c1900 solid wood Excelsior Needle Co. sewing thread spool cabinet

This solid wood three-drawer cabinet was made by the Excelsior Needle Company as a store display for spools of sewing thread and needle packets, dating to the late 19th century (Excelsior was founded in 1866 in Connecticut USA). “Excelsior Machine Needles” is painted in elaborate gold script across the drawers.

In very good condition overall, with the expected age-related signs of wear and use with one small spot of missing veneer on one side and a worn lower corner. The top is lighter than the body and sides with attractive graining, all three drawers open and close easily. The two upper drawers have sections made to hold thread spool while the bottom drawer has three large, flat open sections. The top two knobs are solid brass with a nice patina, the others are black enameled metal; one bears a blotch of thick old white paint. Overall the condition is very good. It measures 18″ wide by 10-1/2″ deep and 7″ high.

It’s a wonderful size for a collector as it’s small enough to easily display on a mantel or shelf, and sturdy enough to use and enjoy on a daily basis. The size reminds me of my mother’s and grandmother’s small silverware chests.