Worn exterior lid of a Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, with printed lettering reading “Patented throughout the World,” shown with original black textured finish and signs of workshop wear consistent with an early 20th century portable engineering or precision tool

Universal Portable Tool Chest Multi-Tool Set, Nickel-Plated Steel, Cape Town South Africa, c.1930–1950

€110.00
€110.00
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Worn exterior lid of a Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, with printed lettering reading “Patented throughout the World,” shown with original black textured finish and signs of workshop wear consistent with an early 20th century portable engineering or precision tool
  • Worn exterior lid of a Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, with printed lettering reading “Patented throughout the World,” shown with original black textured finish and signs of workshop wear consistent with an early 20th century portable engineering or precision tool
  • Interior view of a Universal Portable Tool Chest patented throughout the world, showing compact interchangeable steel tools arranged within a fitted case lined in blue felt, including precision engineering components and threaded attachments associated with portable mechanical repair equipment, likely South African distribution by Allkin & Co Ltd, Cape Town.
  • Antique metal T-form corkscrew accessory from the Universal Portable Tool Chest retailed by Sole Agents Allkin & Co Ltd, featuring a cylindrical nickel-plated metal handle with central steel worm and knurled grip section, South Africa, early 20th century.
  • Removable metal hammer attachment from the Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa, shown resting in the hand with cylindrical steel handle and rectangular hammer head from a compact travelling tool set.
  • Universal Portable Tool Chest interchangeable metal tool set with detachable handle, miniature pipe wrench head, corkscrew worm, files, picks and threaded tool attachments, retailed by Allkin & Co Ltd Cape Town, South Africa, mid-20th century mechanical pocket tool ensemble.
  • Removable fine-tooth metal saw blade with cylindrical nickel-plated handle from the Universal Portable Tool Chest, featuring a knurled locking collar and compact workshop tool construction associated with early 20th century travelling tool kits.
  • Adjustable steel spanner from the Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd Cape Town, featuring a sliding jaw mechanism with knurled handle section and compact workshop engineering form, South Africa, mid 20th century.
  • Worn exterior lid of a Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, with printed lettering reading “Patented throughout the World,” shown with original black textured finish and signs of workshop wear consistent with an early 20th century portable engineering or precision tool
  • Interior view of a Universal Portable Tool Chest patented throughout the world, showing compact interchangeable steel tools arranged within a fitted case lined in blue felt, including precision engineering components and threaded attachments associated with portable mechanical repair equipment, likely South African distribution by Allkin & Co Ltd, Cape Town.
  • Antique metal T-form corkscrew accessory from the Universal Portable Tool Chest retailed by Sole Agents Allkin & Co Ltd, featuring a cylindrical nickel-plated metal handle with central steel worm and knurled grip section, South Africa, early 20th century.
  • Removable metal hammer attachment from the Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa, shown resting in the hand with cylindrical steel handle and rectangular hammer head from a compact travelling tool set.
  • Universal Portable Tool Chest interchangeable metal tool set with detachable handle, miniature pipe wrench head, corkscrew worm, files, picks and threaded tool attachments, retailed by Allkin & Co Ltd Cape Town, South Africa, mid-20th century mechanical pocket tool ensemble.
  • Removable fine-tooth metal saw blade with cylindrical nickel-plated handle from the Universal Portable Tool Chest, featuring a knurled locking collar and compact workshop tool construction associated with early 20th century travelling tool kits.
  • Adjustable steel spanner from the Universal Portable Tool Chest distributed by Allkin & Co. Ltd Cape Town, featuring a sliding jaw mechanism with knurled handle section and compact workshop engineering form, South Africa, mid 20th century.
Universal Portable Tool Chest Multi-Tool Set, Nickel-Plated Steel, Cape Town South Africa, c.1930–1950

Universal Portable Tool Chest Multi-Tool Set, Nickel-Plated Steel, Cape Town South Africa, c.1930–1950

€110.00
€110.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

A compact “Universal” Portable Tool Chest retailed by Sole S.A. Agents Allkin & Co. Ltd., Cape Town, comprising a cylindrical nickel-plated steel handle with interchangeable tool fittings housed in the original fitted case. The set includes a corkscrew, miniature saw blade, adjustable spanner head, hammer attachment, and small utility tools stored within the tubular handle. The design reflects the early-to-mid 20th century trend toward compact travelling or emergency tool kits intended for domestic, automotive, camping, or workshop use. The outer case is marked: “Universal Portable Tool Chest Patented Throughout the World.”

Condition is generally good collector grade with moderate age wear throughout. The outer case shows surface abrasions, edge wear, losses to the exterior finish, and ageing to the blue felt lining internally. Metal components retain good functionality with visible surface scratching, oxidation spotting, and handling wear consistent with age and use. Threads appear operational and attachments fit securely. The saw blade remains intact with expected wear to the teeth. The corkscrew worm remains straight and usable.

Circa:  approximately 1930–1950.

Provenance: Thomas Guenther Collection.

Measurements: 11.6 cm x 7.7 cm x 2.6 cm.
Weight: 315 g.

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