A WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT BOOKCASE, CIRCA 1690

A WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT BOOKCASECIRCA 1690, IN THE PEPYSIAN TASTE203cm high, 117cm wide, 40cm deepThis bookcase is similar in form to the 'Pepys Bookcase' first made by the Master Joiner Thomas Simpson (alias Sympson the Joiner) for the naval administrator and diarist Samuel Pepys to house his vast collection of books at his residence at Seething Lane, London. It is possible that Pepys himself had a hand in the design of the original bookcase.Condition Report: Marks, scratches and abrasions comensurate with age and use. Old chips and splits, some old repairs. Some replaced veneers. This appears mainly only in small sections to the borders of the door fronts and in a small number of small sections to the side panels. Historic sun fading to the front of the bookcase prompted some simulated figuring with a dark stain/ varnish to the moulding around the glass panels and some other areas, probably during the 19th century. This has been used in some areas of the frames of the doors and to the outer banding of the right hand side panel where sun fading is apparent (see additional images)The glass is later replaced but appears hand bevelled so has age.The door lock is an 18th century replacement. The key is present. The brass escutcheons are also likely 18th century additions/ replacements. Some additional old holes adjacent to the current escutcheons indicate where previous escutcheons and possibly a small pull/ ring handle has previously been positioned. The door hinges are high quality replacements, probably 19th or early 20thc in dateThere are a total of 8 adjustable shelves. The shelf at the centre of each of the two interior sections are fixed and integral to the original interior frame of the bookcase. The shelves appear original as do the rear panels. The feet appear to have significant age and appear to engage the original holes for the feet. We cannot guarantee without a doubt that the feet are entirely original. Please refer to all additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer