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# Rare Antique 1870s A.J. Wilkinson & Co. Wooden Gentlemen, Carpenters, Mechanics Tool Chest with Original Paper Label & Working Key
Up for sale is a remarkably well-preserved, authentic 19th-century primitive carpenter’s tool chest. This historic piece was distributed by the renowned hardware firm A. J. Wilkinson & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, dating back to the late 1860s to 1870s based on the company's Devonshire & Washington Street addresses.
This chest is an exceptional find for antique tool collectors, historical reenactors, or interior designers looking for a statement piece with genuine New England provenance.
### 📐 Dimensions:
* **Width:** 23 inches
* **Depth:** 12 1/2 inches
* **Height:** 9 1/2 inches
### ✔️ Key Features & Details:
* **Original Paper Label:** The historic yellow paper manufacturer label on the inner lid is highly intact, legible, and reads: "Chests of Carpenters' Fine Tools... Made Expressly For A.J. Wilkinson & Company, Boston, Mass."
* **100% Functional Lock & Key:** Features the original dual-prong flush-mount box till lock. It is fully functional and includes a working modern replica barrel key that throws the bolt.
* **Original Nesting Till / Tray:** Comes complete with its original removable interior wooden organizer tray. The tray features fixed tool dividers, blind rabbet joints, a beautiful natural wood knot blowout on one side, and an authentic beaded solid-wood bottom panel.
* **Authentic Metalwork:** Retains its heavy-duty, factory-installed cast iron side lift handles with decorative backplates nestled into recessed end panels. Right handle is very stiff.
* **Honest Historical Construction:** Built with an overhanging lid, molded plinth base, and a five-plank utility pine bottom secured with period-correct fasteners.
### 🔍 Condition Report:
This chest is being sold in its honest, untouched "as-found" antique condition. No modern chemical cleaning, stripping, or finishes have been applied, preserving its incredible 130+ year old patina.
* The lid sits remarkably flat with minimal warping.
* The exterior shows normal, shallow surface scuffs and scratches from decades of workshop use.
* The wood is solid throughout with no active rot, splits, or woodworm damage.
* Please review all high-resolution photos closely as they form the primary description of the condition.
### 📦 Shipping & Handling:
The chest will be carefully packed, padded, and insured to ensure safe transit to your doorstep. Local pickup is also available in the Port orchard Washington 98367 area.
Please message me with any questions
