Vintage CLIMAX Military Steel Field Box c. 1940s Olive Drab Storage Chest
Viridian Eclection
The Piece A mid twentieth century American steel field box finished in original olive drab enamel, with a stamped CLIMAX industrial locking mechanism and a triple latch front closure. It is constru...
The Piece
A mid twentieth century American steel field box finished in original olive drab enamel, with a stamped CLIMAX industrial locking mechanism and a triple latch front closure.
It is constructed of folded and riveted steel with a recessed top handle and reinforced corners. The surface shows authentic age, oxidation and wear consistent with military or industrial use.
The interior retains its original finish, with the production stamp still visible. A single open compartment. This is honest American utility.
History & Provenance
Through the 1940s and early 1950s American manufacturers produced heavy duty steel storage cases for military field operations, equipment transport and tool storage. Companies such as Climax specialized in hardware engineered to survive extreme conditions.
Boxes of this kind were designed to endure field deployment, not to decorate. The olive drab enamel finish was standard issue, chosen to minimize glare and maximize durability.
The dating rests on the form, the finish and the CLIMAX hardware rather than a dated mark, which places it at approximately the 1940s to 1950s. The object carries that legacy intact.
Product Details
| Era | c. 1940s to 1950s |
| Origin | United States |
| Form | Steel field box with recessed top handle, reinforced corners and single open compartment |
| Materials | Riveted and folded steel, original olive drab enamel finish |
| Marks | CLIMAX stamped locking latch with side closures. Production stamp visible to the interior |
| Condition | Original finish with visible patina and surface oxidation to the hardware. Minor wear, scratches and finish loss consistent with age and use. Structurally solid, hinges and latches intact. Unrestored |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
Restraint is its own kind of luxury. The box introduces structure and history to a room without a single decorative gesture.
It works in a study layered with leather and dark wood, in an industrial loft, inside a bar cabinet as concealed storage, or in an office or library that wants weight rather than ornament.
This is utility elevated by time, an object built for purpose that now lives with intention.
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.
