Q: We’ve had this Clark’s spool cabinet for years. It has six drawers with red glass “windows.” Can you give us the history and value?
A: The Clark family built the first factory for making cotton thread for sewing in 1812 in Paisley, Scotland. George A. Clark (1824-1873), a descendant of the founders, immigrated to the United States in 1856 and acted as an agent for the company. In 1864, George and his brother, William, built a thread mill in Newark, N.J. It became Clark Thread Co. The trademark “O.N.T” stands for “Our New Thread,” a six-cord thread developed by George for use with sewing machines. The company merged with J. & P. Coats in 1952 and is in business today as Coats & Clark, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. Spool cabinets were display cases used in general stores and dry goods stores in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Your spool cabinet was made before 1873, when George died. Value of your spool cabinet: about $600. The red glass version is very popular.
CLARK’S” and is 16 3/4″h x 22″w x 16 3/4″d. The knobs are brass with a “moonflower” center surrounded by a beaded ring. The side columns have an inlaid wood of an ivy or grape vine with flower design that appeared pressed. Is this smaller version a salesman’s piece, or a rarer version of the above mentioned? Thank you! – I have enjoyed your books for many years!
My guess is George A. Clark
“emigrated”…….
The price seems very low for this particular cabinet with the RUBY GLASS panels that are etched. Perhaps what might make the difference is if it has a TIN LITHO ADVERTISING panel on the back? If so, does that affect the value so that it is higher – assuming it is in near mint condition? Also, if the knobs have the initials would be a factor in value wouldn’t it?
Another example of one of those things that I feel should be more valuable. Is it because items connected with domesticity and women are valued less than items connected with men and, say, war?
We have a case similar to this but ours is white with gold behind the letters in the windows. Our piece also has “ONT” pull knobs that dangle.
Would our piece be older possibly???
Thank You, Diane
Honey Stop The Car Vintage