George III Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase 18th Century

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectBookcases
Period18th century
StyleGeorgian
MaterialMahogany, Brass
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsShaped gallery cresting, Graduated open shelves, Panelled cupboard doors, Bracket feet
SizeH 129 cm (51 in) x W 68.5 cm (27 in) x D 24 cm (9 in)

This George III mahogany waterfall bookcase is a Georgian piece in a warm brown colour with ebony stringing details. The structure comprises graduated open upper shelves beneath a shaped gallery cresting, positioned above a panelled two-door cupboard base that opens to reveal a shelved interior, and the whole is raised on original splayed bracket feet with a working lock and key. The wood shows a few bumps and bruises associated with age and use. Measuring 129 cm high, 68.5 cm wide, and 24 cm deep, this bookcase is suited for placement in a gentleman's library or any traditional living space for displaying books and storing decorative items.

FAQs

A waterfall bookcase features open shelves that recede in depth from bottom to top, creating a stepped or terraced profile. Originating in the late 18th century, the design allowed for easy access to volumes of varying sizes while maintaining balanced proportions.

Cabinetmakers during the George III period predominantly used dense West Indian or Cuban mahogany for exterior surfaces. Secondary timbers such as pine or oak were used for drawer linings and backboards, secured with brass fittings and hand-cut joinery.

Authentic pieces display signs of hand-planing on back panels, natural oxidisation on untouched timber, hand-cut dovetail joints, and historic wear consistent with age around base mouldings and shelf edges.

This versatile piece functions effectively against neutral painted walls, serving as a display for art monographs, studio ceramics, or curio collections to create visual contrast against modern architectural lines.

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a high-grade beeswax polish sparingly once or twice a year. Keep the item away from direct sunlight, radiators, and extreme changes in humidity to prevent wood shrinkage.

John Howkins Antiques

George III Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase