Starrett and Gerstner Unite to Recreate a 1950s Machinist Tool Chest in a Limited Edition Release!
By Ashutosh Arora
The L.S. Starrett Company and H. Gerstner & Sons — two iconic American manufacturers with more than a century of craftsmanship behind them — have come together to recreate a cherished piece of industrial history. This year, the companies announced a limited-edition run of the Starrett 200WCR machinist tool chests, authentic replicas of the original 1950s Starrett 200W wooden tool chest. Only 120 units will be produced, making this a rare opportunity for machinists, collectors and woodworking enthusiasts alike. Orders will be accepted until December 19, with delivery scheduled for March 2026 from Gerstner’s historic Dayton, Ohio workshop.
This collaboration pays homage to the long-standing relationship between Starrett and Gerstner — a partnership that spans nearly seven decades — and also marks Gerstner’s 120th anniversary. The reissued chest stays true to the spirit of post-war American craftsmanship, reflecting the quality, precision and pride in workmanship that defined the manufacturing era of the 1950s. Every tool chest is handcrafted to Gerstner’s rigorous standards, ensuring heirloom-grade durability and authenticity.
The Starrett 200WCR chest is constructed from sustainable Sapele, also known as African Mahogany, a hardwood prized for its stability and rich grain patterns. Gerstner’s craftsmen have meticulously reproduced the classic joinery, vintage trim, and hardware to match the original designs as closely as possible. Each chest mirrors the exact size and layout of the original No. 200W, capturing the nostalgic charm and functional practicality that made the chest an essential companion for machinists and precision workers of its time.
To deepen its historical significance, every limited edition chest is individually numbered and includes several collectible elements: The Starrett Story booklet, a Starrett Decimal-Inch Equivalent Card, and a Certificate of Authenticity. In keeping with tradition, the chests feature the 1950s-style Starrett nameplate and plush red felt-lined drawers — a hallmark of the era’s tool storage design. These thoughtful touches transform the chest from simple storage into a treasured keepsake that bridges generations of craftsmanship.
The partnership between Starrett and Gerstner stands as a tribute to America’s industrial heritage. Over the decades, Starrett became known as the country’s premier maker of precision tools and gages, while Gerstner earned its reputation as the last remaining U.S. manufacturer of fine wooden tool chests of its kind. Bringing back the 200W chest underscores the companies’ shared respect for traditional workmanship and their commitment to carrying that legacy forward.
Charlie Starrett, director of product management and a sixth-generation descendant of the Starrett founding family, described the recreated chest as far more than a functional item. He noted that it represents a conversation piece, a connection to the past, and a symbol of the enduring pride that has always defined skilled trades. Kim Campbell Brown, vice president of sales and marketing at Gerstner, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the renewal of a partnership first formed nearly 70 years ago by Arthur Starrett and Harry Gerstner.
For machinists, engineers, woodworkers, and collectors, the Starrett 200WCR tool chest serves as a reminder that craftsmanship, when honored and preserved, remains timeless.
