Object Description
Outstanding late 18th century George Hepplewhite satinwood and mahogany secretaire bookcase. Made, probably in London, from a George Hepplewhite design taken from Plate 43 in the 1787 Cabinet-makers and Upholsterers Guide as shown in the pictures. The door glazing is basically exactly the same as the one drawn by Hepplewhite.
The bookcase is of the highest quality with superb marquetry inlays throughout. The sides of the bookcase are mahogany whilst the front is a combination of mahogany and mainly satinwood. The secretaire drawer is all satinwood inside with an assortment of pigeon holes and drawers with a central cupboard also with drawers inside. There is also a secret drawer within. The drawers are all oak lined with brass knobs which are probably later. The cupboard below the secretaire drawer is fitted with sliding trays inside which are also later 19th century additions.
The glazed top has two doors with virtually all of its original wavy 18th century glass. The shelves inside are fully adjustable. The top cornice section of the bookcase is just amazing, the fret work is superb and it is complete with all three original turned urn finials. As far as I can see there is no damage and no repairs to the fretwork which is equally amazing.
The bookcase has gone through a sympathetic restoration in Victorian times including all the locks having been replaced except for the small cupboard lock to the secretaire cupboard door which is still the original Georgian one. All the locks are working and all come with keys. It would have been at this time I suspect the cupboard trays where added. Originally it looks like it had two fixed shelves.
Overall the condition is very good apart from the odd minor hairline crack to the cupboard doors. It would grace any good drawing room in any country house in the country and is without any doubt the best bookcase we have ever offered for sale.
SIZES; 47″ wide by 22″ deep by 102″ high overall. The bookcase top is 12″ deep. The base height is 43″
CIRCA; 1780