Details
Description
This exceptional general store showcase dates to the turn of the 20th century (circa 1890–1920). Masterfully crafted from quarter-sawn white …
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This exceptional general store showcase dates to the turn of the 20th century (circa 1890–1920). Masterfully crafted from quarter-sawn white oak with a rich, historic dark patina, it features full clear-view glass panels on the front and sides, designed originally to maximize light and product visibility for retail merchandise. The back features two smooth-sliding glass doors with integrated finger-pull grooves. A robust, deep solid wood base apron grounds the showcase, accented by classic tapered block feet and protective industrial metal corner cuffs. It has two removable wood shelves, likely made of a hardwood such as popular or sweetgum.
Exceptional Construction & Provenance Clues
This piece stands as a premier example of early industrial-era American craftsmanship, boasting details highly sought after by discerning antique collectors:
* All-Wood Hand-Carved Sliding Tracks: The rear glass doors operate entirely without modern plastic or aluminum hardware, gliding smoothly inside original channels routed directly into the thick, solid oak frame floor. Over a century of use has naturally polished the wood interior, leaving a stunning historic wear pattern.
* Draw-Bored Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery: The frame is built using traditional 19th-century cabinetmaking methods, featuring visible hand-cut wooden pins/pegs locking the structural leg joints securely into place.
* Retrofitted Versatility: The interior has been thoughtfully updated for contemporary life with adjustable flush metal shelving tracks and support tabs. This blend makes it perfect for use as a kitchen island, library bookcase, dinnerware showcase, or trophy cabinet without altering its historic exterior.
Dimensions: 42"H, 32"W, 16.75"D
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- Dimensions
- 32ʺW × 16.75ʺD × 42ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Glass
- Oak
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Excellent antique condition with a magnificent natural patina. The oak frame retains complete structural integrity. Authentic, age-appropriate surface wear, light … moreExcellent antique condition with a magnificent natural patina. The oak frame retains complete structural integrity. Authentic, age-appropriate surface wear, light scuffs, and natural wood highlights are present on the oak pieces. The glass panels remain crisp and clear with no cracks. The original sliding doors operate nicely inside the authentic wood-carved tracks; please note that the original small brass friction pin/latch hardware is missing from the outer door panel, leaving a clean, original pilot hole that can easily be outfitted with reproduction antique hardware if desired (see photo). The original missing hardware from that pilot hole would have been a showcase friction pin (specifically a sliding door push-pin latch) or a simple thumb-turn lever latch. The two removable shelves are structurally sound. The lower one does have some warping on one end (see photo). The glass on the top of the cabinet appears to be have been replaced at some point, using a more modern technique called frit banding (black edge). Two of the four legs on the cabinet have age-appropriate seasoning checks or natural shallow hairline cracks consistent with wood shrinkage over time (see photos). Seasoning checks should not be filled and are a sign of the wood's age, and do not compromise the cabinet's structural integrity. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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