Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Twertsy on April 26, 2019, 04:58:19 AM

Title: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Twertsy on April 26, 2019, 04:58:19 AM
Gents,
I also posted this question on GJ, but thought the knowledge here might be able to assist more readily.  I purchased this off eBay because of the name plate.  Any ideas on a maker? 

This Bliss seems to be the closest I can find but there are several subtle differences such as the bead on the front, the tray in the till, and the slides for the drawers.  https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-995---r-bliss-features

Here are the dimensions if that might help?
Dimensions:
Top-Outside - 21"
Side-to-side-outside - 19 3/4"
Height - 10 1/2"
Depth-outside - 11 1/2"
Till-Inside - 18" x 10 1/8"
Drawers-Inside - 16 3/4" x 9" (Top drawer depth 1 1/4" // Bottom drawer depth 2 1/4")

I'd love to hear any insights you folks might have.  By the way, due to the Bonney tag, I date it to around 1910.

Thanks in advance!!  Todd

Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Twertsy on April 26, 2019, 04:59:16 AM
A couple more detailed pics.
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Yadda on April 26, 2019, 06:54:39 AM
I have nothing to offer on info, but to say that is a fine looking toolbox.
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Lostmind on April 26, 2019, 07:54:30 AM
A great box. Glad you're still out there collecting, you add a lot to the hobby.
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: wrenchguy on April 26, 2019, 08:35:05 AM
My limited experience alerts me that the hinge screws are to big 4 the countersink.  At least a couple of originals should've survived giving that its not that old. Its finish is slightly suspect 2 me.  STILL a super looking box. good luck with ur projects. 
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Twertsy on April 26, 2019, 09:05:04 AM
My limited experience alerts me that the hinge screws are to big 4 the countersink.  At least a couple of originals should've survived giving that its not that old. Its finish is slightly suspect 2 me.  STILL a super looking box. good luck with ur projects.

I too have issues with the finish.  I would have thought they would have stained every inch back then, but perhaps not?
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Twertsy on April 26, 2019, 09:59:40 AM
Here is the reply I received from Ted, the old machinist box guru.  It would appear I have a real 1913-1915 Bonney chest!

Hi Todd,

You’re correct, it’s not a Bliss. It is a C. E. Jennings Style #01C manufactured in 1913-15. You can view its data on this website,  https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/home , Pgs 992, 993 & 994.

I checked my data base and have attached pictures of another Bonney Vise case that was also manufactured by C.E.J. It’s a Style #75, Chestnut, mfr’d probably after the above, say 1915-23.

Hope this helps you. Have a good one…….Ted
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: lptools on April 26, 2019, 11:21:31 AM
Hello, Todd. Great find!!!!!  Regards, Lou
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: wrenchguy on April 26, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
well there u go, can't argue with ur gut instinct in this case!
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Northwoods on April 26, 2019, 01:48:50 PM
They are both beautiful!
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: Plyerman on April 26, 2019, 02:11:23 PM
Heck yeah, that's a beautiful box. Thanks for sharing.

Also nice is the https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/home website. I had no idea such a site existed.
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on April 27, 2019, 03:08:41 PM
GREAT machinist box! Thanks for the link. I have a STAR, a Pilliod that was bought new by my wife’s grandfather and a Craftsman made by Union in the mid to late 40’s. Never new the years before.
Title: Re: Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag
Post by: cody6268 on May 28, 2019, 06:06:21 PM
Been looking at something like this for ages for my knife collection. Unfortunately, the wood ones are quite tough to find and expensive. Yeah, the metal Kennedys are much less expensive, but they don't look anywhere near as good.  The Gerstener ripoffs Harbor Freight sells don't seem to have that good of a workmanship.