Bown Steel Aseptic Dental Cabinet by Lee S. Smith & Son, Twelve Drawers, 1909

An exceptional and scarce 1909 twelve-drawer, four-door Bown steel and brass “Aseptic” dental cabinet by Lee S. Smith & Son.

Considered by collectors to be the ne plus ultra of antique dental cabinets, it would also serve perfectly—and perhaps once did during its one hundred-plus years—as a medical, apothecary, or display cabinet as well.

Nearly indestructible steel construction from top to bottom, with brass hinge and lock accents and brass pulls on its twelve variously-sectioned swing-out tray-like drawers. They feature fronts in which one would’ve likely inserted content labels, with nine inset elements being convex, and three being flat.

Upper cabinet with eave top, two doors, original beveled glass panes on three sides, and two adjustable height glass shelves inside. Lower cabinet with a work surface, two doors, and a shelf inside on the right. Wireless lights could be easily installed via magnets to the interiors of both cabinets. Stands on 19th century-style bun feet.

Steel has a nicely muted tone with an attractive amount of patina on varying display throughout. Entire piece was professionally stripped to bare metal at some point in the past, and then finished inside and out in a satin—or semi-gloss for the work surface—clear coat to preserve and protect its very handsome and honestly earned natural character.

The striking vertebral oversized steel hinges, delightful drawers, and impressive craftsmanship make this spectacular cabinet a highly sought after example of very early twentieth century American industrial design. It’s certain to serve as a conversation-starting stand-out in any interior, while offering myriad places to store and present one’s most prized collectibles, curios, and curiosities.

Brass tag at top reads “Aseptic Dental Cabinet / Lee S. Smith & Son Co. / Pittsburg U.S.A”. Brass tag at bottom reads “The Bown Steel Dental Cabinets / Patented April 13, 1909”.

Six locks total on doors, drawers, and body appear to be functional, though there’s no key.

Dimensions listed are overall. Dimensions of specific elements are as follows:

Upper cabinet interior: H 15.38 in. x W 27.25 in. x D 10.5 in.

Glass shelves: W 13.5 in. x D 10 in. Work surface: H 31.13 in. x W 28.25 in. x D 6 in.

Drawers: H 1.63 x W 10 in. x D 7.5–11.5 in.

Lower cabinet interior: H 18 in. x W 12.75 (left) / 14.75 (right) in. D 16.5 in.