Antique Large Bookcases
BOOKCASES — large
Bookcases fall into two main types, both the result of the requirements of the rich. The first from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century are floor to ceiling; the small very late eighteenth and nineteenth century examples were bought to preserve wall space for pictures — and even more expensive decoration.
Bookcases have been expensive for some time, whereas break-front wardrobes have been in demand only as embryonic bookcases. Conversion involves cutting about ten inches out of the depth, as clothes are that much wider than books. This and new astragal moulding to replace the solid fronts can leave tell-tale signs.
A mahogany break-front bookcase of real quality. The glazing bars, the bracket feet, dentil moulding, decorated surrounds to the doors and matched veneers on the panels all combine to make this a fine example. The bookcase section dominates the lower portion.
c.1770 Value is $9, 000 — 12, 000
A more flamboyant example of the same period and again extremely well made with fine matched veneers, dentil moulded cornice and elegant moulding to the glazed doors.
Here the two wings are gaining in importance. The diamond glazing bars are conventional, the quality of work and workmanship impeccable, but the top moulding, always wide on a good piece, seems to have taken off excessively.
By contrast a small Hepplewhite design. The shaped apron, splay feet, the oval panels of contrasting veneer and the metal attachment to vary the depth of the bookshelves, rather than the regular rebate of the previous examples, all point to the later more refined version. The broken pediment looks thin. c. 1800
Much more straightforward is this functional piece whose only concession to fashion are the supports so typical of the period. c. 1830
A good honest late eighteenth century secretaire bookcase. The moulded bead round the top drawer and the dentil cornice lift it marginally out of the rut. It is typical of hundreds that were made over a long period. c.1775-1795
With splayed feet, oval panels and a curiously inelegant top moulding, this early nineteenth century secretaire bookcase is firmly in the Sheraton tradition. c. 1805
Another example built on utilitarian lines, but the chamfered corners, well-panelled base, classical mouldings and break-front all lift it above the last example. c.1840
Mid-Victorian with the very thin veneer of fine burr walnut that was so widely used at this date. Note the rounded moulding. A decorative and functional piece. c. 1860
butter churn glass 2 liters
eagle brass with outstretched wings
cabinet 1800s solid cherry restored
Tags: Antique, BOOKCASES, Bookshelves, bracket, Conversion, cornice, depth, design, Eighteenth, Hepplewhite, late eighteenth century, mahogany, nineteenth, nineteenth century, pediment, two wings, veneer, Veneers, workmanship