Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/19/2007

Question
We've acquired a hoosier type top separate from a hoosier type bottom and I'm having trouble dating the pieces as well as who made them.  The hutch top is oak and has two glass doors in the middle and right of the top and one wood panel door...the bottom of the hutch top has two panel doors with three decorative wood vertical slats on each.   The bottom of the cabinet is unique in that the top two "silverware" drawers come out with the porcelain top when it is pulled out.  There is only one swinging door on the left below the "silverware" drawers and a bread drawer on the bottom right of the cabinet and one more drawer above that.  We believe the bottom portion of the cabinet is made of maple and was painted white before we stripped it.  We've consulted the Indiana Cabinets book and haven't been able to place either piece via pictures.  Thanks for your time and willingness to share your insights.

Answer
Hi Marian
Nice to hear from you.
This is a bit out of my line, but a quick search found thousands of sites that may help you.
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=hoosier+cabinets+history&meta=
In my opinion, if there are no identifying labels on either piece, it could be hard to find the maker.
I am also of the opinion, that the bottom section that you removed the paint from came painted from the factory.
The top oak section was not painted at the factory.
It must have been a heck of a job removing the white paint.
Oak Hoosiers in good condition are highly sought after in my neck of the woods and Command the highest prices.
Good Luck on your quest and great question.
Regards
Eileen