What defines an 18th-century bureau bookcase?

An 18th-century bureau bookcase is a dual-purpose piece of furniture featuring a fall-front writing surface over a series of storage drawers, topped with a glazed or solid cabinet for books.

Which materials were traditionally used in Georgian bureau bookcases?

Georgian bureau bookcases were primarily crafted from dense mahogany, walnut, or oak, often incorporating brass hardware, hand-cut glass panes, and oak drawer linings.

How do you identify an authentic 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase?

Authentic pieces feature hand-dovetailed drawer joints, uneven hand-blown glass panes, original oak drawer bottoms showing natural shrinkage, and hand-cast brass hardware.

How can a mahogany bureau bookcase be incorporated into modern interiors?

Place the piece as a focal point in a home office, hallway, or living room, blending historical woodwork with contemporary neutral walls and modern lighting.

What is the proper way to care for and preserve antique mahogany furniture?

Maintain a stable room humidity, dust regularly with a soft lint-free cloth, and apply high-quality beeswax twice yearly while keeping the item out of direct sunlight.

for sale €2,252 $2,445

£1,925

Antique and Unique

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18th Century Secretary Desk

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18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

Name: 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1100071
Price: 1925 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Antique and Unique

Description

A beautiful Georgian bureau bookcase with glazed doors to the upper section which have an unusual and very attractive design to the glazing bars. The bureau base has a sloping fall front opening to reveal a leather writing surface and a combination of pigeonholes, drawers and a little cupboard, all enhanced by decorative inlays, with three full width drawers below.

This is a beautifully made piece of late eighteenth century furniture with an abundance of lovely little details which are best seen by viewing the photos, but I will summarise some of them here:

The base stands on bracket feet and has three large cockbeaded drawers made from beautifully figured wood, and all bearing the original brass oval plate handles. The sloping fall front (with working lock and key) has what appears to be the original brown leather writing surface inside, and a lovely combination of arch top pigeonholes, small drawers, and a little cupboard with a hidden drawer inside, all decorated with inlays. The sides of the bureau have an unusual line inlay which echoes the line of the sloping front.

The top has glazed doors with what appears to be the original Georgian glass. The oval glazed area has a cross banded border and very pretty shaped glazing bars with a tulip detail. The interior has adjustable shelves and bears the original red painted finish. Topping the cabinet is a pierced and carved pediment, again in a floral design.

The top lifts of the base for transportation. The shelves have had a plate support strip added along the back so that plates can be displayed, but this could easily be removed if it was to be used as a book case instead.

Condition: Overall this is in good condition with a few small repairs here and there, as follows. The rear left bracket foot has had an area replaced. There are various areas of veneer on the upper section that have been replaced, but this has been neatly done. A piece of the line inlay on the side of the base has obviously been lost at some stage and been repaired with a plain piece of wood. One of the pieces of glass in the upper doors is cracked but as it is stable, and is the original glass, I would be very reluctant to try and replace it. The escutcheon is missing from the central base drawer. The key in the glazed doors, and in the little cupboard inside the base, are stuck in the locks - I suspect they have been glued in so that they act as a handle. We have added a catch to the lead door in the top section as it wouldn’t stay closed otherwise. The sides of the upper section have bowed a little, which you don’t notice until you try to adjust the shelf positions - they need a bit of a tap on the underside to make them slot into their new position properly but once in are secure. There are some old woodworm holes in the back panel which we have treated as a precaution. There are some minor surface marks and wear throughout in accordance with age and use.

Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help.

Physical Dimensions

Height

216cm (85.04")

Width

109cm (42.91")

Depth

54cm (21.26")

Declaration

Antique and Unique has dated this Georgian Mahogany Bureau Bookcase to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1100071

Dealers Notes

Please note that delivery of all items is included for UK mainland deliveries only. If you are in the EU or the USA smaller/postable items will show a price including delivery. DELIVERY FOR ANY LARGER ITEMS, OR ITEMS OF FURNITURE, IS NOT INCLUDED OUTSIDE OF THE MAINLAND UK. Please get in touch for a quote for delivery, or if you have any queries.

This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch! We accept returns for all items providing the item is returned in the same condition as when it was sent. The cost of any return postage or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item has arrived damaged or has not been described accurately.

Description

“

This is a beautifully made piece of late eighteenth century furniture with an abundance of lovely little details which are best seen by viewing the photos, but I will summarise some of them here:.

Antique and Unique

fig 1. An 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase featuring upper oval astragal glazed doors, a carved fan pediment motif, a slant-front writing bureau, and drawers below. — fig 1. 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

The base stands on bracket feet and has three large cockbeaded drawers made from beautifully figured wood, and all bearing the original brass oval plate handles. The sloping fall front (with working lock and key) has what appears to be the original brown leather writing surface inside, and a lovely combination of arch top pigeonholes, small drawers, and a little cupboard with a hidden drawer inside, all decorated with inlays. The sides of the bureau have an unusual line inlay which echoes the line of the sloping front.

fig 2. An 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase featuring upper oval astragal glazed doors, a carved fan pediment motif, a slant-front writing bureau, and drawers below. — fig 2. 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

The top has glazed doors with what appears to be the original Georgian glass. The oval glazed area has a cross banded border and very pretty shaped glazing bars with a tulip detail. The interior has adjustable shelves and bears the original red painted finish. Topping the cabinet is a pierced and carved pediment, again in a floral design.

fig 3. An 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase featuring upper oval astragal glazed doors, a carved fan pediment motif, a slant-front writing bureau, and drawers below. — fig 3. 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

The top lifts of the base for transportation. The shelves have had a plate support strip added along the back so that plates can be displayed, but this could easily be removed if it was to be used as a book case instead.

fig 4. An 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase featuring upper oval astragal glazed doors, a carved fan pediment motif, a slant-front writing bureau, and drawers below. — fig 4. 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

Condition: Overall this is in good condition with a few small repairs here and there, as follows. The rear left bracket foot has had an area replaced. There are various areas of veneer on the upper section that have been replaced, but this has been neatly done. A piece of the line inlay on the side of the base has obviously been lost at some stage and been repaired with a plain piece of wood. One of the pieces of glass in the upper doors is cracked but as it is stable, and is the original glass, I would be very reluctant to try and replace it. The escutcheon is missing from the central base drawer. The key in the glazed doors, and in the little cupboard inside the base, are stuck in the locks - I suspect they have been glued in so that they act as a handle. We have added a catch to the lead door in the top section as it wouldn’t stay closed otherwise. The sides of the upper section have bowed a little, which you don’t notice until you try to adjust the shelf positions - they need a bit of a tap on the underside to make them slot into their new position properly but once in are secure. There are some old woodworm holes in the back panel which we have treated as a precaution. There are some minor surface marks and wear throughout in accordance with age and use.

fig 5. An 18th-century mahogany bureau bookcase featuring upper oval astragal glazed doors, a carved fan pediment motif, a slant-front writing bureau, and drawers below. — fig 5. 18th Century Mahogany Bureau Bookcase

Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help.