Old Wood Toolbox - Bonney Tag

[Twertsy]

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

[Twertsy]

A couple more detailed pics.

[Yadda]

I have nothing to offer on info, but to say that is a fine looking toolbox.

[Lostmind]

A great box. Glad you're still out there collecting, you add a lot to the hobby.

[wrenchguy]

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. 

[Twertsy]

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?

[Twertsy]

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

[lptools]

Hello, Todd. Great find!!!!!  Regards, Lou

[wrenchguy]

well there u go, can't argue with ur gut instinct in this case!

[Northwoods]

They are both beautiful!

[Plyerman]

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.

[johnsironsanctuary]

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.

[cody6268]

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.