BOOKCASES, REVOLVING

About 1790 to 1915
A smallish open-shelved bookcase revolving on a central pillar. A patent for a bookcase with individually rotating shelves was granted to Benjamin Crosby in 1808, but many pre-date this. Especially popular during Regency and, in a different form, during the Edwardian period.
STYLE AND APPEARANCE
Usually circular. Could have been two and six tiers, slightly diminishing in diameter towards the top. Central pillar turned at base – usually in baluster form – with three (occasionally four) legs. These could be scrolling with narrow pad feet, or splayed (and popularly reeded) ending in brass box castors.
Shelves with wedge-shaped dividers, usually fronted by dummy book spines. Top could have a wooden, or more commonly a brass gallery.
Edwardian examples are generally square with only two tiers, each side having either a
BOOKCASES
Edwardian model with slatted sides and inlay.
solid panel or row of wooden slats forming end support of adjoining shelf.
Bottom shelf bordered by deep skirting; slightly projecting moulded cornice at top. The structure rotates on the column rising from flat platform cross-bars with semi-concealed castors.
Top occasionally has hinged book stand supported on ratchet system.
MATERIALS
Mahogany, occasionally rosewood. Edwardian sometimes oak.
CONSTRUCTION
Shelves rotate around central pillar rising from base. Standard methods employed for pedestal support (see TABLES, TRIPOD, P. 175).
DECORATION
Edwardian: Oak usually carved with scrolling and/or floral ornament in Renaissance style. Sheraton-style indicated on some pieces by simple inlay of shells, fans, stringing lines.
FINISH
Polish; stain.
RELATIVE VALUES
Very desirable objects; the best Regency examples fetch five figure sums. Edwardian examples do not compare.
Regency four-tier revolving bookcase, with splayed legs.