Small Size Mid-18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase or Cabinet

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 rare, small, English early-18th century walnut bureau bookcase/ cabinet with a moulded swan-neck pediment. Circa 1727-1730. On the cusp of George I- into George II-period. The bev...

A rare William & Mary-period walnut double-dome bureau bookcase / cabinet. Circa 1685. Of compact size and proportions. In excellent overall condition with old, waxed, well-patinated surfaces of very good color. This bureau bookcase, or cabinet, divides into three separate sections (which helps date it to the last quarter of the 17th century). The bold double-dome pediment and cross-grain mouldings are typical of this period, and are repeated in the side returns. The book-matched, hand-cut veneers are well figured throughout, and are contained within herringbone lines. The bookcase section has candle slides, contains shelves and fitted drawers. Gilded finials are later. The centre section with a quarter-veneered fall reveals a fitted interior, concealed well and a secret compartment. The writing section is raised on a three-drawer base with an unusual and boldly-arcaded apron, in turn raised on its apparently original walnut bun feet. The drawer dividers are faced with cross-grain walnut ‘D’ mouldings. The brass engraved mounts are correct for period but not original, however the locks and hinges are. It is unusual to encounter these early bookcases / cabinets constructed in three stages; an indication of a transition taking place from the 17th century into the 18th century. This is a fine, rare and sophisticated piece of late-17th century walnut furniture...

A small late 18th century secretaire bookcase / cabinet. George III period, circa 1790. Of very good rich color. Inlaid and crossbanded throughout. Only 2'5" wide. Mounts are corre...

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...

Bureau cabinet Portuguese. With original handles, on ogee bracket feet. 18th century.

George II Mahogany Bureau Bookcase. Having 4 Oak Lined Graduated Drawers with Original Brassware. The Fall Opening to reveal an arrangement of Serpentine Shaped Drawers a Mirrored Ce...

Early 18th century burl walnut veneered bureau cabinet. The upper section with swan neck top over double doors, the lower section with a sloping-f...