I don't think the drill bits will work with a modern power drill--or, at least not as well as a modern one will. The caliper is cool, but beginning woodworkers don't use it much.

The box is great--I don't know how to value antiques or vintage equipment, but if it's structurally sound, it's very useful.

I would think its biggest value is determined by its antique/curiosity status.

look for a makers mark. you could have a gerstner and sons box which would make it quite valuable. the tools, you'll have to do your research. good luck

The tools look fairly run of the mill. And not woodworking tools. More metal or machinists tools.

also--I'm speaking now as a somewhat-rookie woodworker: It is much easier to do woodworking if you start with equipment (drill bits, etc.) that are more "organized" than that. I wouldn't suggest a rookie start with a mish-mash of drill bits left over from someone else's life (especially not THAT left over--maybe if an experienced woodworker had some hand-me-downs, that might be sensible).

But I'm looking at some of the hand-me-downs my FIL has given me, and some of them are almost more trouble than they're worth.

Haha Talley, that too funny. :) Yes, organization is half the project complete, it is so important!!

Thank you everyone! Somehow I did not realize that this are machinist tools. :)

I love the toolbox though. If I had more time I would buy it and replace the tools with my bits and drills.

hi anna, how much is the antique shop asking for the box.

If the front panel that would cover the drawers isn't missing, it's a valuable machinists's tool box. I sold an 18" Gerstner that was all quartersawn grain on ebay for about $300. Plain oak and larger sizes will not bring as much, but still something. If the panel is gone, that took half the value.

Pic. 1: Typical tool chest for a Machinist or Model/Prototype Maker. These were popular for tool makers,

Pic. 2: Wire, rounds, and drill gauge

Assorted metal cutting bits for lathes. The cutting tips are custom ground by the user to suit his work. These are made of tool steel.

Finger nail clipper - can be used to nip soft materials such as plastics and string.

Pic 3: Micrometer that seems to be set up to measure a span of 1 to 2 inches. Look around for a box that contains accessories for it. There should be another spindle for the 0 to 1 inch range. A 1" gage block is required to adjust the 1" to 2" spindle. There should be a small spanner wrench for loosening and tightening the round adjusting collar. That could be brand name, Starret. It may be cast on the other side of the C-frame.

Reamer/scraper with wood handle.

Paper board box that held a sharpener stone. Maybe there is one inside of it.

Many odds and ends that may have been useful to a former owner. If you find anything useful to you, fine, otherwise its junk.

The red handle (wood) with a curious hook piece inserted may have been an aid for installing tension springs.

Pic 4: Caliper, drift pins, taper reamer, a small end mill bit

Pic 5: Wide view of Pic 3.

I am curious to know what they are asking for it, too. I have seen similar boxes for sale, and though I'd like to have one and would use it, not at the prices I have seen.

yeah, haven't heard back from the OP. probably missed it if it went for a good price. i was at a estate sale this past weekend and there where 2 of those kind's of boxes. people running the sale obviously did their homework, asking 100's ea. and they where empty.

I do not know what he was asking for it, I was supposed to go back, but judging from the prices in his antique store it would be around $100-125. I will stop and ask when I am in the area again. I was primarily wondering about these tools for myself, not for reselling purposes.

300ft-anin, yes they are really expensive on eBay but as Sombreuil said, that front panel looks like missing probably.

I might get the cabinet to keep my woodworking bits, since it looks it is a good investment anyways and it is a neat piece of furniture.

Jemdandy, that is a great knowledge of machinist tools!!

:)

pic #4. looks like the drawer cover sticking out of the slot where it slides into.