Putnam Fadeless Dyes – Tints Store Display Cabinet, ca. 1931

This terrific cabinet was created to assist shopkeepers with the marketing of Putnam Dye products. The body is wood and it is covered with enameled steel, on which the advertising is presented. The front and back feature nicely colored images of Israel Putnam (Revolutionary War General and Hero from Connecticut) being chased on horseback by English Redcoat soldiers. The exterior has several colors, as would be expected of a piece that markets colorful dyes. The colors include yellow, red, green, blue and black.

The wood interior has 36 compartments, each labeled with the color dye that it held. Lifting the front cover reveals the cubbyholes as well as a full ad that not only gives instructions for use, but also advertises other products – namely, Putnam No-Kolor Bleach and Putnam Dry Cleaner.

The cabinet was manufactured by the American Can Company of New York and Chicago, and the inside of the lift-top front cover shows a copyright date of 1931. Putnam Dyes and Tints were products of the Monroe Chemical Company of Quincy, Illinois.

It measures about 14 ½" tall and 18 ¾" across the front. Depth at the top is 6 ¼” and 7 ½” at the bottom.

Condition: minor exterior fading and fading of the interior bottom row of labels; the wood is excellent with no splits or warping; one foot is missing from the bottom; the enameling has a few scratches and some minor loss to the decoration, particularly at the bottom edges as can be seen in the pictures; the hinges work fine; no cracks or warping in the metal, although the edge of the lift-up front have some minor bends from many hands opening the cabinet over the years.

What an exciting find! Imagine the desire to brighten the colors of recycled or newly made clothing during The Depression years. Perhaps a new bride wanted to spruce up a honeymoon outfit, or brighten up some hand-me-down curtains for her first home! Putnam Dyes were marketed for just that type of use, and this cabinet was helpful to a customer, who could find the desired color with ease. Keeping the inventory organized was a big plus for the store staff, so this cabinet was no doubt a valued shop display.

This is a perfect opportunity to add to your collection of advertising or General Store items, so don't miss out! We are always offering a nice selection of vintage goodies, so please take a look through our shop. We are happy to combine shipping.

Thank you for shopping with Cousins Antiques!

Item ID: tin8-ejb