Large Victorian Oak Double Breakfront Bookcase, Morison & Co, 10’3 Wide

A large Victorian double inverse breakfront bookcase in honey coloured quarter sawn oak. It has a moulded cornice above an upper section with five glazed doors enclosing twenty original adjustable shelves with nicely moulded front edges, the stepped out base has five drawers each above a panelled cupboard door enclosing a further shelf. With the shelves supplied this bookcase can house a massive 64ft 10in (19.77m) of books with the upper shelves easily adjusted to accommodate taller volumes.

With original brass handles and escutcheons, the locks are by G Parsons and George Harley & Co (maker of Bramah locks) and most are also stamped Morison & Co, Edinburgh. With impressed Morison & Co stamps to the drawer edges. Not all locks have a key but a locksmith should be able to cut them (our usual locksmith charges about £10 to cut a key for a lock).

For moving this bookcase is designed to be split into six sections plus the five glass doors.The six sections are 2 sections of cornice, two upper section parts and two base section parts, the doors have pins fixings and are therefore lifted out for moving. These sections are all screwed together when assembled.

This bookcase is in solid condition, possibly extended from the original design by Morison & Co, it has been shaped at the back of the base to fit over a skirting board and consequently the backboards on the cupboards are not at the full depth. There is a missing lock to the base and marks and chips from being used over the years, including some missing moulding at the top right side. The top edge is faded and the right side is also lighter.

Matthew Morison (1752-1824) was a cabinet maker based in Ayr who entered into partnership with his son James in 1813. In 1827 they relocated the business to Edinburgh opening a shop at 78 George Street in 1853. Examples of Morison & Co. furniture can be seen at Lauriston Castle.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for more photos.

The overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately

Width - 123in/10ft 3 (312cm)

Depth - 18in (45.5cm)

Height - 95 1/2in (242.5cm)

Shelf depth (upper) - 11 7/8in and 10in (30cm and 25.5cm)

Shelf depth (lower) - 11 1/2in and 9 1/4in (28.5cm and 23.5cm)

Extra dimensions:

Max depth of cornice - 16in (40.7cm)

Max depth of upper section - 14in (35.5cm)

Height of cornice section - 5 1/8in (13cm)

Ref: 0421

Delivery:

We can arrange to deliver this to most UK mainland destinations for £125.

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.