100 Matching Annotations
  1. Mar 2025
  2. Feb 2025
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/276799504311

      Two 3x5 sections of 15 drawers each for a total of 30 along with a section that has 2 writing drawers along with a top and a table leg section listed in December 2024/January 2025 for $3000 with a buy now of $5000.

      Free pick up in Oconee, Illinois

      cost per drawer: $100

      Relistings: - https://www.ebay.com/itm/276808448650 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/276816845128 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/276825363082 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/286289360862 - etc...

  3. Jul 2024
    1. This lovely old file cabinet is 52" high x 14-3/4" wide x 27-1/2" deep. Each drawer is 6-1/8" wide x 4-6/8" high x 18-1/4" deep. It has a few scratches on the side, but nothing that can't be touched up. Otherwise, it's in good condition. In the early 80's, I worked on a TV series called "Cassie & Co." starring Angie Dickinson. This (and another antique file cabinet) was purchased and used as set dressing in Angie/Cassie's office. When the show was canceled, I bought the cabinets and have had them ever since. I don't have specific background info on them.

      https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3801438776811728/

      Sold · Antique 16-Drawer Library Card File Cabinet

      Purchased for $250

      cost per drawer $15.63

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/296524757520

      Shaw Walker steel cabinet with brass pulls<br /> 6 columns of 6 drawers for a total of 36. Built in legs. Drawers were listed as 4.5" tall, so likely a 4x6" card catalog even though it was listed as a library catalog from downtown Cleveland Public library.

      Listed for 800.00 in Jun 2024

      No longer available as of 2024-06-29. May have sold for as much as $800, but not determinable based on this listing.

      cost per drawer: $22.22

  4. May 2024
  5. Mar 2024
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/374936561744

      Previously listed (late Summer 2023). Offered for bidding at $7,200 for a Jens Risom Library Card catalog on/around 2023-09-16. Local pickup from Pageland, SC. Ex-library from Davidson College Library in North Carolina tag number 01359.

      Section of 6x5 and another of 6x7 for a total of 72 drawers with a middle section which has two pull out writing drawers.

      Cost per drawer at opening bid: $100.00

      2023-09-25: Relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/374948492633

      2024-02-29 Relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/375282966486

  6. Feb 2024
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/256416691118

      2024-02-19 120 drawer cabinet, solid in four sections of 8x4 with a set of four writing drawers in the middle. No table, but a very low slung simple base. Listed for $4,000 or best offer for pick up only in Greenbriar, TN. No manufacturer listed. Appears to be all wood and metal, but no photos of internals.

      Relatively rough shape with mediocre finish. Two drawers are mismatched and darker. A couple of the label/pulls are broken or hanging, Missing a few rods. One drawer front is entirely broken.

      Cost per drawer: $33.33 per drawer.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/166584466393

      2024-02-06: 15 drawer (5x3) card catalog offered for starting bid of $200. 3 piece sectional with top, drawers and simple table base with spindle legs. Appears to be in maple with polished steel fittings.

      Manufacturer: none listed<br /> Location: Local pick up from Niagara Falls, NY

      Condition: the finish on this is shot and is either cracked, peeling, or generally non-existent on the outside. Missing two rods. Finish on the wood inside appears solid.

      Cost per drawer: - opening bid of $200: $13.33

      This was later relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/166595950156 and ultimately sold for $255.00.

      Cost per drawer: $17.00

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/694743405502203/

      Seller description: 1902 Shaw Walker Card Catalog and File Cabinet 3 piece stackable $765 Listed 19 weeks ago in San Bernardino, CA Details

      Condition
      Used - Good
      Color
      Brown
      Material
      Wood
      

      Super nice old antique card catalog Stackable Oak wood Very few marks for its age 1902 original tags inside it Simply elegant piece No missing pieces no scratches 76 t 16 w 19 d

      Jeanie Lowry listing from October 2023 and sold in late 2023 potentially for $765 or less.

      Sectional Shaw-Walker modular card catalog and filing cabinet. 3 sections of 2x3 drawers for 3x5" cards and one section of 2x1 along with a two 8.5x11" filing drawers and a writing desk pullout section.

      22 total drawers but 20 for index cards

      Cost per drawer: $34.77 (sold)

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1020494389229110/

      Solid Gaylord Bros. 60 drawer card catalog for pick up in San Bernardino, CA by Jeanie Lowry on Facebook. Reasonable shape despite some dings, especially to the wood facia at the bottom. One metal drawer pull shorn off, but looks like it had all it's rods as well as three writing drawers in the middle.

      2023-01 Listed for ??<br /> Sold sometime in early 2024 presumably for $525

      Seller description: Beautiful Vintage 1950’s Bro Dart Card Catalog Vintage 60 Drawer Card Catalog One drawer handle has the hook missing 3 of the slide in bars missing Some wear on the bottom panel Drawers are strong with brass handles and screws 60 inches tall 40 1/2 wide 17 1/2 deep Drawers are 5 1/2 inches wide Very heavy Great piece would look so great in a retail setting

      Cost per drawer: $8.75

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/406045722112862/

      2024-02-01 Originally listed for 1,100 or so and slowly decreased to $990 on 2024-02-17 at which point it was listed as "not in stock", so unsure if actually sold.

      Gaylord Bros. 25 drawer modular card catalog in 4 sections including top and table/legs and two drawer sections of 5x2 and 5x3. in reasonable but somewhat rough condition. for pick up in San Bernardino, CA from Jeanie Lowry

      Offered as part of a Facebook garage sale which included a similar 30 drawer catalog with pull out writing desks and a handful of metal card filing cabinets meant for punch cards.

      1960’s 25 Drawer Card Catalog Hard to find item In great shape 40 1/2 T, 33 W, 17 D

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/116060316468

      2024-02-06 Gaylord Bros. modular 3 piece card catalog with 15 drawers (5x3), table, and top offered for bidding at $500 with a buy it now of $2,000. Local pick up only from Franklin Square, NY.

      In pretty dreadful condition, mismatched drawers, wood and metal with plastic trays in drawers instead of wood. Heavy water damage to stain/finish on the top.

      Cost per drawer: - minimum auction price of $500: $33.33 - buy it now price of $2,000: $133.33

      I suspect this won't sell for quite a while at this price and in this condition.

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/899978637990824/

      Steelcase 8 drawer (x 2 rows per drawer) card index offered for $450 in downtown Los Angeles area in late December 2023. Looks to be in good condition with some nice art deco detailing.

      Antique two tone card file with 8 drawers. Extremely rare in excellent condition. Detailed handles and opener latch with beautiful metal work. These typically sell for $1400 or more so it is priced to sell. Possible delivey depnding on your location. 52" height x 15" across x 28" deep

      Most likely for 4x6" index cards, but messaged owner to check

      Cost per drawer: $28.12

      Likely capacity: 57,000 cards

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2356693964529700/

      2024-01 Offering three Cole Steel card filing cabinets for $165 each. Industrial beige 20 gauge steel in good condition with locks.

      Size: 52 h x 19 w x 29 d

      10 sections of 2 drawers for 20 actual drawers.

      Based on communication with the seller their internal space is 4" high by 7.5" so they were likely designed for punch cards (7 3/8 by 3 1/4").

      Cost per drawer: $8.25.

  7. Jan 2024
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325982715454

      35 drawer modular card catalog in light mid century modern design. Table with stick legs a 5x6 section including two pull out writing drawers, a 5x1 section and a top. Likely maple, in great shape. All wood and metal, includes all rods.

      Listed in 2024-01-29 for $3995.00 with freight shipping extra from South Bend, IN

      Labeled as a Centura 400 (model?)

      Cost per drawer: $114.00

      This is the first time I've seen a catalog from Sjöström on the market though on searching there are a handful floating around.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/305374515970

      12 drawer (3 x 4) card index from Library Bureau in generally good looking shape from January 2024-01-28 listed for $385.00 (+ a ridiculous $203.77 shipping fee from North Canton, OH to Los Angeles).

      Looks to be ex-library from Colgate University, in all wood and metal and in excellent shape. Missing all the catalog rods however.

      I'm doing the cost per drawer based only on the opening bid price despite the gouging of the shipping price. Many sellers seem to be tacking on an above average shipping charge to pad their sale prices and potentially shift commissions from ebay.

      Cost per drawer: $32.00

  8. Dec 2023
    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1450438865737791/

      Dark stained oak library catalog (single piece with a solid base) with 9 drawers in four sections of three for a total of 108 drawer listed in mid November 2023 for $3,000. Three or four drawers are missing or have damaged hardware. No extant catalog rods. Otherwise very pretty and darker than most.

      Local pick up only in Moorpark, CA.

      Make/model? Has the look of mid century Gaylord, but it's an uncommon form factor.

      Seller description:

      Vintage library catalog cabinet. Solid oak, 60 width, 69.5 height and 18 inches deep. Some drawers missing hardware. LOCAL PICKUP ONLY IN CITY OF MOORPARK, CA

      Cost per drawer: $27.77

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/145513677777

      2023-12-23 sectional (top and 6x3 section of drawers) 18 drawer card catalog offered for sale with local pick up only in Taunton, MA for $450.00.

      In very rough shape with scratches, finish missing, some warping, peeling, no base, no rods (but also no hardware for rods). Few staples in wood. In good enough shape for easy refinishing without restoration work however.

      Cost per drawer: $25.00

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/276234367177

      Industrial metal card catalog with 9 drawers containing 36 sections for 3x5" index cards. A tenth bottom drawer contains extra non-card space. Offered in late December 2023 for 450.00. Heavily used, stickers in label areas, some exterior hardware missing, some rust visible. Local pick up only in Rosamond, CA. Apparently there is no marking or manufacturing name plate; seller believes it to be Remington from 1940's, but without any evidence.

      Cost per drawer: $12.50

    1. Saw listing in early 2023-12 for $650 with local pick up only in Lenoir City, TN. 21 people watching it, so it's probably been up for a while.

      A Remington Rand, oak card catalog with two 6 x 5 sections for a total of 60 drawers in a solid cabinet with a middle section including three writing drawers. Well used moving towards shabby. Missing all the rods and some drawers missing either exterior hardware and/or replaced drawers (wood doesn't quite match).

      Cost per drawer: $10.83

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/166417242257

      72 drawer library card catalog listed for sale on 2023-11-05 for $850.00 with local pick up only in Asheboro, NC. Mid century modern in Maple with plastic drawers. Heavily used and some damage visible, but functional shape. Two sections separated by 3 writing drawers. Likely from 70s.

      Cost per drawer: $11.80.

      2023-11-29 relisting: https://www.ebay.com/itm/126210967207

      2023-12-06 delisted https://www.ebay.com/itm/166481183026 Indicated that it was no longer available, so potentially sold for the $850 (or less)

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/314945102079

      It's been listed a while, but first saw 2023-12-02 for $3,699.00. Local pick up from Green Bay, WI and flat rate shipping for $399.00

      35 drawer modular Gaylord Bros. card catalog. 2 sections of 15 and one section of 5 along with a sectional two writing drawers and a table base with thin legs.

      Modest wear, some minor water damage on one section, has all the rods, some sticker damage to finish in label areas.

      cost per drawer: 105.68

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/155791697888

      Offered for $1,292.00 for auction on 2023-09-24 with free local pick up from Bayonne, NJ. Modular, unlabeled Card catalog with standalone (non-interlocking) 5x3 set of drawers and a section with two pull out writing drawers.

      Cost per drawer: $86.13

      This has been listed separately in the past year, but taken off eBay for several months before this relisting. (versus being continually relisted...)

      2023-10-11: Relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/155822159839 for $1292.00

      2023-12-02: Relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/155923155812 for 1292.00

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/386335942459

      Yawman & Erbe metal filing cabinet for 3x5" index cards with 10 drawers, each with two sections (equivalently 20 drawers). Approximate capacity 27" / 0.0072"/card = 75,000 cards.

      Listed on 2023-12-02 for 800.00 with local pick up only from Putney, VT.

      Looks like some heavy wear; enough that I'd likely refinish it for office use.

      Marking as I don't think I've ever seen a Y&E cabinet made in metal before.

      Cost per drawer: $40.00

  9. Nov 2023
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/115971327839

      I remember this came on the market in Fall 2023 in September or October for $975.00. it's a modular portion of a card catalog with what looks like an added top. 5 x 4 set of 20 drawers; appears to be in rough shape. Drawers are wood, so maybe late 60s early 70s? No rods.

      2023-11-13, seller sent me an offer to purchase for $400.

      Local pick up from Senatobia, MS.

      Cost per drawer: $48.75 Cost per drawer revised at 400: $20.00

      Even at the lower price, it's a total pass....

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/404504721511

      Relisted at https://www.ebay.com/itm/404522331579

      This antique stacking file cabinet set is a beautiful addition to any home or office. Made of oak and manufactured by Globe Wernicke in the United States, these cabinets are both original and handmade. With a height of 78.5 inches, length of 25 inches deep, and width of 33 inches, they provide ample space for storage without taking up too much floor space.

      Modular/stackable, oak, multi-drawer, multi-size index card cabinet by Globe-Wernicke offered around 2023-09-20 for $10,500 (starting bid) or $15,000 (purchase). Free pick up from Lindon, UT.

      Appears to be a section of 6x1 drawers of 3x5 cards, a section of 4x1 5x8 cards, a section of 4x2 drawers for 4x6" cards, two sections of 3x1 drawers for 8.5x11 paper, a cabinet section and a bottm section of two pull out drawers.

      Total of 26 various sized drawers.

      (Second photo shows a separate unit of 9 filing cabinet drawers in three sections of three with a lower cupboard section; are they listed together though? If they're together then one could add another 9 drawers to the original 26 and recalculate the numbers below).

      cost per drawer: $403.84 (opening bid); $576.92 (purchase)<br /> (based on 26 drawers total)

      This is not as common as most certainly and earlier XX C.

  10. Oct 2023
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225760279874

      Gaylord maple library card catalog with 60 drawers in two sections with a section of three drawer pulls and a table leg base in excellent looking condition. Listed on 2023-09-06 for bidding starting at $1,800.00 with free local pick up from Mountain View, CA.

      $30 per drawer

      Bidding ended on 2023-09-15 with 0 bidders.

      2023-09-30 Relisted for $1800 for bid. 2023-10-26 Relisted again $1800 https://www.ebay.com/itm/225841205111

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/175923724353

      42 drawer Shaw-Walker (Chicago - Muskegon - New York) card file. Listed as tiger oak, but seems to have a dark finish/varnish, so couldn't confirm listing. Pictured as a sectional with 4 5x2 sections (one of which looks like it's got metal drawers, a top, and a base with two wider drawers.

      Listed in early October 2023 for $1,000 for pick up only in Maurertown, VA.

      cost per drawer: $23.80

      2023-10-25: Received offer from seller to purchase for $895.00

    1. Listed in late summer/early fall 2023.

      Art Metal Company card catalog (drawer sizes maybe 6x9" index cards? with 32 3/4 W x 38 3/4" H x 18 1/2" D). Possibly sectional with top and short leg sections, two sections of 3x2 drawers and a storage section with two doors. Nice patina.

      Listed originally at $1,200 and put on sale in early October 2023 for $960. Local pick up in Savannah, GA.

      Cost per drawer: $85.71 ($68.57 on sale)

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/235238777043

      Uncommon Shaw-Walker 4 drawer card cabinet/side table in a 2x2 configuration with leg-based stand. Listed around 2023-10-04 for $1,375.00.

      Possibly modular and made of 3-4 individual stackable pieces.

      Free pick up or shipment from DeKalb, IL

      cost per drawer: 343.75

      (This may be one of the most expensive per drawer I've ever seen.)

      2023-10-11 The seller made me an offer to purchase for $950.00 bring down the per drawer cost to $237.50.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/155811111944

      2023-10-05 72 drawer library card catalog listed for sale at $850.00 with local pick up only from Mechanicsville, VA. No brand name listed. Plastic drawers with wooden fronts. Two sections of 6x6 drawers separated by a section with three writing drawers. Appears to be a solid piece with a solid base. In generally good condition.

      cost per drawer: $11.80

      Not a bad deal here, esp. if you're local.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/166354962733

      Library Bureau library card catalog with what looks like two 5x5, and two 5x6 sections, one section of five pull out writing desks, and a top making up 110 drawers.

      In rough but serviceable shape, has a few fittings issues and some of the finish is in tough shape along with some wood pieces gouged out. Looks to be all oak (including internals of drawers aside from usual drawer pulls and rods, almost all of which are present.

      Listed on 2023-09-30 for $3,000 for free local pick up from Merced, CA.

      Cost per drawer: $27.27

      2023-10-03: Seller made me an offer to purchase for $2,500.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/126117193513

      Library card catalog section listed for $329.00. Single section of 5x1 with 10 drawers. It's had pieces of material stapled on the top/bottom to cover up the stacking holes. Missing card rods. Drawer internals appear to be plastic (70s or later), rods removed and replaced with carpet/material to cover up holes. For free local pick up in Sacramento, CA.

      Most likely a Gaylord Bros., but not labeled.

      cost per drawer: $32.90

  11. Sep 2023
    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/235228904441

      2023-09-29 $275.00 starting bid auction Listing of Remington Rand 12 tray section (in 6 drawers) card catalog (possibly 3 x 5" cards, but ad indicates a smaller internal dimension). Meant to be modular with other cabinets and doesn't have the side panels. Drawers pull out on metal sliders.

      Free local pick up from Haymarket, VA

      This cabinet was designed to fit side by side with similar cabinets. It is in excellent condition as shown. Large deep drawers operate smoothly. Original bakelite hardware suggests it may have been made during WW11. Clearly marked USVA . And “Library Bureau.”Cabinet measures 36" tall, 14 1/2" wide, 27" deep. Inside drawers measure 10 1/2" wide, 3 1/2" tall & 24" deep. Very nice old piece with a few scratches and very few dents. Got some nice items in other listings. Pick up in Northern VA or possible delivery.

      cost per drawer: $22.91

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/266424945249

      2023-09-25 offered for $1,350 + $200 shipping from Lawrenceburg, IN to Los Angeles.

      12 drawer 2x6 configuration card index in filing cabinet configuration made of 6 modular/stackable 2x1 units with a small table stand.

      Seller indicates it may have been a Macey, but the label has worn off. Red could potentially have been a Weiss or Macey-Wernicke label? Would need to cross check others. Very early 1900s in oak, all wood with thin metal card stops on rails, but otherwise no other card index rods.

      13.5 x15x42 as measured, so like a 4 x 6" card index, but should double check.

      Cost per drawer: $112.50

      2023-09-27: Seller made a purchase price offer of $1000.

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/285467601533

      Vintage Y&E mixed card index. Listed in September 2023 for 199.00 with local pick up in Oregon City, OR.

      Appears to be a wooden, quarter sawn oak modular card index with a row of 5 4x6" drawers and two rows of three 6x9 drawers.

      Finish could use some TLC. 33" W x 21.25" H x 17.5" D<br /> 11 Drawers. Each drawer has a track with a working metal card holder that can be repositioned along the track. 2 stacked / stacking sections: Top section has 5 narrow drawers. Bottom section has 6 larger drawers.

      cost per drawer: $18.09

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/256231658514

      60 drawer library card catalog unit with 2 sections of 6x5 drawers separated by three pull out writing drawers with a solid "skirt" base in what appears to be oak with polished metal fittings. Missing all the card catalog rods. Likely 70s, possibly from Remington Rand(?).

      Offered for $1,700 as straight purchase on 2023-09-25

      By labelling it appears to have been used for craft supply storage. Ex-library Cal State Chico.

      Cost per drawer: $28.33

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/276059372112

      Vintage wooden card catalog. No brand name listed. Appears to be a grouping of 8 3x2 card indexes with relatively wide spacers between each drawer.

      Total of 48 drawers listed in September 2023 for $1,500 for free pick up in Chicago, IL. <br /> Dimensions 64.75" x 41.6 x 17.5

      cost per drawer: $31.25

      Seller lists it as:

      Blonde maple wood brushed bronze hardware. Approximately 64" x 40" x 18" deep. 3 solid wood slide out writing surfaces Solid wood frame / cabinet and drawer fronts heavy plastic drawer body / inside. All drawers open close, needs cleaning, some handles missing a few screws, has some flaws / damage, see pictures. Sides are not finished. For local pickup located in Chicago 60606.

      Though it looks more like oak than maple and the photos don't indicate any pull out writing drawers. No photo indication of catalog drawer rods on the exterior, but the interior looks like it may have an internal rod for a card stop.

      drawers approx 7.5" high x 5.9" so not sure if they're made for standard sized index cards of a particular type. If the Rubbermaid containers inside are the 6 qt size with Outside Dimensions 13. 375 in. L x 8. 375 in. W x 4. 75 in. H

    1. https://offerup.com/item/detail/aa30b5cf-993e-3077-9c86-5b36b7d7fee9?q=library+card+catalog

      Offered circa July 2023 for $200 and sold circa September 2023.

      Gaylord brothers three piece modular library card catalog circa 1950's. Acquired by seller prior to a school demolition. Top cover appears to be homemade and covered with cloth. Other pieces are standard 5x3 grouping of 15 drawers and lower table unit. Missing all the catalog rods.

      cost per drawer: $13.30

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/703509757975742/

      Remington Rand Library Card Catalog Cabinet $3,500 · In stock<br /> Listed in Altadena, CA, circa May 2023

      Solid unit with base containing two small cabinet compartments and two sections of 6x5 for a total of 60 drawers and three writing drawers. Rods look intact

      62.5"H x 41"W x 19"D 60 drawers and large storage cabinet below. On casters/wheels! Vintage 1950-1960 from Cal Poly Library. Maple Wood Very few blemishes. All drawers with working parts, super clean. No history of any damage. I've reduced the price!

      Cost per drawer: $58.33

    1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225779061741

      Listed on 2023-09-17 for starting bid of $600 with a purchase price of $795.00. With $100 shipping to Los Angeles from Bartow, FL.<br /> In excellent looking condition. Restored?<br /> two drawers, but each one has two rows of cards, so technically four drawers.

      Missing card catalog rods, so likely used for something other than cards at one point.

      Cost per drawer: $150 per "drawer" at the opening bid price.

    1. Market analysis of library card catalogs in 2023.

      As card catalogs lost their functionality in libraries and were de-acquisitioned there was a wave of nostalgia which caused people to purchase them, often in auctions, at higher than expected prices. Once they had them, most of these purchasers realized that they didn't have functional uses in their homes for them (beyond wine or liquor bottle storage, small crafts, or use as a zettelkasten, which seem to be the only reasonable upcycling use cases I've seen and the last seems to be very rare and niche). They sit and take up space for very little value in return beyond some esthetic beauty and nostalgia. As a result many soured on their ownership. Most owners naturally want to recoup their original purchase price thinking that relative rarity will save them.

      Combined with this there was a resurgence in mid-century design esthetic which had some furniture restorers and designers buying and doing full (and very pretty) expensive restorations of older 20s - 40s versions which sold at auctions for $4,500 and up. Given the rarity of some of these older, fine furniture versions along with the work in restoration and the limited market only those who had a tinge of nostalgia and money to burn made purchases which resulted in a limited number of actual sales.

      These two factors mean that almost all of the listings for library card catalogs are heavily overvalued on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craig's List, Etsy, etc. The fine furniture restorations have set an artificially high price point which some feel theirs must match as well. The difference in quality however is stark. Because of their size and lack of functionality, there is a relative glut of them on the market which all bear inflated prices. Those who originally spent inordinate amounts for them, feel they will still have that same value to others, so they list them online for inflated prices.

      I've been closely watching the online "market" for them for over a year and see the same several dozen or more listed across the country usually in the range of about $30-$60 per drawer. Many are listed as local pick up only, which further hampers the overall market. This also brings up the issue of shipping a 60 drawer card catalog which can easily run in the $800-$1,500+ range which usually requires additional shipping logistics involved with freight. Most catalogs are already overpriced, but adding an additional $1000 tax on top is a bridge too far for all but the highest end of the market. Some platforms like Etsy and eBay which take cuts of the final sale also add to the cost of the sale.

      In the year and a half or more that I've been watching, I've only seen a handful of actual sales, all of which were local, and many of which were in the Los Angeles area. All of these sales have been for listings which eventually were reduced down to the $15 per drawer range. One local sale was in Wisconsin was for $10 per drawer (a 30 drawer file) and another in Los Angeles was for $12.50 per drawer (on a 20 drawer file).

      A note on condition

      Outside of a small handful of fine furniture listings in the $4,000+ range, most ex-Library card catalogs are generally very well worn and not in great condition which makes them less valuable as decoration pieces. In fact, many are often missing their original card catalog rods, have dents, dings, or other cosmetic issues. Some are missing drawers or have replacement drawers which don't match. Some may be slightly mismatched having been purchased in different eras as modular pieces and put together. Frequently they have been modified from their original states to include inserts or other material to fill in the holes which where almost standard in the bottoms of the drawers.

      Advice

      If you're in the market, know that it is tremendously inflated, a fact which most sellers are aware of as they've got them listed, some for many years, not resulting in actual sales. If you really want one and find it in a reasonable condition, I highly recommend making an offer for it at about $10 per drawer and potentially go up to $15. Anything higher than that is overpaying based on actual recent market conditions. If you have the money to burn, feel free, but keep in mind that like many others in the past, once the initial nostalgia has passed, you've probably got a large piece of relatively non-functional furniture in your home.

      It's not common, but some government auction sites will list card catalogs for auction from time to time. Because they actively want to sell them these can be purchased in the $2-10 per drawer range or less. Often they tend toward the larger 60+ drawer range, aren't in good condition, or need to be picked up and shipped to your final destination, usually within a few days of purchase as the original owners don't or explicitly won't handle shipping. These are likely to need some restoration work to be decorative pieces in many homes.

      If you want something brand new, you can check out Brodart, which is the only remaining card catalog manufacturer/sales firm I'm aware of in the United States. Their systems are modular, so you can pick and choose what you'd like to have. The only caveat is that they start at $1,700 for their smallest 9 drawer model and can go up to $11,648 (plus shipping) for a full 60 drawer model. The other potential drawback, for some, is that they are made of a mixture of wood, metal and plastic versus the all wood and metal fittings of older vintage models.

      If you're in the market primarily for nostalgic reasons, then you might also consider looking at some of the older desktop wooden card catalogs which are often much less expensive, take up far less space, and can be wonderfully decorative. Some of the smaller two to six drawer desktop models have the benefit of potentially serving as recipe boxes or paper rolodexes, zettelkasten, or simply small office storage. Here again, the online markets are likely to be heavily overpriced with 2 drawer models being continually listed at $150 and 4 drawer models in the $250-400 range. These sellers know that these prices don't result in actual sales as they've been sitting on them for long periods of time (presumably hoping to get lucky). Here I'd recommend you make offers in the $20-30 per drawer range to see what you can find. Another benefit is that these smaller models are far cheaper to ship across the country. For additional advice on these, see: The Ultimate Guide to Zettelkasten Index Card Storage.

    1. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1173187669981868/

      24 Drawer steel Card Catalog<br /> $575<br /> Listed Circa May 15, 2023 in Brea, CA

      Rusty Gold! This steel case 24 drawer card catalog cabinet is a beauty. Circa 1950’s this tank is a statement piece. All drawers are working and have amazing original pulls! Measurements 52” tall 34” wide 18.5” deep

      Delivery available for a fee.

      $23.95 per drawer

      Owner indicates: <br /> Each drawer is 16” long<br /> 6” wide<br /> 4.5” tall

      Mfg??<br /> Separates into multiple sections for shipping.

    1. 20 Drawer Card Catalog Wood File Cabinet Library Index

      https://www.ebay.com/itm/115903620274

      20 drawer library card catalog <br /> Listed on 2023-09-01 for $975.00<br /> looks like it's in fairly rough shape, doesn't include base/table

      $48.75 per drawer


      Seller sent me an offer to purchase this after showing interest<br /> Item ID: 115903620274 <br /> Buy It Now price: $975.00

      Your offer: $550.00<br /> Offer expires: Sep-04 19:27:15 PDT Seller: olemissauctions(3,468)

      $27.50 per drawer

  12. Aug 2023
  13. Jul 2023