Low Two-Door Glazed Side Cabinet or Bookcase
Decorative Art / Furniture; Case piece • Attributed to an English Cabinetmaker; possibly in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster and London or George Bullock
Style & Movement
Regency / British Neoclassical Style
Medium & Technique
Mahogany and Rosewood veneers, brass stringing inlays, glass panes, carved wooden paw feet, and hand-applied French polish finish
Creation Period
Late Regency to early William IV period, circa 1825–1835
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 90-100 cm height x 110-120 cm width x 35-40 cm depth; horizontal rectangular format
Subject Description
A functional piece of high-status furniture featuring a rectilinear silhouette, fluted or paneled pilasters, and distinctive carved lion's paw feet. The doors are glazed for the display of books or curios, accented by delicate brass line inlays (stringing) typical of early 19th-century English aesthetics.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the piece shows a well-maintained patina with minor surface abrasions consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 – $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,800 – $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely originated from a British country house or upper-middle-class urban residence; currently located in a professional or institutional setting as evidenced by the visitor log book and business card present on the surface
Art Historical Significance
The piece represents the transition from the light, elegant lines of the Regency period to the more robust forms of the William IV era. Such furniture reflects the early 19th-century British interest in classical antiquity and the rise of the domestic library as a symbol of status.
Notable Features
Highly detailed carved paw feet (an Egyptian Revival influence); high-quality book-matched veneers on the top; original brass stringing; secondary function as a guest register stand in its current context
Condition Issues
Minor drying cracks in the veneer on the top surface; slight tarnishing of brass inlays; possible replacement of glass panes or internal shelving over its 200-year history
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain consistent humidity (45-55%) to prevent further veneer lifting; light waxing with high-quality microcrystalline wax (e.g., Renaissance Wax); keep away from direct sunlight to prevent UV bleaching of the wood