Comments on: Elastic Storage: Multi-Section Stacking Bookcases

By: Kurt G.

Kurt G. — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:15:41 +0000

Greetings, I just acquired a Wernike four section Bookcase as well as a Macey 4 section bookcase. My first question, is a Wernike Bookcase (Label just like the first picture on this page) worth more than a Globe Wernike? Also, is the Macey (lable 910 finish 19) in a comparable price range as the Wernike?

Thanks for all your support!

By: Marc

Marc — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:58:13 +0000

I’m curious if the original design is a) generally compatible with the later runs under different manufacturer names for interconnected stacking purposes, or b) particularly more valued than later imprints.

I’m also curious whether the line of numbers in the original series stamps have any particular known significance — so where your photo of the original stamp shows a product detail of C-11 198 1061, would we know what C-11 299 1721 means, in comparison?

Many thanks for your fine detective work, indeed. This has been a fine bit of reading.

By: Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:03:53 +0000

Ann – Globe-Wernicke was founded in 1904 by Otto Wernicke and the Globe Co. G-W used Wernicke’s patents so that is the reason for the early dates but G-W did exist prior to 1904.

Fred Taylor

By: ann

ann — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:40:25 +0000

we came across this old bookcase. we found a label on the wood that is very similar to the label you state as an original label up top. although it has an earliest patented date of sept 29, 1891 not 1892. and the patented date are pushed off to both sides. it says the globe-wernieke co. elastic look book cases cincinnati usa with a number under reading as c-11 198 2996 this case needs work as it has no front doors. is it possible to have an earlier patented date. or is this somehow a fake. (which would be a great fake. it looks very old and label is like burnt in wood like the first. there are no other labels on the peice.)
thx
ann

By: Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:54:57 +0000

Larry – I believe you will find what you need on this site.
http://www.rufkahrs.com/hardw8/bkcase.html

Fred Taylor
Worthologist
http://www.furnituredetective.com
info@furnituredetective.com

By: Larry Eshleman

Larry Eshleman — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:36:24 +0000

I plan to make a replacement door for wernicke system elastic bookcase but need to find hardware for the hanging glass door. Do you know where to locate replacement hardware that will match the other?

By: Keller

Keller — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:03:57 +0000

As a carpenter with thirty years experience, I really got to say that these are some beautiful pieces! I’m gearing up to get into some antique bookcase collecting, so this was a very timely article :)

By: delores martin

delores martin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:23:57 +0000

I have a Macey Sectional Bookcase the has 93 patent May 05-Jan 06. It is in very good condition It is quartered oak golden. This is printed on the top and on the bottom the writing is the same except the number is 97. Can you tell me the value of this, and also the difference in one number being 93 and the other number being a 97?

By: David Reiley

David Reiley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:11:42 +0000

We have several stacks of these bookshelves, which have been in the family for many years. Some of the sections have both a “Macey” label and a “Globe-Wernicke” label inside them (generally the Macey label on the underside of the top panel, and the Globe-Wernicke label on the back panel). In fact, all of the top panels say Macey, while only some of the back panels say Globe-Wernicke.

Was there some manufacturing agreement between the two companies? Or does this mean that we have Frankenstein shelves that were cobbled together from two different sets of shelves?

Thanks,
David

By: Paul J Mancini

Paul J Mancini — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:35:43 +0000

Mr. Taylor,
I have a Skandia viking Elastic 3 section bookcase,in excellent condition with the original finish.I would like to know the value.According to the photo above, it may be of the 1929 series.I would be interested in selling it if is worth while.I hope you can answer me or inform me where I can go for that information.Thank you……PJM

By: Fred TAylor

Fred TAylor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:13:10 +0000

David – I have not seen a source for doors other than as salvage at a dealer or an auction. They are relatively easy to make and all the hardware can be found at http://rufkahrs.com/hardw8/bkcase.html

Fred Taylor
http://www.furnituredetective.com

By: David Rodin

David Rodin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:12:48 +0000

I have several Globe-Wernicke, Sectional Bookcases, Made in Cincinnati. There 11 units total (three tops and bottoms) but 4 do not have the doors. Are the doors available?

By: Abby Rosen

Abby Rosen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:15:53 +0000

Mr. Taylor, I have wanted to learn more about stacking bookcases and you answered all of the questions I have had over the years. You sure do have some great information in everything of yours that I read. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge.