19th Century Industrial Contractor's Tool Box

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Description

Although well over 100 years old, this builders tool box was in incredibly good condition when we acquired it. In … Read more Although well over 100 years old, this builders tool box was in incredibly good condition when we acquired it. In making the very few necessary repairs, we were careful to retain the historic character of the piece. The hinges for the top had previously been removed, but we found them inside the box. We left them there (inside the box) because removal of the top is easier that way (without hinges) if the tool box is used as a coffee table. The hinges are easily re-attached if the box is to be used as a chest. There is good storage inside the box; as you can see in the photos. We believe that the box may be constructed of oak. It seems to be much heavier than it would be if made with a less dense wood. Oak would make sense as builders would need something sturdy to transport heavy iron tools from job site to job site. The box has the original rope handles. We have been carful NOT to use those handles for carrying the box. After over a century, the rope is certainly delicate. We thought that it would be a shame to replace the original handles with new rope. (Please be careful not to use the rope for moving the box!) The tool box measures 40 1/2 inches long by 16 1/2 inches wide and 15 3/4 inches tall. It would easily work as a blanket chest, coffee table, or shoe storage in the mud room. See less