How do I clean the mirrored back?

Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water. Don't use commercial glass sprays as the liquid can seep behind the edges and damage the silvering further. Dry the surface immediately with a second clean cloth. Any lingering moisture will speed up the foxing process on old mirror plates.

Can the internal lighting be rewired safely?

Yes, a qualified electrician can update the wiring safely. Ask them to preserve the original automatic door switches where possible. These mechanical triggers are part of the original character.

I have seen a cabinet that looks like a normal chest of drawers from the outside but opens into a bar, was this common?

Disguising a bar as traditional furniture was common practice in the early decades of the twentieth century. Makers built them to resemble everything from Georgian tallboys to writing bureaus. This allowed homeowners to keep their drinking habits private in more conservative households. Once the doors opened, the brightly lit sycamore interiors contrasted sharply with the traditional mahogany or walnut exteriors.

The mixing slide on the one we bought sticks when you try to pull it out, what is the best way to fix this?

Start by checking the runners for dried spillages. Sugary drink residue from decades ago often glues the wooden guides together. Wipe the tracks with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. Let the timber dry out thoroughly before testing the movement again. Rubbing a standard wax candle along the runners will lubricate the friction points. This provides a smooth glide without attracting dust the way liquid oils do.

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Antique Cocktail Cabinets

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Designed to store bottles, glasses and mixing equipment, the antique cocktail cabinet is a specialised piece of domestic furniture that first appeared in the early twentieth century to serve the growing trend of entertaining guests with mixed drinks at home.