hi there~

I've looked, but I can't seem to find this type of file cabinette:

the file cabinet consists of stacks of drawers perhaps 12 high by 4
across, where each drawer is about 9 inches wide and 12 inches deep
(just enough to fit the US standard sheet of 8.5 x 11 inches) and 3
inches (or thereabouts) tall.

the dimensions of the cabinet may be off, but i think that this is
unusual enough that something can be found that is exactly as
described or very similar.  The construction is all steel.  very
solidly built and the fronts of the drawers, besides having handles
also might have spaces for convenient labeling.

These sorts of cabinets would be very convenient for someone who
collects a lot of xeroxes of articles and files them away and doesnt
want to file them away in hanging file cabinettes.

Does anybody know what I am talking about?

A source or even a name for these types of file cabinets would be
greatly appreciated.

please ask for any other clarifications.

I do not know who made these sorts of things, other than that they are
probably pretty old.  I saw a professor with one of these long ago,
but now hes in another state and I dont even know if hes still around.

thanks very much in advance!

Hi Banchan,
   The kind of steel drawers you are looking for are called "flat
file" drawers.  There are too many sites to list, but they can easily
be accessed by a search for "flat files". They are used by artists,
photographers and architects.  Although I saw one many years ago as
well that had smaller drawers, closer to your dimensions(8.5x11), most
of the ones I found are larger. Used mostly for blueprints.  Go take a
look at some of the sites and see if any are what you might need.  
Have a great day!