Here are all of the different unit model numbers and style changes for these Shure Merchandisers from 1946 thru the late 50’s… Or is it possible that these cabinets were available to buy from the company up into the 1970’s?
If the model number ended in 50, that unit had sliding lower front doors instead of swinging.
Manufacturing changes are very small on these cabinets over the years. The hinges changed from a screwed in chrome hinge to a welded on two-piece pin style. The front of the bench had a thin inlayed stainless vertical trim on some of the chrome hinge units. And the handles went from sweeped to an arch style.
This later model has full length piano hinges on the cabinet doors and plastic handles.
A friend of the website found this interesting Shure catalog, that shows these styles of Workstation available for purchase in 1971. Is it possible they were still using the original tooling, or did they have overstock available? We are waiting to hear from the Company about this new development.
There was Lubrication Company that was established in Paris in 1922, that sold lubrication equipment under the name of Techla. Alemite was interested in their simple coupler clip design, and traded patents with them to get use in Europe. By the early 30's Tecalemit was in the UK and the main supplier of garage lubrication equipment.
The partnership influenced some Alemite units like this rounded lubrication island, with stripes in the late 30’s. Possibly sold by Tecalmit as well. A couple of these have been found in use up in Canada too.
Tecalemit built a full line of Lubrication Wall Batteries, grease guns, and other service equipment. But sadly no merchandiser type cabinets. I really do enjoy their lines, colors, and trim though.
Even though I have never found ads mentioning a manufacturing company and the handles are a different shape than the earlier Sioux Valve service benches, I still fully believe these benches were built by Sioux Tools.
The details that point me towards this are; The Bear has the same wide edge wrapped worktop, ribbed trim, and top window box design. I have also been unable to find proof of Sioux producing their Valve Service cabinet after ‘49.
We all know that finding the original desk for a Workbench can be quite a task at times. Here are some cabinets with creative solutions for replacement workbenches.
This might be my favorite repurposing of a bench. A Youngstown kitchen sink cabinet, with a top added to it, makes a nice fitting workbench for this Lincoln.
In the mid 40’s, “Natkin & Company” had a deal to produce workbenches for GM. Shure jumped in and helped out with there metal fabrication experience. Here are a few of these rare “N” branded Natkin cabinets in use.
Not that many of the Natkin’s were built, but their legacy lives on in the Shure’s out there. Also with their oil resistant “Nat-flex” work top surface.
The Bench below was built by Natkin and badged by them, then purchased by Bear and decals were added to the doors.
Here are a few unique Lincoln Engineering cabinets with extra stainless
This last Lincoln merchandiser, has had a section added for light up glass, and even Alemite emblems. But the raised side edge, door handles, and bench cabinet spacing give it away.
Of course the question may come up; Do you use that old merchandiser as a daily shop bench or not?
Some workbenches may be repurposed as interior home furniture or even too pretty to put tools on. But I personally love seeing these work stations being in use like they were in the 40’s.
This above shop in Kansas is using their three Alemites daily.
and here is one of my more rare benches that still gets utilized
A look back; Founded in 1926 by the Gray brothers in Minnesota, Gray Company Inc.’s goal was to produce efficient and specialized automotive service lubricating equipment. It wasn’t until the late 40’s that industrial paint spraying was established.
A wonderful image of a 1938 Graco wall luber and a motor vitalizer being pulled by a Minneapolis-Moline tractor.
The Graco headquarters has a small museum showcasing some restored pieces from the early 1940’s
With help from the company, we have most of the Graco catalogs from the late 30’s through the 50’s. If you are looking for info on a specific piece, please feel free to reach out.
Here are a few Shure Workbench variations that we don’t see very often.
This cabinet has the rare four piece pull-down center door. Very few work stations had this add-on! It would have been a custom request from the factory.
Next up are these black square handles. They seem to be on later model Shure’s and to date we have only seen a few merchandisers with these present.
That being said, we have seen many of the different brands Work Stations in different makers Dealerships over the years. Alemite’s and Lincoln’s are often mixed in with other brands.