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Bown Steel Aseptic Dental Cabinet by Lee S. Smith Son w/ Twelve Drawers, 1909

Price:$5,000

$6,125List Price

About the Item

An exceptional and scarce 1909 twelve-drawer, four-door Bown steel and brass “Aseptic” dental cabinet by Lee S. Smith Son. Considered by collectors to be the ne plus ultra of antique dental cabinets, it would also serve perfectly—and perhaps once did during its one hundred-plus years—as a medical, apothecary, or display cabinet as well. Nearly indestructible steel construction from top to bottom, with brass hinge pieces, lock plates and cylinders, and mushroom-shaped pulls on its four doors and twelve variously-sectioned swing-out tray-like drawers. The drawers feature fronts in which one would’ve likely inserted content labels, with nine being convex, and three being flat. Upper cabinet with eave top, two doors, original beveled glass panes on three sides, and two adjustable height glass shelves inside. Lower cabinet with a work surface, two doors, and a shelf inside on the right. Wireless lights could be easily installed via magnets to the interiors of both cabinets. Stands on 19th century-style bun feet. Steel has a nicely muted darker tone with an attractive amount of patina on varying display throughout. Entire piece was professionally stripped to bare metal at some point in the past, and then finished inside and out in a satin—or semi-gloss for the work surface—clear coat to preserve and protect its very handsome and honestly earned natural character. The striking vertebral oversized steel hinges, delightful drawers and details, and impressive craftsmanship make this spectacular cabinet a highly sought after example of very early twentieth century American industrial design. It’s certain to serve as a conversation-starting stand-out in any interior, while offering myriad places to store and present one’s most prized collectibles, curios, and curiosities, or the tools and trappings of one’s trade. Brass tag at top reads “Aseptic Dental Cabinet / Lee S. Smith Son Co. / Pittsburg U.S.A”. Brass tag at bottom reads “The Bown Steel Dental Cabinets / Patented April 13, 1909”. Six locks total on doors, drawers, and body appear to be functional, though there’s no key. Dimensions listed are overall. Dimensions of specific elements are as follows: Upper cabinet interior: H 15.38 in. x W 27.25 in. x D 10.5 in. Glass shelves: W 13.5 in. x D 10 in. Work surface: H 31.13 in. x W 28.25 in. x D 6 in. Drawers: H 1.63 x W 10 in. x D 7.5–11.5 in. Lower cabinet interior: H 18 in. x W 12.75 (left) / 14.75 (right) in. x D 16.5 in.

Creator:
Lee S. Smith Son 1 (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 61.63 in (156.55 cm)Width: 32 in (81.28 cm)Depth: 20.25 in (51.44 cm)
Style:
Industrial (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Glass,Steel
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
1909
Condition:
Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Varying amount of patina and expected tiny/minor dings/marks. Internal element for unilaterally securing drawers bent and no longer functions as designed; drawers are ok. Bottom left door a bit tweaked; can have a very slight gap when closed. No key.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955041860472

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