Object Description
An Exceptional Quality Late 19th Century, French Napoleon III Period, Mahogany And Brass Breakfront, Dwarf, Open Bookcase, Having Superb Quality Pierced Brass Gallery To Well Figured Top, Over Three Sections With Two Adjustable Shelves To Each, Flanked By Elegant Brass Reeded Turned Outstanding Columns, Raised On Attractive Original Turned Tapering Feet.
The Napoleon III period of French furniture is well known for its ecelectic mix of embellishments and for the furniture made often being of particularly grand scale. The brass moulded decoration and reeded columns featured on this particular bookcase are a good examples of one of the most attractive, but subtle, embellishment techniques being used at the time. And of course it goes without saying that the scale of this bookcase is particularly impressive.
Constructed from exceptional quality mahogany veneers, embellished with good brass decoration and a finely made brass gallery, it is clear that this victorian open bookcase was constucted by one of the top french cabinet making firms of the late 19th century.
The overall scale of this bookcase is certainly impressive and of course this means that whilst it is very beautiful to look at, it is also incredibly functional. Its difficult to imagine a single tier, dwarf design, open bookcase which would have more storage space available for its owner to utilise that is for sure.
It remains in excellent condition with just a few historic old marks, scrapes and scuffs which have now blended in with the overall patina of the piece. As with all items which we offer for sale this cabinet has been inspected in our workshops by our highly skilled, trained antique furniture restorers and received a natural wax polish,, plus brass cleaning, to ensure that it is ready for immediate placement within the home or office.
Circa 1870.
Height 50in.
Width 84.5in.
Depth 17in.