Rare 1930's Chi-Namel Paint & Varnish Lighted "Gems Of Color" Sales Display Case

Calling all interior designers, architects and wall paint connoisseurs. This sturdy metal lighted display paint sample kit was made for Chi-Namel Paints & Varnish.

The Ohio Varnish Company of Cleveland commenced business in 1881 and gained prominence when it launched the Chi-Namel brand of products that claimed to coat every surface in the home, including walls, floor, and furniture.

The company ceased business in the 1930's but the Chi-Namel brand continued until the early 1950's through licenses to other manufacturers. Chi-Namel products contained China wood oil that promoted the boast that Chi-Namel allowed the ancient secrets of China to be applied to the modern home in America.

Chi-Namel also stated that the paints could be used for boats, automobiles and airplanes.

The brown metal handled display case is 17" in width, 16" in height and 8-3/4" in depth. The case comes with 18 original color transparencies depicting room design and colors. The transparencies can be inserted into the lighted display frame for viewing. The transparencies would make June Cleaver or Harriet Nelson jealous.

This great piece could make a very unusual night light if placed on a table or counter. The slide-open sample compartment is about 5" wide and 14" deep so the compartment could hold sales brochures or color samples.

The light was tested and works well with a working on/off switch. The transparencies mount in a display bracket over a pane of glass. There is some glass breakage near the lower bottom side of the glass pane but the light and transparencies do display well. The glass can easily be replaced at any hardware store if desired.