I think it's the top of an antique kitchen dresser as it has plate rails on the shelves, but it could be a library unit. Originally there was no back - that has been filled in with plywood. There is no base, so it has been set on something else. It is 4.5' wide, 5' tall, and 1' deep. It is a mix of oak and fir. It's the flat knobs on the glass door frame tops that I can't figure out. Has anyone seen anything like this? I am hoping to find out its age.
Thanks so much!
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Is there a photo of the front and back? It is a challenge to offer any information with limited photos
Front and back photos
Hard to take picture of front w/o refections- sorry.
Thanks for the additional photos.
So what I think you have (based on the shelves inside with grooves in them) the top half of a china closet. The bottom of the piece should have holes where it was screwed on to the base or places where legs were affixed.
The grooves are used to hold plates upright--a plate stands in the groove for display.
Plywood backs started being used in the late 1800s, but I think your piece much more modern than that. Maybe as late as the 1960s (OR it is a replacement back).
It does not look like a high quality piece based on the construction on the back (gaps for example OR it was a poor replacement job) and the shelves.
How is the plywood affixed? Nails, screws, staples? It sort of looks like staples which may indicate a repair.
How are the hinges affixed? They also look newer. The type of screws can help date the piece.
Is the glass at all wavy or beveled or just plain (wavy and beveled usually indicate older pieces (pre 1960s), plain is usually newer or could also indicate replacement glass).
Another thanought I had is that this could be a carpenter made piece--since it just does not seem to fit any mold or pattern that I am familiar with. It is very stark in design, which is slightly craftsman, but most craftsman pieces are much more elegant than this piece.
Other things I find curious are there are no locks on the cabinet (either real or fake) and the decorations are primitive. (Does it have magnets keeping it closed?)
You could try taking the piece (or a whole bunch of photos from every angle showing all of the hardware, inside and outside) to a reputable vintage dealer and see if they have any other insights.
I am assuming you are asking to try to value it. Unfortunately, unless it can be proven to be a big brand name, that it is not a complete piece will most likely devalue it. The worth will be what someone can do with it (like a flea market flip project).
Furniture values are regional so that is another reason to have an expert in your town look it over. They can confirm what you have and what it could sell for in your neck of the woods.
Post back what you learn! Thanks for sharing and for the additional photos!
Thanks for everyones opinions and ideas.
I`m not trying to value it, simply trying to identify its age and style.
The plywood back is not original, the glass is very old, as are the thick wood shelves sitting on sawtooth end brackets to be adjustable. There are no brackets or holes on the underside.
I think it will make an amazing kitchen dresser top!
As for style, the closest I would call it is craftsman. Art Deco (which I am a huge fan of) has a very distinct look that this piece just does not have. I don't see the lines or the bulk that would scream Deco to me.
The balls and shape at the top are vaguely Art Nouveau but the rest of the piece is not. They may have added the handles to try to promote the Art Nouveau feel, but if I had to put a name to it, I would call it Craftsman.
I agree it was probably carpenter made for a specific location. It could have been in a butler's pantry.
I love when things like this get a new life and am excited to see it when it is live in its new home! Post back with updates! Thanks for sharing!
Think we have mostly solved the puzzle- looked at a million, online, arts and crafts images and finally saw some similar circular trims very close to that of door top trim. Then I did the same with butlers pantries- and see same size of cabinets w the huge glass doors sitting directly on lower cabinets. I`m going with the butlers pantry as its seems to fit everything, and besides, it totally appeals to my love of big old houses.
Also an Art Deco fan, but this is close enough.
Shopping for a different house this year- fitting this in will be on the must have list!
Again, thanks for your input. Seasons Greetings to all.
Thanks for posting back. I love a good furniture mystery and I love when a piece with history finds a new life! Will send up lots of good wishes and prayers that you find the perfect home to showcase this lovely piece. Who knows, maybe one day someone will walk into the room and see it and have more info on it and how it came to be!
Thanks again for sharing! Seasons greeting and all good wishes to you and yours!
Look for identifying marks on the back and underneath. It could be a cabinet to hold pies.
That makes sense, although the shelves are only 10`` deep- would that have been deep enough?
And would they still have such big doors on the front?
Anyone seen the style of trim- knobs on the door tops before?
Thanks so much for comments so far- I had`nt thought of it being a store unit.
This almost looks like a cabinet that was used in a very old bake shop back in the early 1920s or so. They would make their pies and put them in cabinets like this. The back was opened so they could reach in and take out the pie. The doors had glass on them so the customers could look in and choose the pie they wanted. They had these lined up and also had other types of cabinets like this for fresh baked breads.
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