Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box Value Guide

The Gibson Cambria represents a pinnacle of early 20th-century residential refrigeration, crafted from premium golden oak by the Greenville, Michigan-based Gibson Refrigerator Company. These three-door units are highly collectible for their intricate charcoal insulation systems and the transition they represent from traditional ice cooling to modern appliance design.

What Is Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box Worth?

The typical price range for Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box is $750 - $825 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the golden oak finish, as original patina significantly increases the $750-$825 valuation.
• Completeness of the nickel-plated brass hardware, as replacing these specific Gibson-stamped parts is difficult.
• The integrity of the interior tin lining and the absence of wood rot near the ice drainage area.
• Market demand for the 'Cambria' branding, which is more desirable than Gibson's later steel electric models.

How to Identify Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box?

• Look for the 'Cambria' model name stamped or plated on the unit, a premier line produced after Gibson's 1908 founding.
• Verify the presence of original nickel-plated brass latches and hinges, which should feature a distinct heavy-duty industrial aesthetic.
• Inspect the interior for the original tin lining and evidence of the charcoal insulation used between the oak panels.
• Confirm the three-door configuration, which includes a specific compartment designed for large blocks of ice.

History of Gibson Cambria Oak Ice Box

The Gibson Refrigerator Company was founded in 1908 in Greenville, Michigan, after purchasing the assets of the Belding-Hall Company. The 'Cambria' model was one of their premier residential lines during the early 20th century. These units utilized a top or side compartment for blocks of ice, which cooled the air that circulated into the food storage compartments below. Gibson eventually transitioned from these wood cabinets to steel electric refrigerators, becoming a major American appliance brand.