Upcycled Vintage Art Deco Black drinks cocktail cabinet Retro Gothic Gin Bar

This fabulous Art Deco 1920s/30s Dulcetto Gramophone cabinet is perfect for a drinks/cocktail cabinet, though we think it would make a wonderful addition to any room! 
 
Dulcetto Gramophone cabinets were made in the UK in the 1920s and 30s and have a distinctive parrot logo, which is still intact inside this cabinet.  The brass ring which held the winding mechanism for the gramophone  is also intact, though we don't have the handle.  We loved this brass feature on the side and think it adds to the character of the piece, so we've left it in place.  The cabinet lid lifts up and is held open by a sliding latch mechanism.  We're sure this cabinet has witnessed plenty of parties and seen many a Charleston, Lindy Hop and Foxtrot.  It's size makes it perfect for a smaller size Dining or Living Room, but would work equally well in a hallway, bedroom or bathroom. 
 
If you are still thinking drinks/cocktail cabinet, the good news is that there is plenty of space for all your gins, vodkas, cocktail mixers and glasses and with the lid open,  the shelf is the perfect place to prepare your tipple of choice.
 
The cabinet has a stunning Chinese meander border pattern (also known as Greek Key) and that's what first caught our attention.  We felt this should be the star of the show and so added some real 23ct gold leaf, to bring out the detail of the design.  The cabinet veneer was, unfortunately, not in the best condition, so we made the decision to paint it and chose Fusion Mineral Paint's Coal Black.  This colour always looks amazing and adds style and drama to any piece and, along with the gold, we think makes this cabinet a very classy item.
 
The shape and style of the cabinet, along with the Chinese Meander pattern, reminded us of those gorgeous ,black, lacquered, cabinets, that were so popular in the Art Deco period and that gave us the inpiration for the striking colour for the interior.  We chose Craig & Rose's Oriental Red  - a stunning, rich red, which we think works perfectly with the black and gold.  We kept the handles simple and painted them Coal Black and added new brass screws.  The hinges and feet have been highlighted with gold gilding wax. To give added protection to the piece we have varnished the inside and out with a Satin varnish, which gives it a beautiful sheen.  We have added a removable shelf, which sits on the inner sides of the top part of the cabinet; also painted in Coal Black and vanished.
 
Height: 83.5 cms
Width: 61.5 cms
Depth: 46.5 cms
 
With the lid open and on the catch the height of the cabinet is 114.5 cms.  The inner width of the top area above the shelf is 36.5 cms.  The height above the shelf is 6.2 cms and below the shelf is 47 cms.  The width of the lower inside area below the shelf is 58.2 cms and the depth is 42 cms.
 
This cabinet is a striking piece of Art Deco history and so perfect for this kind of interior, but would also work in a Hollywood Regency or Neo Classical room. The trend for dark, moody and dramatic interiors is more popular then ever and this would fit perfectly into this kind of scheme, as well as adding a stylish flourish to a more neutral decor. 
 
We are always delighted to be able to rescue and refinish beautiful, good quality, pieces that have been neglected.  We lavish them with care and attention, clean them thoroughly and breathe new life into them, but we can't make them look like new - and we don't want to!  These are character pieces and their imperfections are an integral part of their story.  As a vintage piece from the 1920s/30s it does show signs of use and age. The veneer on the top was badly damaged and warped and had lifted in places, so we took the decision to remove it  Therefore, please be aware that the nail heads which keep the top in place, which were previously covered by the veneer, are now visible.  There is some gapping on the left side of the lid when it is closed, but you are able to push this down and it is not noticeable once it's been pushed down fully. The catch to prop open the lid works well, but you just need to make sure that it is properly in position, so that it doesn't fall closed. 
 
NB: Please note the delivery is a 1 man delivery service in England and Wales only.  If you are in Scotland, or require a 2 man delivery, please get in touch and I will give you a price for delivery.