This Cabinet has me stumped !! Anyone know what it may have been used for ??

[mart]

http://www.kovels.com/forums/2-kovels-discussion-board/9656-cabinet-with-canisters

[KC]

My condolences to them for their loss.

Mart, can you please get them to post pictures of the the open wooden canister as well with finished inside measurements. ALSO, can they smell the cannisters - any scent?

Reminds me of older cabinets that were used in shops for teas, spices, medicinal compounds, incense and the slanted shelves would hold various pieces for the purchaser to hold said purchases.

However, it also brings to mind older cabinets that were used to hold writing implements and the slanted shelves would hold stationary.

[mart]

Glad we are back up and running !!  There was a pic of the inside there I think !!  She said they are approx. 6 inches long and lined with a soft, lightweight wood similar to balsa wood !! I know it must be a display for something but I am at a loss as to what !!  Years ago they used to display mens shirts on similar slanted shelves but don`t think it fits this cabinet !!

[Pelady]

This makes me think of part of a library or message center.   Requests for books or messages would be sent through pneumatic tubes to different parts of a building. 

PeLady

[cogar]

That looks like a “room key” cabinet from an old hotel.

Like so ………….

 

Those "tube" containers may have just been put in there as a place for "safe keeping" or whatever. 

Collectors will do such things when they are "pillaging" goodies.

[KC]

Sure looks like the old hotel key/message center!

[mart]

This cabinet has a roll top cloth cover !!  Not sure what that was for !! 

[ghopper1924]

My guess would be dust and/or a desire to maintain a degree of privacy for the messages in the cubbies.

[cogar]

This cabinet has a roll top cloth cover !!  Not sure what that was for !!

Mart, just Google "images" for ...... "antique hotel key cabinet" ... and you will find a lot of variations ...... with and without doors, etc.

When the Desk Clerk was asleep (like in the ole Cowboy movies  ) or wasn't at the counter they wouldn't want someone messin with the keys, mail or messages

[talesofthesevenseas]

The tube containers may have been for cylinder records, if they really belong with the cabinet

[fancypants]

Lots of ideas so far ....

I'd guess that it may be a railroad bursar cabinet , for tickets , schedules/notices & such .... maybe even one that 'rode along' with the trains .

I am curious about the 'canvas' front , though ... any chance it may be the remnants of a roll-front assembly (with wood slats) ?

[cogar]

I'd guess that it may be a railroad bursar cabinet , for tickets , schedules/notices & such .... maybe even one that 'rode along' with the trains .

That could explain the "roll top cloth cover" because the movement of the rail car could cause the "contents" to wiggle n' jiggle out of their cubbyholes.

[mart]

Will have to look that up !!  Ni idea if it was slatted at some point !!

[cogar]

It appears the "canvas" cover was pulled from left to right and "latched" into the side frame at point denoted by "arrow", to wit:

 

[KC]

If I am seeing this correctly the picture itself is turned/posted sideways so if turned correctly the canvas top would go from top to bottom!  Agree!