Attractive Early Victorian Mahogany Library Bookcase & Cabinet

A handsome and exceptionally well-proportioned late Victorian mahogany library bookcase of architectural form, constructed in two sections and retaining its original glazed upper doors above a highly practical fitted base. The upper section is surmounted by a bold moulded cornice above a pair of glazed doors enclosing three adjustable shelves, providing generous display and library storage. The cabinet retains its elegant restrained classical detailing with carved capitals to the corner pilasters and finely figured mahogany throughout. The lower section is particularly unusual, incorporating a concealed full-width pull-out writing slide together with an extensively fitted interior designed for correspondence and office use. The interior comprises graduated pull out stationery trays, shelves , a large fitted deep drawer retaining its original removable bottle dividers and enclosed cupboard, reflecting the cabinet’s original function as a gentleman’s library or estate office cabinet. Below are a pair of panelled cupboard doors offering further storage. Constructed in solid mahogany with finely figured mahogany veneers to the principal surfaces, the cabinet displays excellent quality throughout, including hand-cut dovetailed drawer construction, original locks and pleasing mellow colour developed over more than a century. This is an increasingly uncommon form of Victorian furniture making it equally suited today as a library cabinet, study bookcase or statement piece in a period or contemporary interior.