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Extremely Fine and Rare Federal Carved Mahogany Bookcase with Brass Paw Feet

Offered by: Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques

Description
In three parts; the arched pediment above a bookcase with glazed doors opening to three adjustable shelves above a case with a pair of cross banded paneled cabinet doors flanked by carved feather and thistle elements forming the capitals of reeded pilasters, raised on short turned vase-form Sheraton legs terminating in brass paw feet.

Condition:
Excellent: Finials are modern replacements, two replaced glass panels, small veneer patches to lower doors, brass feet restored to their original matte and burnished lacquered appearance. Wood refinished with shellac in the manner of the period. Interior textile is modern.

Although this bookcase is Sheraton in style, it's arched pediment top may look to a decidedly more archeological design for inspiration. Plate 99 of George Smith's A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture (London, 1808), shows a bookcase with Egyptian and Greek architectural massing, herms and acroteria punctuating the arched pediments front and side. The design was published by John Taylor in 1805. The pattern of glazing can be seen in plate 2 of The Edinburgh Book of Prices for Manufacturing Cabinet-Work, in 1805 and in 1811, p. 130, p. 296, respectively.

Rare and distinctive features of this bookcase include the thistle carving, the brass feet and the cross banding in the cabinet doors. It is noteworthy that a Federal wardrobe or linen press that descended in Duncan Phyfe's family has closely related cross banding in the doors.

This is the only example of this form that is known.

More Information

Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Woods: Mahogany veneer, White Pine, Tulip Poplar.
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	c. 1810
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Federal, Sheraton
Dealer Reference #:	O-DC-974301
Incollect Reference #:	106173