A wonderful antique Dewhurst’s “Sylko” Machine Twist wooden shop counter display cabinet, dating to the late Victorian or Edwardian period, circa 1890s–1910s.
This is a highly decorative and collectible haberdashery display piece, originally used in a shop or draper’s counter to display and store Dewhurst’s Sylko machine twist thread. The cabinet has two long drawers with original period lettering to the drawer fronts, advertising Dewhurst’s “Sylko” Machine Twist, along with small round drawer knobs and original Sylko trade labels.
The top is also lettered with Dewhurst’s “Sylko” Machine Twist and “Strong-Lustrous”, making it a very attractive display item from all angles. The drawers have internal wooden dividers, making the cabinet useful as well as decorative. It would work beautifully in a sewing room, vintage haberdashery display, collector’s cabinet, shop display, or as characterful storage for sewing notions, threads, buttons, jewellery, stationery or small collectibles.
The piece has a rich aged patina with wear, marks, fading, scratches and signs of use throughout, all in keeping with its age and original shop-counter use. The lettering is worn in places but remains highly decorative and readable. The drawer interiors show staining and age-related discolouration. Structurally, the cabinet is sturdy and usable, with both drawers present.
