Replies

1. 
   Luka | Sep 29, 2002 05:38am | #1

   Thank you very much !!

   Looking forward to see what becomes of all this.

   : )

   Cut me some slack here

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   SgianDubh | Sep 29, 2002 06:34am | #2

   Ellen, I think that's likely to be an interesting artefact you've got there, and I see that this is your second posting regarding this chest, this being the one with pictures. Beaten up as it is, that chest and its tools might conceivably be an interesting record of your mothers-- was it your mothers(?) experience as an early breakthrough of the 'glass ceiling'. It seems to need nothing done to either the outside or inside to 'restore' it. Rather, it seems most likely that preserving it as it is might be the best approach. The foosty smell will eventually go away if it is left with the lid open and the trays arranged suitably in a place with good dry air circulation--perhaps a spare bedroom. The foosty smell is simply mould that thrives on poor damp air that doesn't get much movement. Dry air, gently circulating, will stop any mould in its tracks. Upon examination, it may be best to do some work on the chest, but that is not something I can advise on from here. Maybe a letter to your ancestors old college might get an interested response. Well, if they aren't interested, more fool them, but I'd guess someone-- maybe a society of some sort-- with an historical interest in things architectural, and the role of women in those days  might express an interest. Slainte.

   Website
1. 
   alias | Sep 29, 2002 10:36pm | #4

   sgian- i 've seen alot of your post's and an abundant knowledge, i to have a tool chest that was given to me by my grandfather, he was born in the 1901. he was a journeyman shipwright in new england as several as his uncles. now to my question; the chest is full of tools, planes the name escapes right know but alot of them have red stars on them. and thr rest of the tools augers bits, slicks ,mortise chisel's and planes as i said and several sliding bevel squares.90% with the name of Welch and Griffith of Boston. have you ever heard of this brand or anyone for that matter. i know this is a shot in the dark. And maybe post this in knots but this post stirred up the HHHMMM factor. excuse the hi-jack cheers bear

1. 
   SgianDubh | Sep 29, 2002 10:52pm | #5

   bear, I'm not very knowledgeable about the names of the makers of old tools, so I admit that your descriptions didn't ring any bells for me. You're correct in saying that you might get good information about these tools over at Knots-- there are a few contributors that have a real interest in the subject, and they'll sometimes put up a link to other sites dedicated to discussing old tools as well, which might be useful for you. I also know one or two characters that drop in here have an interest in old tools, so you never know. I suspect I'm one of the rare Knothead's that also fairly regularly visits BT, so probably not too many other Knotheads will see your question here.  Slainte.Website

1. 
   BOBCETTA | Oct 02, 2002 08:45am | #6

   Thought I could help with the smell your talking about.  I have chests and trays just like yours (a lot of them) that were my great grandfathers.  He recently died and I have gotten all his tools.  He was 99 so thet date about right.  I found charcoal brickets in all the boxes and in the trays.  Just a few here and there.  I have never seen this before but there was no real smell and the tools are all in fantastic shape.  I'm a carpenter and never saw that but it seems to work for moisture, therefore smells.

                                                     Bob                                

3. 
   bill_1010 | Sep 29, 2002 05:35pm | #3

   I have a chest very similar to that.  Was from a Good friend of my parents and grandparents.