A Mahogany William IV Period Mahogany Astragal Glazed Bookcase c.1835-40

Origin: English
Period: William IV
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1835-40
Height: 88.5”
Width: 40”
Depth: 15.5” (all at extremities)

Of appealing proportions and super rich colour, the William IV period mahogany bookcase, in two sections, having a moulded and gadrooned cornice above two astragal glazed doors enclosing five adjustable shelves over a disguised frieze drawer over two panelled doors opening to reveal a further three shelves, the whole raised upon a plinth base to baluster column flanks and surviving from the second quarter of nineteenth century England.

The piece is in relatively good overall structural condition and there are no issues with stability. There are a few small sections of loss to the upper cornice string mouldings , please see the photographs for visual reference. The glass is original and has a beautiful bubbly appearance in certain lights. The doors have a working lock with key. The colour to the mahogany is superb with a very prominent patination. Overall it has a lot of character and some flaws but is attractive in its entirety.

The brief reign of William IV c.1835-40 was an important period of transition between the Regency and Victorian eras. Classically inspired architecture of the Regency period was still popular, but the romanticism that was to characterise the Victorian era had begun to take hold. As such the furniture of the William IV period is essentially a more robust and chunkier version of the furniture made in the Regency period. 

A characterful example of a true classic offering unparalleled levels of value.