ONE of the signs of industrial progress is the continually increasing formation of specialties in trades. Thus we have piano-makers’ hardware, barrel-makers’ tools, etc. At present we call attention to a branch of business established by Messrs. Win. S. Carr & Co., of 106, 108, and 110 Center street, New York, of plumbers’ cabinet wood-work. As might be expected, if progressive and intelligent parties undertake a new specialty, two important results are gained; first, cheapness, as they produce everything as far as possible by the aid of machinery especially constructed for the purpose; and second, they succeed in giving a better and more elegant form to their productions.
The special branch of plumbing to which this cabinet wood-work is applied is for wash-stands, bath-tubs, and water-closets. As generally fitted up by carpenters, these articles are plain, and by no means an ornament to a room; but in the way they are fitted up by Messrs. Carr & Co., they are highly ornamental, in proof of which we adjoin two figures, one for a simple wash-stand, Fig. 1, costing, exclusive of slab and basin, from $12.50 to $14.50, according to finish, plain or veneered panels. In Fig. 2 we represent an elaborate wash-stand with veneered panels, towel-rack, door, and drawers large enough to hold everything required for a bath or toilet stand; they cost from $25 to $37.50, exclusive of slab, while the towel-racks and handles may be had nickel-plated at a small additional expense.
In the construction several notable improvements have been introduced; the most important are, wash-stands are made receding, so that a person can stand up close to them when using without incurring the inconvenience of bringing his foot in contact with the base of the cabinet.
In order to provide for convenience of transportation, time stands are put together with dowels, hooks, and screws, so that they can be taken apart and packed in about one-third of the space they usually occupy, and can also be put together again with ease; while, when put together, they are just as solid and strong as if glued. This gives the parties putting them up the further advantage that they can leave off one or both sides, if desired, without spoiling the stand.
No loose moldings are used in the making of the articles, all molded edges being cut in the solid wood by a machine specially made for the purpose, thereby avoiding time defects of the old stands, the wood of which will warp and the moldings fall off a short time after they are put up, making them very unsightly. It is evident that when furnishing this cabinet-work, a plumber can fit up wash-stands, water-closets, or even a complete bath-room, without the aid of a carpenter, and far more elegantly.