Antique Library Bookcases are large pieces built to store a huge amount of books in amazing timbers like Burr walnut or Solid figured Mahogany. With the lavish lifestyles of the Georgian and Victorian Upper class homes, they produced antique furniture to impress. Furniture designers were coming up with superb larger new pieces of furniture with features displaying architectural themes. This would include the magnificent antique library bookcases, stately and stylish with quality brass fittings and unusual features. They were a grand example of 19th Century carpentry with glazed fronts, adjustable shelving and cleverly splits into several sections, aiding removal and transportation. This is a very impressive style of antique bookcase with simple but stylish lines and a fineness of finish only found in true quality pieces as they would have been originally hand french polished. This would build up a beautiful patina over time. Because of their grand proportions they offered massive storage space along with decorative and useful features such as a secretaire drawer. The best examples were break-fronted with carved corbels or pilasters, still retaining their original ‘wavy’ glass. Here on antiques world we have got some superb antique bookcases for sale including some very large impressive library bookcases. Have a look below at a few we have on offer or visit our shop to see lots more available.
Library & Breakfront Bookcases for sale
below are some examples of previous sold and if any look of interest please let us know as we can keep you informed of new exiting acquisitions that come in stock –
This was a rare find, It was a large break fronted mahogany antique secretaire library bookcase dating from around 1830 in the Regency period. It is of superb quality constructed from the finest quality Mahogany. It has a deep break fronted moulded cornice above four glazed doors which are framed by pilasters with tulip carved capitals. The doors have arched mouldings and the lower section has a break fronted moulded top. This has a deep central secretaire drawer with a fall front, still with the original brass mechanism, and Hobbs of London lock with key. The interior of the secretaire drawer has the original black tooled leather writing insert, several pigeon holes and small mahogany lined drawers with ebonised turned handles. Either side of the secreatire drawer can be found two beautifully figured concealed drawers which can only be accessed using secret buttons from within the secretaire drawer itself!
This Grand Arts & Crafts library bookcase constructed from the finest quality solid Oak timbers and made to very large proportions. The level of craftsmanship used in its construction is self evident and the fact that even the shelves and back boards are made from solid ash is testament to its quality. It has a decorative moulded cornice above four glazed doors with arched mouldings and beautifully hand carved corbels dividing the separate sections.
This Victorian Burr Walnut Antique Library Bookcase is extremely rare and unique. It has a moulded break front cornice above three glazed doors with decorative beaded edge and elegant carved corbels, sitting on pilasters. You would certainly be bowled over by the magnificence of this wonderful bookcase and the Burr Walnut has aged to a wonderful golden shade.
Related Reviews
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Vikki,
Dear James Just to let you know that the bookcase arrived this morning as arranged. We are really pleased with it. Many thanks. Best wishes Vikki
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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!
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Super Quality Solid Oak Antique Library Bookcase,
Hi James, Just to let you know that the bookcase was safely delivered on Thursday and is every bit as magnificent as you described. We will keep an any on your website for our next purchase. With Regards, Howard