Lot 277: Two Early 20th Century Wooden Utility Cabinets including a James Woolley, Sons & Co. Ltd. First Aid Cabinet
This lot comprises two early to mid-20th-century wooden utility cabinets. The first is a wall-mounted wooden first aid cabinet constructed from stained hardwood, likely oak. Affixed to the front door is a rectangular white label secured with two pins, which reads FIRST-AID, James Woolley, Sons & Co. Ltd., 76, DEANSGATE, MANCHESTER. The door also features a central painted red medical cross and a brass lock. The interior is partitioned into two vertical sections; the right section features an upper compartment above a small drawer constructed with fine dovetail joinery and a metal ring pull. The main door is supported by a metal chain when open, and the cabinet is fitted with two metal hanging loops at the top edge. The second item is a desktop two-drawer index filing cabinet of oak construction. Each drawer is equipped with a patinated metal combined label holder and D-shaped pull handle, along with a central keyhole. This cabinet bears a contemporary orange adhesive label reading 277 on the top surface, a small white adhesive label reading 7 on the front lower left, and a yellow adhesive label on the front edge of the right drawer that is not legible.
Condition report:
The first aid cabinet exhibits significant age-related wear to the exterior, including surface scratches, scuffs, and water-related staining (photo 1). The painted red cross is heavily faded (photo 1). The maker\'s label is yellowed and the mounting pins show oxidation (photo 3). The interior shows surface marks and dust accumulation consistent with use (photo 2). The two-drawer index cabinet displays heavy surface wear, including deep scratches, nicks to the edges, and areas of finish loss, particularly on the drawer fronts (photo 4). The metal hardware shows significant oxidation and a dark patina (photo 4). No keys are present for either cabinet.
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