Monumental Mahogany Yawman and Erbe 15 Drawer Modular File Cabinet c.1910
ABOUT
Two available. Price is per piece.
Antique monumental mahogany and maple file cabinet by Yawman & Erbe, professionally restored and cleaned. Comprising of 15 drawers in six waterfall modular sections, a top and a base for easy moving. Each drawer is fitted with original solid bronze japanned pulls, brass label holders, japanned copper pulls with "Y and E" stamped on each, bronze knobs and compression rods. Solid maple partitions and interiors throughout each drawer. Original brass label on the top section. One drawer contains several vintage file holders with labels. The back is covered with vintage business licenses from 1960s.
The lower section is designed for use with legal documents and features roller-bearing steel suspension with one solid maple adjustable compression board to keep files secure. Constructed with dovetail joinery, the upper section drawers are designed for smaller files and with six solid maple compression boards. The paneled sides, wrap around trim and solid construction, reflect the brand's attention to craftsmanship and utility.
- CREATOR Yawman and Erbe Mfg. Co., Rochester, N.Y.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1910.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Mahogany, Mahogany Veneer, Solid Bronze, Solid Brass, Copper.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Professionally restored. Each drawer easily slides open properly and can accommodate a large amount of files. New hanging file folder frames will fit perfectly in each of the larger drawers. Five compression rods missing. One small drawer front has been repaired.
- DIMENSIONS Overall: H 74.25 in. W 33 in. D 25.75 in., Top Drawers: H 8 in. W 9.5 in. D 15 in., Lower Drawers: H 10 in. W 12 in. D 23.25 in.
HISTORY
Yawman & Erbe, founded in 1897, quickly became a leader in modular office equipment and precision filing systems. Their architectural casework were installed in libraries, courts, insurance houses, and corporate offices across the country, many tailored to specific clerical workflows.
Japanned means coated or finished with a glossy, durable, and typically black varnish designed to imitate traditional East Asian lacquerware.
