Antique English Walnut Mahogany Display Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1850

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Antique English Walnut Mahogany Display Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1850

About the Item

Receive our new selections direct from 1stdibs by email each week. Please click Follow Dealer below and see them first! The elegant spiral of the barley twist columns add a striking impression to this antique English display cabinet bookcase, circa 1850. Fitted with adjustable shelves and featuring four cabinet doors with their original antique glass this entire piece was designed to protect and display valuable objects. The cabinet stands upon a plinth base which became popular during the Regency period in England (1810-1830) for its handsome architectural presence within an interior. By using a specific form known as a "breakfront" the designer of this antique bookcase display cabinet was able to add drama to the façade as the left and right sections sit further back than the central section. This sense of movement is further enhanced by the four barley twist spiral columns that frame the glass fronted cabinet doors. Please notice that each spiral runs in the opposite direction from the other signifying that they were not mass produced but turned to order to enhance the appearance of the antique English cabinet. The term "barley twist" derives from a type of penny candy made of barley sugar that was sold in a small paper sack which was closed with a twist to secure the contents. In addition to the four cabinet doors there are three drawers at the top of the bookcase display cabinet which are accessed by pulling gently on the underside. Because they do not have any knobs or pulls it is easy to assume they are not there. Concealed drawers are always an added benefit to an antique cabinet as private effects may be safely stored in plain sight. The painted interior was added at some point and may be changed easily to another color as desired. Each of the original shelves retains their original timber banding across the front that coordinates with the burl walnut and mahogany of the exterior of the piece.

Dimensions:
Height: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Width: 72.5 in (184.15 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
Style:
Regency (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany,Carved
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1850-1859
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: MDJA71stDibs: LU86685391433