Featured Huge antique step back cupboard

We are looking to identify, value and sell a huge cabinet that I believe might be called a step back cupboard. It is 122" wide by 19.5" deep by 99.5" high. I'm sure the top part comes off the bottom, but I don't know if any of the rest comes apart.

It is located in Pennsylvania, and was bought by my FIL probably in PA or an adjacent state.





I would appreciate any help with ID, value and how best to sell. Thanks.

 

At over 8' tall that might be a tough sell with so many 8' ceilings around.

Sure could store a lot of stuff in it if a person had a big enough house.

I'd suggest trying your local Craigs List or Facebook Marketplace.

 

Well, it's the same form but the size isn't what is considered a stepback cupboard which were mostly utilitarian type kitchen cupboards in the 19th century.
Looking at the hardware I'd guess 1st quarter 20th century, pine and most likely built to display something, like a collection or store cupboard.
Agree it's size is going to limit interest from buyers, bigger isn't better these days.

 

I'm thinking mid century 50's thru 60". Maybe commercial piece? We took a trip to Tenn this summer and I was surprised by how many tall pieces of furniture we saw in the antique stores, older than this. More like gone with the wind era. Is it actual wood? Or veneer? Also looks like it may have been individually made for someone. Not a mass produced piece.

 

Is there a crown piece for the top?

A beautiful commercial piece just now becoming an antique. I'd keep it!

 

Agree, most likely use i would say, general store type deal. There are no drawers which one would expect to see in a stepback cupboard which again, points to a display cabinet.

 

Could it possibly be a fancy book case? Reason being is look at how the selves are all spaced exactly the same width? Or whatever was displayed in it were all no taller than the shelves.

 

I find it interesting how the doors on the upper part open.....I think......the Left door opens to open the two doors on the leftish sides, and the Middle door does the same on the two right sides!!! With no knobs on doors 2 and 4.....at least that's what I'm seeing...........IF I made myself clear!!! But I do think it's lovely!!!! Think it DOES sound more likely for General Store use, as others have suggested!

 

Think this to be antique or nearly so. Agree that it is likely a commercial piece for store display. In the past, much merchandise was kept behind counters away from customers. Clerks would access what a customer requested and bring it to the counter for the customer to see. Have seen similar cabinets in photos of old department stores for clothing display.

 

i think i've seen this look in old tobacco shops...

 

Here is a clothing department photo from an old department store:

 

Size will limit market on this. The right person would love this if they have the space and the ability to transport. It may take a long while to find that person. If in a hurry to sell, your best bet would be to a dealer or at auction. In such a case, expect to get very little for this in comparison to potential value.

 

Thank you, everyone. I appreciate the comments, and agree it was most likely a store display cabinet. I do worry that the size very much limits the market appeal.

 

Hello! this is beautiful!!! is it still available?

 

I know I would love to have that, but being in an apt it would not work.

 

The original poster hasn't been back in two years.

 

Oh dear, now I feel silly.

 

(I remember liking it)