Lot 17:
American Railway Express Company Wooden Office Sorting Cabinet
Sold for: $200
Description
This one-piece industrial office sorting cabinet was manufactured for the American Railway Express Company. It is constructed of hardwood with a medium brown stained finish. The exterior features a single hinged door with a recessed center panel and an integrated lock with an oval metal escutcheon. The interior is highly organized with an complex arrangement of storage compartments, including various sized pigeonholes, several narrow horizontal form slots, one tall vertical compartment on the right side, and a single small drawer at the base featuring a circular brass ring pull. The front of the cabinet frame is stenciled at the top in black ink with the abbreviation AM. RY. EX. CO. A metal inventory plate is affixed to the lower side of the cabinet stamped A.R.E. above the digits 71524, which are oriented upside down. The cabinet is accompanied by an ornate iron barrel key attached to a yellow identification tag. The interior drawer contains original paper ephemera, including vintage shipping labels and a rate table document for the successor company, Railway Express Agency (REA), which identifies the location of Rupert, Idaho.
Condition report:
The cabinet exhibits a weathered patina consistent with industrial use. There are numerous scratches, scuffs, and impact marks across the wooden surfaces. Minor white paint splatters are visible on the side and back panels. The interior shows general wear to the dividers and shelves. Metal hardware shows minor surface oxidation. The included paper ephemera is in fragile condition with visible tears, foxing, and heavy creasing. The door and drawer remain functional.
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