cigar boxes etc with similar looking leather. Thought it was walrus hide which was common in that era for doctors bags or luggage that got handled a lot.

If anyone can add any history to it I'd appreciate it. Built like a Gerstner but no markings. Thanks..
BB

 

[LJP]

Buffalo, that looks like a Gerstner box that has been worked over pretty well. Pull out all the drawers, they should be numbered in pencil. There should be something on the inside of the bottom that says Gerstner.
The leather, felt, and most of the hardware does not look original.
But you got it for a good price and your tools will be in a proper machinist box!
You could restore it, but I wouldn't bother. Just fill it up.
Larry

 

[hman]

80 bux plus shipping??? You STOLE that tool box!

Envious congratulations!!!