This stunning piece, measuring 20×40 inches when closed and 40×40 inches when open, houses an astounding 300 tools. The chest is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, made from mahogany, rosewood, ebony, and mother-of-pearl. Beyond its impressive functionality, the Studley Tool Chest carries a rich history, even earning a place on display at the Smithsonian. The chest was crafted by H.O. Studley, a skilled mason, carpenter, and piano maker born in 1838 in Lowell, Massachusetts. Studley served in the Massachusetts infantry during the Civil War and was held as a prisoner of war in Texas. His work as an organ and piano maker between 1890 and 1920 led to the creation of this ingenious chest. Studley’s tool chest housed an impressive array of over 300 tools, including those he crafted himself and a meticulously curated collection of the finest hand tools from before 1900. Among them were complete sets of woodworking, machinist, and stonemasonry tools. To fit all of these into the case, Studley ingeniously designed a complex system of flip-up trays, fold-out layers, and hidden compartments, resembling an intricate jigsaw puzzle. The craftsmanship of Studley’s tool chest is evident in every detail, from the precise alignment of visible screws to the clearly marked layout lines on many joints. His dovetails, with their pronounced 14 degrees angle, demonstrate his skill and attention to aesthetics. The interior components of the chest were carefully dovetailed at key points, reflecting a consistent and thoughtful design vision. Studley’s work patterns reveal a deep understanding of form and function. His shopmade tools often featured tiny coves at critical transition points, such as the 1/16” x 1/16” coves on the ends of his gauges and the brass cove on his mallet’s head. These small but deliberate details were a signature of his approach. Square ovolos were another distinctive element of his design, marking transitions between major components of the chest. These curves, accentuated by two small fillets, provided a harmonious flow between the different sections. In many areas, Studley used ebony coves with small fillets to fill in the inside corners, ensuring a seamless and polished appearance. Surprisingly, the chest contains relatively few ogee shapes, and those that do exist are often concealed, only visible once every tool is removed. The cubbyholes for the planes, for example, feature ogees that remain hidden from casual view. A particularly striking aspect of Studley’s design is the Gothic influence, an unusual choice for woodwork. The curves and shapes within the chest exhibit a Gothic flavor, with the chamfers on the arches executed with absolute perfection. Weighing 72 pounds when empty and a staggering 156 pounds when open, this formidable piece requires a team effort to move. Before his death in 1925, H.O. Studley entrusted this prized possession to a friend. The chest was later passed down to Pete Hardwick, the friend’s grandson, who loaned it to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in the late 1980s. Eventually, it was acquired by a private collector for an undisclosed amount. Considering that a single tool from the chest was appraised at $700 in 1993, this investment likely proved lucrative for Hardwick. The current owner still occasionally lends the chest to the National Museum of American History. The Studley Tool Chest has achieved legendary status within the woodworking community, especially after gracing the cover of Fine Woodworking. The Massachusetts-based magazine even released a limited-edition poster of the chest, which quickly sold out, further making it more famous.
(Photo credit: Phoenix Masonry / Flickr / Pinterest). Notify me of new posts by email.
Δ Subscribe
