Federal Style Open Bookcase with Drawer
Decorative Art, Furniture • American or English cabinetmaker, manufacturer unknown (Revival Period)
Style & Movement
Federal Revival / Neoclassical Revival
Medium & Technique
Mahogany and mahogany veneer on secondary wood, traditional joinery, turned and polished brass hardware
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (revival period, c. 1890-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated: 48 inches height x 36 inches width x 16 inches depth, freestanding upright cabinet format
Subject Description
An open-front wooden bookcase featuring a bowed or serpentine top drawer equipped with a central brass drop-ring pull, above three graduated open shelves with gently curved fronts.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Shows expected age-related wear, surface scuffs, and minor finish loss along the top edge.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely descended through American domestic collections, acquired through regional estate sales or antique dealerships.
Art Historical Significance
Demonstrates the enduring popularity of 18th-century Federal and Sheraton furniture forms during the late 19th and early 20th-century colonial revival movements.
Notable Features
Graceful bowed front profile, rich mahogany grain, and a classic single central brass ring pull adding a refined neoclassical touch.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasion and scratching along the top surface rim, minor finish dullness on shelf interiors, and light edge dings consistent with functional domestic use.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a mild, furniture-safe cleaner. Apply a professional paste wax to nourish the dry wood and protect exposed grain. Keep out of direct sunlight.