48 drawer Oak Hamilton type cabinet and cases

Friends,
I rescued a 48 case oak Hamilton ccabinet with over 50 type cases. I can’t use it and would like it to go to a good home.
I have three choices; Give it away as is-ASAP, or should I refinish it and sell it. I see them going for as much as $3,000, or sell it as is.
Does it lose value refinished? I am 35 miles north of NYC, any takers?
Thx
s

Log in to reply   13 replies so far

Friends,
I offered the cabinet to a local friend and he is happily going to put it to use in his own shop. I am still interested to know whether it is worth more in clean but original condition or refurbished.
thx
s

As someone who trawls eBay and other auction sites frequently, I do see them listed at $3,000 quite often, but I don’t think I have seen one sell for its asking price in that range. In fact, there are a couple of large cabinets listed on eBay right now that have been up for months, slowly going down in price from their original 3k+ prices.

Now, I’m sure it happens from time to time, if an interior decorator with a budget is looking for one, but there aren’t that many printers that need all that metal-type storage, I guess. Also, I see wooden ones in good condition and 48 matching cases go for less than a grand all the time.

Wouldn’t refinishing one of these be a lot of work?

I would be interested in buying a Wooden Hamilton Printers cabinet of around the 48 case size. If you know of any that may be available.

Where are you located SKieva?

I’ve been looking for one of these for a long time. Kimaboe says, “I see wooden ones in good condition and 48 matching cases go for less than a grand all the time.” Where? I’m in Southern California and never see them. I even keep asking at the printing museum. I need one that’s furniture quality, though. I need to be printing instead of refinishing. Here’s my dream cabinet …

Barbara

image: DreamTypeCabinet.jpg

DreamTypeCabinet.jpg

Wow, that’s nice.

Barbara, the nicer ones do tend to be priced high and not sell. Usually on the east-coast it seems.

This one, while not quite as nice as the one in your photo (and missing the mid drawer-section) went for $500 in July: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Letterpress-Hamilton-Oak-Double-Type-Printers-Ca...

Here’s one in similar condition to the above, priced at $3,400 and has been listed for three months or more (last edited in July): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Oak-Hamilton-Letterpress-Print-Type-48-T...

Thanks, kimaboe. That’s what I mean. All the good ones seem to be on the East Coast and sometimes the Midwest. I’m willing to pay a premium for the right cabinet, but the transportation costs are what get you. I need to find something local. :-(

Barbara

Live in North Jersey and am looking for a Hamilton printer’s cabinet.

i have one of those east coast cabinets for sale. i have it posted at briar press. “antique hamilton type cabinet” for $900. if anyone is interested, i’d love to find a home for it.

Hi, I have a 48-drawer Hamilton type cabinet. It’s in good shape. We’re in Indiana though. I’d entertain offers if you’re willing to pick it up. Like many, I’ve listed it on Craigslist (for $1699) but it’s not moving. I’ve attached a pic, but have more. Let me know if you’re interested.
Navi - email me - [email protected]

Having trouble uploading a picture. Email me and I’ll fix you up with several.

Hi All,
I know that these posts are from a few months ago but I am currently looking for a 48 drawer Hamilton cabinet and am happy to pick up and move, if the cabinet is regional and for the right price. I’m located in Milwaukee, WI

Thanks!