help?

Hi, I'm new here. I was wondering whether anyone could help me figure out what this piece was originally used for. Its been in my mums garage for at least 20 years and we've recently cleared the garage but noticed this rather cool looking storage unit/cabinet. Just trying to find out a bit of information about it.
Thanks in advance.

 

Another picture

 

Hi Stacey!

Welcome to Antiquers.............

Printer's trays.......a few years back all the antique shops were selling the individual trays to collectors of miniatures.........

https://www.etsy.com/market/typeset_drawer

 

Oh wow never heard of them. Thank you so much for replying. I've always wondered what it had been used for before.

 

Do you think this one would be worth upcyclying?

 

I'm unsure what the trays bring today here in the States, but individually, each tray brought at least $20, and up. Depending on condition and size too. Some people liked the bigger ones, but I think the smaller ones used to bring the higher dollar. Depends on your area. I never knew coin or
metal collectors used them. Good to know.

Check out Completed sales on eBay to get an idea of what they bring today in the States. Davey gave you an idea if you're in England.....or thereabouts!

 

I thought for printers at first too, but wonder if it could be a spool chest? The compartments appear uniformly square & it has those holders for drawer labels.

 

The sections of printers' trays aren't of equal size because not all letters are equally used.

Debora

 

The spaces in the drawers are of equal size so maybe not a printers tray then?

 

What would your thoughts on age be do you reckon? There seems to be so many things it could of been used for. I know that my dad had acquired it from his work place many years ago with the MOD but he can't for the life of him remember what exactly they had used it for.

 

Not a printer's typeset tray cabinet. More the nuts and bolts cabinet or similar. Is the cabinet made of plywood? If so, 20th century. Knobs are 50s-60s but could be later additions.

 

We think the main body of the cabinet is ply with a real wood face on the front. The drawers are all made of ply wood. We are not sure whether they are original handles or have been changed at some point as there are 3 different types fitted. The garage itself had a leak so some of the damp was from that but of course when we cleared it all out this item was left in the garden, of course it being england it rained (typical). We have brought it inside to dry out and will check for wood worm once completely dry. What do you think the next step for upcycling this piece would be?