This first model of Saddler's Chest for Battery Wagon appeared shortly after the publication of the "Manual for...Saddlers"
of 1914. 1918-dated chests are commonly encountered (usually marked on the clamp strap). Until further documentation
for the introduction date is uncovered, we must be satisfied that it falls within a 1915-1918 time-frame.
The c.1915 Chest has subtle differences from the 1930 and the M-1940 versions. Most easily discerned are that some of
the tools on the doors are held by metal straps; the wood block tool holder built into each door is very precisely inleted
to fit specific tools. The 1940 version had the leg barces set with cotter pins, and the 1930 manual shows the lock location
moved to the horizontal mid-line of the chest.
The correct List of Tools for the 1915 Saddler's Chest is the SF100 or Variant 1 (my term). The 1930 and later Saddler's
manuals show different tools, which is reflected in a different configuration for the interior of the box.
Incidently, the tools carried in the c.1915 Chest are identical to the ordnance department saddler's tools depicted in
Plate XXII of the 1914 "Manual for...Saddlers" to be carried in the 1872 Saddler's Tool Bag.
The 1915 chests all contained a removeable wooden tray marked "Splitting-Knife
and Small Stores Case". This case was divided into three compartments.
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