Featured Antique Gun Cabinet - Age? Worth? New to forum

Hi all, new to the forum here. I just bought my very first piece of antique furniture.

When I walked into the store, this cabinet REALLY caught my eye before I even knew what it was. I just love the style and how old it appears to be. I included some photos, hoping you all can help me determine just what I have here. It's from Iroquis Door Company Buffalo NY according to the inside drawer.

My guess is turn of 20th century - maybe as old as 1905-1915 or so. I'm no expert at all. Just a guess.

 

Are there actually gun racks in it or are they just standing up against the back? I'd like to see a picture with the door open. It has an Eastlake vibe, but I'm seeing something else, too.

 

I wasn't even aware that the Iroquois door co made furniture. This piece is just beautiful.

 

If I didn't already have two Larkin desks, I'd want it.

 

The cabinet was obviously designed for muskets or other long rifles, not like my short barreled modern stuff.

 

What a quirky thing ! I love it ! It almost looks cobbled together from different things. At first glance I thought it was a refrigerator.

 

I think more photos of the empty cabinet are needed to determine original use. Is the back-strap notched for the barrels, butt plate recessed for stock, etc? Would like upper interior photos.

 

@Ghopper1924, any input on this, or @verybrad ???

 

Lightened the interior a wee bit.....I LOVE it, BTW!!!!!


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I'm curious about the mirror. It makes me think this was converted from something to do with clothes.

 

It's rare to see a purpose-built gun rack from the 1890s, which I would say is when this was made, all of a piece, complete with casters. Most antique gun racks are actually bookcases repurposed.

I'd call it Eastlake style with a nice extant crest and bin pulls, all original and consistent with an 1890s date. Love the round mirror, what a great touch! So lucky that it's signed, too. Proof of the maker always helps with value.

The repeating interior clasping elements do suggest the storage of multiple similar objects, why not guns? I admit, however, that I've never seen anything quite like this.

It's a rare - possibly unique - piece, seems to have complete integrity, and as noted above has a certain charm that goes with the slightly rough craftsmanship, which is after all in keeping with its somewhat rustic purpose.

 

I know nothing about this item but, according to the internet, the Iroquois Door Company was established in 1904.

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19384393/iroquois-door-company/

Debora

 

It appears to be made the same way...think one broke and they got the company to make a new one?

 

There are obvious slots for rifles, but very tall - nothing designed for anything but long guns.

 

Thanks for the welcome !

 

I couldn’t find really much of anything on this at all. It’s so mysterious.