Am I right: Were vintage medicine cabinets made in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s so much more interesting — not to mention, heavier-duty — than today? I recently picked up this catalog showcasing mid-century medicine cabinets, and I count 42 different variations. 42! Plus, check out the towel bars, soap dishes and other chromium, aka chrome-plated accessories. I scan, therefore I am, and I’ve scanned all 34 pages…
… (1) so that you can identify the medicine cabinets that may be in your home, (2) for your viewing pleasure and/or the hunt, and (3) for history’s sake. I’m not 100% positive, but I think, from the notation, that the brochure was published in late 1955.
Tips to view slide show: Click on the first thumbnail… it will enlarge… proceed to next slide via arrows below image… you can start/stop at any slide.
Paul says
I’ve just finished restoring a 660-10 on page 20 (upper left). Heavy wire brushing, primed and light coats of appliance epoxy have it looking like new. The original ballast hummed, so I bought a replacement for $20 that supports two F14T12 bulbs. The best part is the new ballast doesn’t require the individual starter plugs and it’s instant on.
The mirror was losing its silver in places so I’ve had it re-silvered. I found a shop in Nashville that silvers them with the original process. $60 for the 16 x 24 mirror with some engraving on the top.
So for ~$80 and practically nothing at the salvage yard for the cabinet, I have a rewired, fully functional beauty that we can actually and safely use.
Note: I understand that the F14T12 bulbs are going the way 100 W incandescents have… so stock up!
Andy says
We have the “Ensemble”, original to our 1955 Sacramento Eichler, but not present when we bought it last August. We acquired the cabinet from a neighbor, who had updated their bathroom. Happily, they had the foresight to keep the cabinet in their garage, and kindly donated it to us for free. With some cleaning, it’s pretty much like new. Would you mind if I borrow the relevant scan for a blog post I’m writing? Thanks!
pam kueber says
Yes, you may feature one image – please provide a named, hotlinked credit. Thanks!
Andy says
Great, thanks Pam! I just posted on our blog, using a crop of the relevant page. I linked it back here, along with a named link. Thanks again for sharing the brochure, and quickly solving the mystery of where our cabinet came from!
michael matei says
I am interested in purchasing a new replacement cabinet that we have
it is the model ( The Imperial)
How much is it? .
Thank You
Michael
pam kueber says
Michael, we do not sell anything here. If you want to buy/sell vintage steel cabinets, see our Forum: https://retrorenovation.com/forums
Steve says
We have a Miami-Carey model 2015, Duette, I believe. Looking for a replacement wraparound light cover. Anyone have any suggestions. I really feel the need to keep this fixture in this 1956 ranch.
Thank you
Fred Caccese says
Steve,
Did you find out where to get new light covers? I need to get two for my model 2030.
Fred
Steve says
Fred,
Not yet. Trying some resale shops, no luck. They went under in the 70’s I think. So, finding replacements that are 30 – 40 years old might not be the way to go either. Still looking though. Been looking at some high-line replacements at Rejuvenation, that would preserve the look at a pretty penny. If I find something, I’ll let you know. Let me know if you have any luck. I’ll keep your model # case I run across them.
Steve
Sam R says
The blue/pink hall bathroom in my 1954 ranch has one of the lighted “Master” models from page 14. Everyone who sees it comments on the cool Deco covers over the ends of the fluorescent tubes.
Sam R says
Upon further review, it’s tagged as a “Cavalier” model, but it doesn’t seem to have the etching in the mirror shown on the Cavaliers.
John says
Of course Pam would have a story on Miami Carey!! For some reason I didn’t remember this post. Looking over my floor plans again today and the medicine cabinets (Number 901), and the towel bars, (numbers 8021, and 8019), were used in my master bath. I was reading it completely wrong, which is why I couldn’t find it. I thought the brand was just Miami… thanks to Pam I now know its Miami Carey, (it even says that on the drawings I feel dumb now). Will be on the lookout for these now… oh and the receptor tub!! Mine was apparently the Lahoma by Crane, if I am reading the drawing correctly. Thanks again Pam!!
pam kueber says
You’re welcome! Just try the Search box if you’re looking for something. We might have it!
2,681 stories on the blog right now. I can’t even remember what’s there. Seriously. I used to be able. Passed that milestone some time in 2013. Now I struggle to find stuff. Alas. But, again: That search box does usually work pretty darn well.
Benny Haug says
Hello M C! – in the 1960´s I represented your line in wonderful Denmark, Europe, selling your fantastic products! unfortunately the cabinets were not shipped in containers, so half of them were crushed upon arrival!
I remember sending you a photo from an exhibition in Copenhagen of a M C build-in magazine rack, displaying a copy of “Playboy” – at that time it amused you!
Best regards
Benny Haug, Christiansmindevej 15, 5700 Svendborg, Denmark
Carolyn says
I just scored a Miami Carey cabinet at my local Restore for $5! I originally thought it was a Hal-Mak but upon closer inspection found a mfg tag inside. Mine has the horizontal medicine cabinet integral to the mirror on the bottom. It’s a surface mount though as opposed to recessed which is good news for my installer/husband. The cabinet doors however are missing. Any ideas on where to find replacement parts?
pam kueber says
for replacement cabinet doors, i would try my local shower door / glass shop — i bet they could cut some to size for you. congrats on the great find. miami-carey a wonderful brand!
Rebecca Prichard says
I can’t believe how exciting medicine cabinets can be.
pam kueber says
yup. but never ever as exciting as toilets.
CCinVA says
Just reading through this thread for the first time. We bought our current 1964 brick rambler in 2009 & I’ve always been amused by the razor blade slot in the back of the medicine cabinet in our 1/2 bath. Reminded me of the home I grew up in that was built in 1955. After reading this, I went & looked inside and sure enough, it’s still got the original Miami Carey label in it! Very cool, I had no idea. No lights on the side though, unless they were there at one time & removed during a later ‘renovation’.