Hand Tools -Broad Arrow marked

**Roger M** · 10-08-2020, 09:35 AM

I can't tell you much about these boxes other than they are normally associated with the Royal Navy and often have the Users service number on the brass plate.

**Roger M** · 10-08-2020, 11:17 AM

Here is one of mine with the Royal Navy number painted on.

They are well designed and made and the little fittings on the lid stop the three trays from sliding or jumping around .

**brickie501** · 10-08-2020, 01:40 PM

by Roger M

I can't tell you much about these boxes other than they are normally associated with the Royal Navy and often have the Users service number on the brass plate.

by Roger M

...
They are well designed and made and the little fittings on the lid stop the three trays from sliding or jumping around .

Thanks for the info! I believe that the Broad Arrow was also applied to Civil Defence & even some GPO (General Post Office) equipment so, with no other indications, it is good to hear (for my collecting preferences at least) there is a strong likelihood it is from the Armed Forces

As suggested in the previous paragraph, the brass plate on mine has unfortunately not been marked. However, the whole collection always had the feel of an ex-serviceman's hoard of "buckshee" (probably more of an Army term!) tools - if I had to guess, perhaps an electrician (& part-time cobbler

) - with the HM Ships Golden Virginia tobacco tins providing further pointers to his being a Navy man:

With things like the 'lugs' to lock the trays together, I agree with your comments on the design & construction but, interestingly, mine does not feature the 'lid clips' & there does not appear to be any sign they were ever present (the interior finish is in better condition than the exterior). I wonder if they were a later improvement or, conversely, deleted as an economy measure?