Mid-Century Scandinavian Cocktail or Bar Cabinet, in the style of Torbjørn Afdal, Norway, c.1950s
Vintage Scandinavian Cocktail Cabinet, c.1950
A refined Scandinavian bar cabinet exhibiting the understated luxury and craftsmanship associated with Norwegian designer Torbjørn Afdal. Executed in richly toned mahogany, the cabinet rests on a slender, raised frame with sculpted handles carved directly from the timber.
The interior reveals a mirrored back panel with gentle patina,
newly fitted glass shelf/storage for glassware (not photographed),
and a convenient laminated pull-out tray for preparing drinks. Below, custom-fitted circular bottle storage and two lockable drawers with brass escutcheons offer practical organisation for barware and accessories.
Recently and gently refurbished and refinished, the piece retains its original character and warm lustre. A fine example of 1950s Norwegian modernism, blending functional design with refined materiality and craftsmanship.
Condition:
Good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. It has been gently refurbished and refinished, with a new glass shelf to be fitted. The cabinet retains its original patinated mirrored back. One of the door locks, previously missing, has been replaced with a discreet sliding lock.Dimensions:
H: 125 cm W: 90 cm D: 46 cm
Notes on Attribution
The style is reminiscent of Torbjørn Afdal but we cannot attribute this piece of furniture to him with absolute certainty. It features high quality workmanship with attention to detail and the use of fine materials.
Torbjørn Afdal, a respected Norwegian designer, was renowned for creating functional and elegant pieces like this one.
As with many quality Mid-Century pieces, this design thoughtfully pairs solid wood construction with a premium wood veneer—an approach widely used at the time to highlight beautiful grain patterns while ensuring lasting stability.
We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.
Prices do not include delivery.
Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.
We deliver locally within Cape Town for a small fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person. Collections must be made within two weeks of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods.
As to be expected with vintage items, this item may have minor amounts of wear. All of our items are available to view prior to purchase.
Although all effort is made to lighly refurbish and clean our furniture to best represent their original state, it must be noted that the majority of the items we source date from before 1980’s. For this reason signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We try to point out any visible concerns.
Please note that all items are described to the best of our ability, we strongly encourage our clients to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything. Please review all images as they are considered part of the item description.We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS:
excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips.
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marksUnfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf.
Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.
Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).
After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier.
Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R100 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.
For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes a meticulous inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.
Our Approach Includes:
- Examining and reinforcing the joints
- Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
- Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
- Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance
