Antique Industrial Dovetail Wood Factory Tray

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Description

Antique Industrial Dovetail Wood Factory Tray – Starrett Corp. Athol, Massachusetts – Primitive Farmhouse Storage Crate – Original Factory Patina

… Read more Antique Industrial Dovetail Wood Factory Tray – Starrett Corp. Athol, Massachusetts – Primitive Farmhouse Storage Crate – Original Factory Patina

There are some pieces that simply can't be reproduced, and this is one of them. Fresh from the historic L.S. Starrett Company in Athol, Massachusetts, this authentic industrial wooden tray spent decades serving on the factory floor before finding a second life as rustic farmhouse décor. Each tray in this small group has its own unique wear patterns and character, making every one a true one-of-a-kind.

This particular example features bold black stenciled "DEPT. 7" lettering on two sides, hinting at its original use inside the Starrett manufacturing facility where precision measuring tools were produced for generations. Built with hand-cut dovetail joinery and thick hardwood construction, these trays were designed for daily industrial use—not decoration—which is exactly what gives them their incredible authenticity today.

We carefully removed years of accumulated factory grime and old machine oil while preserving the original finish and decades of honest wear. After cleaning, the wood was treated with Howard Feed-N-Wax, bringing out the rich amber and reddish-brown tones without creating an artificial or overly restored appearance. The result is a warm, glowing surface that highlights more than a century of use while retaining every scratch, dent, and mark that tells its story.
Whether displayed on a kitchen island filled with seasonal décor, used as a centerpiece on a farmhouse dining table, organizing towels in a bathroom, holding bottles in a pantry, or simply displayed as industrial Americana, this tray makes a striking statement. It also works beautifully in workshops, lofts, cabins, or modern rustic interiors.

Approximate Dimensions
23 3/4" long
9 1/2" wide
4 3/4" tall


About Starrett
Founded in Athol, Massachusetts in 1880, the L.S. Starrett Company became one of America's premier manufacturers of precision measuring tools used by machinists, engineers, and manufacturers around the world. These heavy-duty shop trays would have been an everyday part of that manufacturing environment, moving components and supplies throughout the factory. Today they represent a tangible piece of New England's industrial heritage and are increasingly sought after by collectors of factory antiques and authentic primitive décor.

Farmhouse Eclectics Guarantee
Every item we offer is an authentic vintage or antique piece—we never sell reproductions. We carefully inspect, photograph, and honestly describe each item so you know exactly what you're purchasing. We preserve the original character and patina that only decades of genuine use can create, allowing each piece to continue telling its story in its next home. See less