Antique Oak Counter Cabinet w Orig Slide-In Glass Doors

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This auction is for one-of-two matching built-in antique oak cabinets with ten storage cubbies and slide-in library style oak/glass doors. (This is LOT 3 of the 10 antique oak auctions we are listing. LOT 4 is the second of the two that are the same.) Auction is for the one antique oak cabinet only and does NOT include the display shelving setting on top of the antique piece in the photograph. Cabinets are thought to have been built-in in 1917 when the store was "updated" with all new oak displays. These are quality cabinets for what was an upscale men's clothing store in the early 1900's. A descendant of the owner, who inherited the building, attempted to "modernize" in the 1960's, had these cabinets pulled out about 8" from the wall, evidently to make them appear deeper, and a new top added to the cabinet to cover the gap between the wall and cabinet. The original top is still underneath the new extended one, but I have not attempted to remove it. Photographs show the cabinet as it was built-in until our building renovations this summer, when it was detached from the wall by our construction contractor. Additional photos show the back and sides of the counter once pull away from the wall.Obviously, the pegboard, visible in some photos, on the back of the cabinet is not original and was also added in the 60's. The cabinet has a wonderful antique oak patina, has never been refinished, and has original hardware and door pulls. I believe all the glass is original except for one piece that is missing. This is a VERY LARGE, VERY HEAVY unit that measures 10' 8" L x 21" D x 34 1/2" H. Cabinet can be used independently or as a set with the matching piece in LOT 4 of our auctions. (Units are identical so they could be used side-by-side or even stacked for a taller display case.) It is made of quality materials and quality craftsmanship. Due to the current renovation of our historic downtown building, built in 1894, we are selling the rare antique oak retail store counters, cabinets, and merchandise displays. These are not your common antique showcases, but rather, high-quality merchandisers from what was originally a men's clothing store, that must have been considered very "upscale" in the early 1900's. Eleven pieces are being listed in ten separate auctions on eBay. If you are bidding, please check all our listings as they are uploaded over the next few days, since all items (with the exception of the large, rolling mercantile ladder) are believed to be made by the same manufacturer, during the same time period, and were all purchased at the same time to "update" the store's retail look in 1917. Each item being auctioned is a rare find on its own -- but an entire building full of matching antique oak fixtures that have been in one place for almost 100 years is an incredible find! Three metal plates on the largest showcase in the building (which will not be sold this week but possibly on a future auction -- it can be seen in the photos with the rolling ladder), read: "Grand Rapids Show Case Co.; Grand Rapids, Mich; Manufactured under Patent 1,219,?91; March 20, 1917". These beautifully unique cabinets are all oak, very solid, and in excellent condition with rich patinas. I have owned these fixtures since 1984 when I purchased the building from a descendent of the original owner. In all the years that I've owned them I've never found pieces like them. These are VERY LARGE, VERY HEAVY cabinets and counters. Don't be fooled by the photographs that don't do justice to their size. READ THE MEASUREMENTS CAREFULLY before you bid. All items are sold as-is. Please understand that, although these pieces are in really great condition, they are antiques that have been in use for many years. Obviously, they have some minor imperfections and show some wear. In most cases, this just adds to the overall character and wonderful antique patina. All items are solid and are good quality construction. Please email any questions before bidding. Additional photos can be taken and emailed as needed. (Additional photos are also on my About Me page.)... read more

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