Christmas Toys

Young Boy's Antique Tool Chest, c1860s

antique toy tool box

This young boy's holiday present is a "Geo. Parr's Juvenile Tool Chest," a popular toy for boys in the mid-nineteenth century. It is marked across the top as a "New Year" gift for 1869. George Parr was a well known manufacturer of tools during this period. "Parr's Tool Chests" were advertised in many magazines as the best for planters, gentlemen, farmers, mechanics, youths, and boys [see 1862 ad below].

George Parr antique tool box label

Close-up of label on boy's antique tool chest.

1862 ad for Geo Parr tools

Advertisement from 1862 for "juvenile tool chests, suitable presents for the holidays". Advertised by George Parr, Buffalo, New York [text below].

WHAT EVERY FARMER, MECHANIC, AMATEUR and well-regulated household wants -- one of Parr's Tool Chests, fitted up with a complete assortment of tools, such as saws, planes hatchets, hammers, chisels, draw shaves, rules, files, augurs, & c. Will pay for itself in one year in saving of carpenter's bills.

Planters' size contains 92 tools, price........... $30 each.
Gentlemen's size contains 80 tools, price........ 20 each.
Youth's size contains 62 tools, price................13 each.
Boys' size contains 44 tools, price................... 8 each.

Made of the best cherry and ash exterior, French polished with
brass trimmings and lifting handles, and drawers to contain every
article. Superior tools sharpened and set ready for use. Packed in
cases and shipped to any address on receipt of the price, by the
manufacturer and inventor.

Also, juvenile tool chests, suitable presents for the holidays, containing 15 tools, price $4 each ; 10 tools, price $3 each; 8 tools, price $2 each.

GEORGE PARR, Buffalo, New York.

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