British Colonial Teak Wood Display Counter

This sales counter is quite unusual. It has a glass front and a glass top segment. Solid wood doors on the back were locked to protect the contents. Whatever product was sold from this case, it was fairly small, quite possibly jewelry or medicine. It has a pair of doors to retrieve merchandise through the back. The front features a glass panel so merchandise can be displayed and viewed. Many glass-paned cabinets were used to protect boxed goods and merchandise.

The piece is made from solid teak. Teak is naturally resistant to moisture and insects due to the presence of a unique oil. When teak wood encloses a volume of space (like in an armoire or display case) the scent from the oil accumulates in the air and repels insects. To humans the scent is very subtle and fragrant -and much less noticeable than cedar or camphor wood. To moths and termites, however, it is noxious.

Today the display cabinet can be used again in a retail setting or to hold a collection. It is possible to add lights, paint the interior shelves or otherwise customize for a specific purpose.