Utica Bonney machinist's tool chest

[Branson]

There was no way to pass this one up for $20.  It needs a lot of TLC, and some straightening here and there, but all the drawers move in and out, and with a little judicious oiling should come in and out easily.  There's just enough of the original felt to show the original felt was black.  I'm pretty sure I can take the lock out and have it keyed. 

The cover for the drawers is probably the worst part.  It needs to be straightened so the hold downs will both work.  Not sure just how to approach the cover, since its hollow between the front and back sides. One of the two pulls is missing.

I'd love to paint it, but I don't like the idea of losing the Utica Bonney painted on it.

[jabberwoki]

Very nice should look terrific all spruced up.

[Neals]

Nice score! I have never seen anything like it.

[bonneyman]

The Bonneyman approves!

[Nolatoolguy]

Very cool!

I agree with not wanting to loose the original pint.

[johnsironsanctuary]

It appears to be the same as the Miller-Bonney that I have. Condition is similar. What color is it outside and what color is it inside? Mine is semi gloss black outside and Kennedy wrinkle brown on the inside. I don't have the front cover. Nice find!

[johnsironsanctuary]

Now that I have seen your toolbox logo, I looked at mine again.  It actually is easier to see in the photo that I posted than it is looking at the real thing.  I think that maybe I too have a Utica//Bonney, not a Miller//Bonney.

[Branson]

Now that I have seen your toolbox logo, I looked at mine again.  It actually is easier to see in the photo that I posted than it is looking at the real thing.  I think that maybe I too have a Utica//Bonney, not a Miller//Bonney.

Looks nearly identical to me.  Except for the paint color.  Maybe if I gently get off some of the rust on the exterior I'll find something different, but I suspect the inside and outside got the same paint.  The inside shows an unblemished area of a medium gray smooth paint.  The first picture showing the underside of the lid is pretty accurate -- unlike the second photo which looks blue.

Any remnants of the original felt in yours?  There's about 3 square inches of black felt in the top compartment, but nothing is left in the drawers.

They have to have been made by the same company, but the differences in paint looks like they were made at different times.

[lauver]

Gang,

I don't know if it will help at all, but I have a Utica/Bonney roll cabinet with a fairly crisp painted logo.  Here's a photo:



You can take a photo like this to a sign shop and have them make you a painting stencil or a decal.  Or, if you can find an old school sign painter, he can use the photo as a guide.

Just some thoughts on restoring your chests.

[amertrac]

DROOL   DROOL   WHAT A CHEST . THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WAS MY MINATURES   LOL  BOB W.

[Branson]

DROOL   DROOL   WHAT A CHEST . THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WAS MY MINATURES   LOL  BOB W.

Me too.  But then, if mine looked that good, it wouldn't have fit into my budget. 

Gorgeous machinist's box, Lauver!

[johnsironsanctuary]

Thanks Gary. How about a shot of the whole roller cab? I too am jealous of the condition, but then, I only paid $15 for mine. I am torn between a complete repaint and leaving the logo panel rusty with a coat of clear. After seeing yours, I'm leaning toward a whole repaint.

Branson, is yours cracked at the top from being lifted too often, too full?

I talked to a girl at Kennedy customer service and she claimed that Kennedy never made boxes for Bonney.  Did anyone else use wrinkle brown paint?

[Branson]

Thanks Gary. How about a shot of the whole roller cab? I too am jealous of the condition, but then, I only paid $15 for mine. I am torn between a complete repaint and leaving the logo panel rusty with a coat of clear. After seeing yours, I'm leaning toward a whole repaint.

Branson, is yours cracked at the top from being lifted too often, too full?

I talked to a girl at Kennedy customer service and she claimed that Kennedy never made boxes for Bonney.  Did anyone else use wrinkle brown paint?

I'm torn about the same painting issue.  I guess the chest will get the clear coat treatment in the logo area.  The rest needs paint.

No cracks visible in the lid. 

Did you ask the gal about Utica?  If there ever was a maker's mark on mine, it's long gone or well hidden.

[lauver]

Thanks Gary. How about a shot of the whole roller cab? I too am jealous of the condition, but then, I only paid $15 for mine. I am torn between a complete repaint and leaving the logo panel rusty with a coat of clear. After seeing yours, I'm leaning toward a whole repaint.

Branson, is yours cracked at the top from being lifted too often, too full?

I talked to a girl at Kennedy customer service and she claimed that Kennedy never made boxes for Bonney.  Did anyone else use wrinkle brown paint?

JIS,

Here ya go:

[johnsironsanctuary]

Thanks Gary. I am still drooling from last week. NICE!

Branson, I called Kennedy customer service and the lovely, talented Michelle said she would do some research. I sent photos of mine and told her of your blue one. No word back yet.

The felt is black.