Good morning Robin,
Thank you for submitting photographs for appraisal at Mearto.
Your Ellis Curio cabinet was made in the mid 20th Century. They appear on the market with some regularity so are not rare; they can be used and enjoyed without losing value as a true antique piece might. The finish looks a little dull; you won't devalue the piece by putting a little furniture wax on it to bring out the luster of the wood.
I hope this information has been useful to you; please let us know if you have additional questions, and thank you again for using Mearto.