18th Century Hepplewhite Bureau Bookcase

This is an 18th Century Georgian antique 'Hepplewhite design' mahogany bureau bookcase. The bookcase top has two glazed doors that are walnut cross grained and have box wood strung astragals. The interior has three adjustable shelves and an oak back. The bureau base has a walnut cross banded and box wood strung flap that opens to an inlaid interior with serpentine shaped drawer fronts. The interior has eight pigeon holes, a central door with conch shell inlay, long inlaid concealed drawers across the top and four fine mahogany lined drawers that have brass battle-axe handles. To each side of the central door is a secret compartment that slides forward. The flap has a replaced black leather and tooled writing surface. The bureau has two short drawers over three long graduated drawers that are oak lined and have a cock beaded edge. The brass handles are copies of the originals which are fitted through the original fastening holes. The cornice is cross grained veneered and has a tear drop and inlaid decoration. The top of the cornice has a spectacular marquetry inlaid swan neck pediment and original carved mahogany central urn. This very attractive bureau bookcase is in good condition having been sympathetically restored. The bookcase breaks down into three parts for transport.