"The Fain" Fold Away Dining Set

[folkfish]

We just purchased something called "The Fain" Fold Away Dining Set.  It's kind of like a murphy bed, but instead a fold down dining room set, including a table and two benches, which all folds neatly back into a 6' high x 3' wide cabinet with double glass-paned doors.

I've looked online extensively, and I have found almost nothing about this piece of furniture.

Can anyone tell me anything??

My guess is that it's from the 1930's or 1940's, but I could be way off.

Thanks.

David

[KC]

Really need a picture!

[folkfish]

If only I could figure out how to post a photo on this forum.

[folkfish]

Here is the best photo I have right now -

[KC]

D&B could best help with this or others on the site.  Have seen some of these , not exactly like this one, when I was in Europe.  (Germany, Russia, etc.....)

[railman44]

Definitely meant/designed for an apartment or small flat.  I'm surprised the doors have windows.  Most fold-aways (i.e. Murphy Beds) have solid doors because there is nothing pleasing to see when folded away.  Do you have any idea what kind of wood was used?  Have you checked closely for any labels?  I'm assuming screws were used in it's construction.  My best guess is '30's or '40's and maybe '50's.

[folkfish]

There is a metal plate that reads "'The Fain' Fold-Away Dining Set, Fain Mfg. Co., Norfolk, VA"

Yes, there are screws used in the construction.

Not sure of the type of wood.

[railman44]

I'm only guessing but I'd bet they were sold commercially to apartment builders in large metro areas.  In other words, I'll bet they weren't available at Macy's or in any mailing catalog to normal consumers.  It appears to be a 'built-in' at the time of construction.  I'm still amazed they would go to the extra expense of incorporating glass windows.  

[folkfish]

The only reference I can find for the "Fain Mfg Co" is in a 1928 Builders Catalog.

I also found a patent listening for the design from Walter C. Fain from 1932, but applied for in the early 1920's.

[D&b antiques]

typically fold away furniture gained popularity in the 1950's. this would certainly be suitable for a small apartment. $500.00 Dollars.

[KC]

Are there brackets or places where brackets were for drapes on the inside of the cabinet?  I have seen some with drapes and have seen some that when the items folded up they had at least 2 shelves for knickknacks.  (What a hassle to remove them every time!)

[folkfish]

There are brackets for drapes on the inside of the cabinet.  No shelves.