When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
**VINTAGE US NAVY VIETNAM WAR MECHANIC\'S CANTILEVER TOOL BOX — VAQ-130 DET 4 \"ZAPPERS\"**Up for sale is a remarkable piece of U.S. Military Aviation history. This is an original 1960s heavy-duty steel mechanic\'s cantilever tool box manufactured by Simonsen Industries (Chicago, ILL)
under Federal Contract No. GS-00S-31165.**PROVENANCE & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:**
This box is stenciled with \"4 YACC\", which is the standardized Vietnam-era U.S. Naval Aviation logistics code for VAQ-130 (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130, Detachment 4), known as the
\"Zappers.\" During the Vietnam War, Det 4 deployed onto aircraft carriers, flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior to provide vital electronic countermeasures and radar-jamming support. The box features its original period-applied flight deck safety orange paint, used so ground crews could easily spot the gear on a chaotic carrier deck. Inside the lid is the original paper \"Mechanic\'s FOD Prevention Check List\" sticker—an absolute rarity for these boxes to still retain.**CONDITION REPORT:**
- **Trays & Mechanism:** Dual-sided blue steel cantilever trays open and close smoothly.
Interior features original built-in dividers.
- **Exterior Paint:** Heavy, honest cosmetic patina with paint chipping, surface rust, and wear from active service on a military flight line.
- **Sticker:** The highly rare internal FOD sticker is complete and remarkably legible with some localized light discoloration/grime.
- **Structure:** Structurally rock-solid with no severe dents or structural breaches. One latch has a missing piece, the other metal latch and top handle function exactly as they should.This is an exceptional centerpiece display for military collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or high-end vintage tool hobbyists. Please examine all photos carefully for an exact look at the patina and condition.
