Tom M
Well-known member
We moved my 92-year-old father-in-law to an apartment this summer and I ended up with his Union Tool Chest. He apparently got it years ago after a co-worker passed away. I've polished all of the nickel-plated parts, removed all the felt drawer liners, obtained missing corner supports (identical to old style Gerstner corners still available at the Gerstner web store), and scrapped the varnish off. I'm at the staining and re-finishing stage.
Unfortunately, the lock key is missing. I think I can make a new key with some time and effort, but I was wondering if anyone out there has a similar era Union chest who would be willing to send some pictures and dimensions of their key as reference. And then there is the far-out possibility that someone would have a chest with the same keyed lock (not holding my breath). Based on remnants of a decal on a drawer I date this chest between 1918 and 1928, but the same style lock may have been used later. The inside face (flat side) of the lock is stamped "44" which would define the key.
I'm including some before and in-process pictures for fun!
Unfortunately, the lock key is missing. I think I can make a new key with some time and effort, but I was wondering if anyone out there has a similar era Union chest who would be willing to send some pictures and dimensions of their key as reference. And then there is the far-out possibility that someone would have a chest with the same keyed lock (not holding my breath). Based on remnants of a decal on a drawer I date this chest between 1918 and 1928, but the same style lock may have been used later. The inside face (flat side) of the lock is stamped "44" which would define the key.
I'm including some before and in-process pictures for fun!
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