Besides collecting Petroliana I dabble in refinishing antique “quarter sawn” oak pieces. I found this Yawman & Erbe oak card file in need of some TLC. These cabinets from Yaman & Erbe are special. They began making filing systems and other office equipment and furniture about 1883. The company was incorporated as Yawman & Erbe Manufacturing Co. in 1898.
They continued to make cabinetry for many years for businesses and libraries. This cabinet is rich in highly sought “Tiger Oak” which was produced from a particular milling process from days gone by. Oak trees were “Quarter Sawn’ (4 quarters from center cut) then cut diagonally to produce the lines resembling the back of a Tiger. It has largely been abandoned today because of the leftover wood from the process (too costly).
This cabinet has been completely refinished. Sorry for the history lesson but I have worked with these pieces for many years and have come to appreciate the craftsmanship from which they were first manufactured so many years ago. The cabinet is 15” by 16” by 6”. Some fraying at bottom of cabinet in back. It would make a great jewelry cabinet for your wife. If you are interested, please send me a PM. I have it listed on EBay for $265 plus shipping. I will sell it for less to Oldgas member.
Thanks!