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ID #SA1148464
FOR SALE
£640
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Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps
For sale by Antiques Decorative
for sale €749     $813
£640
Antiques Decorative

Antiques Decorative

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2015
Browse dealers 141 items
  • About Us
    With over 30 years in the london antiques world, I have since established a dealership supplying the trade and private clients.
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Id #SA1148464
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Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps

19th century
Description

Victorian figured oak, the bar back with pierced trefoil and stud decoration converting to 4 steps held securely by retaining hook.

Physical Dimensions
Height
92cm (36.22")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
38cm (14.96")
Declaration

Antiques Decorative has dated these Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1148464
Description
Victorian figured oak, the bar back with pierced trefoil and stud decoration converting to 4 steps held securely by retaining hook.
Height
92cm (36.22")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
38cm (14.96")
Date of Manufacture

Antiques Decorative has dated these Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1148464
Antiques Decorative
Antiques Decorative
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2015

With over 30 years in the london antiques world, I have since established a dealership supplying the trade and private clients.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antiques Decorative Profile Page

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An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs.
1 / 12
Archive I An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs.

Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps

Archive II An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View II
Archive III An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View III
Archive IV An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View IV
Archive V An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View V
Archive VI An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View VI
Archive VII An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View VII
Archive VIII An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View VIII
Archive IX An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View IX
Archive X An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View X
Archive XI An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View XI
Archive XII An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Antiques Decorative

Antiques Decorative
Telephone 0207 738 2520 or 07900 055113
Location
136 Battersea Business Centre
99 Lavender Hill
London
SW11 5QL
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jdrake
Verified Since Mar 2015
Items For Sale 141
Items Sold 1,090
Antiques Decorative
Antiques Decorative
Verified Since Mar 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: 136 Battersea Business Centre, 99 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jdrake
Verified
Mar 2015
For Sale
141
Sold
1,090
An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs.
Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps
Ref: SA1148464
An antique solid oak metamorphic chair that folds into library steps, featuring a pierced trefoil motif backrest and square legs.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectLibrary Steps
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian Gothic Revival
  • MaterialOak
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsTrefoil cutout, pegged joints, squared legs, folding seat
  • SizeH 92 cm (36 in) x W 40 cm (16 in) x D 38 cm (15 in)

This Victorian Gothic Revival library step chair originates from 1880, constructed from solid figured oak with a warm brown timber colour and visible grain. The design includes a bar back featuring a pierced trefoil cutout motif, decorative peg joints, squared legs, stud details, and a folding seat mechanism that converts the chair into four steps secured by a retaining hook. Signs of age include surface wear and scuffs across the wooden seat and frame. Measuring 92 cm high, 40 cm wide, and 38 cm deep, this metamorphic piece functions well in a home today as a practical seat and step stool combination placed in an empty corner of a study, home library, or traditional living area.

FAQs

Metamorphic library steps are dual-purpose furniture pieces popularised during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that transform from a standard side chair into a set of small steps to access elevated bookshelves.

These pieces were predominantly crafted from dense hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, or walnut, utilising brass hinges and sturdy mechanical joints to support weight when converted.

Authentic Victorian examples feature period-specific joinery, original brass hardware, patinated timber surfaces, and mechanical folding structures without modern screws or synthetic adhesives.

Position the steps alongside tall bookshelves, in a home office, or within a reading nook where the dual functionality and architectural form serve as both practical seating and decorative timber structure.

Maintain the wooden surface by dusting with a soft cloth, applying a neutral beeswax polish periodically along the wood grain, and avoiding placement near direct heat sources or high humidity.
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