Help ID Portable Toolbox

[OilyRascal]

I recently picked this toolbox up ($10) simply because it seemed to be of good quality, and I'm always in the market for another toolbox.  The only markings I can find on it are on the lockable hinge and they are "Pat Pend".  I've found no other markings on the box.  It has black/rust/red finish, but it appears the red is the oldest of the visible finishes.  The red only remains on the bottom, as if someone had spray painted the box with it on it's bottom.

It seems to me the emblem where the handle attaches to the box may be distinct, but again I couldn't find any markings.  It measures 17 3/4" x  6 1/2" x 6 1/2".

Any help you might provide in identifying it's manufacturer, purpose, and age would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Dakota Woodworker]

Interesting spring loaded latch, never seen one like that. I can't help you with an ID but looks like a good old box for ten bucks.  I have several old rusty ones that I have found lately just waiting for a little restoration when I get the time.

[john k]

What this tool box reminds me of is the box a Sioux valve seat grinder came in.  With the divided compartments, the big electric driver sat on one side, and the device for truing the stones sat on the other.  I remember one that above the driver was a shelf that lifted out with an array of the round stones and adaptors.  This box sure looks rugged.  One difference I now recall is the Sioux box had lift handles on the ends, weighed around 30 pounds.   Definitely had a specific usage, not an ordinary toolbox. 

[OilyRascal]

What this tool box reminds me of is the box a Sioux valve seat grinder came in.  With the divided compartments, the big electric driver sat on one side, and the device for truing the stones sat on the other.  I remember one that above the driver was a shelf that lifted out with an array of the round stones and adaptors.  This box sure looks rugged.  One difference I now recall is the Sioux box had lift handles on the ends, weighed around 30 pounds.   Definitely had a specific usage, not an ordinary toolbox. 

Nice lead, thanks!  Of the grinder boxes I could find (online pics) they all seem to have 1) drawers for the various stones where this box does not, and 2) handles on the side as you've noted.  However, It's possible this is a very early, or uncommon, version.  It does seem to have Snap-On style, and resembles the later Snap-On grinder storage boxes (in color, lid form, and dimensions).

[OilyRascal]

OK - maybe another route?  Does anybody have any pointers on how to make further progress with ID'ing the box?  Emails with pics to major manufact?  I'm not ready to give up :)

I can't find a patent number, only "Pat Pend".

[Papaw]

Maybe there is something unusual or innovative about that particular box to warrant the maker trying to get a patent. Perhaps the patent was never issued.

[john k]

The patent pending might just be for that spring loaded latch.  The premium valve seat grinder had the slide out drawers below, the cheap one just carried the electric grinder.  It looks like paper? in the bottom of the large compartment, any glues as to what lay in there?

[OilyRascal]

It is fairly thin gauge metal.  Nothing lies within the bottom that I can find; no markings, no outlines, no insets, etc.  Just a box with two compartments.

I'm going to dig more into the lower-end valve seat grinders and see what I can find. 

Thanks again for the pointers.

[OilyRascal]

I'm still trying to figure this toolbox out if anybody has new information - or happens to run across one like it in their travels.

[keykeeper]

I just grabbed a similar box on a pick Monday evening. Only difference is there is no divider and mine has a tray in top.

Found an embossed area on the back panel, top center. Marked "LYON" and the city I can't remember right at this moment.

I also have another similar one, without markings such as yours. Very heavy, substancial boxes to say the least.

[Billman49]

Hi
This type of small tool box was common in the UK when I was a lad (1950 - 1965) - hundreds of tool boxes of this type could be found in any  Military Surplus suppliers... My best guess is thus a portable vehicle tool box to hold small hand tools (spanners etc).. Larger trade tool-kits were always supplied in a wooden tool box

[Aunt Phil]

Are the seams soldered?

If so it could well be an apprentice tin knockers project box.

Into the 50s apprentice tin knockers made a toolbox for the final grade in their program.  Depending on the Local and the instructor the box was either soldered or riveted.  They all share one common quality, heavy as hell, and usually with manufactured hinges and handles.

[OilyRascal]

Are the seams soldered?

I would have said it was a "tack weld", but it may well be soldered.  It is heavy gauge, and I can see the hinges and handles being manufactured elsewhere.