Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 12/6/2009

Question
I inherited a spool cabinet from my grandmother.  This cabinet has a desk type top with green felt and an ink well.  The top lifts up to expose place to put spools and there are also 4 drawers.  This has not been refinished, it is all original and I think oak.  I have never seen one that had a lid that lifted up.  I should say I think it is an ink well--it as a glass insert that drops in that has a hole about the size of a pen--it could be for something else.

Answer
Hello Greg.  Your spool cabinet is actually a desktop or display top type of thread cabinet.  The top was used for writing (invoices?), thus the felt and the ink well.  You didn't ask a specific question, so I'm not sure what you are looking for.  However, there are two books out on the topic, which I do not have.  Perhaps your local library or bookstore could help you find them, as at least one of them had a price guide.   Barbara