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How to Date a Gerstner Chest

H. Gerstner &Sons makes handcrafted wooden cases and chests for craftsmen, hobbyists, collectors, shooters and more. The company has been in business since 1906. Originally founded by Harry Gerstner, the company was named "H. Gerstner" to honor Herman, Mr. Gerstner's father. The company has enjoyed the same location in Dayton, Ohio since 1913 and has been passed down through Gerstner's daughters. The company helps many owners date and restore their prized Gerstner heirlooms in the 21st century.

Things You'll Need

Camera
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Check the chest for name plates and hardware. These items help establish the date of a Gerstner chest.
- 2
  Explore the chest's drawers for felt or remnants of felt. Synthetic felt may expose a reproduction rather than an original Gerstner chest. Gerstner chests became popular with machinists because each drawer was lined with felt. Felt fixed tools in place.
- 3
  Establish the date of a fine wooden product made by Gerstner &Sons with knowledge of their process, tools, and hardware. Most hobbyists take advantage of the company's dating service, according to Jack Campbell, the company's president in 2010. For just $50, the company will provide a date of manufacture within 10 years. The company also offers full restoration services.
- 4
  Send stamped or handwritten numbers on the chest to Gerstner. Any details about previous ownership or purchase price also help date the chest.
- 5
  Achieve higher resale value of an older Gerstner chest after establishing the model number. After dating and identifying the model, Gerstner will issue an "Age of Chest" certificate. Owners should take pictures of the chest to enable identification. Details of the necessary photos are provided in Gerstner &Son's website FAQs.
- 6
  Look for dovetail corners, quality hardwoods and heavy antique hardware. According to Kathy Donnelly, general manager at Martin J. Donnelly Antique Tools in New York, identifying a Gerstner chest requires an understanding of fine woodworking and craftsmanship: "There are fakes out there. You may see newer hardware, nailed corners rather than dovetailed ones. An older chest may be painted. The age of the paint may help to date the chest. Original Gerstner chests were finished wood. There should be no polyurethane coating on the box."

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