A few months ago I got this solid quartersawn (white?) oak file cabinet off good ol' Craigslist for $40. It's in great condition and I think it is the original finish. You can see in the closeup of the graining extending through the dovetailed drawers that it is indeed solid oak and not oak veneer. I believe the hardware is also original.

I'm guessing that it was made around the 1910s or so, maybe 1920s ,and I can't seem to locate a maker's mark anywhere on the piece. I'm wondering if these file cabinets are typically marked in a similar area on most models?

Any input as to age/maker/region would be greatly appreciated.











ps Check out my post about the hammered copper cigar box I recently purchased under the Jewelry & Metalware section.


Chilean Hammered Copper Cigar Box


Kyle Shiroma

Ephraim Faience Pottery 2007 Photo Contest Winner

My Room Photos

Good Morning Friend,
What a beautiful chest and I particularly like the dove tales in the drawer front and not to a board that the drawer front could be secured to.

Also the sides were made to accept the panels as mortises were cut into the horizontal connectors as well as the front and back corners of the frame.

As a general rule you might find a mark on the drawers or on the bottom of the cabinet when tilted on it's back while it is empty. Many craftsmen would use paper labels rather than a branded mark.

Respectfully

Ralph Jones

Like I said in the earlier thread, that's a cool file cabinet. They are desireable since most people have a home office and need storage. One like this, marked or not, could easily sell for $700 or more. Also, let me know if there are any good antique stores up your way; I don't go to Oceanside often, but it might be fun to try sometime.

I was told that veneers weren't commonly used until the 1930s or thereabouts. I am still not sure as to the approximate age of this file cabinet. If anyone happens to have an idea of when these type of file cabinets were first produced, and when wood veneers came into common woodworking practices in furniture, I would love to find out more.

Good Morning Friend,
Since I posted an answer to your post already I have taken in a similar four drawer QSWO file cabinet to repair and refinish as someone tried to apply some kind of finish over the original finish and botched the job.

The only difference is the side panels have vertical center mullion for the 1/4" panels to fit into as well as the corners.

There are some pieces missing and the bottom drawer front is broken that I will have to make new and repair the drawer front.I will look for some sort of marking.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones