Antique Breakfront Bookcases were first seen as far back as the 18th Century Georgian era in Mahogany and designed by skilled cabinet makers such as Chippendale. Antique Breakfront Bookcases 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 19th Century Victorian era on long open bookcases, with a decorative carved frieze and lots of book storage. These stately, highly desirable large bookcases usually come with adjustable shelves, each section framed with quality carved corbels and moulded edges providing a decorative but not overly ornate feature. These fine cabinets are mainly glazed creating the ideal environment to display not only books but your most precious possessions. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale.
Library & Breakfront Bookcases 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.
Quality Edwardian Walnut Break Fronted Antique Bookcase with decorative blind fretwork frieze finished with beautifully carved floral motifs. The front displays three astragal glazed doors and this delightful bookcase stands elegantly on ogee bracket feet.
19th Century Mahogany Break Fronted Glazed Antique Bookcase with a dental moulded cornice above a decorative frieze. This grand piece stands on stylish ogee bracket feet and has a reeded plinth.
Victorian Break-Fronted Antique Open Bookcase with adjustable shelves, separated by reeded dividers.
Antique Regency Rosewood Glazed Break fronted Bookcase / Chiffonier, of an unusual design and dates from around 1830. It is full of charm and character having a raised shaped back with decorative motifs, turned uprights and the doors are divided by two flat pilasters with attractively carved capitals.
Unusual Satinwood Break Fronted Antique Bookcase. 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.
Related Reviews
- John Blackburn, Hello James, a short note to say thanks for altering and storing our bookcases - the one you altered to 111mm fitted perfectly, with quite literally a couple of mm to spare.The delivery guys were 1st rate too.Many thanks,John
- James – Excellent all round – many thanks,
We recently took delivery of a bookcase and chest of drawers and are absolutely delighted with both. Having never before bought any antiques online, we were more than a little apprehensive at making such large, and lifelong, investments 'sight unseen' but both pieces were very accurately described (as to dimensions and, all important, condition) and we could not be more pleased with our purchases. Prior to purchasing, James was extremely helpful and good-natured about our various questions and we were then highly impressed by how carefully both items were wrapped for safe delivery (arriving exactly when scheduled). Excellent all round - many thanks!
- Tony,
Bookcase arrived on the stroke of seven, despite being a very heavy item the men successfully got it in situ with no fuss and very professionally. Their manner and expertise reflect well on your company. Item looks great. thanks,Tony