Antique CE Jennings Tool Chest... I think?

Hi. Thanks to everyone who posts in this forum! With your help, I think that I have identified this as a CE Jennings Machinist Tool Chest. It was my Grandfather's. I would like to clean it up, but I don't want to ruin it. I've read about using water:dawn at 30:1 and maybe Howard's wax. I appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance.
I hope this link share works? https://s.amsu.ng/Q9RTP23NRXUN
https://s.amsu.ng/2Nz6oZDDzgUN

That looks like a nice old box, I hope you can get it cleaned up a little. What is your plan with it?
What did your grandfather do with it?

Why do you think it is a Jennings? I have a bunch of Jenning’s chest and other than the fact it has 2 drawers there is nothing that matches their machinist chests. I could be another type of tool chest as they did make other styles.

As for cleaning, just clean it, I would not strip and try to refinish it. To me that takes all the character out of it. Search the threads on the PM as this has been discussed in detail before.

Great to have something of your grandfathers.

Hello 6lanes – I’ve never seen an old-style tool chest like yours before. It certainly looks like it is well worth cleaning it up and possibly refinishing, especially because it was your grandfathers. I wouldn’t doubt that the chest was built before 1900 but I would doubt that it’s a C. E. Jennings.
I did pick up on a clue from your pictures. Notice the end panels (where the chest handles are mounted). The 4 boards that go around the outside of the panel all have their inside edges at the corners with sharp edges, while in between these corners the boards have rounded edges. I know, it’s a bit confusing but see Pg 90d of this website – 'The' Guide for Wooden Machinist Tool Chests, pre-1960 I know that R. Bliss Mfg. Co. built theirs this way and C. E. Jennings did not. R. Bliss started building men’s tool chests in 1889.
Also, you may want to check out this site - Machinist Tool Chest - Terry'''s Toolboxes Terry’s the guru for refinishing machinist tool chests and has a wealth of info on his sites.
Good luck……Ted

Thanks. I was just guessing based on the handles and 2 drawers. My Grandfather was a carpenter and did some masonry. He built several houses when my mother was young, but my memories of his work was mostly fixing, improving and finishing other people's botched or unfinished projects - like a Mike Holmes.
I am planning to keep it. I may put it in my living room as a decor piece. Not quite sure yet.

Thanks Ted @toolboxted. I'll check out the R. Bliss and links you added. I would really love to restore it without ruining it!!

I cannot see the link to your chest to see the condition, but I have brightened all my wooden tool cases with nothing more than foaming glass cleaner to remove grease and dirt without the harming the finish and a generous rubdown with good ol linseed oil. Gives it a nice soft sheen without much effort and a some protection from further staining.

6lanes said:

Hi. Thanks to everyone who posts in this forum! With your help, I think that I have identified this as a CE Jennings Machinist Tool Chest. It was my Grandfather's. I would like to clean it up, but I don't want to ruin it. I've read about using water:dawn at 30:1 and maybe Howard's wax. I appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance.
I hope this link share works? https://s.amsu.ng/Q9RTP23NRXUN
https://s.amsu.ng/2Nz6oZDDzgUN

Click to expand...

When I click on your links, I get a "this shared link has expired" message.