A mahogany library bookcase

A mahogany library bookcase, circa 1790 and later, of double breakfront outline, the stepped and Greek key moulded cornice above six astragal glazed doors opening to adjustable shelves, the lower section with a fluted and roundel moulded frieze above moulded panel cupboard doors opening to adjustable shelves, on a plinth base, 277cm high, 436cm wide, 47cm deep

For a suite of two bookcases of similar design and scale to this example, see Christie's, London, Important English Furniture, 29th November 2001, Lot 220 (£86,250).

Please note: the title of this lot should read, A mahogany library bookcase, circa 1790 and later, and not as originally titled in the catalogue.

Condition Report:
Please note: the title of this lot should read, A mahogany library bookcase, circa 1790 and later, and not as originally titled in the catalogue. Marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Some old chips, splits and small losses. Of cleaned, re-polished and varnished appearance. Some indented marks to doors adjacent to the escutcheons. Shelves appear to be replacements. One glazed panel lacking, some panels replaced with modern glass. Some astragal mouldings detached and some lacking. One lock plate and five escutcheons lacking. Some locks replaced. Keys present to operate locks. Various screws replaced to hinges. Some grain filler used. Some elements may be replacements, including the upper most cornice and roundel mouldings. Later elements are difficult to identify due to the extent of cleaning and re-polishing. The rear panels are likely replacements or have been noticeably cleaned and re-varnished. Later dowels have been added between the upper bookcase sections to help secure in position. In some cases they project through the side panels into the bookcase sections and in one case have caused adjacent damage and loss.