RARE PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY BOOKCASES (ÉTAGÈRE)

England, c1800

Left Example

Right Example

A rare form in the highest style, each with a shelved upper section of rectangular outline, ending in scroll terminals,

above a cupboard enclosed by a pair of paneled doors, ending in splayed bracket feet;

shelf uprights are tenoned into the bottom section, secured by wooden keys; retains locks and keys

Condition : Very good with excellent color and old if not original finish and usual nicks and scratches ;

Left example : the feet tipped, some minor veneer repairs and bowing to the left door front,

Right example : the upper section with 2 well done repairs to the uprights, top shelf with two short shrinkage cracks;

lower section with minor repairs to the feet and legs, the cupboard doors very slightly bowed, some staining to cabinet top.

Note :

Bookcases, or etageres, were usually made in pairs on special order only.

No comparables could be found to this unusual form. However the upright-supported shelving over a wider horizontal base is

somewhat reminiscent of the shape of the Samuel Pepys bookcases in the Pepys Library of Magdalene College, Cambridge, England.

There is a strong possibility that it is from the Gillows manufactory in Lancaster, due to its originality and quality.

They are not marked. However, not all Gillows furniture prior to 1820 bears marks.

50”H x 42”L x 16”D

SOLD

#6303

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Rare Pair of George III Mahogany Bookcases, England, c1800