Object Description
Circa 1790, George III mahogany and inlaid double breakfront cabinet bookcase. The bookcase was likely made in Edinburgh. It has a classical Georgian cornice, with various mouldings. Beneath the top there are 6 glazed doors with simple but stylish glazing bars, and an oval panel in the centre that features a slow curving astragal which runs from the top to the bottom. Several flat astragals hold the centre pattern in place, and inside each section are adjustable shelves. All the shelves are numbered at the front with small letter cases that have been gilded. The facings on the shelves have a concave section. A flat section sits under the glazed doors, and beneath the top there is a combination of cupboards and drawers. In the centre there are 2 banks of mahogany drawers with string inlay and canted corners. These have their original oval handles which are decorated with a bird and 2 cornucopias filled with flowers, stylish pomels and an elegant pull which is ribbed on the top and flush at the back. The drawers taper from top to bottom getting larger as they go down. They retain the original escutcheons and locks. On either side that are 2 further doors with fielded panels, with the top of them canted and matching the inlay of the centre drawers. In the centre of the bookcase there is an oval panel of string inlay with a flame mahogany piece of wood inside that. Inside there are a couple of shelves that follow the same shape of the top, again adjustable. Beneath the drawers and the cupboards there is a small double ogee moulding and the entire bookcase stands on an enclosed flame mahogany plinth. The bookcase is all completely original and breaks down into several pieces so that it can be moved.
It is rare to find a bookcase of this size, quality and originality.