Dear AT,
I'm looking for a local source vintage steel lawyer bookcases (preferably stripped).
I've tried Bergen Office Furniture, Lost City, and the big warehouse place on Wythe Street in Williamsburg [Two Jakes], but no dice. Everyone seems to say the same thing: "We used to see lots of those, but since Chelsea gentrified, they are now few and far between".
I know I can get these at Sonrisa in LA, but Sonrisa is super expensive and who wants to pay for shipping all the way to NY.
all best, Raul
Sounds tough indeed. Unfortunately, Los Angeles is the heartland for this type of furniture, so you might eventally want to get it from there. In the meantime, we would also look at:
Shelter in LA has some incredible stripped steel pieces -- bookcases, shelving units, etc. They aren't vintage, but are a modern take on the classic. There is a store about two doors up from Shelter on the same block that does carry vintage items -- old pharmaceutical cabinets, a lot of mid-century things. I'd look there.
Whoops -- I misread the question. Thought you were in LA.
There used to be a Sonrisa in NYC - somewhere down in the 20s. Is it gone?
Try OldeGoodThings in Brooklyn and Scranton, Pa.
Don't know about prices, but Past, Present, Future in Minneapolis carries an amazing selection of vintage steel furniture. I think the site is pastpresentfuture.com
Steel Casey in North Hollywood/Studio City (LA) is the source for all of this... but once again you'd have to ship it.
A few years ago White Trash in the East Village (304 E 5th St) sold full size stacked metal barrister bookcases with the original grey paint for $400-$500. Based on the inventory stickers I found I mine, I think they bought them in bulk from the NYC board of education. I was quoted at least $800 from other places, or something like $1200-$1500 for stripped ones. I can't imagine you'd be able to find them stripped without spending a lot of cash, given the labor involved in getting rid of the paint.
Olde Good Things seems to have everything, but it's expensive. Also be aware that by supporting them, you're supporting the Church of Bible Understanding (COBU). Do a google search for more info.
Hello , I deal in vintage steel office furniture. Started doing 7 years ago in SF , I now live in Atlanta ,Ga. I have 4stack of lawyers bookcases I sell for $1200, brushed steel , finished with a high quality automotive lacquer, email me if I can be of assistance. Chris Vintage Steel ATL.
I got mine at a used office furniture store in Poughkeepsie. $125 spent a weekend stripping it. I got a filing cabinet for $60
Hi, I Juan from NoHo I refurbish metal furniture in my garage so I can sell them for a much less price than the furniture dealers with the same quality.
I just sell a single pedestal desk brush steel top and front doors with ultra marine blue body. for $450.00. I have several desk redy for refurbishing, brush steel or painted. I'm asking $600.00.
If you want more details or have questions email me.
x_man076@hotmail.com. I have pictures of my work.
I recenty bought stacking lawyers bookcases from this guy Chris Bailey. The bookcases rusted immediatly and he refused to uphold any guarentee on the finish. I do not recommend him nor any of his product. I paid $900 bucks cash and waited 3 months delivery. All I got was 900 bucks of rust and attitude from Chris Bailey.
BEWARE!
I can get ahold of them for cheap. I've got a straight shot to the source. Not stripped though but cheap. If you want them without the doors way cheaper. I used to buy them for 5 bucks without the doors and 25 with. Email me how many you need. Thanks, John G.
I am searching for antique display cabinets from a drug store. Looking for something made of walnut or other dark stained wood.
Hello Ben, or are you a disgruntled girlfriend ? Hey sorry it did not work out between us, but slander is not the answer.All my work is guaranteed and can be seen monthly at lakewood and scotts antique shows. I have 100s of satisfied clients all over the ATL,. Chris Bailey
Hey - does anyone have experience stripping the paint off those suckers? Is it lead or some other toxic material? What precautions should you take?
Barb
hello John Goff,
what is your email? or does anyone else have a good cheap source for steel barrister bookcases that they would be willing to share? thanks
greg
Good Place To Get Stuff Restored, They Also Have A Ton of furniture In Stock, the most I have ever seen.
http://sonrisafurniture.com/level4/vintage/storage/lawyers_bookcase.htm
But they're expensive.
Ooos, duh, you already found that. Please disregard.
hi there: I thoght I was theonly nut crazy for these things. Anyone know how to get in touch with John Goff who said he had a source. And does nayone know someone who will strip these in NYC? Thanks.
Hi,
I am the owner of Twenty Gauge. They are quasi impossible to find nowadays yet we manage to have them in stock most of the time as we have been specializing in this furniture for 10 years and have an extensive network of suppliers. (I have 7 coming in from Iowa as we speak!)
Side note: like Ben said, this stuff will rust if not finished properly: you HAVE TO POWDERCOAT the furniture-no way around it. It is a bit more of an investment but lasts! (I have one for over 10 years!).
jc@twentygauge.com
PS: We have sales twice a year.
We have bookcases on a fairly regular basis feel free to email us!We don't strip the cases down but our price is very reasonable and shipping is pretty cheap too!
stlezbngreen@yahoo.com
Click the link to my name in the post above to see cases!