SIMONSEN Toolbox Machinist 3 Drawer Chest 24" Folding Front Door - WWII US ARMY

Description

V
intage U.S. Army Tool Chest by Simonsen Metal Products
24"L Three Drawer Folding Front Tool Box
Made in USA
WWII era all metal tool box/chest by Simonsen Metal Products for the U.S. military, in this case I believe to be the Army. My research on this chest turned up zero equivalent examples in either military or private applications - most similar chests had cantilevered innards, top handles and/or retracting or forward dropping front covers. My clue for this unit being WWII US Army equipment was a stenciled letter legend on top of the cover that was mostly obscured by paint coats added over the years -
"ILLEGITIMUS NON CARBORUNDUM"
- a close approximation of the mock-Latin motto "Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down" - adopted and used by U.S. General "Vinegar Joe Stilwell during the war. Picture #3 is about the best picture I can get of the lettering but I'm 100% confident on the motto.
The chest has a Simonsen Metal Products label on the inside of the top cover (picture #4), a bit worn but still easily identified as one of the uppy dog labels used by the company. Heavy gauge steel construction throughout with full piano hinges and corner/edge reinforcements. Folding front cover lifts up and stands out of the way for access to the top tray and three drawers. Original base color for the box appears to be military green with subsequent coats of other greens. As noted above I've removed some of the paint off the top cover but still fully coated. The drawers and top tray appear to be the original military green coating without alteration. The folding top, latch and drawers are intact and aligned within a reasonable margin - opening and closing without difficulty. The full length top tray is removable and is also constructed of heavy gauge steel - 1 3/4" deep with three partitions for sockets and small tools - top, bottom and corner. Total of four areas. The overall design and construction is robust and the box weighs in at a hefty
36 pounds
empty! Box dimensions are 24" wide by 11" high by 9 1/2" deep. Side handles on each end for carrying. Besides the Simonsen Metal Products label on inside of front folding door, I've been unable to locate any model name/number on the box itself and no luck researching web sources.
Good to very good used condition - cosmetically it has a variety of scratches, scuffs, nicks and general grime, but nothing very major. Rust is minimal - basically limited to areas that have been scratched or worn and paint protection compromised. No owner marks besides the military motto on the top cover. All hardware and moving parts function as expected.
Box closes square and true without warp or other alignment issues with one exception. Bottom drawer had been previously repaired to replace left side slider. I've coerced it into the best position possible and the drawer opens and closes with some sticking, but does end up closed more or less square and flush. One hour in the hands of someone with experience and the drawer would be near perfect. Please see all pictures for full condition details.
Chest is large and heavy but I will have it securely packed and shipped safely to buyer's location.  Extensive experience in safely shipping large and/or fragile pieces throughout the U.S.
Thank you for visiting and don't wait too long on this great U.S. Army / Simonsen tool box!