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Help CenterExtra-Wide Map Storage Drawer for Chicago Historic Archives, Heavy-Duty Cold Rolled Steel, Lockable Museum-Grade Large Document Organizer
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Q&A: Preserving Chicago's History—A Guide to Museum-Grade Map Storage
Q: Our archive holds irreplaceable, oversized historical maps of Chicago—some are centuries old, fragile, and of irregular size. Standard filing cabinets don't work. What should we look for in a storage solution?
A: You require a museum-grade, extra-wide flat file drawer system. The primary goals are preservation, security, and gentle access. Key features must include:
Extra-Wide, Shallow Drawers: To accommodate large, fragile sheets without folding or excessive handling.
Archival-Safe Materials: Non-off-gassing, inert surfaces that won't damage delicate paper over decades.
Ultra-Smooth Drawer Action: A glide system with no friction or sudden stops to prevent tearing.
Superior Security & Environmental Control: To protect against both unauthorized access and physical damage.
The Extra-Wide Map Storage Drawer system is engineered to these exacting standards. It transforms the challenge of storing Chicago's historic ward maps, Sanborn fire insurance atlases, and architectural surveys into a manageable, systematic process, ensuring they survive for future generations.
Q: How does this cabinet's design specifically address the preservation needs of fragile, oversized documents?
A: Through a combination of generous dimensions, supportive structure, and protective features.
The "Extra-Wide" Dimension is Critical: With an internal drawer width of 1205mm (over 47 inches) and a depth of 820mm (over 32 inches), this cabinet provides a vast, flat resting place. This means most oversized historical documents can lie fully flat without being folded, rolled, or crammed in. The shallow 75mm drawer height is intentional—it allows for the logical separation of maps into manageable groups (e.g., by decade or neighborhood) without creating a heavy, unstable stack of documents within a single drawer that can lead to creasing when retrieving a sheet from the bottom.
Archival-Safe, Inert Interior: The cabinet interior is constructed from cold-rolled steel with a neutral, powder-coated finish. Unlike some woods or composites that can emit acidic vapors over time, this provides a stable, non-reactive environment for paper. The smooth coating also prevents snagging on fragile edges.
The "Floating" Drawer Glide: Our heavy-duty, cold-rolled double roller track system is paramount. When fully extended, the drawer is fully supported, creating a stable "viewing tray" for the entire map. This allows archivists to gently slide a document out for inspection or digitization without dragging it across a surface. The reinforced back beam ensures the drawer itself remains perfectly rigid, providing a solid foundation for the artifact.
Q: What security and stability features make it "museum-grade" for a public or institutional archive?
A: It incorporates both active security and passive stability features expected in a curated collection setting.
| Feature | Design Specification | Benefit for Historic Archives |
|---|---|---|
| Locking System | High-security, branded steel cabinet locks. Can be configured for one-lock control or individual drawer locks. | Provides audit-trail control. Prevents unauthorized handling or removal of priceless originals. Essential for donor agreements and collection management policies. |
| Structural Integrity | Heavy-Duty Cold Rolled Steel (SPCC) frame and body. Far exceeds the gauge of commercial office furniture. | Offers superior load-bearing capacity for dense collections. Deters vandalism or accidental impact. The weight itself contributes to overall stability. |
| Anti-Deflection & Stacking | Top-mounted anti-slip screw configuration and interlocking stack design. | Prevents cabinet "racking" or twisting over time, which can misalign and damage drawers. Allows secure vertical expansion in space-limited archive rooms. |
| Controlled Mobility | Removable, weight-rated bottom rollers with locking brakes. | Enables safe relocation of even a fully loaded cabinet for room reconfiguration or disaster recovery planning, then locks firmly in place. |
Q: Can it handle the variety of materials found in a historical collection, beyond just paper maps?
A: Absolutely. Its robust design accommodates a range of archival materials.
Large Format Photographs & Blueprints: The smooth interior is ideal for storing old photographic prints and architectural blueprints.
Parchment & Vellum: The stable, flat surface is perfect for these materials, which are highly sensitive to rolling.
Fragile Newspapers (Oversized): Complete broadsheet editions can be stored flat in designated drawers.
Protective Encapsulations: The drawer height comfortably accommodates maps that have been professionally encapsulated in polyester sleeves for added protection.
The system’s strength lies in providing a flexible, protective housing, allowing your archivists to use their preferred internal preservation techniques (acid-free folders, interleaving tissue) within a supremely durable external framework.
Technical Specifications for Collection Managers
| Parameter | Specification for Extra-Wide Cabinet | Archival Application Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Designation | Cabinet No. 0 (Wide Format) | Ideal for maps, atlases, and oversized art. |
| External Dimensions | W1300mm x D930mm x H650mm | Substantial presence; requires planned space. |
| Internal Drawer Dimensions | H75mm x W1205mm x D820mm | Key feature: Exceptional width and depth for oversized items. |
| Drawer Count per Cabinet | Configurable (Typically 5) | Allows for categorization by type, date, or geographic area. |
| Construction Material | Heavy-Gauge SPCC Cold Rolled Steel | Ensures lifelong durability and protection. |
| Drawer Glide System | Reinforced Beam & Double Roller Track | For gentle, fully-supported access to fragile items. |
| Security | High-Grade Locking System (Central or Individual) | Meets institutional security protocols. |
| Finish | Archival-Neutral Powder Coat (e.g., Curry White) | Clean, professional, and safe for collections. |
For the Chicago Historical Society, university special collections, or municipal archives, investing in this cabinet is an investment in the physical legacy of the city. It moves beyond simple storage to become an active partner in preservation, ensuring that the maps that chart Chicago’s evolution from frontier town to global metropolis remain intact, accessible, and secure for centuries to come.
FAQ
Q: What is the weight capacity of the extra-wide drawers, given that historical maps can be heavy, especially if encapsulated?
A: Each extra-wide drawer is engineered with a reinforced structure to support significant weight. While capacity depends on even distribution, these heavy-duty drawers can safely hold 60-75 pounds of material. This comfortably accommodates a substantial stack of large documents, even within a single shallow drawer.
Q: We are concerned about the potential for off-gassing from the powder coat finish. Is it truly safe for direct contact with 19th-century documents?
A: Yes. The powder coat finish we use is a thermoset polymer that is inert and non-off-gassing once cured. It contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could harm paper. For ultimate precaution, we always recommend following best archival practice: placing documents within acid-free folders or interleaving sheets inside the drawer, using the cabinet as the primary protective shell.
Q: Can the cabinet be customized with different drawer heights for a mixed collection?
A: While this model features a standardized 75mm drawer height optimized for flat sheets, we do offer semi-custom configurations for large orders. This could include creating a cabinet with varying drawer heights (e.g., some 75mm for maps, some 150mm for bound volumes). Please inquire with our project sales team to discuss the feasibility and minimum order quantities for customized configurations.
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