- Joined
- Dec 3, 2014
- Messages
- 19
Hello,
I am looking for some advice.
I bought a wooden machinist chest filled with tools listed on Craigslist by a local. Seller was retired and went to a lot of estate auctions, picked up some things, mostly antiques and resold them. He said the wooden chest was not a Gerstner, but still had some value. He said all Gerstners had a mirror mounted in the inside of the lid. He told me the tools alone (some Starrett, lots of taps, drill bits, punches, micrometers, etc) were worth the price. I agreed and took the chest. I asked him about restoring the chest and his advice was to leave it alone and sell it as is.
After getting it home and unloading and taking inventory of the tools, I looked at the box a little more closely and discovered it appears to be, indeed, a genuine Gerstner box. 1st clue was a diamond shaped unworn spot on the inner lid felt that looked like a mirror was there at one time. 2nd clue the lock is marked Gerstner. 3rd clue-after removing the drawers, saw that the inside bottom is stamped Gerstner.
All in all, in pretty good shape; Splattered with paint, dirty wood, worn felt, top looks like veneer (some cracks and raises)
So my questions?
The seven drawer configuration is something of a mystery. I can't find any listing for a Gerstner seven drawer. Does anyone know about this?
Should I keep or sell?
Should I restore or leave as is?
Is it a genuine Gerstner box? (pretty sure it is, but would appreciate a confirmation)
How can I determine the age of the chest?
Thanks in advance for any info and advice. Some photos attached.
I am looking for some advice.
I bought a wooden machinist chest filled with tools listed on Craigslist by a local. Seller was retired and went to a lot of estate auctions, picked up some things, mostly antiques and resold them. He said the wooden chest was not a Gerstner, but still had some value. He said all Gerstners had a mirror mounted in the inside of the lid. He told me the tools alone (some Starrett, lots of taps, drill bits, punches, micrometers, etc) were worth the price. I agreed and took the chest. I asked him about restoring the chest and his advice was to leave it alone and sell it as is.
After getting it home and unloading and taking inventory of the tools, I looked at the box a little more closely and discovered it appears to be, indeed, a genuine Gerstner box. 1st clue was a diamond shaped unworn spot on the inner lid felt that looked like a mirror was there at one time. 2nd clue the lock is marked Gerstner. 3rd clue-after removing the drawers, saw that the inside bottom is stamped Gerstner.
All in all, in pretty good shape; Splattered with paint, dirty wood, worn felt, top looks like veneer (some cracks and raises)
So my questions?
The seven drawer configuration is something of a mystery. I can't find any listing for a Gerstner seven drawer. Does anyone know about this?
Should I keep or sell?
Should I restore or leave as is?
Is it a genuine Gerstner box? (pretty sure it is, but would appreciate a confirmation)
How can I determine the age of the chest?
Thanks in advance for any info and advice. Some photos attached.