Antique Office Specialty Oak 40-Drawer Document File Cabinet, Circa 1890s–1900s

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An exceptional late-19th- to early-20th-century document file cabinet by Office Specialty Manufacturing Co. of Rochester, New York. Crafted from oak, … Read more An exceptional late-19th- to early-20th-century document file cabinet by Office Specialty Manufacturing Co. of Rochester, New York. Crafted from oak, the tall cabinet contains 40 individual vertical file drawers arranged in eight rows of five. Each drawer retains its original japanned metal pull and label holder, with maker’s marks and patent dates stamped on the reverse.

Molded crown and base trim, paneled sides, and warm oak surfaces reflect the transition between Victorian furniture and early-20th-century commercial office design. An original U.S. Document File drawer bears the printed Office Specialty Manufacturing Co. label and patent dates of December 7, 1886; June 5, 1888; August 13, 1889; and October 8, 1889.

The patented spring-loaded follower system was designed to keep folded deeds, mortgages, wills, vouchers, and other legal documents compressed and organized. Originally intended for banks, courthouses, law offices, insurance companies, and municipal buildings, the cabinet now offers distinctive storage for an office, library, studio, retail space, or private collection.

Founded in Rochester in 1889, Office Specialty Manufacturing Co. became a prominent North American producer of filing systems, record-storage equipment, and office furniture. Its patented designs helped advance standardized document organization during the expansion of American business and government around the turn of the 20th century.

33.5" W × 13.5" D × 100.5" H
Drawers (40): 5" W × 11" D × 10" H each
Estimated weight: 175 lb.

MM - 21909 - 072126
LV - 091426 See less