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Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood
Also Antique Furniture
for sale €1,164     $1,264
£995

Also Antique Furniture

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2025
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Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

19th century
Description

DESCRIPTION

This is an impressive late nineteenth-century Continental open library bookcase, probably French, dating from around 1880.

Constructed in solid wood with a rich, mellow colour and attractive patina, the bookcase features an architectural pediment centred by a finely carved foliate cartouche, above a moulded frieze and elegant turned column supports. The substantial proportions and restrained classical decoration give it an imposing presence while remaining practical for everyday use.

The generous open interior is fitted with four adjustable shelves, making it ideal for displaying books, ceramics or decorative objects. The frieze drawer is enriched with carved geometric panels and retains decorative ring handles. The bookcase is believed to have been converted from a wardrobe during its lifetime, a traditional alteration that has created an attractive and highly usable library bookcase. The conversion has been sympathetically carried out and the piece now serves as an excellent display cabinet while retaining considerable decorative appeal.

A substantial and characterful nineteenth-century bookcase offering generous storage.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 250 cm

Width: 137 cm

Depth: 51 cm

CONDITION

Presented in good antique condition.

There are the expected marks, knocks and surface scratches consistent with age and over a century of use, together with light general wear throughout. There is evidence of historic, inactive woodworm to the rear of the left-hand side near the base, which does not affect the structural integrity of the piece.

The bookcase is believed to have been converted from a wardrobe at some point during its history, with the current shelving fitted as part of that conversion. It remains sturdy throughout, with an attractive mellow colour, pleasing patina and presents very well overall.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Declaration

Also Antique Furniture has dated this Continental Open Library Bookcase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1226672
Description
DESCRIPTION
This is an impressive late nineteenth-century Continental open library bookcase, probably French, dating from around 1880.
Also Antique Furniture

Constructed in solid wood with a rich, mellow colour and attractive patina, the bookcase features an architectural pediment centred by a finely carved foliate cartouche, above a moulded frieze and elegant turned column supports. The substantial proportions and restrained classical decoration give it an imposing presence while remaining practical for everyday use.

fig 1. A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
fig 1. Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

The generous open interior is fitted with four adjustable shelves, making it ideal for displaying books, ceramics or decorative objects. The frieze drawer is enriched with carved geometric panels and retains decorative ring handles. The bookcase is believed to have been converted from a wardrobe during its lifetime, a traditional alteration that has created an attractive and highly usable library bookcase. The conversion has been sympathetically carried out and the piece now serves as an excellent display cabinet while retaining considerable decorative appeal.

fig 2. A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
fig 2. Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

A substantial and characterful nineteenth-century bookcase offering generous storage.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 250 cm

Width: 137 cm

Depth: 51 cm

CONDITION

Presented in good antique condition.

There are the expected marks, knocks and surface scratches consistent with age and over a century of use, together with light general wear throughout. There is evidence of historic, inactive woodworm to the rear of the left-hand side near the base, which does not affect the structural integrity of the piece.

fig 3. A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
fig 3. Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

The bookcase is believed to have been converted from a wardrobe at some point during its history, with the current shelving fitted as part of that conversion. It remains sturdy throughout, with an attractive mellow colour, pleasing patina and presents very well overall.

fig 4. A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
fig 4. Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

fig 5. A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
fig 5. Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase C.1880 Carved Solid Wood

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Date of Manufacture

Also Antique Furniture has dated this Continental Open Library Bookcase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1226672
Also Antique Furniture
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Also Antique Furniture Profile Page

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A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
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Archive I A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.

Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase c.1880 Carved Solid Wood

Archive II A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves. View II
Archive III A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves. View III
Archive IV A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves. View IV
Archive V A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves. View V
Archive VI A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves. View VI
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Telephone 07968 218613
Location
Settle
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Jun 2025
Items For Sale 70
Items Sold 17
Also Antique Furniture
Verified Since Jun 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Settle, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Jun 2025
For Sale
70
Sold
17
A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
Large 19th Century Continental Open Library Bookcase c.1880 Carved Solid Wood
Ref: SA1226672
A tall 19th-century Continental open wooden bookcase featuring an ornate carved pediment, fluted side columns, panelled back, and multiple adjustable shelves.
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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 Continental open library bookcase from the late 19th century typically features solid timber construction, elaborate carved cresting, flanking side columns, and adjustable un-glazed shelving designed for accessible literary storage.

These bookcases were commonly crafted from dense hardwoods such as walnut, oak, or fruitwood, featuring hand-carved architectural details, panelled backs, and traditional mortise and tenon joinery.

Look for signs of hand-planed back panels, authentic age-related wood patination, hand-carved crest motifs, and natural wear along shelf edges and drawer runners.

Position the piece as a focal wall feature, balancing book collections with sculptural ceramics, framed artwork, and brass objects to contrast dark carved timber with light modern textures.

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and high humidity, dusting regularly with a soft cloth and applying natural beeswax polish annually to nourish the original finish.
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