Henry:
As I sat on Virginia’s couch, chit-chatting about her knickknacks and family history, she pulled a little picture out of her cabinet that dated back to 1926. Standing next to a Ford Model T Roadster was Mr. Henry P. Quinn—a veteran of the Spanish-American War, Army Corps engineer, and machinist.
He stood stoically in his light-colored suit, with a matching hat, showing off his pride and joy. He was the first person in my family history to own a car. This guy was cool as hell.
The Box:
The toolbox was given to my father, Bernie, by his late brother Billy a few years back and has remained in its current condition ever since.
We believe it is a Union toolbox dating back to around the same time as the photograph. American Drafting Furniture Co., established in 1892, later merged with Union in 1914 to form Union Tool Chest Co. ADFC also sold chests to Lufkin Tool Co., which produced very similar models.
It’s still inconclusive exactly what we have here, so reach out if you know something! Someone has to have a grandpa or an uncle who’s seen this exact box before.
The Project:
Christmas is always a great time of year because it gives me a chance to reflect on everyone I love. Finding that perfect gift, or even building something that makes someone happy, is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
After sponsoring my dreams and letting me drive them insane, my parents have fully succumbed to the woodworking bug. They’ve now realized they can leverage this skill to build just about anything they want.
So, my dad decided that this year he wanted Henry’s toolbox restored.
Say no more, pally. I’m on it!
What had to happen:
- Broken drawer rails: The frame rails on Drawer 7 are broken, leaving the bottom shelf free-floating without proper support or guidance.
- Missing bottom plate: The bottom plate is completely missing.
- Deteriorated nickel hardware: Original nickel-plated hardware has oxidized, blackened, and become heavily pitted.
- Damaged handle and hinges: The leather handle has deteriorated to a paper-like condition, and the hinges are severely pitted.
- Cracked top: A roughly 10-inch crack runs across the top of the toolbox.
- Failed drawer joints: The original adhesive used to secure the drawer joints has deteriorated completely.
- Structural warping: Years of age and movement have caused the box to warp, throwing the top-right dovetail joints out of alignment.
- Missing drawer liners: The original drawer liners are gone. Traces of blue dye suggest the drawers were once lined with blue felt.
- Surface damage: A cigarette burn is visible on the top of the box.
- Backside staining: A dark stain has spilled down the backside, leaving a prominent mark.
