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

Sold · Antique 16-Drawer Library Card File Cabinet

Purchased for $250

cost per drawer $15.63

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226209203023

Oak 20 drawer card index offered on/around 2024-06-24 for $2,900. two columns of 10 drawers each. Local pickup only from Champaign, Illinois

Cost per drawer: $145.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/235636078877

20 drawer 10x2 vertical filing cabinet offered for $2,850 around late June 2024 from Columbus, Ohio.

Cost per drawer: $142.50

Relisted 2024-07-03: https://www.ebay.com/itm/235638387771

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296414315589

Shaw Walker steel cabinet with brass pulls offered for $800 at auction ($1,200 buy it now) o/a 2024-05-03

Modular in 4 sections with 2 sets of drawers (each 6x3 for a total of 36 drawers) and a top and a bottom.

Cost per drawer: $22.22

This is a rarer modular set up.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/386823811291

Don't see these often. Rubbermaid stackable plastic card indexes offered for $70.00 on 2024-03-02

cost per drawer: $23.33

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266697740403

2024-03-02 Listed for sale or best offer at 1,275. 72 drawers with plastic drawers. Darker wood, in good shape. missing 4 rods and has one damaged front frame.

Likely mid-70s to early 80s

Freight shipping available or local pick up in Comfort, TX.

Cost per drawer: $17.70

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

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.

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

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/945071177181845/

2024-02-01 Listed Shaw-Walker four drawer side table for $95 and it sold within a day for local pick up.

Cost per drawer: $23.75

I inquired about this, but missed out on it by just a few hours. I totally want a pair of these as end tables for a couch or a cozy club/reading chair.

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)

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

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285694648119 16 drawer Gaylord Bros., Wooden card catalog offered for $1,995 on/around 2024-02-10. In excellent condition with all the rods and solid wood.

Free local pick up in Rutherford, NJ and listed for $513 shipping to Los Angeles.

Cost per drawer (without shipping): $133

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186286893621

2024-02-06 Remington Rand 60 drawer modular card catalog offered for sale at $2,500 with local pick up only in Laurel, DE.

7 pieces: table/base; writing drawer with 2 pull outs, top, and 4 sections of 5x3 drawers.

Condition: Generally pretty good. Missing manufacturer plackard, Missing 15 rods. Some finish/paint peeling on the top.

Cost per drawer: $41.66

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.

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395165358885

2024-01-30 3 Library card charging trays offered for $100 from Hondo, TX.

Cost per drawer: 33.33

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1511212389452724/

60 drawer wooden card catalog in a very long 12x5 configuration offered for sale at $800 on Facebook marketplace in September 2023. Sold in the fall for unknown price, though likely close to 800.

Cost per drawer: $13.33

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/7016702761714807/

2023-09 36 drawer wooden card catalog (no manufacturer; looks custom) offered for $850 and sold sometime in the fall 2023. Rough, but rustic shape. Possibly a modular unit of two 6x3 sections with a custom top attached.

Cost per drawer: $23.60

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.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126307745144

78 drawer library card catalog cabinet offered for sale for $850 with local pick up only from Bennington, VT on 2024-01-31.

Solid single cabinet likely in maple. Missing all rods, water spots, stain missing, lots of scratches and scrapes. Not in great condition. No manufacturer listed.

Cost per drawer: $10.90

(one of the lowest per drawer, but also in bad shape.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325982555744

15 drawer card catalog offered 2024-01-31 for $2995.00 with freight shipping (extra) from South Bend, IN. Looks to be in walnut and chrome.

Unknown manufacturer and doesn't look familiar. Odd drawer pulls, but looks in good shape and has all rods. Bottom base in chrome.

Cost per drawer: 200.00

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.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176211857378

All wood and metal 12 drawer Brodart card index offered for auction on 2024-01-28 for $500.00 or best offer. Good condition despite missing a rod and having mixed silver and brass fittings on the unit. (3 silver drawer pulls/plackards and 5 silver rods with the remainder in brass.)

Local pick up only from Lock Haven, PA.

Cost per drawer: 41.66

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404745139607

2024-01-16 60 drawer card catalog offered for bid at $2100 and buy it now at $4,400. Solid cabinet in good shape, missing one rod. All wood. Has three writing drawers. Shippable from Huffman, TX for $92.83.

Cost per drawer: - bid offer: $35.00 - buy now: 73.33

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166548034302

January 2024 15 drawer Gaylord Bros. card catalog in maple offered for $949.95 as local pick up only from Charlotte, NC. Missing two rods, very dodgy finish. Modular three piece: top, 5x3 and table base.

cost per drawer: $63.33

https://www.ebay.com/itm/156005054108

January 2024: offering two separate 60 drawer card catalogs for sale OBO at $3,500.. Semi-modular with separate leg bases. Each has 3 writing drawers. Finish in rough shape, missing some rods.

Cost per drawer: $29.16 (Presuming both for the $3,500)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166548086801

Brodart 9 drawer card catalog. Generally good shape, some issue with finish, no rods. Offered for $250 in January 2024. Pick up or shipping from Garden Grove, CA

Cost per drawer: $27.77

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145521856027

2023-12-28 6 drawer 5 x 8" card index in good condition being auctioned for $399.57 (and up) with shipping additional.

Cost per drawer: (at auction start) $66.60

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256350243781

Library card catalog offered for sale, modular with ten of five drawers each for a total of 50 drawers including a top section and a base with legs, and two writing drawers. For local pick up from Smyrna, GA listed in 2023 (date ??; saw in December 2023) for $799.00. Appears to be in excellent condition. Unsure of all of rods, but most appear present.

Cost per drawer: $15.98.

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

2023-12 Listing for Remington Rand metal card index filing cabinet with 8 drawers (2 slots per drawer) for 250.00 for local pick up only in Mesa, AZ. Based on exterior dimensions, this would be for 4x6" cards, but it isn't specifically specified.

Cost per drawer: $15.63

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

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374928906916

2023-12-20 (ish) 15 drawer Library Bureau (division of Remington Rand) partial card catalog offered for $399.75 for local pick up only in Hopkinton, MA. Appears to be wood with plastic drawer inserts.

It's part of a larger modular system and is missing the top as well as any base. All the rods are missing.

Cost per drawer: $26.65

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305300436363

Vintage Imperial card catalog for 5 x 8" index cards

Listed for auction in December 2023. After 14 bids, sold for $158.50 on 2023-12-11. Seems rare for these to actually sell by auction.

Cost per drawer: $39.63.

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186203564942

2023-12-10 (ish): Listed for bidding with a reserve. This should be an interesting experiment as rarely are these offered this way. I suspect that the reserve won't be met.

Local pick up from Gainesville, FL.

Cost per drawer: tk

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)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196117658422

2023-12 A 60 drawer cabinet on aluminum legs missing all the rods. Middle has three writing drawers. Local pick up from Powder Springs, GA.

I've never seen a model like this. Looks like wooden veneer with aluminum fittings and 70s aluminum legs. Plastic drawers.

Cost per drawer: $6.25

https://www.ebay.com/itm/335142753451

2023-12-06: Gaylord Bros. 9 drawer card catalog listed for $1,100. In rough shape and missing all the rods. Shipping from Alamo, CA.

Cost per drawer: $122.22

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176065962090

Original listing date ?

2023-12-06: 60 drawer card catalog (Gaylord Bros. though not identified as such) with three writing drawers as a continuous cabinet listed for $1,250 for local pick up only from Lake City, PA.

Cost per drawer: $20.83

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266540831146

Not described as such, but the internal linking mechanisms of the piece indicate it as a Gaylord Brothers card catalog.

2023-12 Gaylord Bros. 30 drawer modular card catalog with two sections of 15 , a leg base, and writing drawer section with two drawers. Listed for $1,195 for local pick up only in Freeport, OH.

cost per drawer: $39.83

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166462302430

This Yawman & Erbe multi-drawer piece sold for $250 by auction on eBay o/a 2023-12-03. A variety of filing drawers, but doesn't appear to have been specifically for index cards.

Cost per drawer: $8.93

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

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

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285562642873

2023-11-17 Gaylord Bros. modular 15 drawer card catalog with table/stand listed for $2995.00. Almost exactly like the one I paid $250 for (mine had an additional section of drawers.) Looks like it's slightly rougher condition than mine even.

Cost per drawer: $199.00

This may be one of the highest I've seen per drawer.

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....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155882824820

9 drawer desktop all-wood and metal index card cabinet for sale o/a 2023-11-12. Local pick up from Fargo, ND. Excellent looking condition, all rods, nice detailing and woodwork. Early XX C. Listed for sale at $500.00

Cost per drawer: $55.55

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.

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

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325860301209

Listed as 1950s, but more likely 1970s due to the plastic drawers and galvanized stops.'

72 drawer card catalog offered for $4500 from South Bend, IN around 2023-10-24. Two sections of 6x6 separated by three writing drawers. No base, so it sits directly on floor. Looks to be in excellent condition with all the card rods.

Cost per drawer: $62.50

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285528939983

Offered for $2,200 for local pick up only in Waverly, AL. 60 drawer maple card catalog; all wood, in somewhat rough shape comparatively. Solid unit with two sections of 6x5 separated by three writing drawers and a solid bottom base.

cost per drawer: $36.67

missing all the original card catalog rods

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385498338372

30 drawer card catalog in 2 parts with two writing drawers in the middle and a matching table stand. In mediocre shape and has two replaced drawers (metal and/or plastic, not wood). Drawers are maed in all wood

Listed at $1,5000 for over 3 months. $50 per drawer.

2023-10-12: Still listed for sale. Local pick up only from Brentwood, CA

cost per drawer: $50

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)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325827924222

18 drawer library card catalog listed for sale at $1,800 and local pick up in Cabot, AR. Fairly standard looking early century mounted onto a small stand that looks like a repurposed table carriage with legs. (Wood on the two parts is different. Missing 7 drawer pulls, no card catalog rods.

Cost per drawer: $100

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.

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.

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.

https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/atq/d/santa-barbara-antique-37-drawer-card/7666810282.html

2023-09-18 4x9 unit of 36 drawers card index with additional large bottom drawer offered for $1,500.

Overall dimension 69"H x 37"W x 14.5"D with large card format drawers. ??

Cost per drawer: $40.54

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

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

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.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275465128542

Saw for sale on/around 2023-05-17 for $3,000, though willing to accept $2,500 (or lower). Still on offer 2023-09-24.

Gaylord Bros. 5 piece sectional library card catalog with two 5x3 sections of drawers, a pull out writing desk (with two pull outs), a top and a base table.

cost per drawer: $100

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

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155778259293

Unbranded four drawer 2x2 desktop card index in oak. See on 2023-09-24 offered for $124.99 plus $92.53 shipping from Hobart, IN. Overall 12" H x 15" W x 15" D, so likely for 4 x 6" cards though the listing says "The inside of the drawers are 3 inches deep, 6 inches wide, and 13 inches long."

Medium condition.

Cost per drawer: $31.25

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

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

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

http://www.libraryhistorybuff.org/cardcatalog.htm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325821466702

Gaylord Bros. library card catalog offered on 2023-09-21 for $4,995.00 from South Bend, IN.

60 Drawer modular cabinet with four sections of 5x3 drawers and two separate sections of two pull out writing drawers (for a total of four). Appears to be in good condition, made with internal plastic drawer/trays. Lilely from 60s/70s or later.

Cost per drawer: $83.25

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195819504280

Brodart 72 drawer library card catalog offered for sale for $1995.00 in at least mid 2023 if not earlier. Local pick up from Twin Lake, MI. A bit beat up. Appears to be maybe late 60s/early 70s. Has plastic drawers.

Two sections of 6x6 separated by three pull out writing desks.

Cost per drawer. $27.70

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.

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.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Notes-Write-Allosso-ebook/dp/B0B7FSQP35/

Dan Allosso purchased a 30 drawer card catalog (three sections of 5 x 2 without any base) for $300 in 2022.

It's pictured on the cover of his book "How to Make Notes and Write".

Purchased at $10 per drawer.<br /> local sale

Price mentioned at the end of Dan Allosso Book Club 2023-09-16.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285357243415

Gaylord Bros. 20 drawer library card catalog<br /> listed for $495 in July 2023<br /> $24.75 per drawer

Reduced to $295.00 in September 2023<br /> $14.95 per drawer

Acquired on 2023-09-16 for $250<br /> $12.50 per drawer<br /> local sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155763925991

Wagemaker Furniture Co. made wooden card indexes.

This one was offered in September 2023 at $39.99 + 110.60 in shipping from Columbus, OH to LA.

cost per drawer: $20.00

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.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/977663026818414/

Gaylord Library Card Catalog 30 Drawer Wood MCM Mid Century offering at $1,350; originally listed at $1,600 Listed circa July 12 ,2023 in San Leandro, CA

44”x33”x18” total dimensions. Three pieces including traditional table base. with two 5x3 sets of drawers for a total of 30.

Cost per drawer: original offering: $53.33 updated offering: $45.00

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/806480010889906/

Single drawer 4x6" card index (no mfg) in reasonable, but definitely dirty/used condition.

Listed circa June 27, 2023 for $25 in Los Angeles

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/271076511951674/

Appears to be a single piece with two sections of 6x5 drawers for a total of 60 separated by three drawer pulls. In excellent shape, but missing many rods.

$18.33 per drawer

Listed in Mid-May 2023 for $1,100 in La Palma, CA

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285223361023

Brodart Library Card catalog with 60 drawers listed circa Summer 2023 for $1,800 (+62.60 shipping from Pensacola Florida). Appears to be in good condition. Built in solid base and includes three drawer pulls. Doesn't appear to have any rods and looks like it's got plastic drawers rather than wood.

cost per drawer: $30 per drawer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204449941096

2 drawer 4 x 6" card index<br /> Listed in September 2023 for starting bid of $32.95

Cost per drawer: $16.45 <br /> Cost per drawer with approx. shipping: $25.75

Purchased 2023-09-10

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134584432272

Library card catalog with 72 drawers (brand?) has three drawer pulls<br /> Listed in summer (July?) 2023 for $1,850

cost per drawer is $25.69

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

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115903619447

15 drawer library card catalog with drawer pulls section<br /> Listed for $875.00 on 2023-09-01<br /> Looks like it's in pretty rough shape and doesn't include table/base

58.33 per drawer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266338818001

Gaylord Bros. 30 drawer library card catalog listed for several months/several times, and finally sold 2023-07-24 for $999.99 (with only one bid) in Whitier California.

$33.33 per drawer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256167582615

60 drawer library card catalog listed for $1,400 in late May 2023 Sold on 2023-08-11 for best offer (under $1,400)

Likely the same listing on Facebook for $1,100 at https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/271076511951674/

likely went for around $18/drawer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266379648695

Globe Wernicke card catalog, 6 drawers listed for $250 in July 2023 is $42 per drawer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185985395193?nma=true&si=tZ39vmfpbS6wdLM7dhTlouRYk9g%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

9 Drawer library card catalog sold for $299 or $33/drawer<br /> Sold circa August 2023

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/267138849330608/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ac002e23e-c5a5-4234-bde1-736359c183b7

$1,200 for 60 drawer library card catalog in wood. No brand listed. $20/drawer.

Sold, but for unknown amount in July 2023.

looked like a single piece though may have been two sections of 6 x 5 with a three pull writing section on a small pedestal and a top.