Vintage army metal file cabinets can be quite valuable to military collectors and antique enthusiasts. Here is a detailed guide on determining the worth of old army metal filing cabinets.

Introduction

Old army metal file cabinets were commonly used by the military from the early 1900s up until the 1980s. These heavy-duty steel cabinets were used to store sensitive documents and records securely.

Many army file cabinets from the World War II era are still around today. Their unique history and durable construction make them sought-after antiques and collector’s items. Let’s examine what makes vintage army file cabinets valuable and how to ascertain their worth.

Factors That Determine Value

Several key factors impact how much old army metal file cabinets are worth:

Age and Era

Older army file cabinets from the World War I and World War II eras (early 1900s to mid-1940s) tend to be more valuable. Their age makes them rarer and more unique. Cabinets used during the Korean War and Vietnam War (1950s-1970s) may have slightly less value.

Size

Standard sizes are 3, 4, or 5-drawer cabinets. Larger sizes with more drawers or wider filing space are scarcer and worth more. Rare mini 1-2 drawer cabinets also fetch higher prices.

Condition

Cabinets in excellent or mint restored condition bring top dollar. Those with dents, rust, or flaking paint have lower value. All original parts intact raises value.

Maker Markings

Vintage cabinets stamped with maker names like Hamilton, Shaw-Walker, Cole Steel, and Diebold have higher collectibility. Markings help verify age and provenance.

Locks

Intact original locks, keys, and locking mechanisms boost value over missing or replaced locks. Combination locks are also desirable.

Color and Finish

The standard army olive drab green finish is typical. Rarer colors like black, gray, or navy blue increase value for collectors.

Pricing Factors

Taking the above factors into account, here are some general guidelines for pricing old army metal file cabinets:

• World War I Era: $400-$1,000+
• World War II Era: $200-$800
• 1950s-1960s: $100-$400
• 1970s-1980s: $50-$250

Larger sizes, mint condition, original details, and markings from major manufacturers would land on the higher end of these price ranges. Smaller, more common cabinets in rough shape would be on the lower end. Unique colors or sizes could potentially double prices or more.

Where To Sell Your Army File Cabinet

There are several options for those looking to sell an old army metal file cabinet:

• Auction houses – Specialized military and government auctions would have the most interested buyers. Leading auctioneers like Rock Island Auction Company or James D. Julia regularly feature vintage file cabinets.
• Online platforms – eBay, Etsy, and other sites have army collectors looking for file cabinets. Clear photos and details will maximize interest.
• Antique stores – Those specializing in military antiques are ideal. Negotiating a fair split of the final sale price is important.
• Collector forums – Connecting directly with dedicated collectors through forums like US Militaria Forum can yield interested buyers.

Restoring and Maintaining Value

Proper restoration and maintenance helps preserve and potentially increase a file cabinet’s value. Key tips include:

• Gently clean with a mild cleaner and buff out scratches or scuffs in the paint
• Fix dents using metal suction cups and gently prying
• Sand down rust and repaint using an authentic olive drab color
• Oil sticking drawers and mechanisms using a penetrating lubricant
• Replace any broken or missing handles using era-appropriate hardware

Taking time to restore an old army file cabinet shows attention to detail and historical accuracy that collectors will appreciate.

Conclusion

Old army metal file cabinets have a unique vintage look and history that makes them quite valuable to antique collectors today. Their age, size, condition, color, markings, and other attributes can significantly impact pricing and worth. With the right buyer, well-preserved World War-era cabinets can easily fetch several hundred dollars apiece. Taking steps to carefully restore and maintain army file cabinets will protect their value for years to come.

How to Find and Purchase a Vintage Army File Cabinet

If you’re intrigued by the history and sturdy construction of vintage army file cabinets, here are some tips for finding and buying one for yourself:

Where to Look

Some of the best places to find old army file cabinets include:

• Auctions – Check military and government auctions for army surplus. Estate auctions sometimes have them too.
• Antique stores – Call around to antique shops or malls that specialize in military items. Some may have cabinets or leads.
• Classified ads – Check classifieds in the antiques section of local newspapers or popular listings like Craigslist.
• Collectors – Reach out to collectors through forums or groups to see if anyone is selling.
• Government resale – Watch for sales of used government furniture and equipment.
• Flea markets – Scout large flea markets, which sometimes have vintage finds like army file cabinets.

What to Look For

When evaluating an army file cabinet, check that:

• The construction is sturdy thick-gauge steel. Tap metal to check for flimsiness.
• There is no major structural damage like detachments or holes. Minor dents are okay.
• The original green paint is still visible. Chipping and fading can be refinished.
• Markings are visible like “Property of U.S. Army.” Research any manufacturer name.
• Locks and keys are present. Combination locks are ideal. Replacing is difficult.
• Drawers slide smoothly. Sticking might indicate rust or bent tracks.
• Handles are intact. Replacing broken handles is tough without new old stock parts.

Questions to Ask Sellers

When negotiating purchase of an army filing cabinet, ask:

• Where and when did you acquire the cabinet?
• Have you cleaned, repaired, or refinished it?
• Are there any markings, stamps, or labels still visible on it?
• Do you have documentation verifying the age or history?
• Does it have its original locks and keys?
• Have the drawers and sliding mechanisms been lubricated and cleaned?
• What is the exact measurement capacity of each drawer?

Purchase Tips

When buying an old army file cabinet:

• Negotiate a fair price based on its age, condition, and features.
• Validate any historical info the seller provides.
• Examine thoroughly in person before purchasing if possible.
• Measure to ensure it will fit through doorways in your home.
• Make sure it can be properly loaded, secured, and transported.

Restoration of Your Cabinet

Once purchased, restore and care for your army file cabinet by:

• Gently cleaning surfaces and removing grime.
• Sanding and refinishing any paint chipping or rust. Match the original color.
• Lubricating sliding drawer mechanisms with penetrating oil.
• Replacing broken hardware using era-appropriate components.
• Polishing and preserving the metal surfaces using Renaissance Wax.
• researching any markings to uncover the full history.

Owning a real vintage army file cabinet can be a great conversational piece and important historical item to preserve. With some diligent hunting and care, it can become a unique, functional addition to your home or office decor for years to come.

How Army File Cabinets Were Used And Their Significance

Old army metal file cabinets have more behind them than simply being office furniture. They played key roles throughout 20th century military operations. Understanding this rich history and use adds to their nostalgic appeal as antiques.

Practical Use In The Military

Army file cabinets in various sizes met important organizational needs:

• Stored confidential documents like orders, plans, personnel files.
• Organized records in an accessible yet secure manner.
• Allowed transport of files between bases and field offices.
• Durable, fireproof design protected vital info.
• Locking mechanisms restricted access.
• Streamlined efficiency for clerks, adjutants, and other paper-pushers.

Standard olive drab color helped prevent rust and matched other equipment. The sturdy cabinets were fixtures in overseas bases, recruitment centers, ships, and administrative offices.

Symbol Of Military Bureaucracy

While utilitarian in purpose, the ubiquity of olive drab cabinets created an image of military bureaucracy. Reliance on recordkeeping also grew during the 20th century.

Row upon row of army file cabinets could inspire feelings ranging from security to tedium. They represented the order and red tape of military culture.

Standardization of the cabinets paralleled conformity in the armed forces. Their prevalence reflected the influence of bureaucratic processes.

Family Heirlooms And Souvenirs

After wars, veterans could purchase surplus file cabinets as mementos of their service. Interest in wartime militaria also grew among collectors.

Veterans passing down their engraved army file cabinets created family heirlooms. Others were acquired as decorative historic souvenirs.

These repurposed cabinets gained nostalgic meaning for their past lives storing sensitive documents in old camps, barracks, and ships.

Enduring History And Design

Despite fading from the frontlines of military use, vintage olive drab file cabinets remain icons of 20th century wartime culture.

Their characteristic shape and hue are recognizable artifacts of the era. They represent both the value and burden of military bureaucracy.

Army file cabinets have outlasted flimsier furniture to become durable antiques. Their aged yet solid presence reflects the passage of time since soldiers queued at their drawers.

These steel boxes on coasters witnessed confidential plans and furtive letters penned by now elderly or departed veterans. They’ll endure as tangible relics and likely outlive their original owners – still guarding secrets within those tightly packed manila folders.

Conclusion

Old army metal file cabinets have far greater significance than just being old office supplies. These olive green fixtures stored sensitive documents and symbolized military bureaucracy during major 20th century conflicts. Surviving vintage cabinets are now collectible antiques and family heirlooms with rich history steeped into their sturdy steel bodies. Determining their origins and markings is key to appreciating army file cabinets as more than just furniture. They are artifacts that tell a hidden story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are old army file cabinets made of?

Vintage army file cabinets were typically constructed from thick sheet steel, making them very durable. The heavy-gauge steel provided security and fireproofing for the contents inside.

How can you date an old army file cabinet?

Manufacturer markings, military stamps, property tags, and construction details can provide clues to manufacture date. Researching when makers were in business or models introduced can provide date ranges.

Are original colors other than olive drab valuable?

Olive drab green was the standard color, but unusual colors like black, gray or navy blue are rare and add to collector value. Original paint in good condition is best.

How do you open an old army file cabinet without a key?

It’s very difficult. You would need to drill around the stubborn original lock mechanism to remove and replace it. Locksmithing services able to open and replace old locks while preserving value are recommended.

What should you avoid when restoring an old army filing cabinet?

Don’t strip off original paint, over-restore to look brand new, make alterations, swap out locks, replace handles, or lose any markings that reveal provenance. Doing so can greatly reduce antique value.

Conclusion

Old army metal file cabinets have a neat vintage appeal combined with the rugged durability the military required. Their age, markings, condition and other attributes determine antique value. Seeking out rare examples for your collection or restoration project takes patience but can certainly pay off for committed enthusiasts. Handle with care and your vintage army file cabinet will one day become a treasured heirloom.