Antique Breakfront Bookcases were first seen as far back as the Georgian era in Mahogany and designed by skilled cabinet makers such as Chippendale. They were usually quite grand in size with features like a swan neck pediment sitting on top and glazed front doors on the front. The Breakfront, on an antique bookcase is the shape of a piece that steps forward in the centre or sometimes you can see the same design, but in an inverted breakfront so the piece steps back in the centre not forward. This is often seen in large antique library bookcases with glazed tops above cupboard bases and really are grand pieces of furniture. This shape was also used in the Victorian era on long open bookcases, with a decorative carved frieze and lots of book storage. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale.
Below are a few examples of previously sold breakfronted bookcases, but if any particular style looks of interest please let us know as we do get many similar designs in stock and we can try to locate something similar.
Large Victorian Walnut Break Fronted Antique Open Bookcase. This stately, highly desirable large Victorian walnut antique open bookcase has a break front and dates from around 1890. The top continues the break fronted theme and sits above three open sections, each with two adjustable shelves. Each section is framed with quality carved corbels and moulded edges providing a decorative but not overly ornate feature
Quality Edwardian Walnut Break Fronted Antique Bookcase. This superb quality antique walnut break fronted bookcase dates from around 1900 in the Edwardian period. The break fronted moulded top sits above a decorative blind fretwork frieze finished with beautifully carved floral motifs. The front displays three astragal glazed doors with keys and working locks. The interior sections contain adjustable shelves, three in each of the outer two sections and two in the central section. This delightful antique bookcase stands elegantly on ogee bracket feet.
Edwardian Mahogany Break Fronted Glazed Antique Bookcase. Dating from around 1910 this stately Edwardian glazed bookcase has a break front and is constructed from mahogany. The break fronted top sits above a dental moulded cornice above a decorative frieze. Four elegant, astragal glazed door retain there working locks with key and front three interior display areas. The central section contains three adjustable shelves while the outer sections each contain just two. This grand piece stands on stylish ogee bracket feet and has a reeded plinth.
Victorian Break-Fronted Antique Open Bookcase. This beautiful antique beech break-fronted open bookcase dates from the Victorian period, circa 1900. The moulded break-fronted top sits above an unusual half round reeded frieze below which can be found three storage areas. Each section has two adjustable shelves and is separated by reeded dividers.
Unusual Antique Regency Rosewood Glazed Bookcase / Chiffonier. This striking antique Regency rosewood glazed bookcase / chiffonier is of an unusual design and dates from around 1830. It is full of charm and character having a raised shaped back with decorative motifs and an upper shelf supported by beautifully turned uprights. The body of the bookcase has a break-fronted top and lower frieze with carved motifs below which hang three glazed doors with key and working locks. The central section contains a single removable shelf while the two outer sections each have two removable shelves. The doors are divided by two flat pilasters with attractively carved capitals. The bookcase stands on a break-fronted plain plinth, has the original back boards and is full of the charm and character expected in a true antique.
Unusual Satinwood Break Fronted Antique Bookcase. This delightful antique bookcase is made from satinwood, dates from around 1900 and has a break front design. The satinwood used is of the finest quality and beautifully figured. It has been cross banded, both on the top of the cabinet along with the side panels as well. The top has a break front and moulded edge and sits above three astragal glazed doors, all with cross banded detailing and keys with working locks.
Edwardian Walnut Break Fronted Glazed Antique Bookcase / Display Cabinet. This antique break fronted bookcase dates from around 1900, is made from walnut and is a lovely example of the elegance often found in Edwardian furniture. The break fronted top is beautifully figured and displays a delightful decorative inlaid edge. A deep frieze sits above a central glazed door with key and working lock. The two outer doors benefit from the added interest of astragal glazing while the interiors have two fixed shelves along with the original fabric lining. The interior of the central section contains just a single fixed shelf. The sides of the cabinet are also glazed creating the ideal environment to display those most precious possessions.
Related Reviews
Lyndon Mason,
Fabulous piece of furniture and first rate service from James and not forgetting Chris his excellent courier. We travelled right across the country to buy this cabinet but it was totally worth it. Five stars all round.
Philip,
Dear James,A very belated ‘thank you’ for the bookcases. They’re beautiful. The driver was also excellent. He phoned the day before, arrived promptly and brought the bookcases into the house with good grace!
Olivia Tobin,
Many thanks indeed for the positive experience of purchasing the bookcase on cupboard. The whole process has been very straightforward from my first email enquiry to the delivery which, thanks to your very helpful courier, took place smoothly this morning. The piece of furniture is exceedingly handsome and even better than it appeared in the online photographs. I shall certainly return to you whenever I am looking for items in the future.
