Pooley Record Cabinet Value Guide

The Pooley Record Cabinet is a hallmark of early 20th-century American craftsmanship, produced by the Philadelphia-based Pooley Furniture Company. These vertical oak cabinets are highly collectible due to their historical association as the primary housing for Edison phonographs and Atwater Kent radios.

What Is Pooley Record Cabinet Worth?

The typical price range for Pooley Record Cabinet is $175 - $190 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the oak finish, with original dark stains commanding higher prices than refinished pieces.
• Presence of original metal hardware and functional door hinges or latches.
• Structural integrity of the internal record dividers, which are often damaged or removed in lesser examples.
• Market demand for early 20th-century audio furniture, currently placing values in the $175 to $190 range.

How to Identify Pooley Record Cabinet?

• Look for the Pooley Furniture Company manufacturer label or stamp, typically located on the back or inside the door.
• Verify the vertical single-door construction designed specifically for early disc record dimensions.
• Check for original metal hardware and the specific quarter-sawed oak grain patterns characteristic of 1910-1925 production.
• Examine the interior for original wooden dividers or slots intended for organized record filing.

History of Pooley Record Cabinet

The Pooley Furniture Company of Philadelphia was renowned for its high-quality cabinetry, most notably as the primary manufacturer of cabinets for Atwater Kent radios and Edison phonographs during the early 20th century. These cabinets were designed to blend seamlessly into the home as elegant furniture while organizing the then-novel technology of disc records.