Repurposed WWII Military First Aid Storage Suitcase Table w/ Sewing Machine Base & Yardsticks

I created this custom table with a vintage WWII suitcase, a vintage New Companion sewing machine iron base and yardsticks. I painted on the custom "first aid" artwork on top to give it the theme. You can see a full description of the project and process via the jump link.

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Repurposed WWII Military First Aid Storage Suitcase Table w/ Sewing Machine Base & Yardsticks
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I cleaned the vintage metal base and gave it several coats of fire engine red paint. I then hand painted the white lettering.
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On the interior, I installed a subfloor to mount the base to the suitcase and then installed a custom yardstick floor with several coats of poly to finish it.
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I left the parchment paper that lined the interior to keep it original to the era and style.
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Custom graphics were stenciled and painted onto the top of the vintage suitcase and then distressed.
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The metal base still swivels and spins.
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To see more: http://www.gadgetsponge.com/posts/2012/9/22/repurposed-wwii-military-first-aid-storage-suitcase-table-w.html

8 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Very creative. Did you have that WWII first aid box in the family or did you find it at an antique store somewhere? I bet it has some stories to tell if it could.

on Sep 22, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Gadget Sponge, you are one of a kind! I enjoy seeing what you do.

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 0
GadgetSponge.com Shreveport, LA

Thanks Steve & Miriam! Steve, I actually painted the first aid graphics on the suitcase myself to give the piece a theme. I bought it at an estate sale and the grandson told me the story. So glad it was saved all these years. Now it's got a whole new lease on life! Miriam, thanks so much for the generous comment!

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 2
Patti Purintun Wozniak Chetek, WI

Um, so what do you use this repurposed item for?

on Mar 01, 2013 · Like 2
Joyce Victorville, CA

Very creative! I made my old sewing machine base into a table for my computer. It has working wheels on it so I can move it from place to place.

on Mar 01, 2013 · Like 1
GadgetSponge.com Shreveport, LA

Hello Patti! The repurposed table is now good for a hallway table, or good for a surface top and storage inside in any room of the house.

on Mar 01, 2013 · Like 0
GadgetSponge.com Shreveport, LA

Hey Joyce! Old sewing machine bases are so strong and great for so many ideas. Your computer table should last for decades!

on Mar 01, 2013 · Like 1
Tracy P Mc Kinney, TX

we have one we cleaned up and made for Blue ray storage! looks great and works!!

on Mar 01, 2013 · Like 0

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Repurposed WWII Military First Aid Storage Suitcase Table w/ Sewing Machine Base & Yardsticks

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