Very Fine George I Bureau Bookcase Attributed to Peter Miller

View Similar Items

George II Mahogany Bureau Cabinet Bookcase

Very Fine 18th Century George I Period Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase

George II Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Small Georgian Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

Very Fine 19th Century Three Door Breakfront Bookcase

Fine Burr Walnut George I Bureau Bookcase

George III Breakfront Bookcase

A Fine Early 18th Century George I Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase, Circa 1715

Antique George I Quality Figured Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Elegant Italian Cabinet Bookcase Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s

1 of 7

Very Fine George I Bureau Bookcase Attributed to Peter Miller

About the Item

In three parts, the upper section with double domed top and domed sides with a larger gilt urn finial in the centre flanked by smaller gilt urn finials on the corners, above a pair of arched mirror doors. Opening to an interior fitted with valenced pigeonholes above a central door opening to a recess and drawers flanked by flat-faced drawers above curved drawers. The middle section with a richly veneered fall front opening to a central fitted pull out section with hidden drawers at the rear and flanked by drawers to the sides. Also fitted with three sliding panels opening to reveal a secret well with hidden drawers concealed at the front. The frieze with a central arched broken front. The bottom section with molded waist and two short and one inset drawer over two long graduated drawers, the sides with conforming carrying handles. Raised on six original bun feet and retaining its original brass handles and mounts. At the time of writing Adam Bowett records that there are six pieces of furniture, which might reasonably be attributed to Miller, this bookcase being one of them. Aside from the similarities in form, style and metalware, which link them, they also share common quirks of construction and materials. All are made exclusively of walnut veneer on wainscot oak of the highest quality. No deal whatsoever is used in their construction, which is unusual even on the best English pieces of this date. The construction, while ostensibly conventional, is unusually precise, with an ‘engineered’ quality. The small interior drawers of the desks all have their sharp edges radiussed or ‘softened’, an unusual and rather personal touch. Several pieces evince a preoccupation with security and secrecy, not only in their multitude of secret drawers, but in the unusual locks which are of the highest technical standard. The locks to at least three of the desk slopes have false covers, which conceal all fixings, making them virtually impossible to remove. One cabinet has iron brackets in the upper doors, which engage with the carcase sides to prevent the doors being forced. Common to all the desks in the group is a molding of a curious profile, which flanks each side of the slope.

Attributed to:
Peter Miller (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 89 in (226.06 cm)Width: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Depth: 25 in (63.5 cm)
Style:
George I (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Walnut,Veneer
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Early 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1720
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4249112816922

Antique 18th Century English George II Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

George II Mahogany Bureau Cabinet Bookcase

$20,127

George II Mahogany Bureau Cabinet Bookcase

Located in Lymington, GB

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...

Category

Antique 1740s English George II Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

George II Mahogany Bureau Cabinet Bookcase

$17,416

Very Fine 18th Century George I Period Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB

A very fine George I period walnut and feather banded bureau bookcase, circa 1720, the moulded cornice above a pair of mirror panelled doors, ope...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century British George I Bookcases

Materials

Mirror, Burl, Walnut

Very Fine 18th Century George I Period Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase

$10,029

George II Walnut Bureau Bookcase

Located in Essex, MA

With broken arch pediment and inset mirror over a pair of arched mirror doors opening to shelves and drawers, the base with a slant lid hinged w...

Category

Antique 1720s English George I Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Burl

George II Walnut Bureau Bookcase

$40,000

Small Georgian Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Very Attractive Mid 18th Century, Georgian Mahogany Bureau bookcase Of Very Attractive, Rare, Small Proportions, With Dental Cornice Above Shaped Mirror Door Within Gilded Slip, Ov...

Category