Mid-Century Hammered Steel Lock Box with Eberhard Latch, c. 1940s–1960s
La Rue Tool & Supply Co
The Piece
A mid-century hammered steel lock box with a rectangular body, recessed top handle, chrome locking latch, and pressed chevron details along the front. The silver-gray metal finish carries light oxidation, scuffs, scratches, age spotting, and honest surface wear throughout.
The latch is marked Eberhard, a known American hardware manufacturer, adding a quiet industrial detail to the piece. Compact and utilitarian, this box has the kind of practical presence that makes old storage pieces feel far more interesting than anything currently pretending to be “vintage-inspired.”
History
Small metal lock boxes like this were commonly used through the mid-20th century for tools, cash, documents, keys, hardware, and general shop or household storage. Their appeal was simple: durable metal construction, portable scale, a hinged lid, and a locking front latch.
This example likely dates to the 1940s–1960s based on its hammered metal finish, pressed decorative panels, recessed lid handle, chrome latch hardware, and mid-century utility form. The Eberhard mark appears on the latch hardware and should be understood as a hardware attribution rather than confirmed authorship of the entire box.
Product Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Object | Metal lock box / utility cash box |
| Period | Mid-century, c. 1940s–1960s |
| Maker | Unknown |
| Hardware | Eberhard-marked locking latch |
| Material | Steel / metal body with chrome latch hardware |
| Color | Silver-gray hammered metal finish |
| Details | Recessed top handle, hinged lid, chrome latch, keyhole, pressed chevron side details |
| Condition | Vintage condition with surface scuffs, scratches, light oxidation, finish wear, small marks, and age-related patina throughout. Key not shown unless otherwise noted. |
| Use | Decorative storage, office storage, tool display, or light functional use |
| Dimensions | Add final measurements |
| Price | $58 |
Why It Belongs In Your Home
This piece brings industrial utility into a room without feeling overly styled or forced. The hammered metal surface, compact proportions, and chrome latch give it a clean mid-century workshop quality that works beautifully on a desk, shelf, console, workbench, or studio table.
Use it to store letters, small tools, hardware, keys, receipts, art supplies, or objects that deserve a better home than a plastic bin from the pit of modern convenience. It pairs especially well with vintage office pieces, old tools, brass lamps, wood furniture, and collected industrial decor.
SEO & Metadata
SEO Title: Mid-Century Hammered Steel Lock Box with Eberhard Latch
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URL Slug: mid-century-hammered-steel-lock-box-eberhard-latch
Keywords: vintage metal lock box, hammered steel cash box, mid-century lock box, Eberhard latch, vintage steel storage box, metal utility box, vintage office storage, industrial decor box, vintage cash box, old metal tool box
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
