cabinet

[w2amr]

I picked up this old cabinet at a yard sale last Saturday. The shelves are tilted forward, and the chrome badge on the door says cold n" hot. There is also a bracket on the inside of the door, that has two holes where something was bolted to it. The original color on the cabinet was light grey. Does anyone have an idea what this thing was used for?
9868
9869

[N2CHX]

Time to call American Pickers!

[NA4BH]

If the inside is metal, it might be an ice box

[w2amr]

If the inside is metal, it might be an ice box
The whole thing is made from fairly heavy gauge metal.

[w2amr]

Time to call American Pickers!
Do you have their number?:mrgreen:

[ad4mg]

Do you have their number?:mrgreen:

(563) 289-1530 :)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_American_pickers_phone_number

[NQ6U]

If the inside is metal, it might be an ice box

No insulation, or room for any, though, which makes it seem unlikely that it was an ice box. The tilted shelves are weird, too. Perhaps some sort of store display?

[suddenseer]

It sure looks heavy. :shock:

[NA4BH]

What's written on the inside of the door (top)?

[NQ6U]

What's written on the inside of the door (top)?

Looks like..."FTM!"

[NA4BH]

Looks like..."FTM!"

Not long enough. Looks more like whinny bitch.

[w2amr]

(563) 289-1530 :)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_American_pickers_phone_number
Damn, you're good.

[w2amr]

What's written on the inside of the door (top)?
paint runs?

[K7SGJ]

Try these guys

9884

Do the shelves have a lip on them in the front?

[w2amr]

Try these guys

9884

Do the shelves have a lip on them in the front?Yep.

[n2ize]

I think I have seen that somewhere before. For some reason it looks quite familiar. Something I think from when I was a kid and a vague memory of the door always being half opened. Can't place it though. If anything comes back to me I'll mention it.

[n2ize]

If the inside is metal, it might be an ice box

Doubt it. No place for a drip pan below , It also looks like it was designed to be locked tight.

[K7SGJ]

Yep.

Well, there ya go. That is what keeps stuff from sliding off. However, I have no idea what stuff. The tilted shelves would sort of suggest a display/dispenser of some sort. For some reason, I kind of think it would be something found in a store. The shelves being the same spacing would suggest a product similar in size throughout, and when you took an item, another may have slid down, or not. It also does resemble the inside of an antique ice box, and perhaps the ice block would go on the bottom shelf in a pan of some sort for disposing of the water. The large lip on the bottom inside of the door might catch any condensation that drips from above and allows it to run into the pan with the ice. The catch for the latch on the left front center reminds me a little of those found on Hoosier Cabinets and such.

Then again, it might be the phone booth Dr. Who used in the 20s and 30s. Or, I could be full of shit, as usual.

[w2amr]

Then again, it might be the phone booth Dr. Who used in the 20s and 30s. Or, I could be full of shit, as usual.
Old English phone booth , popped into my mind the first time I saw it.
http://shard3.1stdibs.us.com/archivesE/1stdibs/071812/UnitedHouseWreckingCT//18/IMG_2554.jpg

[n2ize]

Well, there ya go. That is what keeps stuff from sliding off. However, I have no idea what stuff. The tilted shelves would sort of suggest a display/dispenser of some sort. For some reason, I kind of think it would be something found in a store. The shelves being the same spacing would suggest a product similar in size throughout, and when you took an item, another may have slid down, or not. It also does resemble the inside of an antique ice box, and perhaps the ice block would go on the bottom shelf in a pan of some sort for disposing of the water. The large lip on the bottom inside of the door might catch any condensation that drips from above and allows it to run into the pan with the ice. The catch for the latch on the left front center reminds me a little of those found on Hoosier Cabinets and such.

Then again, it might be the phone booth Dr. Who used in the 20s and 30s. Or, I could be full of shit, as usual.

But why would a store display have a door with a lock on it ? And it would be awkward to have to keep the door open all the time during business hours ? If it were meant to be a display I think it would probably have been fitted with a glass door. More likely a food locker where employees would put their lunches and stuff. The tilted shelves making it easier to find what you put inside of it when you come to retrieve it later. Also the "Hot n Cold" badge seems to imply it was built for storing both hot and cold substances.

Also, what are the dimensions of the locker ?

[WØTKX]

Apothecary Stash Box.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBYuTPw6pGwy2nKLTRwasV2ZQkFlvMf mET1IswxvikZ2uPm8GjQw

[w2amr]

But why would a store display have a door with a lock on it ? And it would be awkward to have to keep the door open all the time during business hours ? If it were meant to be a display I think it would probably have been fitted with a glass door. More likely a food locker where employees would put their lunches and stuff. The tilted shelves making it easier to find what you put inside of it when you come to retrieve it later. Also the "Hot n Cold" badge seems to imply it was built for storing both hot and cold substances.

Also, what are the dimensions of the locker ?
35"Hx12"Wx11"D

[n2ize]

Apothecary Stash Box.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBYuTPw6pGwy2nKLTRwasV2ZQkFlvMf mET1IswxvikZ2uPm8GjQw

Ah, where the good stuff was stored :) .

[n2ize]

35"Hx12"Wx11"D

I found a picture of it online. Apparently someone else also found one and decided to use it for a toy storage cabinet for their kid. But they also have no idea what it was originally used for.

I am guessing that perhaps it was intended to be a food storage locker/holder. Like you might have found in an office or warehouse where employees might put their lunch to retreive it later. The tilted shelves would make it easier to see and grab what is yours. But I am guessing. You picked a tough one. This is not an easy one to figure out.

Is there any manufacturers name or even a number stamped on it anywhere ?

[w2amr]

I found a picture of it online. Apparently someone else also found one and decided to use it for a toy storage cabinet for their kid. But they also have no idea what it was originally used for.

I am guessing that perhaps it was intended to be a food storage locker/holder. Like you might have found in an office or warehouse where employees might put their lunch to retreive it later. The tilted shelves would make it easier to see and grab what is yours. But I am guessing. You picked a tough one. This is not an easy one to figure out.

Is there any manufacturers name or even a number stamped on it anywhere ?
No ID , except for the chrome badge on the front door. The original color was light grey. If we knew what was bolted to the bracket on the inside of the front door, it might provide a clue as to the cabinet's purpose.

[WX7P]

Any way to get a close-up of the badge on the front?

Maybe that will jog some memories...

[w2amr]

Worth a try.
9904

[mw0uzo]

Worth a try.
9904

Nice job, that's cleaned up really well :D
Is the background the case with primer or was the badge removed?

[w2amr]

I'm not done with it yet.

[K7SGJ]

Worth a try.
9904

That cleared it up. It's a big fucking thermos.

[WØTKX]

Well, actually... I suspect that is what it is. :lol:

[K7SGJ]

I'm just trying to figure out where to put the cork, and please don't offer any rude and crude suggestions. ;)

[w2amr]

Nice job, that's cleaned up really well :D
Is the background the case with primer or was the badge removed?
Removed.

[w2amr]

I'm just trying to figure out where to put the cork, and please don't offer any rude and crude suggestions. ;)
Just what you need Eddie, a big pie hole plug.:neener:

[K7SGJ]

Just what you need Eddie, a big pie hole plug.:neener:

Hello

Which causes me pause............would the tilted shelves be about the right size to cool, store, view, or otherwise hold pies? I only ask because that looks about right for such a thing. About the hole in the door; does it look like it was for a lock, or could it have been for a latch mechanism, like a lift or twist?

[w2amr]

Hello

Which causes me pause............would the tilted shelves be about the right size to cool, store, view, or otherwise hold pies? I only ask because that looks about right for such a thing. About the hole in the door; does it look like it was for a lock, or could it have been for a latch mechanism, like a lift or twist?
They would have to be very small pies. It has a magnet on the inside to hold the door closed. It also has a lock that mounts in the door of the cabinet. I don't have a key for it, but I did find a replacement lock assembly that will work.

[K7SGJ]

Well, like I said, there is no way in hell anyone would ever put pies in that thing. Back to the drawing board.............

[WØTKX]

Oh, I dunno... Depends on the pie.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2757/4481224199_146fd470ca_z.jpg

[K7SGJ]

^^^^^^^^ +3.14159265358979323846264 33832795028841971693993751058 20974944592307816406286208998 62803482534211706798214808651 ... Maxwells

[n2ize]

Block of dry ice could have been placed inside to keep food or beverages cold. That would dispel any worry about drip pans for melting ice. That would also explain the "cold" part. But what would keep stuff hot in there ?

Maybe it was used to store radioactive materials.

[NQ6U]

Cold 'n' Hot was the manufacturer but that doesn't necessarily mean that this particular cabinet was designed to be either hot or cold. Frigidaire made washing machines, for instance.

[K7SGJ]

Cold 'n' Hot was the manufacturer but that doesn't necessarily mean that this particular cabinet was designed to be either hot or cold. Frigidaire made washing machines, for instance.

Yeah, you should see what they did to my groceries, they were clean, but you never knew what you were eating.

[n2ize]

Okay. I think the cabinet had something to do with water coolers. The badge on the cabinet says "Hot 'N Cold" and looks exactly like the badge that was attached to Oasis brand water coolers back in the 1950's and 60's. Matter of fact that is why I think it looks familiar to me. I am pretty sure I saw that "Hot 'N Cold" badge on an Oasis water cooler that was in a doctors office when I was a kid. Now, I am guessing the cabinet may have been sold for storing extra water bottles to go along with the old Oasis "Hot 'N Cold" line of coolers. If the dimensions and shelf spacing is correct then it could probably hold 3 or 4 extra bottles. When the cooler needed a new bottle an employee would simply open the cabinet and roll out a full 5 gallon water bottle.

I am pretty sure it has to do with Oasis because the badge and the spelling "Hot 'N Cold" seem identical.

BTW I think Oasis is still in business and you may be able to find out more about the cabinet through them.

[NQ6U]

You may be right about the Oasis water cooler connection John, and they are still in business (http://www.oasiscoolers.com/) but I can't imagine those tilted shelves being useful for water bottles; more likely for packages of paper cups. That bottom compartment, though, might work for a bottle.

[w2amr]

Okay. I think the cabinet had something to do with water coolers. The badge on the cabinet says "Hot 'N Cold" and looks exactly like the badge that was attached to Oasis brand water coolers back in the 1950's and 60's. Matter of fact that is why I think it looks familiar to me. I am pretty sure I saw that "Hot 'N Cold" badge on an Oasis water cooler that was in a doctors office when I was a kid. Now, I am guessing the cabinet may have been sold for storing extra water bottles to go along with the old Oasis "Hot 'N Cold" line of coolers. If the dimensions and shelf spacing is correct then it could probably hold 3 or 4 extra bottles. When the cooler needed a new bottle an employee would simply open the cabinet and roll out a full 5 gallon water bottle.

I am pretty sure it has to do with Oasis because the badge and the spelling "Hot 'N Cold" seem identical.

BTW I think Oasis is still in business and you may be able to find out more about the cabinet through them.
I'll check it out, tnx.

[n2ize]

I'll check it out, tnx.

Great, let me know what you find out. It would be interesting to know what it's original intended purpose was. Meanwhile I'll keep checking.

[w2amr]

I gave it a quickie resto over the weekend. The original grey color was kind of boring, so I spiced it up a bit.
9907

[n2ize]

I gave it a quickie resto over the weekend. The original grey color was kind of boring, so I spiced it up a bit.
9907

Looks great. You do good work. And yeah, that "Hot 'N Cold" badge looks just like the one that was on the Oasis "Hot 'N Cold" water cooler line.

[mw0uzo]

Is it wide enough to fit half size rack equipment? You could put rackmount down the sides and put shelves in and make a cool radio cabinet :rock:
Looks fantastic!

[WØTKX]

T00b with Handles and a Door!

[K7SGJ]

Looks really nice. By looking at the paint job, one might think you've painted a car or two in your day.

[w2amr]

Looks really nice. By looking at the paint job, one might think you've painted a car or two in your day.There was that 52 Ford I painted with a brush.:mrgreen:

[w2amr]

I found a good spot for it on the wall of my garage.
10000

[K7SGJ]

It looks right at home.

[NQ6U]

What are you storing in the thing?

[K7SGJ]

What are you storing in the thing?


Twinkies

[WØTKX]

Baseball caps with various logos...

[K7SGJ]

Well, none of us did worth a shit figuring out what it's original purpose was, but it looks like some very original ideas of what to keep in it, just sayin................

[NA4BH]

It looked bigger in his first photo.





So that's how they do it on MATCH.COM.....................

[w2amr]

What are you storing in the thing?
Little cabinets.

[Bubba]

I picked up this old cabinet at a yard sale last Saturday. The shelves are tilted forward, and the chrome badge on the door says cold n" hot. There is also a bracket on the inside of the door, that has two holes where something was bolted to it. The original color on the cabinet was light grey. Does anyone have an idea what this thing was used for?
9868
9869

It’s definitely a smoker. Old fridge’s are used for DIY smokers. There is a BBQ sub culture that looks for these to use them.

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

[Bubba]

I must add, it doesn’t look like it was completed. Maybe an abandoned DIY project.

[n2ize]

It’s definitely a smoker. Old fridge’s are used for DIY smokers. There is a BBQ sub culture that looks for these to use them.

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif
Nope, I don;t think it was ever a fridge. Other people have found these and they were lockers/cabinets same as pictured here and not refrigerators. Also, the badge on the front is exactly the same as used on the Oasis line of "Hot 'N Cold" water coolers back in the 1950's and 60's. I am thinking it was built for storing accessories like cups and perhaps extra water bottles.

[Bubba]

Nope, I don;t think it was ever a fridge. Other people have found these and they were lockers/cabinets same as pictured here and not refrigerators. Also, the badge on the front is exactly the same as used on the Oasis line of "Hot 'N Cold" water coolers back in the 1950's and 60's. I am thinking it was built for storing accessories like cups and perhaps extra water bottles.

Possible, but the heavy gauge metal is what made me think smoker.

[n2ize]

Possible, but the heavy gauge metal is what made me think smoker.

I see what you mean. Incidentally I am familiar with the idea of using a converted refrigerator as a smoker. One of my Dad's co-workers smokes meats and end exclusively uses smokers that were made from converted refrigerators. In fact as you pointed out, they are preferred by many.