Rare Antique Oak 20-Drawer Display Case Counter w Glass

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This auction is for a rare antique, vintage oak counter display case with a glass top and twenty display drawers with glass fronts. (This is LOT 1 of the 10 antique oak fixtures we will be listing.) This great piece is believed to be from the early 1900's (see history below). It has it's original finish, original drawer pulls, and original glass. It has never been refinished or modified. Drawers measure 26" W x 27 1/2" L x 6 1/2" D. Three drawers have 1 each drawer pulls missing, and 4 of the drawers have cracks in the original glass that are barely visible. All but six of the drawers still have the original wooden dividers. It is a VERY LARGE, VERY HEAVY counter that measures 11' 9 1/2" Long x 31" W x 35" H. A fine example of quality craftmanship and quality materials used then. Well-constructed, tight and solid. Beautiful paneled ends and backside, make this a showpiece viewable from all sides. 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.) Before-bidding "viewing appointments" can also be arranged. Items are located in central Illinois. This a a NO RESERVE auction. Bidding starts at my lowest-possible-will-part-with-it price. Bidders will have to decide the final value, I am not an antique dealer and would have no clue to a buy-it-now price. Payment is expected within 10 days of auction closing. Please respond to email invoice within 3 days, so we know your payment method and when to expect payment. Business and personal checks and money orders are accepted, but must clear our bank before item can be shipped/picked-up. Keep in mind this could take 7-14 days. You can also Due to the item's size and weight, BUYER is responsible for arrangement of and payment for all pick-up or shipping, packing, and insurance costs. Items are located in central Illinois (Bloomington / Peoria area, just 2 hours south of Chi... read more

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