*RARE* Antique American Oak Country Store Display Case. Joseph Knittel

Description

Antique American Oak Country Store Display Case, C.V.Hill & Co. & Joseph Knittel
This show case is extremely special. It is actually two separate pieces, each with its own illustrious history. The bottom piece is made entirely of oak, hand-built and finished. It was produced by C.V. Hill & Co. sometime between 1900 and 1910. What makes it so special is that the C.V. Hill company was well known across the country but not for oak counters. They were the premier innovators and manufacturers behind commercial refrigeration units. Their home industry was one of the founding and most important local industries in Trenton, N.J. for the last century. One of the founder's sons dabbled briefly in woodwork and creating beautiful display counters for their units but it was abandoned after only a few short years. It features ornately fluted moulding and six hand-carved and turned bun feet. The back is completely open and is only covered by a high-quality canvas sheet. The entire inside is bare with no shelving units and the floor looks to have been painted or stained a darker shade. There is a deep notch on the back center of the surface to settle and lock the top showcase down. This section of the showcase measures 32 3/4" tall, 95" wide, 22 1/2" deep.
The top unit was manufactured by Joseph Knittel Showcase Makers, out of Quincy, IL. This piece is from their 1910 Sales Catalog and is listed as No. 743 Cigar Case.
It features period original glass on four sides with two sets of original glass recessed sliding doors against the back, each with brass hardware. The wood is white oak and has been accented with hand-molded nickel plates over the joints and on some of the molded trim around the outer edges. The inside bottom has been lined with a rich, plush black velvet, perfect for displaying fine items, and the previous owner carefully retro-fitted the piece within the last decade to hold a a long bar of LED/fluorescent lights along the top front.
This section measures 17 1/2" high, 96" wide, 27 1/2" deep.
In total, the item measures 50 1/2" high, 96" wide, and 28" deep. It weighs approximately 200 lbs. This item is gorgeous and is in lovely shape. It does show signs of age and use appropriate cosmetic wear.
Please consult images, and message with any questions.
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Item Code: AKLH