In regard to Globe-Wernicke Barrister Bookcases...
I've owned my seven piece set for over five years now, and have not been able to find a date of manufacture. Is there a way to determine this? The top is a curved piece protruding approx. one inch from the front of the case. The top three shelves are labeled D 8 1/4 Grade 598. I know the D is the height of the shelf, not sure what the grade means. The fourth shelf is D 10 1/4 Grade 598, fifth is D 12 1/4 Grade 398. This shelf also has a pattern number ending in 12 (left side of label is gone). This label is also different from the other four (which are similar to the one shown on the GW home page). The bottom piece has the feet and a drawer in it. I have enjoyed it very much as it is a great coversation piece. I am also interested in finding the side straps/bars for it. Any ideas?
Thanks.

I am also interested in finding the side straps/bars for it. Any ideas?

_____

There is a seller on eBay who sells all sorts of bits and pieces for the Globe bookcases. Don't remember his name, but he encourages people to get in touch with him for their requirements. If you look up Globe Wernicke bookcases on eBay you should be able to locate him quite easily.

Here's the guy with the eBay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Restoration_W0QQssPageNa...ibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm

"I also offer a repair service for the backs and bottoms of these bookcases that have the veneer separating. I have many other Globe Wernicke/Macey book case parts as well as many other oak antique items many of them Mission oak that I am clearing out of my old warehouse. Email me with what you are looking for. IF YOU HAVE ANY PARTS OR UNITS (IN ANY CONDITON) TO SELL DROP ME A NOTE OR CALL ME AS WELL!!!! MY EMAIL IS kipwendler@aol.com You may call me at 913-710-4155 9am-6pm CST if you wish to speak in person. Please do not call me from blocked call numbers or "private number" display numbers as I will not answer thinking it is telemarketers."

...and here's someone else with a reprint compilation of 3 original catalogues that look like they have all the information on the pattern and grade codes - 16 1/2 hrs left as of writing, so the 'buy it now' ends Oct.26 at about 1:30pm est

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7358...L=7#ebayphotohosting

I'm happy I found this info. I have a three stack solid oak barrister bookcase, which bears a gold seal, "Globe". No other label. No reference to Wernicke. Does anyone know whether that means it was made by Globe, before they bought the Wernicke Company? Thanks.

I have A Globe Wernicke Book shelf with D export Base 598 5546 on it. It has 3 stackable units and 10 patents on it from all over the world. Also says Cincinnati on it. How do I find out how old this is and it's value.

I just signed on. I have several barrister bookcases that I inherited. Three of them are Globe-Wernicke. One of them has the number 710-I don't see that listed anywhere on your forum. Any clues? Also, I have one very nice set with a drawer in the bottom that I cannot find a label on,but it has rectangular carved wooden handles on the door fronts instead of knobs. Any ideas on this one? Thanks for all the info so far! I am trying to put a value on these to sell them.

quote:

Originally posted by lotsastuff:
I just signed on. I have several barrister bookcases that I inherited. Three of them are Globe-Wernicke. One of them has the number 710-I don't see that listed anywhere on your forum. Any clues? Also, I have one very nice set with a drawer in the bottom that I cannot find a label on,but it has rectangular carved wooden handles on the door fronts instead of knobs. Any ideas on this one? Thanks for all the info so far! I am trying to put a value on these to sell them.

Can't help with the coding, but if you can post some pictures we might be able to help with a valuation

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecat:

quote:

Originally posted by lotsastuff:
I just signed on. I have several barrister bookcases that I inherited. Three of them are Globe-Wernicke. One of them has the number 710-I don't see that listed anywhere on your forum. Any clues? Also, I have one very nice set with a drawer in the bottom that I cannot find a label on,but it has rectangular carved wooden handles on the door fronts instead of knobs. Any ideas on this one? Thanks for all the info so far! I am trying to put a value on these to sell them.

Can't help with the coding, but if you can post some pictures we might be able to help with a valuation

Thanks for the reply. Actually, after I got them all assembled correctly, they broke down as this: the one with no label, which I am keeping, one 3-stack Globe-Wernicke with a drawer unit, quarter-sawn oak, which I sold for $825,a 2-stack unit of Globe-Wernicke, #198 with top but no bottom, one complete 3-stack unit by Macey, mahogany, with top and base, which I still have, and one stack unit of Globe, which appears to be mahogany, but has no label. It is larger than the others, standing 17" high without the 2" top.It simply says "Globe" in gold letters, and has some other letters stenciled on the front which might be file numbers, and two metal disks nailed to the front also with numbers. These are very small. It also has the top fastened to the unit with wingnuts,and apparently other units fastened together the same way.All of the others either fasten with wooden boards, or with small metal pegs on the sides. I will try to get some pictures of them online. Is the "Globe" one older than the "Globe-Wernicke"? I cannot find any information indicating the Globe company made barrister cases before the merger with Wernicke.

I just bought a Globe Wernicke Barrister bookcase over the internet and wanted to find out something out about it. It has three sections, not including the top and bottom sections. One of the sections is pattern 308 Grade 516 1/4, single D 8 1/2. The second unit is Pattern 312 Grade 516 1/2, D 12 1/4 and the last section is pattern 310 Grade 516 1/2, D 10 1/4. Does anyone have any clues what type of wood this bookcase is? I did not see Grade 516 1/2 listed under the different types of wood for these bookcases so I am trying to find out exactly what type of wood it is.Thanks for any and all help you all can give me on this matter.AttyVette@yahoo.com

Wondering if you can help. Recently purchased a GW sectional bookcase at an estate sale. It has 4 sections, one larger than the other 3. Pattern #145, Grade 398 1/2. The edges of each section have a metal banding nailed to them. Can you help me date this or have any information about it? Also, the top piece has been sawed off on the edges, apparently to accomodate a smaller space or something. Because of this, the glass door doesn't open properly. Any ideas on how to fix. UOTE]Originally posted by dennisd99:
My first post. I collect Wernicke items, so I have several reference / source materials. Globe Wernicke has a somewhat straightforward numbering system. Here is basic info. Pattern numbers designate the specific unit, examples: 133 = C. Leg Base, 143 = D Leg Base, 157 = E. Leg Base, 111 = C-11" book unit, 112 = D-12 1/4" Book unit Some make perfect sense, some do not. The D pattern is in fact the most produced series. C is 2nd most produced, E is third, G & H sizes were made to order and quite rare. Other rarities are the S size which stands for the 3/4 size unit, or 25 1/2" long vs normal length of 34", example D 12 1/2" S book unit. The choices got more complicated as GW introduced multiple styles and different units from early 1900's to late 1920's. Bankrupted after stock market crash. Reformed mid 1930's. New styles introduced again. Different styles do not often fit others. Certain finishes only went with certain woods. 197 & 198 went on plain oak (straight grain), 297, 298, 298 1/2, 299, 299 1/2, 698, 698 1/2, 798 1/2, 898 went on quarter sawed oak, 398 went on imitation mahogany, 598, 598 1/2, 599 1/2 went on real mahogany. I only specialize in Globe Wernicke up to the late 1920's. If your unit has the long length of wood to join sections underneath, I can share some insight. If it has the small round metal slots on the ends for joining / seating, it is from the mid 1930's through post WWII and I know very little specifics. As for GW sections / sets, the style, condition and finish determine ranges of value. Some perfect styles are less desirable than rough condition of others. Hope I have helped. [/QUOTE]

quote:

Originally posted by AttyVette:
I just bought a Globe Wernicke Barrister bookcase over the internet and wanted to find out something out about it. It has three sections, not including the top and bottom sections. One of the sections is pattern 308 Grade 516 1/4, single D 8 1/2. The second unit is Pattern 312 Grade 516 1/2, D 12 1/4 and the last section is pattern 310 Grade 516 1/2, D 10 1/4. Does anyone have any clues what type of wood this bookcase is? I did not see Grade 516 1/2 listed under the different types of wood for these bookcases so I am trying to find out exactly what type of wood it is.Thanks for any and all help you all can give me on this matter.AttyVette@yahoo.com

Hello AttyVette,
Info I could find in GW Catalog 122, 1922. Sometimes I wonder what the GW staff was thinking when they introduced all the different styles and confusing pattern #'s myself. Pattern 308 is from BOTH the Art Mission series AND the Colonial Series. Art Mission was 34 5/8 wide, Colonial was 35 1/8" wide. 516 1/4 actually indicates the Finish # and which also identifies the type wood. 516 1/2 is Mahogany, Medium Dark dull finish. Standard base-legs on an Art Mission were straight posts, standard base type for the colonial were with drawer on half circle looking feet. Neither the Art Mission or the Colonial had metal side bands. Also, interestingly by 1922, Globe had stopped mass producing the standard style units that they originally started with and had made them so popular in the begining (they were only making them to order). Happy antiquing, Dennisd99

I have aquired a GW 3 stacked with a bottom drawer. All the pieces have labels. One says Art -Mission size D 8 1/2 Grade 998 1/2. The second says... A-C Single D 10 1/4 Pattern 310 Grade 998 1/2. The third says... A-C Single D12 1/4 Pattern 312 Grade 998 1/2.
The bottom piece is what is most curious to me... It says A-C Single Art -Mission Drawer Leg Base Pattern 348 Grade 998 1/2. While cleaning it up, I noticed that theright front leg( when looking at it) had a hinge?! There is also a label by the leg that says "Remove screw on other side and turn back leg when desired". I, for the life of me, can not figure out why or what use this would have. I feel a little foolish, but I thought perhaps it was a secret stash area in the leg. Any one know what this is for? Also, is it normal to have different pattern numbers together? This piece is in awesome condition excet for a little water damage on the top. I hope someone can tell me about this piece and its origins and possible value.
T

Message to Dennisd99.

I have a pair of Globe-Wernicke corner units from the Stratford, Ontario factory. Label indicares D 81/2 199. They have 45 degree tops both left and right as well as bottom units. Each has 3 shelevs. Any idea of the possible value and who might be interested in them?

quote:

Originally posted by pdobson:
Message to Dennisd99.

I have a pair of Globe-Wernicke corner units from the Stratford, Ontario factory. Label indicares D 81/2 199. They have 45 degree tops both left and right as well as bottom units. Each has 3 shelevs. Any idea of the possible value and who might be interested in them?

retail 200-250 per section, for corner units (which are rare) add a premium, so say 6 x 200 = 1200 + say 300 premium = 1500 assuming very good complete condition with working doors and good glass; dealer/auction price 40-60%, eBay price 60-100% (100 if the right people are looking)

who's interested? try the guy listed a few messages up

just found this - is this the set?..I assume so based on matching names, and description
http://cgi.ebay.com/Globe-Wernicke-corner-Barrister-Boo...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

..if so the mismatched height will hurt the price a bit...

Well, the set at the above link only got to $765 with the reserve not met. I think the mismatched height threw bidders off, and maybe the fact that there was a reserve.

I am in the prosses of restoreing about 50 Globe Wernicke cabinets. Some are labeled C-11. Some 111. Some have no lables and the old hook system on the doors. All are Grade 299 and Tiger Oak. I would love to converse with anyone who knows more about them or offer addvice to anyone wishing to restore (Not Refinish ) them.
I have been removeing the old wax with mineral spirits, then cuting the old (it has darkened with age) shellac with denatured alchole, and then adding new coats of clear shellac in the old french dub style. As a finale rub I dip 0000 steal wool in mineral spirits then paste wax and buff. Then a final coat of wax.
On some the backs and bottoms witch are birch veneer plywood there is some delamanation. On these I thin hide glue with enough water so I can inject it with a large animal needle and clamp it.
I think the old hook style units are the oldest followed by the 111 units and the C11s are the newer but that is just a guess.
I did find a Co. that makes parts for them and ordered door rails, roller pin hinge hardware, scissor systems and screw eyes. They work fine but the scissor (door equalizers) don't have a patent date and the screw eyes are made of thiner guage stock. See,,
rufkahrs.com/hardw8/bkcase.html
I would love to know when the different models were made.
Thanks

A little organizing seems required here. We have 2 recent threads going on Globe Wernicke, and while this one is bigger with more information, the other one has kept growing and keeps getting bumped to the top of the forum. So I'm doing a cut and paste from the other thread to this one, to keep it organized as one topic equals one thread.

Stonecat,
Moderator

....................................
START OF COPIED THREAD

CaveCat
Junior Member
Posted 01-26-06 07:17 AM
I came into possession of this bookcase about 15 years ago to use in a play(I taught at a community college). The piece was given to me personlly by the owner. I did use it for several years in plays and kept it in my office as well. There are 5 stackable units and the labels all read: The Globe-Wernicke Co.....and at the bottom it states: Size: D-12 1/4..Grade 299. The glass "doors" are all raised and travel on a slide mechanism. I don't know much about antiques but when I was in Atlanta GA and visiting the GONE WITH THE WIND museum, I saw "my" bookcase in bedroom exhibit! Can anyone tell me about my piece? CaveCat

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CaveCat, 01-26-06 07:36 AM
Posts: 3 | Registered: 01-22-06

don szymanksy
Member
Posted 01-26-06 09:07 AM
i have done a little research on the globe wernicke stuff.

the company was just called Globe until 1898, when they merged with wernicke to become the company most are familiar with. so your cabinet dates at least after that time.

the piece i have, a small cube file has just the globe decal, so it date prior to that time.
Posts: 235 | Registered: 03-03-05

Stonecat
Member
Posted 01-26-06 09:10 AM
What's with all the Cats??

New posters this week: B-cat and CaveCat !!! Should all us cats get together for a java or two and listen to some beat poetry in a smokey coffee house somewhere?! haha

..but seriously..we have a big thread going for Globe Wernicke stuff with lots of info on the coding system etc. - here it is:

(edit - this is now the same thread)

I think I'll retitle it from its old title 'Barrister Bookcases', to just the 'Globe Wernicke' thread.

If you can, post some pictures of your set and we can give you some more comments, on wood and condition etc. There's a fair bit of info on the web as well, for this company, if you Google it.
Posts: 504 | Registered: 01-27-05

CaveCat
Junior Member
Posted 02-04-06 09:53 AM
I took my screen name from an old one-act play I had read years and years ago......Being a theatre person, it seemed appropriate but you are right about the "coffee and poetry" bit! I thought I DID post pictures....I didn't? I'm terrible with the computer

Posts: 3 | Registered: 01-22-06

CaveCat
Junior Member
Posted 02-09-06 03:40 PM
Going to try to send photos of my barrister if hopes of finding out its potential value. Help from anyone is greatly appreciated.

various_and_ebay_005.jpg (463 Kb, 17 downloads)

Posts: 3 | Registered: 01-22-06

Stonecat
Member
Posted 02-09-06 04:02 PM
A broad rule of thumb is $200 a unit plus a premium for good condition. So your 5 stacker is worth at least $1000 retail, but more if its solid without cracks, or major dings, and if all the door sliders are intact and working. So assuming you're more or less in good shape overall, then say $1200. Dealer and auction value is less of course, 40-60% rule of thumb, ebay probably more especially if bidders are close and can pick-up or reduce shipping cost. Original glass helps as well, but some people don't like old glass if its a little wavy, especially if they are trying to display something inside.
Posts: 504 | Registered: 01-27-05

<farmer>
Posted 02-22-06 10:30 PM
I am in the prosses of restoreing about 50 Globe Wernicke cabinets. Some are labeled C-11. Some 111. Some have no lables and the old hook system on the doors. All are Grade 299 and Tiger Oak. I would love to converse with anyone who knows more about them or offer addvice to anyone wishing to restore (Not Refinish ) them.
howdy1@ntelos.net
thanks


Stonecat
Member
Posted 02-23-06 12:50 AM

50 units!!! WOW! You are sitting on a serious group. As far as restoring goes you have a few options but it all depends on condition. The easiest restore approach is 1) clean with a grease cutting soap (dish soap is fine), 2) remove any old wax with mineral spirits, 3) skin coat with shellac, white or amber depending on existing depth of colour, and 3) new coat of wax

Like I said, condition is all important and with 50 units you probably have a wide range of conditions, so there might be a wide range of techniques to apply. Posting pictures would be a big help.
Posts: 504 | Registered: 01-27-05

<farmer>
Posted 02-25-06 08:44 PM
Farmer
I have been removeing the old wax with mineral spirits, then cuting the old (it has darkened with age) shellac with denatured alchole, and then adding new coats of clear shellac in the old french dub style. As a finale rub I dip 0000 steal wool in mineral spirits then paste wax and buff. Then a final coat of wax.
On some the backs and bottoms witch are birch veneer plywood there is some delamanation. On these I thin hide glue with enough water so I can inject it with a large animal needle and clamp it.
I think the old hook style units are the oldest followed by the 111 units and the C11s are the newer but that is just a guess.
I did find a Co. that makes parts for them and ordered door rails, roller pin hinge hardware, scissor systems and screw eyes. They work fine but the scissor (door equalizers) don't have a patent date and the screw eyes are made of thiner guage stock. See,,
rufkahrs.com/hardw8/bkcase.html
I would love to know when the different models were made.
Thanks


<JFRIEDRICHS>
Posted 03-01-06 01:22 PM
I own a Globe Wernicke bookcase complete with 4 stackable sections, top and bottom. All pieces have factory label and are grade #198. the pieces are D-8-1/2 on two pieces, D 10-1/4 on one piece and D 12-1/2 on the last. There is a drawer in the base section. All were mnanufactured in Cincinnati and are oak. The galss is in good origional condition. Would you have knowledge of as auction house in the northeast where I could sell it?


<treewoman>
Posted 03-05-06 12:26 AM
I am getting a big kick out of this thread..I live in Cincinnati where Globe Wernicke was located. My parents MET there! If it weren't for Globe Wernicke, I wouldn't be here! I think it's time I bought one of those old babies!

END OF COPIED THREAD
................................

quote:

Originally posted by pdobson:
Message to Dennisd99.

I have a pair of Globe-Wernicke corner units from the Stratford, Ontario factory. Label indicares D 81/2 199. They have 45 degree tops both left and right as well as bottom units. Each has 3 shelevs. Any idea of the possible value and who might be interested in them?

Regarding the angled tops, Canadian stackers.

I agree with Stonecats info. If the right person is looking at the item, you will get a high retail bid. What you are willing to sell them for is just as important, if not more. If you want 100% highest value, you limit selling them to only 15% - 25% of the potential buyers. Most auction goers / buyers want 20% off retail at a minimum to feel like they got a bargain, my opinion. For those of us that remember buying stack units for $50 - $100 each (or less), the spread between wholesale and retail keeps getting wider. Rareity and demand are really creeping in to Wernicke bookcase items as they are less and less available in the market. Low wholesale on this set at auction should have been in the $750 - $1000 range. High dollar sale to someone who really wanted the set, in the $1100 - $1500 range. Attractive tops, very bland sections / miss-matched height is definitely bad for angled sets, and odd looking bases (may just be Canadian version of the angled bottoms, see below)

Here is my take on the Canadian units. The two tops are worth almost more than everything else. A collector would pay $500 - $750 for the pair, retail. The #1 thing that brings this set down (for me and other tiger oak collectors), they are Plain oak (straight grain) # 199 Grade. That was the lowest starting grade for Wernicke. Bases are different than USA factory Wernicke angles and may or may not be as manufactured (cannot tell from picture, if came on units, they are right, probably just different due to canadian, the USA angle bases I have seen sides are full length at an angle, not stair-stepped). Miss-matched height is a clue they are missing something, they would have been sold as a clean match.

Lastly, I would never buy anything from someone with (0) feedback on Ebay. This may or may not have been a factor. If you are new to ebay, go ahead and spend a couple weeks going on a buying spree of some low cost items you need or want and get some solid feedback built up. This is a must for credibility. If you want to bid on something that is quite a few dollars, email the person and tell him of your honest intent to buy. (0) feedback ebayer are bad news to high dollar sellers most all of the time. As always, if there are large antique malls near you, visit them to see retail range values and conditions. Happy antiquing & best regards, Dennis

(Dennis - I fixed/cleaned it up a bit for you - Stonecat)

Stonecat
It seems that the old hook style cases are pre 1900, the C11 were made between 1900-1911, and the 111 cases were made between 1912 and 1926.

I have purchased a GW bookcase (label: Pattern 809 Grade 3098 1/2) and would like to find out its age, and composition. I am also interested in buying knobs for this piece. Any leads? Thanks in advance.