Massive 19th Century 10’ Wide Neoclassical Oak Antique Bookcase Cabinet

Description

MASSIVE NEOCLASSICAL GLAZED DOOR PATINATED OAK BOOKCASE FLANKED BY BLIND ENDS
10 feet wide | probably French or Belgian | … more MASSIVE NEOCLASSICAL GLAZED DOOR PATINATED OAK BOOKCASE FLANKED BY BLIND ENDS
10 feet wide | probably French or Belgian | circa late 19th to early 20th century
Item # 403MGH18P

An incredibly cool architectural piece of massive proportions, this fantastic bookcase is built to last an eternity with excessively strong elements throughout. The powerful crest is built entirely in one piece, this massive crown encapsulating numerous levels of cove moldings with an egg-and-anthemion repeating border carved in the upper portion and a repeating (and delightfully crisp) border of layered foliage along the lower edge. This structure locks together the entire bookcase, bringing all vertical uprights into square with deep tenons that project from the vertical uprights into the crown.

The bookcase is designed with a pair of primary doors in the front, these being glazed and opening to reveal full-width adjustable shelves, flanked on either side by inverted blind doors that open outward to reveal smaller adjustable shelves in the sides. The joinery is very traditional, primarily utilizing the natural tension of wood to lock the cabinet together in the form of tenon-mortised construction locked together with tiny wooden pegs. It is designed to be entirely disassembled for safe transport: the modern backboards are first unscrewed, then the top lifts off, the doors are removed, then the vertical uprights between each section are lifted out of the base.

One of the coolest cabinets we have brought into the shop over the years, it is such a powerful statement piece that absolutely commands the room. And the mellow patina of the worn and waxed oak brings an absolutely magnetic surface history to play in the room. Stunning.

Important note: This is a project that needs to be planned for, as the sheer weight of the crown makes this a project for at least four very strong people with plans for how to move the crown into place without straining or danger. We also must make all delivery quotes bespoke and cannot quote them in advance without a zipcode and details around the delivery location - please reach out with details for a curbside freight quote.


Measurements: 98" H x 25 1/8" D x approx. 121" W (at the top) x 112 1/4" W (in the body)

Condition Report:
All backboards are replaced with modern pine lapped boards with modern screws; interior paint refreshed, probably mid-to-late 20th century; minor dings, abrasions, scuffs and chips throughout including some color variation; some minor repairs, including a patched corner of the crest and other subtle restorations; retaining all original keys, locks working perfectly; ready to place. less