Storage trunk - Oak

Antique KOH-I-NOOR Hardtmuth Wooden Pencil Display Case – C. 1890-1910 – MINT CONDITION
Description:
Up for auction is a magnificent and exceptionally rare piece of stationery history: an authentic, antique Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth wooden store display case, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century (circa 1890–1910).
This tabletop display was originally used on the counters of high-end stationery shops to present the full range of the famous Koh-i-Noor drawing pencils.
Condition Report:
• Overall Condition: Mint / Investment Grade. This is one of the finest preserved examples on the market.
• Woodwork: The original wooden structure is sturdy, sound, and fully intact. There are no cracks, structural damages, or signs of historic woodworm infestation.
• Lettering & Details: The iconic golden stamped "KOH-I-NOOR" logo at the bottom and all the pencil grade labels (ranging from 6B to 7H, alongside early serial numbers like 1561H and 1565) remain beautifully crisp, clear, and perfectly legible.
• Patina: The piece boasts a gorgeous, rich authentic patina and retains its original brass hardware/nails, showing only minor, charming signs of age that confirm its historic authenticity.
Design & Functionality:
The cabinet features the highly sought-after multi-tier step system designed to hold and neatly organize pencils by their graphite hardness grades. The tier mechanism functions smoothly. It is a spectacular decorative piece for any study, studio, or private collection, combining functional design with historic charm.