I had recently lamented to a friend that it was uncool toting ware around in plastic crates, for example when taking samples to show or or finished ware to deliver. A few days later he mentioned that he had gotten his hands on some antique Tansu cheap on an auction. Four in all, and in pretty good condition. He brought over two for me, the ones that would be easiest to hold ware in, and carry around. You don’t often see these types in such good condition, all of the latches and locks still work.

The first has several drawers, the top of which has a latch and lock. The bottom drawers do not, save the bottom left which does. The drawers which do not have latches are held closed during transit by means of the locking vertical bar, which when removed allows access to the drawers.

Then next is an apothecary’s cabinet, with a swinging door. It is deeper than wide, with long, deep drawers.

There are rings on the side because there used to be shoulder straps. The owner could tote the box around like a backpack, and take the products to the customers. It also has a set of rails around the top surface, creating a work or display surface in which you don’t need to worry about anything falling off. 

Here are some closeups of some of the hardware.

My friend got these on an auction for about $100 each. An amazing bargain.