Orion Henderson at Horton Brasses was kind enough to work with me on a custom, blacksmith-forged hardware kit for the Dutch tool chest, which includes two strap hinges, two chest lifts and a hasp. And because this iron is so gorgeous, I asked him to reverse the barrel on the hinges so that they attach to the exterior – if you’re using handmade hardware, might as well show it off. (Bonus: no hinge mortises to cut.)
All the pieces feature a “bean” motif; it appears on the end of the long hinge leaf, in the shape of the lifts’ backplates and on the top leaf of the hasp on the underside of the lid.
The lifts come with square-head bolts (and matching washers and nuts) to fit 3/4″-thick material so that you can attach them through the sides, and safely use the lifts to actually lift the chest.
The full kit is $491.09, which is 25 percent less than were you to buy the pieces individually. (You can also pick only the hardware pieces you want, of course, though at no discount). Are there less expensive options? Of course – and I’ll give you lots of those in my forthcoming book on the Dutch tool chest. But I don’t think you’ll find a better price on blacksmith made, hand-forged hardware. And gosh does it look nice!
p.s. If you’re interested in buying this chest, drop me an email.
Can’t wait for the book!
Great work Ms. Fitz.. Question, does it have a chain or something to keep the lid from opening completing? Also doesn’t the lid hinges keep the top from having usable flat space. Besides if the hinges were on the inside you could see them most of the time. These are only observations nothing more. It all depends on what you, as an individual, want and need
The other one I just finished has a chain; this one doesn’t. Easy enough to add (or a strip of leather or some other lid stay), or just open it again a wall. As far as the hinges, on the inside surface, they take up the same amount of real estate, and in an area some like to use for tool storage. But if you want hinges on the inside, the “regular” forged strap hinges Horton offers can be attached that way (with a mortise), as can strap hinges from a number of other places. Or you can use butt hinges – lots of options.
I agree, inside definitely is more practical and you’d see the hinges more when working.
Any updates or teasers on the book?
All the chests in the book will be blue.
There are three flowers in a vase. The third flower is green.
The position of nail heads and beading on each chest will spell out Megan’s true name in Morse code.
And the number of dovetails and the pin widths reveal the code to the back gate lock.
So the actual title of the book will be The Convington Code, then?!
“Covington”, not “Convington”. Bother.
“The Covington Code” sounds like a post-apocalyptic murder mystery.
I’ve got a team of specialists ready to work it out.
Including, I presume, a certain Mr Cobb?!
One of the chests has a clam holder.
Dang! Now I’ll have to build another DTC
Beautiful hardware on a beautiful chest!
Did we go over the strip of wood on the outside of the lid? Is that a book/paper shelf? A place to leave your chamber music?
I did one similar. It’s a good place to rest a piece of paper or prop open a book.
Yep — like a music stand
Beautiful hardware!
Beautiful chest! 😉
😊
I didn’t know there was going to be a book! Just read anarchist tool chest (and I LOVED it) but I much prefer Dutch chests over English.
Is there any ETA on the book? If it comes out soon, I’ll figure out something to do with my tools and wait to build it.
Is there an option to get the strap hinges made so they’re on the inside? I applaud your efforts but that gap and need for a chain is a deal breaker. Ive been waiting so long to get a quality forged strap hinge, i thought horton was going to be the answer but looks like Ill have to keep waiting…