Do the drawers always have glass lids?

Not always. It depends on what the original owner collected. Cabinets made for coins or geological samples rarely have glazed covers. Entomology cabinets almost always do, as the specimens are fragile and need protection from dust.

I have noticed that a lot of these cabinets seem to be missing their keys. Is it difficult to get a replacement key made for the main door lock?

Most locks are standard lever designs from the nineteenth century. A traditional locksmith can usually cut a new key by taking an impression of the internal mechanism. It helps if the door is unlocked. If it is shut, the locksmith will need to pick it first, which adds time to the job. Sometimes the original lock has been removed entirely. Fitting a period-correct replacement is straightforward enough in these cases.

What is the cork lining for?

Cork sheets sit in the base of entomology drawers. They provide a soft layer to hold the pins that secure insect specimens in place. Over time, this cork often dries out and crumbles. Many antique collectors cabinets have had their lining replaced with a modern foam equivalent.

My grandfather left me a large cabinet that has a strong smell of mothballs inside all the drawers. How do you get rid of that old chemical smell without damaging the wood?

That smell is likely naphthalene. Collectors used it for decades to stop pests eating their specimens. Getting rid of it takes time. The first step is leaving the drawers open in a dry, well-ventilated space for several weeks to let the wood breathe. If the smell persists, placing bowls of activated charcoal inside the closed carcase can help draw out the remaining fumes. Never use harsh chemical sprays on the old timber.

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Built with banks of shallow drawers behind locking doors, an antique collectors cabinet was designed to store and organise small specimens like coins, insects, or shells.

18th century

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Miniature Mahogany Bow Fronted Chest

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Magnificent Antique English Penwork Table Cabinet C.1790

19th century

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Magnificent Antique English Penwork Table Cabinet C.1790

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Antique Collectors Cabinets in London

Miniature Mahogany Bow Fronted Chest

Magnificent Antique English Penwork Table Cabinet C.1790

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