After the amazing success of my recent blog on support systems, I knew I needed to do more on the topic as soon as possible. Turns out last week’s auction presented me with six more examples to share. Five were from last week’s auction. One was from the previous auction but still in the building.
First up:
Edwardian Step Back Bookcase
Description: Circa 1900, mahogany, three-part form, molded cornice, hinged glazed doors, louvered shelf interior, lower case with two paneled drawers over two relief carved hinged doors, on molded flush base.
Size: 87 x 48 x 17.5 in.
Condition: Retaining old glass; case with surface scratches and staining; no key. (Horrors)
Second:
George III Inlaid Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Description: Early 19th century, oak and pine secondary, two-part form, carved and reticulated broken arch pediment with shell inlay, dentil and drop finial molded cornice, hinged doors with astragal molding, louvered shelf interior, slant front lid with inlaid conch shell and corner fans, interior with floral urn inlaid prospect door with interior drawer, flanked by pigeon holes and banded drawers, over four graduated cock beaded drawers, on straight bracket feet.
Size: 101 x 42 x 20 in.
Condition: Upper case with later molding which disabled original pediment form being attached; eight inch sliver of wood loss to right upper door edge; one cracked glass panel; no key; later pulls in later holes; some veneer chips and loss.
And what do we see inside:
And the ever popular number three:
American Late Classical Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Description: Circa 1840, mahogany veneer, poplar secondary, two-part form, cove molded cornice with a peaked pediment above a bookmatched veneered frieze, two hinged glass doors above two small side-by-side drawers, the base with hinged fold-out writing lid above three long drawers, on straight feet.
Size: 82 x 37 x 18 in.
Condition: Later glass; wear to lid and writing surface.
Our fourth contestant is:
Antique French Country Cupboard
Description: Late 19th century, pine, single board top with through tenon construction, case with three drawers beside a paneled door raised on four legs.
Size: 39 x 47 x 16 in.
Condition: Surface stains; shrinkage crack; loss to right edge; later feet.
More on this cupboard tomorrow. Or soon at least.
And now for something different, number five:
American Late Classical Secretary Bookcase
Description: Circa 1840, mahogany, mahogany veneers, white pine secondary, two-part form, pronounced ogee cornice surmounted by a relief carved crest featuring a central shell, above a veneered frieze with applied carving, two hinged glass doors, shelved louvered interior above two side-by-side drawers, the base with hinged fold-out writing lid with writing and inkwell above an upper serpentine front drawer above two long drawers, scalloped skirt on bracket foot base.
Size: 92 x 41 x 20.5 in.
Condition: Old surface; some veneer chipping, losses, and buckling especially at cornice and feet; several veneer chips present in envelope; shrinkage crack to left and right side lower case.
And now the different part:
And now for something even more differenter:
French Marquetry Inlaid Bibliothèque Deux-Corps
Description: Mid 19th century, mahogany, mahogany veneers, pine secondary, two-part form, cornice with applied molding above a cove molded inlaid frieze set above four glass paneled hinged doors, the two exterior with slight projecting step, shelved interior with later fabric liner, the base with repeating applied molded edge above a cove molded inlaid waist above four urn and floral inlay hinged paneled doors, shelved interior; all stiles feature a floral and vine inlay with ormolu gilt capitals, raised on shaped bracket foot base.
Size: 95 x 86.5 x 17.5 in.
Condition: Expected shrinkage cracks to cross banded moldings; some minor veneer chips and losses; later fabric lining; later lighting installed to upper cabinet.
Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000
And for the differenter part: