SOLD Antique Oak 12-Drawer Library Bureau File Cabinet - c.1890-1908

This impressive antique oak 12-drawer legal size file cabinet set consists of three separate Library Bureau cabinets, all legal size, offering substantial storage and exceptional turn-of-the-century (1900's) character. These early filing cabinets were designed for libraries, offices, and institutions and remain highly functional today. They are designed to go together, and cannot stand alone as three cabinets. You can add more center cabinets as you please, if you can find them, though! Ask us!!

Construction & Features:
• Solid oak construction throughout
• Total of 12 legal size drawers (4 drawers per cabinet)
• What appears to be matching brass pulls and nameplates on all drawers
• Two of the three cabinets retain original Library Bureau manufacturer tags
• Four drawers retain wooden file backs
• Eight drawers have metal file backs
• Two drawers are missing their metal rods but no one really uses them anymore
• Some drawers feature a Library Bureau patent tag listing patents from 1892–1908 (see photos)
• Cabinets are designed to be used together, not individually, and cannot stand alone (see pics!)

Dimensions (approximate):
• Overall (all three together): ~60 inches wide × 28 inches deep (including handles) × 52 inches tall
• Each cabinet: ~20 inches wide

Condition:

Nice, original condition with expected age-related wear throughout. There is visible color variation across the drawer fronts, and case tops and sides, which adds to the authentic antique character.

Imperfections include:
• Coffee cup rings, stains, nicks, small chips, dents, and surface wear to the tops and cases
• One keyhole is missing its escutcheon plate; two cabinets have keyholes — there are no keys
• Top drawer of the left cabinet closes but slightly does not fully close due to a touch of warping
• Small chip on the top right corner of the left cabinet
• Light white paint splatter visible on tops and backs in a few areas

All of these flaws are cosmetic and expected for original early office furniture. Structurally, the cabinets are sound. When placed together, the paneled sides and matching drawer faces create a strong architectural presence.

The color of the finish is uneven across all three pieces — the right paneled side as you look at the set is a lot darker than the other side. There’s uneven coloring across the drawers, and along the top. This adds lots of character, but we like to mention it, as we like to be thorough. Take a good look at the photos to see for yourself. 

This is a substantial, character-rich antique filing cabinet set that offers both historical interest and practical storage — perfect for a home office, studio, library, or commercial space seeking authentic early-20th-century style.

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Shipping:

Shipping starts at $495.00 for a driveway delivery in New England. Deliveries outside New England will incur additional delivery charges, which will increase shipping costs, especially if you’re on the West Coast. PLEASE EMAIL US BEFORE BUYING THIS ITEM TO OBTAIN A QUOTE FOR ADDITIONAL SHIPPING CHARGES OUTSIDE NEW ENGLAND. Thank you!! ?