14 replies to this topic

[Fixbayonets!]

Posting some photos of a WWII fiber records chest I just came across.  I have been on the hunt for one of these for years, trying to find one complete, in original condition & WWII dated has been a challenge.  My search came to an end when I walked into a local antique shop yesterday.  This chest is just what I have been looking for, manufactured by Rice Stix Dry Goods Co. & dated August, 1944 on the spec. tag.  It has it's original olive drab paint & U.S. stencil & is complete with both leather handles, inside dividers & drawer.  I was very surprised to see the original set of keys for the chest hanging on a string from one of the handles.  At first I could not get the lock to turn, I do not think it has been turned in decades.  I had to clean up the keys a bit and drop a little oil in the lock but it turns & locks just fine.  I thought it was a very good deal for $125 and walked away happy!

 

Rob

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Edited by Fixbayonets!, 15 November 2015 - 01:09 PM.

[Fixbayonets!]

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[GMPETE]

Nice thing, and in beautiful shape.  What are you going to put in it?

[Fixbayonets!]

Thanks!  I have the field desk that is used in conjunction with this records chest so I will stock it with period paperwork and display them side by side.

 

Rob

[GMPETE]

Nice.  Post pics when you put it together.  Crazy that the keys were still with it.  Won't happen twice!

[Brian Keith]

Very Nice!

BKW

[Fixbayonets!]

Thanks again, here is my vision for the field desk & records chest.  Still a work in progress but it is all coming together!

 

Rob

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[Fixbayonets!]

Records chest.........

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Top drawer of records chest.........

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[Fixbayonets!]

Field desk........

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Top drawer of field desk..........

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[Legio3arty]

Nice.  Post pics when you put it together.  Crazy that the keys were still with it.  Won't happen twice!

 

So much for the last part of your reply. This past weekend I picked up a complete records chest and the key was still tied to the hasp. A few months ago I scored a field desk, and the keys for the locking drawer were still inside. To complete the trifecta, a few weeks ago I purchased an antique luggage trunk that was a dealership option on 1920s-30s Hupmobile, Essex, and Terraplane cars. when I opened it up, the keys for the latches were still wired to one of the lid struts. I guess I'm on a lucky streak.