Gerstner Tool Chest Project: Done!

I finally finished my Dad’s Gerstner tool chest project. The intent was NOT restore it or make it look new again. The goal was to refinish it while still keeping all of the patina, wear marks, character of the 70+ year old chest, one that a man used throughout his life.
I changed the felt color from green to blue at my wife’s request; it’s going to be a jewelry box for her.
She also asked that the inner edge of the lid not be felted, so the wood would show. She also didn’t want new hardware or me to polish the existing hardware. I used a brass brush and my Dremel on the hardware to freshen it up a bit.
I’m very pleased with how it turned out. I know my Dad would absolutely love to know that my wife is using his tool chest now.

 

Great job, nice to see it restored. I have my dads, original condition.

 

Beautiful. Pop would be proud.

 

One of my most prized possessions

 

Before I refinished mine, it was in really good shape. The felt was pretty worn and there were a few areas where the finish was uneven. That happens when something is used for 50+ years, lol.
I’m waiting on the mirror from a local glass company. Then I’ll be 100% done.

 

Thanks! I think he would be too!