Name/Title
ChestEntry/Object ID
1999.003.0004Description
Wooden tool chest with key. Exterior dimensions: 3' 2" wide, 1' 9-1/4" deep, 1' 9-1/4" high.
Three compartments within chest, each at different level; can be slid from front to back. It has rope hands on each side Top compartment has a decorative design in wood-inlay. Chest cover is hinged. Inside on cover is also a decorative wood-inlay design, which includes stars and diamonds.
Originally the chest was the property of Horatio B. Hawkins, a carpenter at Pacific Mail Steamship Company in Benicia.
A craftsman places his tools in a tool chest to prevent theft, promote orderliness and accessibility and reduce damage. The compartments in Mr. Hawkins tool chest separate the tool so they won't bump one another causing nicks or dulling the points or blades. Years ago, and even today, woodworkers (carpenters, pattern makers, etc.) would hand craft their own tool chest to provide evidence of their skill. Some of these chests were very elaborate. The wood inlay seen in the tool chest of Mr. Hawkins is an example of this practice. It is not known if Mr. Hawkins made this chest. The chest is well over 100 years old.Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
