Author Topic: Identification Assistance Please  (Read 1535 times)

spoonbow

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Identification Assistance Please
« on: October 17, 2009, 02:06:49 pm »
Hello All,
Just came across a cabinet that was advertised as a "pie safe", but it's unlike any pie safe I've ever seen! It's about 48" wide, 60" tall (base and back) and roughly 24" deep on the base. There are three doors in the base - Two small and one large - that open in to metal-lined boxes, similar to an icebox. There are no drain holes in any of the boxes, and the latches all have locks. The upper/back part of the cabinet has two cupboards with the same locking latch mechanisms as the lower doors. There are also a number of small drawers. Other features include a slide out cutting board (?) which can be seen in the photo as a gray stripe just below the counter top, and a series of vent holes covered with screen mesh. The holes are located near the top on the face of the base unit (there are two visible in the photo to the right of the slide out board). There is another set of holes on the back of the cabinet, but these are located just above floor level. I didn't have opportunity to do a thorough inspection, but it did appear as though the ventilated space was "isolated" from the rest of the cabinet - i.e. the drawer boxes in the bottom of the base do not intrude in to the ventilated space. There are only two markings on the whole piece - the number "120" stamped into the wood on the upper right corner of the base cabinet back, and the number "20" stamped into the wood top-center on the base cabinet back. Apparently the piece originally had a natural oak finish, but was stained years ago by the current owner's father.

Anyone have any idea what this thing is?

Thanks,
Matt
Northwest Michigan


D&b antiques

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2034
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Identification Assistance Please
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2009, 04:25:22 pm »
It's a Hoosier style cabinet. but not by them.it's present condition. $800.00 to $1,000.00 Dollars.

cogar

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3590
  • Karma: +41/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Identification Assistance Please
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2009, 11:01:13 am »
I knew it was a kitchen cabinet the moment I seen the picture but I've never seen one with insulated compartments.

Would that have been specially made for kitchens that had a cooking staff that prepared the meals? 

D&b antiques

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2034
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Identification Assistance Please
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2009, 11:13:46 am »
I would agree.

ironlord1963

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2330
  • Karma: +10/-0
    • View Profile
    • Ironlord's Treasure Chest
Re: Identification Assistance Please
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2009, 11:17:36 am »
Just a bit curious about one thing here.  What are the holes for just under the surface top?   

KC

  • Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11661
  • Karma: +93/-0
  • Forever Blessed!
    • View Profile
Re: Identification Assistance Please
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2009, 11:20:10 am »
The ones I have seen have a support rod/board that comes out to support the shelf right above it that pulls out!  This one has a bunch!  Must have some other purpose as well.
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!