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Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet
London City Antiques
for sale €9,185     $9,970
£7,850
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
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Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

18th century
Description

A rare and highly desirable antique Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase by the renowned makers Gillows. Crafted from beautifully figured mahogany with exceptional colour and patina throughout, this elegant piece combines a glazed library bookcase above with a fully fitted secretaire writing drawer and graduated chest of drawers below.

The upper section features a pair of astragal glazed doors with an attractive Gothic-inspired design enclosing adjustable shelves. The quality of the timber is immediately apparent with wonderfully figured mahogany veneers throughout, particularly to the drawer fronts and door frames.

The secretaire drawer opens to reveal an outstanding fitted interior with a green leather writing surface, numerous drawers, pigeonholes and stationery compartments. The drawer is stamped GILLOWS, a highly sought-after mark from one of Britain's finest cabinet-making firms. Gillows of Lancaster and London were famed for producing furniture of exceptional quality for aristocratic houses and discerning clients throughout the Georgian period and beyond.

Below are four long graduated drawers providing excellent storage. The piece stands on elegant bracket feet and retains a refined architectural cornice which gives the cabinet excellent presence without appearing overly imposing.

Originally designed as the ultimate gentleman's cabinet, a secretaire bookcase allowed important correspondence, accounts and documents to be organised within the fitted writing compartment whilst books and treasured possessions were displayed above. Today it remains one of the most practical and desirable forms of Georgian furniture.

Condition

Presented in good antique condition with a rich colour and patina. The secretaire interior is complete and retains its original fitted arrangement. Minor age-related wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions

Height: 210cm (82.68 inches)

Width: 83cm (32.68 inches)

Depth: 53cm (20.87 inches)

Date: 1780

Origin: English

Available for UK & international shipping.

Physical Dimensions
Height
210cm (82.68")
Width
83cm (32.68")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Georgian Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1216814
Dealers Internal Reference
3139
Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description
A rare and highly desirable antique Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase by the renowned makers Gillows. Crafted from beautifully figured mahogany with exceptional colour and patina throughout, this elegant piece combines a glazed library bookcase above with a fully fitted secretaire writing drawer and graduated chest of drawers below.
The upper section features a pair of astragal glazed doors with an attractive Gothic-inspired design enclosing adjustable shelves.
London City Antiques

The quality of the timber is immediately apparent with wonderfully figured mahogany veneers throughout, particularly to the drawer fronts and door frames.

fig 1. A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
fig 1. Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

The secretaire drawer opens to reveal an outstanding fitted interior with a green leather writing surface, numerous drawers, pigeonholes and stationery compartments. The drawer is stamped GILLOWS, a highly sought-after mark from one of Britain's finest cabinet-making firms. Gillows of Lancaster and London were famed for producing furniture of exceptional quality for aristocratic houses and discerning clients throughout the Georgian period and beyond.

fig 2. A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
fig 2. Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

Below are four long graduated drawers providing excellent storage. The piece stands on elegant bracket feet and retains a refined architectural cornice which gives the cabinet excellent presence without appearing overly imposing.

fig 3. A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
fig 3. Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

Originally designed as the ultimate gentleman's cabinet, a secretaire bookcase allowed important correspondence, accounts and documents to be organised within the fitted writing compartment whilst books and treasured possessions were displayed above. Today it remains one of the most practical and desirable forms of Georgian furniture.

fig 4. A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
fig 4. Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

Condition

Presented in good antique condition with a rich colour and patina. The secretaire interior is complete and retains its original fitted arrangement. Minor age-related wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions

Height: 210cm (82.68 inches)

Width: 83cm (32.68 inches)

Depth: 53cm (20.87 inches)

Date: 1780

Origin: English

Available for UK & international shipping.

Height
210cm (82.68")
Width
83cm (32.68")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Georgian Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1216814
Dealers Internal Ref
3139
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

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

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A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
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Archive I A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.

Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet

Archive II A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View II
Archive III A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View III
Archive IV A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View IV
Archive V A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View V
Archive VI A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View VI
Archive VII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View VII
Archive VIII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View VIII
Archive IX A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View IX
Archive X A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View X
Archive XI A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XI
Archive XII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XII
Archive XIII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XIII
Archive XIV A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XIV
Archive XV A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XV
Archive XVI A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XVI
Archive XVII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XVII
Archive XVIII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XVIII
Archive XIX A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XIX
Archive XX A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XX
Archive XXI A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXI
Archive XXII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXII
Archive XXIII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXIV
Archive XXV A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXV
Archive XXVI A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXVI
Archive XXVII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles. View XXVIII
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Stutton
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London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: The Coach House, Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2SD, United Kingdom
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A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
Antique Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Georgian Astragal Glazed Library Cabinet
Ref: SA1216814
A Georgian mahogany secretaire bookcase featuring an upper two-door astragal glazed cabinet set over a lower chest of five drawers with brass swan-neck handles.
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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.
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.
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.

A Georgian secretaire bookcase is a two-part item of case furniture originating in eighteenth-century Britain, featuring an upper glazed bookcase cabinet atop a chest of drawers with a pull-out or drop-down desk drawer designed for writing.

These pieces were typically constructed using solid mahogany or rich timber veneers over oak or pine drawer linings, featuring hand-cut dovetail joints, brass swan-neck handles, and hand-cut astragal glazing bars holding individual glass panes.

Authentic Georgian examples display hand-sawn timber marks on drawer undersides, unrefined secondary pine or oak woods, original iron and brass lock mechanisms, subtle irregularities in mouth-blown glass panes, and period-correct dovetail proportions.

Position the piece against neutral or deeply painted walls to allow the dark timber silhouette to stand out, using the upper glazed cabinet to display curated books or ceramics while retaining the secretaire drawer for concealed organisation.

Dust regularly with a dry, soft cotton cloth, apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice per year along the grain, and position the piece away from direct sunlight and central heating sources to prevent wood movement and veneer lifting.
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