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Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps
Sold by Marylebone Antiques
sold SA1095176
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Marylebone Antiques

Marylebone Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2012
Browse dealers 325 items
  • About Us
    Specialist in english, french and swedish antique furniture & decorative items circa 1750-1950s.
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Id #SA1095176
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Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps

19th century
Sold 19 November 2024 · Marylebone Antiques
This “Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps ” found a buyer.

It was listed by Marylebone Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Step ChairLibrary Chair StepsMetamorphic Chair Steps Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A charming and beautifully designed antique Victorian oak metamorphic chair / library steps. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period.

It is of fine quality and has a very clever design that transforms it from a lovely side chair into useful library steps. The solid oak frame is wonderfully crafted with nice carving at the top of the back rest. It unfolds and is held safely in place with a brass catch.

We have had the frame re-polished, the leather on the steps has been re-placed with a gorgeous faded black leather. The condition is excellent for its age, with some minor age related patina seen beneath the polish here and there.

Width – 18 inches , 46 cm

Depth – 17 inches , 43 cm

Height – 35 inches , 89 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
89cm (35.04")
Width
46cm (18.11")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Declaration

Marylebone Antiques has dated these Antique Oak Library Steps to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1095176
Dealers Internal Reference
9096
Dealers Notes

For more information or more detailed images, please, visit our website:

http://www.maryleboneantiques.co.uk/.

Please, note this item may be in either our store or showroom, therefore, please, contact us prior to visiting, so that we can locate the item.

We offer fully insured deliveries in the UK and Worldwide.

Please, ask for a quote.

Thank you for your support!

Team Marylebone Antiques

Description
A charming and beautifully designed antique Victorian oak metamorphic chair / library steps. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period.
“
It is of fine quality and has a very clever design that transforms it from a lovely side chair into useful library steps.
Marylebone Antiques

The solid oak frame is wonderfully crafted with nice carving at the top of the back rest. It unfolds and is held safely in place with a brass catch.

fig 1. An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps

We have had the frame re-polished, the leather on the steps has been re-placed with a gorgeous faded black leather. The condition is excellent for its age, with some minor age related patina seen beneath the polish here and there.

Width – 18 inches , 46 cm

Depth – 17 inches , 43 cm

Height – 35 inches , 89 cm

Height
89cm (35.04")
Width
46cm (18.11")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Date of Manufacture

Marylebone Antiques has dated these Antique Oak Library Steps to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1095176
Dealers Internal Ref
9096
Marylebone Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2012

Specialist in english, french and swedish antique furniture & decorative items circa 1750-1950s.

Dealer Profile

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

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An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 11
Archive I An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps

Archive II An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View II
Archive III An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View III
Archive IV An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View IV
Archive V An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View V
Archive VI An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View VI
Archive VII An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View VII
Archive VIII An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View VIII
Archive IX An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View IX
Archive X An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View X
Archive XI An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
Marylebone Antiques

Marylebone Antiques
Telephone 0207 723 7415 or 07973 541308
Location
8 Church Street
London
NW8 8ED
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/churchstreetlondon
Verified Since Nov 2012
Items For Sale 325
Items Sold 6,202
Marylebone Antiques
Marylebone Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: 8 Church Street, London, NW8 8ED, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/churchstreetlondon
Verified
Nov 2012
For Sale
325
Sold
6,202
An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps.
Antique Victorian Oak Metamorphic Chair / Library Steps
Ref: SA1095176
An antique oak metamorphic chair with a carved top rail that unfolds into a set of library steps.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectChairs
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialOak, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCarved top rail, Hinged seat panel, Diagonal support rails, Exposed mortise and tenon joints
  • SizeH 89 cm (35 in) x W 46 cm (18 in) x D 43 cm (17 in)

FAQs

A metamorphic library chair is a piece of dual-purpose furniture designed to transform from a seating option into a set of steps. This ingenious design gained popularity during the Georgian and Victorian periods, catering to the needs of private libraries and studies with high bookshelves.

These items were predominantly constructed from solid hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, or walnut. Traditional joinery techniques, including mortise and tenon joints, dovetailing, and functional brass hinges or pivots, ensure the mechanism supports weight safely.

Authenticity is determined by examining the timber patination, hand-cut joinery, wear patterns around pivot points, and the type of metal fixings used. Period pieces often feature hand-carved details and heavy timber construction consistent with nineteenth-century cabinet making.

This piece functions effectively as an occasional seat beside a bookcase or as a display surface for plants and decorative objects. Its dual functionality brings both historical character and practical utility to studies, living rooms, or hallways.

Preservation requires maintaining stable room temperatures away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent timber splitting. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth and occasional application of appropriate beeswax helps nourish the wood and maintain its natural lustre.
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