Very Unique. I am so impressed at the industrial quality of theses cabinets. 16-1/2 x 12 x8-1/2 These are not the tin or poor quality 4 drawer metal cabinets. This cabinet is far better quality wise and it weight about 33 pounds without pack and boxing . This will last a life time . Keep that in mind when you see the shipping cost shipping .The cost is calculated to your location so it is what it the shipping co. charges not me . It won’t move when you open the draws because it weighs a lot. I shown some ideas on what you can put in them . You may have your own ideas . I don’t know what they were used for . But there strong as hell . There are two 4 drawers in one unit that makes 8 drawers. They may have been for industrial printing type set . You will not be disappointed with the quality you may never find better in this size cabinet . But you need to have a need for this style draws .