Fine Early Victorian Mahogany Open Bookcase

A fine quality 19th century early Victorian flame mahogany open bookcase – bookshelves circa 1840-1850.

Having a flame mahogany veneered rectangular top above a shaped moulded cornice supported by pilaster columns with carved foliate capitals enclosing four reeded shelves. To the base there are two flame veneered mahogany oak-lined drawers retaining their original turned wooden handles and Bramah locks supplied with a working key.

Raised on a plinth base this well-proportioned open bookcase is in superb original condition retaining a wonderful colour having been wax polished using traditional methods.

Very rare to find a bookcase of this size and quality that is completely original.

Due to the excellent choice of timber and quality of build one would expect to find a makers stamp such as Gillows of Lancaster on this bookcase but very often their goods were not stamped. Another sign of quality is only the best cabinetmakers used Bramah locks as they were expensive, also at time of manufacture no one was able to pick them.

The Bramah lock is a lock design that was created by Joseph Bramah in 1784. The design is the first known high-security lock.

The locks produced by his company were famed for their resistance to lock picking and tampering, and the company famously had a "Challenge Lock" displayed in the window of their London shop from 1790, mounted on a board containing the inscription……

"The artist who can make an instrument that will pick or open this lock shall receive 200 guineas the moment it is produced."

The Great Exhibition 1851.

The challenge stood for over 67 years until, at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the American locksmith Alfred Charles Hobbs was able to open the lock and, following some argument about the circumstances under which he had opened it, was awarded the prize. Hobbs' attempt required about 51 hours, spread over 16 days.

The Challenge Lock is in the Science Museum in London. An examination of the lock shows that it has been rebuilt since Hobbs picked it. Originally it had 18 iron slides and 1 central spring; it now has 13 steel slides, each with its own spring.

Dimensions:

Width: 43 ¼ inches - 110cm

Height: 61 1/2 inches – 156.5cm

Depth: 14.5 inches - 37cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.