Chippendale Mahogany Secretaire Breakfront Library Bookcase

An elegant 18th-century mahogany bureau cabinet of impressive architectural form, and lovely rich colour. George II-period, circa 1740. The top surmounted by a bold architectural pediment and centred by a brass finial. The two arched panel doors reveal three adjustable shelves which have candle slides below them. Furthermore the bureau section is fitted with a stepped interior. This has two secret compartments, drawers and pigeon holes, and the fall is conventionally supported on two lopers. Lined in the best quality English oak. The blind doors of this Georgian cabinet have well figured mahogany panels of very good colour which reflect beautifully in the candle light. The chamfered and arched doors display a further level of sophistication and quality. The beautifully drawn arched pediment is in perfect proportion with the rest of the cabinet/ bookcase. In excellent condition overall. Architectural furniture designs on the continent commenced with the arrival of the Renaissance, and they have their origins in Roman and Greek architecture. Nb. We often refer to antique bookcases / cabinets as ''secretary desks'' in the US. Bureau bookcases display books, china or silver behind glazed doors, but are described more accurately as bureau cabinets when they are fitted with blind doors. Further reading, re pediments, etc: 'Illustrated Dictionary...

A very impressive mahogany bureau cabinet / bookcase / secretary*, with secret compartments. In the manner of Giles Grendey (1693-1780). In mahogany and parcel gilt. Mid-18th century, George II period. This English bureau cabinet displays fine, deep, rich colour and superb surface patination throughout. The top section with a broken-arch pediment and dentil cornice. The frieze well carved with Gothic arcaded blind fretwork. Centred by a later urn-shaped finial. The cabinet with two carved parcel-gilt gesso bordered ogee shaped doors. Old but apparently later mirror plates enclosing a fitted interior with eight drawers and adjustable shelves. The cleated fall, with its original lock, now fitted with a wine red, gilt-tooled writing surface revealing an exceptionally high-quality arrangement of canopied drawers and pigeon holes. The interior is centred by an arched, architectural over door...

A small-sized mid-18th century mahogany bureau bookcase / cabinet. George II-period, ca 1740. This diminutive Georgian bureau bookcase – als...

A fine English mid-18th century mahogany secretaire / secretary / bookcase / china cabinet. Of lovely, deep, rich color, patina and quality. George III-period, circa 1760. The bold, detachable, swan-neck pediment carved with 'Gothic' open fretwork, spiral rosettes and a dentil cornice. The pediment is centred by a small platform below which is a fluted panel. The bookcase / china cabinet section with two, thirteen-pane glazed doors, with three original adjustable shelves with applied beadings for the display of china etc. The base with a pull-out writing section fitted with small drawers, two of which have secret releases. These secret drawers are faced with blind-fret 'Gothic' tracery, and centred by a carved, shaped arch. The base with three cock-beaded drawers, and raised on its original bracket feet which are faced with blind fret. This fine, sophisticated and well-proportioned example of a secretaire / secretary / cabinet / desk / bookcase is remarkable for having survived in its original state including all swan-neck handles and locks. Of superb quality, color, patination, and well figured throughout. With mahogany drawer linings: further confirmation of its superlative quality. Measures: 42" wide (107 cm) 23" deep 58.5 cm) 95" high (241 cm) - without cartouche. A related antique bureau cabinet...

Impressive mahogany Chippendale style 4 door breakfront bookcase. Circa 1900 This quality 4 door bookcase stands upon a squat cabriole legs with bold...

A fine quality impressive mid-18th Century Chippendale period flame figured mahogany Breakfront Bookcase, having bold carved & dentilled swan-neck pediment enclosing blind fretwork w...

An important and very impressive 18th century Chippendale period mahogany break fronted bookcase, having dental moulding to the cornice, astragal glazed doors above three large frieze...

Very fine George III mahogany breakfront bookcase in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, the architectural pediment having egg and dart with dentil molding over similarly treated friez...