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Paalman Brand 1920s-Era Walnut Wood Portable Drop Leaf Bar / Tea Cart - $600 (san jose downtown)
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Paalman Furniture Company
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For sale is a Bar Cart or Tea Cart to store and move beverages, plates, food, or other household items. This is also called a Serving Trolley.
This cart was manufactured, marketed, and sold by the Paalman Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company was established in 1916 and went out of business in the 1966. The company made a number of different types of furniture pieces, but they were best known for these bar carts.
This cart was purchased by me at a San Francisco furniture gallery 16 years ago. I was told that it's likely made in the mid to late 1920's, which means that it's close to 100 years old.
The cart is constructed of genuine walnut wood. Most wood sections are solid walnut through and through, but several are walnut veneer. It also has some metal for the panel hinges, support screws, wheel caps, and wheel interiors. It also has real rubber for the exterior portions of the tires. Finally, it has 1920s-era glass in the serving tray.
The cart is made of two distinct pieces: 1) the wheeled cart, and 2) the removable wood and glass tray that normally sits atop the cart.
The wheeled cart is constructed of two sections: A) the top surface and B) the bottom shelf.
The top surface, where beverages are typically served, sits 27.75" off the ground. The top surface has two hinged side panels (also called a drop leaf) that pivot up to extend the top surface of the cart. Each side panel is shaped like a semi-circle and adds an extra 10" of usable width to the top surface.
When the side panels are collapsed in the stored position, the top surface measures 14" wide and 25.25" deep. When both side panels are extended, the top surface measures 34" wide and 25.25" deep. It's possible to extend a single side-panel (and leave the other side-panel collapsed).
Each side panel is held in place using movable metal support arm brackets that are hidden below the top shelf. To extend each shelf, you move the support arm brackets out until it locks into place. In this way, each side panel is robustly held in place. You'll have to crouch down to move these support arm brackets.
The bottom shelf, where liquor bottles, drink glasses, and teacups are typically stored, measures 14" wide and 22.75" deep. This bottom shelf sits 8.25" off of the ground. And the usable space between the bottom shelf and lower portion of the top surface shelf is at least 16" tall. In other words, you can store bottles up to 16" in height on this bottom shelf. There is about 7.5" of space below the bottom shelf, where the wheels are located.
The cart has four wheels that make it portable. The giant front wheels can only move forward and back. These wheels are 13.75" in diameter. The back wheels can move in all directions (forward, back, left, right) to steer the cart. These wheels are 4" in diameter. Above the top surface, in the back portion of the cart, is a handle that allows you to push or pull the cart. This handle is retractable and can stow underneath the cart.
There is also the removable serving tray, which measures 26" wide, 16" deep, and 1" tall. There are handles on either side that add another 1.75" of height to the tray. The glass portion within the tray measures 23.25" wide and 13.25" deep. The tray has groves on the bottom that fit into the top surface of the cart, holding it firmly in place.
The overall size of the cart, with both side panels collapsed, is 14" wide, 30.5" deep, and 30" tall. When both side panels are extended, the overall size of the cart is 34" wide, 30.5" deep, and 30" tall.
As mentioned above, I purchased this 16 years ago, but the cart is likely around 100 years old. I used this for its intended purpose, which is to store and move liquor bottles. This is no longer being used and this is the reason for my sale.
The unit is in excellent condition. The wooden frame is strong and robust with no problems. The wheels move easily and smoothly. The side panel extend and collapse with ease.
Cosmetically, the cart is also in excellent condition and the wood grain is beautiful. There are some very, very small surface scratches on some portions of the wood and glass from normal wear. And there is one small portion on one of the side panels where the walnut wood veneer has been etched away. See picture 24. It's not particularly noticeable.
Pickup from my house near the San Jose Airport. You can probably fit this into a standard sized passenger car. But an SUV or truck will likely work better for transport.
Or I can provide free delivery to your front ground-floor entryway if you live within 20 miles of my house in San Jose (zip code 95126). Or I could charge a small fee if you live further away. Please feel free to inquire.
I prefer that you reach out via text message. Sending an initial email message is OK. But arranging pickup solely using email is not a feasible option for me. Eventually, you'll have to text me to arrange a specific pickup or delivery time. Thanks.
Please note that I have another, very similar Paalman bar cart posted separately on Craigslist. The other one is also posted for $600 (firm). You can purchase both for $1,000 (firm).