With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this spectacular and rare antique display case. This specimen is truly one of the rarest and most unusual we have ever had the fortune of owning throughout generations of continued operations. The function of this showcase is based around the left side access door, which is hinged and fitted with a lock, and clearly defines how the showcase can be utilized. A remarkable single pane of beveled antique glass has remained in exceptional condition throughout a century and a half of regular use. This display cabinet is the only example of its kind we have ever encountered, and we surmise that if more of these cabinets were produced they have been lost to time as they are difficult to transport and the sensitive nature of the beveled glass front lends itself to being damaged and ultimately discarded since glass panes of this magnitude are nearly non existent. Now in the modern era it is possible to reasonably replace glass panes of such a large nature but for much of the 19th and 20th centuries the cost and feasibility of such a repair was far too excessive and difficult.
This display case has been used to house a historical collection of antique rifles and firearms for the past few generations among the previous owners. We believe that this is the specific purpose for which the cabinet was designed however we are open to the possibility that it may have originally had another intended use. Perhaps this showcase had an academic purpose for the display of rare specimens or a commercial focus to present or market finely produced wares. The interior features metal supports for the shelves which are clearly designed to maximize the amount of weight each tier can support. We conclude this purposeful design is for holding the weight of several firearms at once. A large green felt liner is stretched over the backboards so that whatever is displayed in the case is accentuated by the brilliant color. The solid oak showcase has a beautiful golden tone color and bold quartersawn tiger oak grain throughout. The upper crown features meticulous dental work molding and a similar design is featured along the perimeter of the entire glass front. This example is truly one of the finest antique showcases available anywhere and we are excited to see what future collections this marvelous display case will house. This display cabinet measures 52" wide x 66 3/4" tall with a depth of 11 1/2" at the widest point of the crown molding.
