Knowing our extreme interest in old library card catalogs – specifically those made by Globe, the acknowledged masters of this particular furniture item – reader Gerry Comninos writes us the following from South Africa; photographs of his unit are available in our woodwork set over at Flickr:
I am busy restoring one of The
Globe company’s earlier pieces of library furniture.
I have recently acquired a Globe card index file which is about 100 years old. It has a patent notice – the patent was filed by a certain gentleman with the very flamboyant name of Royal Lee Vilas in 1897.
There are library cards in the drawers indicating a date of 1908. The index cards can be “locked” by turning the knobs on the drawer front.
I intend to restore the cabinet to its former glory. As you can see the desk top is missing and the roller top has been broken. Other than that the cabinet is in perfect working order. All the drawers slide perfectly as do the card lock mechanisms even after years in our rather harsh climate!
I have searched the web for a similar piece for reference purposes but to no avail.
I am trying to collect information regarding this cabinet and I wonder if it is at all possible to obtain (or if you could tell me where to get) the following information.
- Any image of the complete cabinet and the missing top so that I may replicate it faithfully.
- Do you perhaps have a copy of the original brochures or
catalogues of this cabinet?
Does anyone have advice for Mr. Comninos? If so, please post it in the comments here!
Dear Mr Comninos,
Not sure if this is any use to you but there are 2 catalogs on eBay right now with about 8 days to run. Item numbers, just copy & paste into the eBay search box:
300298322081
300297992131
If anyone in Illinois or nearby is interested in purchasing a card catalog please email me.
Our library has 9 units for sale.
45 drawer solid oak card catalog units.
They are 53-1/2″ high (on 12″ legs), 36″ across, and 19-1/2″ front to
back. Price is $100 each and you must come to pick up in Decatur, IL at
our library or pay all shipping directly yourself. They are oak, kind
of a medium yellow color. And look kind of retro ’70’s.
Drawers are 16 ½ inches long, 5 ½ wide and 2 inches deep.
The drawers are designed to hold 3 inch by 5 inch cards and can also
hold a typical wine bottle, when the drawer is empty of other stuff of
course.
They are very heavy and need at least 2 adults to move. We could help load up into a pick up truck or large SUV if you come during regular library hours.
Hi Denise!
Are these catalogs still available? I’d love to see what they look like if you wouldn’t mind sending me a picture!
My email address is ranottoli@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much!
Rosemary
Hello! Please let me know if these are still available. Thanks! jenniferw@westrick.org
This reminds me of been in a school library looking for books and having the card, that states the book is out and we kept those cards in a filing cabinet like that.
I can’t get over the fact that people are still looking for things like these, they really date back years don’t they I will keep a look out for them as well and let you know if I hear of any or even see any.
Hi, I live in Illinois and can come pick up. Are these still available? Thanks!
This was patented in 1897.
I have an original depiction of this cabinet if still needed.
You can find me on Instagram at UnPackAndLive on Instagram and g email with same name.