Bachelor's Chest or Compact Record Cabinet
Storage Cabinet · Colonial Revival Style (Middle 20th Century) · Likely a mid-market American manufacturer such as Drexel or Bassett (maker's mark often found on back or inside door).
Type
Storage Cabinet
Style Period
Colonial Revival Style (Middle 20th Century)
Material
Mahogany or walnut veneer over secondary wood/composite, solid wood base, and metal hinges.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960
Dimensions
30" Height x 28" Width x 12" Depth (Estimate based on surrounding furniture floor scale).
Origin
United States; common utilitarian piece found in residential estates.
Designer/Maker
Likely a mid-market American manufacturer such as Drexel or Bassett (maker's mark often found on back or inside door).
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Auction/Secondary Market Value; affected by surface condition and cleaning needs).
Description
A modest yet functional two-door storage cabinet featuring a stately Ogee bracket base and a decorative molded top. Designed to offer compact storage for books, records, or linens, the piece bridges the gap between traditional Colonial aesthetics and Mid-Century utility.
Key Features
Shaped bracket feet, flush-mount double doors, block handle pulls, and a classic molded overhanging top.
Color & Finish
Dark reddish-brown mahogany stain with a low-sheen lacquer finish, currently exhibiting dust and oxidation.
Construction Method
Factory machine-made construction with flush-mounted doors and an applied Ogee bracket base.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard commercial joinery; flush cabinet doors with basic mitred or butt-jointed frame structure.
Wood Grain & Species
Vertical straight-grain mahogany or walnut veneers; subtle cathedral patterns on the door panels.
Surface Treatment
Molded top edge and a shaped apron; currently shows significant surface dirt and finish dehydration.
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
External brass-toned barrel hinges, rectangular wooden block pulls, and a central keyhole escutcheon (possibly missing metal cover).
Origin & Provenance
United States; common utilitarian piece found in residential estates.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; structurally sound but requires significant cleaning. Surface displays 'alligatoring' of finish, dust buildup, and minor scratches on the base.
Interesting Facts
Pieces like this were often part of 'modular' sets in the 1950s, intended to be placed side-by-side to create a longer credenza look.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American shift toward smaller, multi-functional furniture for suburban housing.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with a commode or washstand; distinguished by its flat interior shelving and lack of a ceramic basin cutout.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild oil-based soap and fine 0000 steel wool to remove oxidation; follow with a high-quality beeswax polish.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Auction/Secondary Market Value; affected by surface condition and cleaning needs).
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable as a vintage item; solid construction allows for refinishing rather than replacement.