They're Over 100 Years Old — Now It's The Rare, Vintage Pantry We Want In Our Homes

Some retro kitchen items, such as bread boxes, are making a comeback, as they can still serve great purposes even today. Case in point, if you stumble across a rotary canister cabinet at an antique store or estate sale, you may not immediately realize you're looking at one of the most ingenious kitchen storage solutions of the early 20th century, invented more than 100 years before lazy Susans and pull-out pantry organizers. While, initially, it might have been created to store goods while keeping out critters or pests, collectors are now going wild for these rotating storage systems that keep your goods organized while saving space. 

One of the best-known examples of a rotary canister cabinet is the Metters Rotary Canister Cabinet, built by an Australian manufacturing company known primarily for its wood stoves. Manufactured through 1939, the cabinet functioned as a miniature pantry, housing labeled canisters for flour, rice, sugar, breadcrumbs, corn flour, and other dry goods. Today, these cabinets feel surprisingly modern, despite their age. With a simple turn, each container rotated into position, making it easy to access ingredients without rummaging through shelves or cupboards.

Because rotary canister cabinets were functional household items, many surviving examples show a lot of wear. Most collectors are looking for completeness first. The Metters cabinet was originally finished in cream or white. Cabinets that retain all of their original canisters, labels, doors, and handles tend to be the most desirable. Missing canisters can be difficult to replace, making complete examples significantly more valuable.

To successfully buy antique furniture for your home, always inspect any rotating mechanisms. A quality cabinet should turn smoothly, allowing each canister to rotate into view without excessive sticking or wobbling. To determine whether you have found an authentic cabinet, look for branding or marking, like the plaque on the lower wooden base, which reads, "Metters Ltd Sydney NSW"

These rotating cabinets are sure to appeal to buyers who appreciate antiques but want practical furniture that helps them meet their storage and space needs. While they are far less common than traditional kitchen cabinets or pantry cupboards, especially since information on them in the United States is limited, the rarity is part of the appeal. Depending on condition and completeness, rotary canister cabinets can sell for $500, while exceptional examples with all original components may bring around $1,000 before international shipping.