Rediscover The Antique Bookcase

Furniture — By admin on June 7, 2010 at 7:44 am

The antique bookcase was designed for storing books in grand libraries and reading rooms of wealthy homes. First introduced in the 17th century and perfected in the 18th century, it is one of the largest pieces of furniture you can own. Often, an antique display cabinet can double up as an antique bookcase with glazed doors.

The bookcase is often one of the most prominent furniture pieces in homes, second to only the dining table. It is definitely a telling piece of furniture – revealing the tastes and preferences, likes and dislikes and level of education of the homeowner among the displayed items like books and photos. Antique bookcases are typically made from hardwoods like camphor, oak wood, mahogany and walnut.

Those with hexagonal, wavy, or arched designs are more sought after and valuable than those of a simple, rectangular configuration. Before choosing a bookcase, make sure that it is not a wardrobe that has had its upper doors glazed – a common alteration in the 19th century. The top, glazed section of an 18th century bookcase is usually narrower than the base. Early bookcases tend to have small individual panes of glass puttied into the glazing bars. On both later Victorian and modern versions, the glass is more likely to be made from a single sheet; the glazing bars then sit on the surface of this glass.

Gothic Revival bookcases from the 1840s, with glazed doors and fitted with adjustable shelves, are especially desirable. On bookcases with open doors, the joint on the corners of the door frame can help with dating – those with a 90-degree joint were popular during the late 18thC.

Glazing styles
The style of glazing can help in dating a piece. The development of clear, lightweight glass in the late 1600s meant that doors could be fitted with glazed panels. Early glazed doors had
rectangular panes held in place with substantial moldings. After 1760, glass was of better quality, thinner and easier to cut. Small panes were used all through the 1700s, and it was not until the 19th century that doors with one large glass panel were widely made.

Adaptations and alterations
Bookcases may be cut down to suit smaller rooms by removing the pediment or reducing the height or depth of the carcass. Late Georgian and 19th-century breakfront wardrobes are often altered to look like 18th-century bookcases. Blind doors are made for the lower section, while the upper
part is reduced in depth and glazed panels are fitted to the doors. Make sure the veneers on sides and front are the same in grain and color.

Antique Barrister Bookcase – Most likely the most popular form of antique bookcases. But since these take up lots of room, it is suited only for large rooms, like the living room. Glass doors slide out of the frame to protect the books with large shelves designed to accommodate tall items.

To find out how to examine and inspect your antique bookcase before buying, check out our guide on how to inspect antique case furniture and our photo guide to pediments (the top-most piece adorning case furniture) and handles.

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