I am so excited to share this find with you guys today! It’s summer now, and summer equals Craigslist-time in the Delerson household. During the summer, Bryan’s hours teaching music drastically change, giving us the opportunity (and motivation) to Craigslist at full tilt.
I’ve been spending a lot of time on the Dallas/Fort Worth Craigslist lately and spotting so many gorgeous things. You might have noticed more frequent “#gatherthis” posts on The Gathered Home Facebook page – I can’t buy them all, so I share the extras with you guys in the hopes that some local gatherers might be able to snatch them up!
This pair of vintage wooden filing cabinets absolutely had to come home with me though.
I don’t want to brag, but I’m going to anyway… When I spotted this listing on Craigslist, there was no indication within the posting that they were anything special. However, as I studied the one photo in the posting, I had a hunch that the wood filing cabinet just might be vintage, so I sent an email asking for more information. Sure enough, I heard back that they were from the 50’s or 60’s and I made an appointment right away to pick them up!
They were so much more amazing in person – solid wood with a gorgeous oak grain and incredible details! They are stamped on the back with November 1955, Staverton (a British office furniture supply company that is still in business today).
The quality of workmanship on these pieces is just stunning – sixty years later, they are still solid as a rock and operating smoothly. Each door slides up inside the case, barrister bookcase style, where each shelf is subdivided into cubbies.
In my research, I discovered that these file cabinets were designed for important document storage. There’s a hinged bar that folds closed over all the doors and which originally locked, preventing them from opening, although the locking mechanism on these particular pieces has been removed.
This pair originally came from an old doctor’s office. I think the labels are original…
As much as I would have loved to hang onto these, right now they are listed on the Dallas Craigslist awaiting a new home.
I’m so excited for the way some future buyer might use them – I think they would be incredible in a home library, office, or even in a rustic industrial kitchen as non-traditional cabinetry!
How would you use these pieces?
P.S. This summer I’m working on carving out a little photography studio in my garage… Last week, I threw some leftover paint up on the wall for a backdrop. It’s in the extremely “rough draft” stages at the moment, but I’m loving the light in here!
Ilse says
June 8, 2015 at 6:12 amStunning! I think I’d use them in my home office / craft room to store paints and such. I am too faraway to buy them but they are lovely!
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:51 amThank you Ilse! I love the idea of craft storage… Now I’m picturing a perfect workshop design to incorporate these! That would be so fun to create!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
June 8, 2015 at 6:24 amLove them and have never seen any like it.
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:49 amI hadn’t either before this! I’ve seen the modern metal versions though (I guess they are probably going extinct too, with computer filing these days). I love how pretty these are for “office furniture”!
cassie @ primitive & proper says
June 8, 2015 at 8:07 ami am having heart palpitations.
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:48 amMe too! If I actually had a place to put them, this would be so much harder!
Brittany @ white dog vintage says
June 8, 2015 at 8:43 amThese are so cool! Office furniture was so much more attractive back in the day. They look great with and without the cabinet fronts. I think the obvious answer is to store your craft supplies here, but they would also look super in a kitchen with some cute little cups in the them. Lots of possibilities! Great find!
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:46 amIt really was! I love a good combination of form and function, with an emphasis on the form!
Trisha D. @Black and White Obsession says
June 8, 2015 at 10:05 amThe cabinets are so lovely. Vintage furniture is so well built.
Looking forward to seeing how your garage backdrop progresses!
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:45 amI’m excited to keep working on it – I think it’s going to be such a useful space! And yes – most modern stuff can’t compare to the love & craft that went into vintage pieces. It always amazes me!
Corinna - For My Love Of says
June 8, 2015 at 4:39 pmThe new photo space makes for great light! What a find! Those are stunning.
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:44 amThanks girl! I can’t wait to finish the studio set-up – I think it’s going to be great!
Gretchen says
June 8, 2015 at 7:52 pmVery cool! You are so strong for letting them go 🙂
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:43 amIt’s training me not to be a hoarder. So hard! I want to keep all the things! 🙂
Elise says
June 9, 2015 at 8:20 amWhy don’t I live in Dallas so I could buy these off you? I would use one for paper work but the other would definitely become some extra craft storage. My heart officially belongs to these cabinets wow oh wow.
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:42 amI love those ideas, Elise! Wishing you luck in your area – you never know what treasures could be hiding in plain sight!
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House blog says
June 9, 2015 at 2:40 pmthese are pretty neat! I would have a hard time releasing all these goodies. bless your good deal gettin’ heart 🙂
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:40 amHaha, I think I need a warehouse! And then my hobby could be walking down the aisles admiring everything! But getting to play “matchmaker” between lost vintage treasures and their new owners/homes is pretty fun too.
tania // run to radiance says
June 10, 2015 at 9:08 amSO cool! What a fun find!!!! You are the best craigslist-er i know. Seriously. Save some Dallas goodies for me! 😛
Brynne says
June 11, 2015 at 9:39 amThanks girl! Never fear – there’s a ton of good stuff on there lately! Let me know if you’re looking for anything in particular for your new home and I’ll keep my eyes open and give you a shout if I spot anything!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
June 17, 2015 at 12:23 amWhat an incredible find!! I need to be better about looking and am so appreciative that you’ve been posting finds on Facebook!! I really ought to revamp the stuff I have lying around here before I buy more but can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing out!
Brynne says
June 18, 2015 at 11:35 amHoard now, use later – that’s my motto (that I just came up with on the spot right now)… 😉