The antique bureau bookcase is a piece of antique furniture first seen in the Early Georgian period and the design was so popular it carried on until the early 20th century. The antique bureau bookcase will usually have glazed doors above a bureau base so ideal for studying or writing with ease of access to your books or papers. Their interiors come with interesting features, with tooled leather writing inserts, pigeon holes, letter racks, pen holders and small drawers with brass handles, ideal for stationary. The rarest examples were from the 18th century in Walnut, often with feather banding detail on the front. They became more popular in the Georgian period with the main timbers being used was Mahogany with astragal glazed tops. The astragal glazed doors open to reveal adjustable shelves, ideal for either books or displaying decorative objects. During the Edwardian period, these fine antique bookcases were more heavily produced in lots of different new designs as they were the height of fashion. Often earlier Sheraton and Chippendale influences were added to their decoration with elegant inlays and quality brass fittings. Because of their clever carpentry, they split into two sections, aiding transportation, so will fit into most homes. Here at Antiques World we get lots of lovely examples for sale and you can see our current selection of bookcases here or you can see a small collection below.
Styles of Antique Bureau Bookcases
Below is a selection of past pieces that we have sold and if any look of interest please email us so we can add you onto our wanted list and update you with new acquisitions.
This is an early example of an 18th Century Figured Walnut Antique Bureau Bookcase. Dating from the George I period it is very rare due to it being made from Walnut, circa 1730. The moulded fall front is beautifully figured and has lovely feathered banding, when opened it reveals an interior that contains a red leather writing surface, small oak lined drawers and several pigeon holes.
This is a Mahogany antique bureau bookcase with blind fretwork carved frieze and moulded fall front. The interior has the original brown tooled leather writing insert, a central cupboard door and several small drawers and pigeon holes. The lower section has a two over three graduating drawer configuration, all having the original brass swan neck handles. There is a decorative lower edge above delightfully scrolled carved cabriole legs with ball and claw feet and shell motif.
Quality late 19th Century Inlaid Edwardian Mahogany Antique Bureau Bookcase displays the original bevelled glass along with Satinwood, boxwood and ebony inlays. The piece as a whole stands on shaped bracket feet and still retains the original back boards.
