Description:
When Teddy Roosevelt ( the Big Stick guy) was still a Rough Rider, Charles “Lucky” Zumbeihl was building stage sets for vaudeville and burlesque shows in the NYC - New Jersey area. As most carpenters did when they were apprentices, he built his own tool chest, not only to carry his tools from place to place, but to show that his skill was far above that of the average carpenter. This chest is an eloquent testimonial to his exceptional skill.
Mr. Zumbeihl was born about 1880, and died in 1962, according to the obituary, which is included in the documents that accompany this chest. Included also are the patterns used for the decorative inlays.
Measuring 38 inches in width, the chest appears to be in mahogany, metal-bound, and is definitely in its original finish and condition. Inside the beautifully inlaid chest, and the inlaid tool trays, are the original tools that Mr. Z. used. ( There are probably 50-75 tools in all - planes, saws, squares, auger bits, and more.) The several hand saws and squares are in as-new condition - showing almost no wear and no rust flecks. The rest of the tools are in this same condition.
I have had this chest in my house for over 25 years. I bought it from a descendant of Mr. Zumbeihl in southern Florida. The grandson (?) had the box stored in his climate-controlled garage, and it has been indoors in my house ever since, which accounts for the excellent condition of the tools.
The tool box rests on its original stand, which brings the total height to 32 inches.
The exterior of the box, which is dovetailed construction, is in a dark original finish. Carpenters at that time did not spend a lot of energy on the outside of their tool chests, knowing that the exteriors would be roughed up moving from job to job. They showed off their artistic and woodworking skills on the interiors, and this one is exceptional ! It is beautifully inlaid - second to only one other that I know of, and that one was featured in Fine Woodworking magazine a few years ago.
I have a number of additional pictures available, both of the chest and its contents, including a list of the tools that are included.
If you are in the Florida/Georgia area, there is a good possibility of delivery either free, or at a very modest rate, as we travel in this area frequently.
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