original and intact freestanding c. 1940's american vintage industrial stackable cold-rolled steel barrister bookcase designed and fabricated by the globe-wernicke co., cincinnati, oh. the fully functional two-tier storage unit retains the original detachable crown or top and four-legged low-lying base. the sliding glass doors operate smoothly. original knob pulls intact. the factory office bookcase contains a brushed metal surface treated with a cleat coat lacquer. the globe-wernicke company was formed as a result of the cincinnati based globe files company purchasing the minneapolis-based wernicke company in 1899. the company is best known for their high end bookcases, desks, and other office furniture. the company patented the "elastic bookcases" also known as a modular bookcase. they were a high-quality stacking bookshelf, finished in oak, walnut and mahogany wood. the stackable units were capable of being adapted to fit together to form a bookcase which could either be all of the same measurements or which could be re-arranged by the insertion of units of different depths and heights. measures 33 x 13 x 46 inches.