Rare Mid Century Medical Cabinet, Display Cabinet, Industrial, Milan, Statement
Rare Mid-Century Italian Medical Cabinet by A. Portalupi, Milan, c.1950s
An exceptional mid-century Italian medical cabinet by A. Portalupi of Viale Bligny 13, Milan, retaining its original RAY manufacturer’s label. Dating from the 1950s, this substantial enamelled steel cabinet is a superb example of Italian industrial design, combining practicality with the clean lines and elegant proportions that define the period.
The upper section features twin sliding glass doors enclosing adjustable glass shelves, ideal for displaying books, glassware, collections, or retail merchandise. Below, a spacious cupboard with original opaline glass sliding doors provides generous concealed storage. Raised on striking tapered steel legs, the cabinet has a light architectural presence despite its impressive scale.
Constructed from heavy-gauge enamelled steel and finished in its original cream and pale yellow tones, the cabinet retains its original chrome hardware and authentic industrial character. Equally suited as a kitchen larder, drinks cabinet, bookcase, or retail display piece, it adapts effortlessly to both contemporary and period interiors.
Presented in excellent vintage condition, the cabinet is structurally sound with smooth-running glass doors and intact shelving throughout.
The original enamel finish shows only light age-related wear and a gentle patina consistent with its history, enhancing its authenticity and appeal.
A rare and highly collectable example of post-war Italian medical furniture, retaining its original maker’s label and offered in remarkably well-preserved condition.
Condition:
Presented in excellent overall vintage condition. The cabinet is structurally sound, with smooth-running sliding doors and its original glass shelving intact throughout. There are some very minor historic nibbles to the corners of a few glass shelves, which are barely noticeable and do not affect either the appearance or functionality of the piece. The original enamel finish displays near perfect condition with only light age-related wear and a gentle patina consistent with its age, enhancing its authentic industrial character.
Dimensions:
- Height 180cm
- Width 130cm
- Depth 35cm
We inspect every product and carry out any needed repairs to ensure that everything leaves us serviced and maintained, ready for many more years of life. All of our vintage and antique products show the rich beauty and history of their life with the knocks and bumps of many years of use and we try to minimise restoration to keep every piece as original as possible.
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Delivery:
We provide a bespoke nationwide in‑house delivery service for all pieces. Share your address details with us prior to purchase and we’ll prepare an accurate delivery quotation.
Delivery to England is typically completed within 7 days. For Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, delivery usually takes 10–14 days. Overseas delivery is available; however, timings depend on the chosen carrier and border control checks, so transit may take considerably longer.