Mahogany Dwarf Open Bookcase 19th Century

Name: Late 19thc Mahogany Dwarf Open Bookcase by Shoolbred & Co
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1070495
Price: 1350 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Superb Quality Goncalo Alves Dwarfe Open Bookcase

1850

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase with Gothic Influence

1850

Solid Mahogany Victorian Open Adjustable Library Bookcase

1850

Antique Large Mahogany Bookcase

Victorian

Victorian Mahogany Waterfall Open Bookcase

1880

A Handsome 19th‑century Mahogany Tall Open Bookcase

19th Century

A Good Quality Victorian Mahogany Open Bookcase

Victorian

Elegant Victorian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

Victorian

Antique Large Fine Quality 19th Century Mahogany Adjustable Bookcase

19th Century

Late Victorian Walnut Open Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves

19th Century

A Tall and Narrow Burr Walnut Glazed Bookcase C1850

1850

Burr Walnut Bookcase

1850

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectBookcases
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialMahogany
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsReeded frieze, Fluted pilasters, Plinth base, Open shelving
SizeH 109 cm (43 in) x W 104 cm (41 in) x D 30 cm (12 in)

This late 19th-century Victorian dwarf open bookcase originates from the workshop of Shoolbred and Company. Built from warm brown mahogany, the piece has a rectangular top over a reeded frieze and three tiers of shelving framed by fluted side pilasters. The entire structure rests on a solid plinth base, showing natural grain variations throughout the polished timber surfaces. Rows of leather-bound books in mixed tones of red, green, black and tan fill the compartments against a textured backing material. The cabinet stands 109 cm high, 104 cm wide, and 30 cm deep. A compact unit of this scale suits a study, home office, or living room for storing books or displaying small decorative objects within a traditional interior scheme.

FAQs

A dwarf open bookcase is a low-height cabinet without doors, designed to display books while maintaining a low profile that fits under window sills or dado rails. Popular in the 19th century, these units offered accessible library storage and a usable top surface for display.

Late Victorian bookcases were primarily crafted from fine hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, and walnut. Construction involved solid timber frames, veneered top surfaces, hand-cut dovetail joinery, and polished finishes to accentuate the wood grain.

Authentic items by James Shoolbred & Co often feature stamped brass plates or impressed makers marks along the drawer edges or back panels. High-quality construction, precise fluting, and superior timber selection are key indicators of their craftsmanship.

Position the piece in a hallway, reception room, or home office to create accessible storage without dominating vertical wall space. Style the top surface with table lamps, framed artwork, or decorative ceramics to integrate it into modern living spaces.

Keep mahogany furniture away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage and fading. Apply a high-quality beeswax polish periodically along the direction of the grain to nourish the wood and maintain its patination.

Church Street Antiques & Interiors

Late 19thc Mahogany Dwarf Open Bookcase by Shoolbred & Co

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Superb Quality Goncalo Alves Dwarfe Open Bookcase

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase with Gothic Influence