Antique Victorian Milwis Bestouse Painted Flower 2 Shelf Tin Cake Safe Cabinet

  

This is an original antique (late 19th to very early 20th century) heavy layered tin locking cake safe with two levels inside for cake storage, featuring fantastic original paint in red with gold pinstripes on all sides and trim around the door, and flowers and leaves stenciled on the front with hand painted accents, and white and gold "Cake" banner across the center. The cabinet is stamped Milwis Mfg Co. Bestouse Fully Warranted, Milwaukee, WIS on the door and some of the original sticker label is intact on the bottom. This cabinet can be set on a countertop or hung from the wall (there are two sturdy metal hangers on the top back). Both original handles are securely attached to the sides.

The lock is intact but is missing the key. Overall condition is very good. There is typical minor surface wear from age and use (scratches, scuffs, worn spots to the finish, overall aged patina) and some shallow dings and dents in the metal. There are a few small spots of surface rust, mainly along the inside edges, and a couple small cracks in the tin close to one hinge that does not seem to affect functionality at all.

The door does not latch without being locked, so if not on a level surface, it can pop open. It looks like there was likely a chain attached to the inside of the door at one time to stop the door from opening too far, but the chain is missing. Outer dimensions are 18 3/4" L x 13" D x 13 3/4 H.