Antique C F Prentice Mercantile Federal Pedestal Display Cabinet Showcase Vitrine

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Description

I'm thrilled to offer for sale this positively divine, one-of-a-kind, museum-quality, monumental antique display cabinet / showcase / vitrine with … Read more I'm thrilled to offer for sale this positively divine, one-of-a-kind, museum-quality, monumental antique display cabinet / showcase / vitrine with the following fine features:

- Handcrafted by or for C.F. Prentice (Springfield, Mass) circa late 1800s or early 1900s (turn of the 20th century) in a quintessential early American, Sheraton or Federal style
- Please note: the brass makers tag sits in front while the door opens from the back
- Overall measurements include 60.5" tall x 28.5" wide x 25" deep
- Pedestal base measures 25" tall x 28.5" wide x 25" deep
- Cabinet measures 35" tall x 25" wide x 21" deep
- Please note: this display cabinet is one piece
- Made of solid oak and original antique glass
- Extremely handsome brass curved corner joint accents envelope the cabinet
- Expertly hand-carved Sheraton legs and apron adorn the pedestal base
- Structurally sound, stable and flush
- Please note the following imperfections: 1) 1" chip in glass in front upper right-hand corner, stain in red felt floor, missing pull hardware, rear door must be opened and closed ever-so delicately
- Please note: there are eye hooks in the corners inside the cabinet such that glass shelves can be added if you choose

After considerable research, I have reason to believe that C.F. Prentice is Charles F. Prentice, the "Father of Optometry" (born 1854). I believe he worked or had an office in Southbridge, MA (see image 23), which is 45 minutes from Springfield. It's possible this was his anatomical eyeglass or ophthalmic lens display case...! The dates of his work and the manufacture of this display cabinet certainly add up. See less