Antique Bureau Bookcases
BUREAU BOOKCASES
In the main, the same rules apply to the value of bureau bookcases as are applied to bureaux themselves and the dating of them lies in an understanding of the mouldings and types of veneered decoration. However, for the bureau bookcase there are additional features, particularly the decoration of the top moulding and the way the door fronts are arranged which give further signs of quality.
The essential point is, of course, to make sure that the top and bottom were made at the same time and that there has not been a marriage of two separate pieces. Among the points to check are colour, arrangements of drawers, old screw holes where the top has been secured, any signs of new cabinet work where the top may have been thinned or narrowed, the quality of wood used at both front and back and drawer lining materials and workmanship. Look carefully at the decoration, has some been added to one half to
make it look more like the other Often very difficult to tell.
Value points: as for bureaux plus the following point which apply to the top half.
domed or broken pediments mouldings of high quality original mirror or glass glazing bar arrangement
This superb George I walnut and carved parcel gilt example is a first rate piece in which the fitted work on the top half has been taken to such an extent that it has made it into a cabinet rather than a bookcase. The use of pillars, fine carving both on the acanthus cartouche medallion and the massive paw feet make it a formidable example of English cabinet work. It is only marginally over 6ft. which further enhances its desirability. Still modestly priced in terms of Continental furniture. c. 1720
Tags: acanthus, Add new tag, Antique, BOOKCASES, bureau, Bureaux, cabinet work, continental furniture, drawers, english cabinet, furniture, george i, mirror, Original, paw feet, pillar, screw holes, top and bottom, workmanship