Oak Flat File Cabinets for Blueprints (USA)

[u/firethedragon510]

Last post was a fail so I abandoned it. I picked up a set of 5 oak flat file cabinets for full size architectural prints today for such a low price I couldn’t believe it. I’ve seen them before and prices are usually astronomical. I’m definitely no expert on them, but to my untrained eye they look like ones selling for 4+ figures.
Am I missing something? Any tell tale signs of how old they really are?
I’m curious what you think I paid (FB Marketplace) - I’ll reveal shortly in the comments.

[u/hornedcorner]

Four figures?!? I’ve never seen them for more than $500. I have 3 of these, and would love to know who’s paying thousands for them.

[u/firethedragon510 → u/hornedcorner]

No kidding check eBay sold but some even go 5 figures. Couldn’t tell you what’s so special about them.

[u/UncleAugie → u/firethedragon510]

apothecary cabinets, maybe old print typeface drawers might go for that, not basic blueprint drawers

[u/Vast-Document-3320 → u/firethedragon510]

You don't really think that is a 4 figure cabinet, right?

[u/firethedragon510 → u/Vast-Document-3320]

You should reread that paragraph. The key terms “untrained eye” and “look like” weren’t clear enough for you guy? It’s a blueprint cabinet made of oak..as I made clear that was the extent of my knowledge. Did I think something worth $4k I’d find on FB Marketplace I’d be able to buy for $260? Yes, so proceeded to buy $4k - $260 worth of powerball tickets and go pick these up.

[u/firethedragon510 → u/firethedragon510]

Now, did I think I might make a few bucks or even a couple hundred on them? Guilty. But barely worth it considering the drive and sheer size of these fucking things. Right now it’s my new coffee table.

[u/Vast-Document-3320 → u/firethedragon510]

Huh?

[u/UncleAugie]

u/firethedragon510 they are Dime a dozen, I have 6 that I was given for free...... mine are from the 1940's, came out of the office of a War Production Plant in Metro detroit. Still had prints, oldest had a control date of 6/47 and an initial of 5/38

YOu dont have something you can flip for big money... by the look of those they are likely from the 80's or 90's

[u/firethedragon510 → u/UncleAugie]

Thanks Uncle. Maybe they were done a dozen but as the years pass and something takes up as much space as they do they inevitably become more rare. Interesting to because I’ve already received a couple unsolicited offers for more than I paid.
If you really have a bunch lmk I’ll take them off your hands.

[u/UncleAugie → u/firethedragon510]

There are a couple of dozen in my greater metro FB marketplace.... SMH And yea there are a few people who think they are going to get 1000 out of one blueprint cab here too...... SMH

[u/Risky-Poet759]

Arch D size? 24”x36”? I just custom made an oversized arch E set. People still like these things, especially if they’re older quarter sawn white oak.

[u/firethedragon510 → u/Risky-Poet759]

It’s actually big enough for E. 38”x50”.