catalog text
GEORGE III STYLE MAHOGANY BREAKFRONT BOOKCASE CABINET
England, circa mid-to-late 19th century; breaks down into 6 sections
Item # 105IIA14X
A very fine breakfront bookcase cabinet executed in the George III taste with exacting standards of craftsmanship, it shows impeccable taste in material choice with a rich and dense mahogany utilized and showcased throughout. The drawers exhibit vivid cuts of crotch-mahogany with a flowing grain profile selected for its symmetry and effect. The design is noteworthy, having excellent restrained proportions that make it most appropriate for the smaller home interior typical today, measuring only 73" in overall width. It breaks down into 6 individual sections for easy and safe transport.
Situated beneath a cove-molded crest decorated with Gothic arches and acorn finials are four glazed doors, opening to reveal an adjustably shelved bookcase interior over a secretaire desk with a gilt-tooled leather writing surface before a lined interior with a prospect door central flanked by four pigeon-hole letter slots over three tiny drawers, this hidden behind a fall-front that is decorated to look like the drawers flanking it on the left and the right. Four blind doors beneath this open to reveal drawer lined interiors, all beautifully joined with oak secondary woods and crisp hand-cut dovetails, retaining early bail pull hardware.
The reverse of the cabinet shows the careful joinery that has allowed the breakfront to last in such fine condition; an old Sotheby's label remains affixed verso.
Measurements: 87 1/8" H x 18 1/2" D x 73" W; writing surface is 29 7/8" H from floor, 17 1/4" D x 38 3/8" W
Condition Report:
One glass pane with a corner cracked (we can replace this piece of glass upon request), at least two other panes of glass are replaced. Surfaces in very good condition, vibrant with excellent color throughout, minor wear and use indicators as expected. Several areas of veneer patching, including two spots to plane of lower-middle section, left panel of fall-front; back right corner of crest patched and one acorn finial in crest missing. Brasses replaced with George III period brasses, trace scarring from prior brasses visible. Retains original keys.