A set of standing shelves for holding books, ornaments and whatever. The French term for this form is étagère. Georgian and Regency whatnots were usually square in form, with three or more shelves supported by finely turned spindles. There was generally a small drawer at the bottom. Some examples of red cedar whatnots have survived from colonial times.

Victorian whatnots, which are rather more common, were intended to stand in a corner. Usually triangular, they have staged or graduated shelves, supported by spindles and often with a fretwork gallery at the back of each shelf. They were often made in burr walnut, sometimes inlaid. Bamboo whatnots date from the late 19th century.

Usually the finials have a threaded wooden screw which fits into the matching threaded hole in column, so the units can be disassembled. Often at least one of the threads have worn, and to overcome this, the finials more...

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Victorian walnut veneer what not, featuring three shelves…

Victorian Walnut Veneer Cabinet with Inlaid Urn Decoration

Victorian walnut veneer what not, featuring three shelves raised on turned supports, above a cabinet with central hinged door, decorated with blondwood inlaid urn, a/f, 150 cm x 59 cm

A white paint rattan four shelf whatnot 130 x 51 x 34 cm

White Rattan Four-Shelf Whatnot - 130x51x34cm

A white paint rattan four shelf whatnot 130 x 51 x 34 cm

Victorian walnut 3 tier whatnot with inlaid shelves, 54 cm wide,…

Victorian Inlaid Walnut 3-Tier Whatnot

Victorian walnut 3 tier whatnot with inlaid shelves, 54 cm wide, 35 cm deep, 102 cm high

An Edwardian four tier whatnot, early 20th century, with a…

Edwardian Boxwood Inlaid Four Tier Whatnot

An Edwardian four tier whatnot, early 20th century, with a fretwork crest to the rear and pentagon shaped cascading tiers each inlaid with boxwood vegetal motifs and having turned supports and feet, height 139 cm, width 67 cm, depth 28 cm

Victorian 2 tier whatnot with marquetry inlay, 51 cm wide, 34…

Victorian Marquetry Inlaid 2-Tier Whatnot

Victorian 2 tier whatnot with marquetry inlay, 51 cm wide, 34 cm deep, 59 cm high

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, 54 cm wide, 35…

Victorian Walnut Marquetry Whatnot, 99cm High

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, 54 cm wide, 35 cm deep, 99 cm high

A white painted wicker double basket What not, 87 x 45 x 45 cm

White Wicker Double Basket What Not

A white painted wicker double basket What not, 87 x 45 x 45 cm

Mahogany 3 tier whatnot with 4 drawers, 54 cm wide, 20 cm deep,…

Mahogany 3-Tier Whatnot with 4 Drawers

Mahogany 3 tier whatnot with 4 drawers, 54 cm wide, 20 cm deep, 112 cm high

A burr walnut veneer two shelf whatnot, height 122 cm

Burr Walnut Two-Shelf Whatnot - 122cm Height

A burr walnut veneer two shelf whatnot, height 122 cm

A Victorian three-tier marquetry what-not, c. 1890, in…

Victorian Marquetry Three-Tier What-Not

A Victorian three-tier marquetry what-not, c. 1890, in excellent original condition, 99 x 56 x 28 cm

Late Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlaid shelves and…

Victorian Walnut Marquetry Whatnot

Late Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlaid shelves and fretwork panels, 53.5 cm wide, 100 cm high

Victorian walnut graduated serpentine whatnot, four tier with…

Serpentine Walnut Four-Tier Whatnot with Spiral Supports

Victorian walnut graduated serpentine whatnot, four tier with spiral turned supports and urn finials

A mahogany four tier what-not with galleried top, 130 x 67 x 42…

Mahogany Four-Tiered Galleried What-Not

A mahogany four tier what-not with galleried top, 130 x 67 x 42 cm

Victorian 4 tier whatnot with spiral twist turned supports and…

Victorian Spiral Twist Fretwork Whatnot

Victorian 4 tier whatnot with spiral twist turned supports and fretwork top, 70 cm wide, 32.5 cm deep, 113 cm high

Victorian rosewood whatnot with gallery top, 53 cm wide, 40 cm…

Victorian rosewood whatnot with gallery top, 53 cm wide, 40 cm deep, 97 cm high

Victorian small whatnot

Tiny Victorian Whatnot

Victorian small whatnot

Victorian 4 tier what not with marquetry inlay, 61 cm wide, 134…

Victorian Marquetry What Not, 4 Tier

Victorian 4 tier what not with marquetry inlay, 61 cm wide, 134 cm high

A Victorian walnut barley-twist two-tier what-not English circa…

A Victorian walnut barley-twist two-tier what-not English circa 1865 56 cm high, 48 cm wide, 37.5 deep, English circa 1865, 56 cm high, 48 cm wide, 37.5 deep

A parquetry what-not of small proportions

Miniature Parquetry What-Not

A parquetry what-not of small proportions

A Victorian two tier inlaid walnut whatnot, 19th century…

Victorian Walnut Inlaid Two-Tier Whatnot

A Victorian two tier inlaid walnut whatnot, 19th century supported by turned and spiral twist spindles with finials and raised upon toupie feet, each rectangular shelf with inlaid embellishments in satinwood and ebony. Height 68 cm, length 55 cm, width 35…

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay shelves and…

Victorian Walnut Marquetry Whatnot with Mirrored Top

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay shelves and fretwork mirrored top, 55 cm wide, 115 cm high

Victorian burr walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, fretwork…

Victorian Burr Walnut Marquetry Whatnot

Victorian burr walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, fretwork and turned spiral fluted supports, as inspected, 55.5 cm wide, 101 cm high, 35.5 cm deep

Antique walnut four tier what not with fretwork gallery top,…

Antique Walnut Fretwork Whatnot with Marquetry Inlay

Antique walnut four tier what not with fretwork gallery top, marquetry inlaid shelves and turned fluted supports, 52 cm wide, 147.5 cm high

An antique English four tier wotnot with barley twist columns,…

An antique English four tier wotnot with barley twist columns, walnut and mahogany, circa 1875, 99 cm high, 62 cm wide, 26 cm deep

A Victorian marquetry inlaid three tier what-not

Victorian Marquetry Three-Tier What-Not

A Victorian marquetry inlaid three tier what-not

Attractive late 19th century what-not

19th Century Attractive What-Not

Attractive late 19th century what-not

A Victorian Four-Tier whatnot, height 118.5 cm, width 69 cm,…

Victorian Four-Tier Whatnot - Elegant Display Stand

A Victorian Four-Tier whatnot, height 118.5 cm, width 69 cm, depth 33.5 cm

A Victorian walnut whatnot, 19th century, the three-tier…

Victorian Walnut Serpentine Whatnot

A Victorian walnut whatnot, 19th century, the three-tier whatnot of rectangular form with a serpentine profile front, having a foliate carved rear gallery, with turned supports and finials and raised on short turned legs with toupie feet and brass casters…

A Victorian three tier inlaid walnut whatnot, 19th century,…

Victorian Inlaid Walnut Three-Tier Whatnot

A Victorian three tier inlaid walnut whatnot, 19th century, with shaped shelves of graduating depth supported by turned and spiral twist spindles with finials and raised upon toupie feet, each shelf with inlaid embellishments in satinwood and ebony.…

Late Victorian walnut whatnot with fretwork gallery top, 54.5…

Victorian Walnut Fretwork Whatnot

Late Victorian walnut whatnot with fretwork gallery top, 54.5 cm wide, 34 cm deep, 109 cm high

Vintage three tier whatnot with marquetry inlaid shelves…

Marquetry Three-Tiered Whatnot with Turned Columns

Vintage three tier whatnot with marquetry inlaid shelves supported by turned columns, 51.5 cm x 36 cm, 75.5 cm high approx.

Quality reproduction three tier what-not with fretwork in walnut

Walnut Fretwork Three-Tier What-Not

Quality reproduction three tier what-not with fretwork in walnut

An Edwardian four tier what not, early 20th century With a…

Edwardian Four Tier Fretwork Whatnot with Inlaid Embellishments

An Edwardian four tier what not, early 20th century With a fretwork crest to the rear and cascading tiers supported by turned spindles with finials and raised upon toupie feet, each rectangular shelf with inlaid embellishments in boxwood and ebony, height…

Victorian five tier whatnot, with barley spiral twist supports,…

Victorian Barley Twist Five-Tier Whatnot

Victorian five tier whatnot, with barley spiral twist supports, 69 cm wide, 132 cm high

William IV four tier rosewood whatnot with a drawer, 46 cm x 46…

William IV Rosewood Whatnot with Drawer (10 words)

William IV four tier rosewood whatnot with a drawer, 46 cm x 46 cm, 131 cm high

Antique floral marquetry inlaid demi lune shape whatnot, 134 cm…

Antique Floral Inlaid Demi Lune Whatnot

Antique floral marquetry inlaid demi lune shape whatnot, 134 cm high, 62 cm wide, 29 cm deep

Antique mahogany four tiered whatnot, approx 138 cm high, 70 cm…

Mahogany Four-Tiered Whatnot - Antique

Antique mahogany four tiered whatnot, approx 138 cm high, 70 cm wide, 73 cm deep

Victorian mahogany three tier whatnot, with fretwork gallery…

Victorian Mahogany Fretwork Whatnot with Drawer

Victorian mahogany three tier whatnot, with fretwork gallery top, barley twist and scroll supports, oblong drawer to the base on turned feet with brass castors (veneer faults)

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, 89.5 cm, wide,…

Victorian Walnut Marquetry Whatnot

Victorian walnut whatnot with marquetry inlay, 89.5 cm, wide, 36 cm, deep, 107.5 cm, high

A Victorian style five tier mahogany what-not, 67 x 127 x 19.5…

Victorian Mahogany Five-Tier What-Not

A Victorian style five tier mahogany what-not, 67 x 127 x 19.5 cm

An oak three tier whatnot, English circa 1910, with barley…

English Oak Three Tier Whatnot with Barley Twist Column

An oak three tier whatnot, English circa 1910, with barley twist column, 148 cm high

Three tier antique what not, inlaid and decorated with…

Inlaid Tumbridgeware Three-Tier Antique Whatnot

Three tier antique what not, inlaid and decorated with tumbridgeware

Victorian rosewood 4 tier whatnot, with barley spiral twist…

Victorian Rosewood 4 Tier Fretwork Whatnot

Victorian rosewood 4 tier whatnot, with barley spiral twist supports and fretwork gallery to top, 67 cm wide, 116.5 cm high

A Victorian inlaid walnut whatnot, later 19th century, with a…

Victorian Walnut Whatnot with Fretwork Gallery and Drawer

A Victorian inlaid walnut whatnot, later 19th century, with a three quarter fretwork gallery, twin pierced brackets and turned supports to a lower section with a glass top above a single drawer, raised on mushroom shaped feet with porcelain casters,…

A Victorian mahogany whatnot, 19th century, a five tier whatnot…

Victorian mahogany five-tier whatnot

A Victorian mahogany whatnot, 19th century, a five tier whatnot with a pierced arched crest and turned supports and finials raised on small turned and knopped legs. Height 131.5 cm. Width 66 cm. Depth 23.5 cm

A Victorian wotnot, burr walnut with marquetry inlaid drawer,…

Victorian Burr Walnut Marquetry Wotnot

A Victorian wotnot, burr walnut with marquetry inlaid drawer, late 19th century, drawer base replaced, 53 cm high, 55 cm wide, 36 cm deep

Late 19th century three tier What not, of square form, set with…

Ebonised Three-Tier Whatnot with Decorative Tiles

Late 19th century three tier What not, of square form, set with three decorative tiles with figural scenes, with ebonised finish on turned supports

A timber five tiered whatnot with metal Struts & wheels, 190 x…

Timber and Metal Five Tiered Whatnot with Wheels

A timber five tiered whatnot with metal Struts & wheels, 190 x 120 x 48 cm

Victorian mahogany three tier whatnot stand with decorative…

Victorian Mahogany Carved Whatnot Stand with Drawer

Victorian mahogany three tier whatnot stand with decorative carved pediment, to serpentine front of 2 shelves, with full length lower drawer, height 110 cm; width 76 cm; depth 40 cm

Antique French what not/music stand

French Antique Music Stand

Antique French what not/music stand

Victorian mahogany & pine three tier what-not

Victorian Three-Tier Mahogany What-Not

Victorian mahogany & pine three tier what-not

A French circular marble top two tier whatnot. 93 cm high.

French Marble Top Two-Tier Whatnot (93cm)

A French circular marble top two tier whatnot. 93 cm high.

Antique French inlaid two tier whatnot, shaped top with brass…

French inlaid two-tier whatnot with brass gallery

Antique French inlaid two tier whatnot, shaped top with brass pierced gallery, approx 79 cm high, 48 cm long

Antique walnut three tier whatnot

Antique Walnut Three-Tier Whatnot

Antique walnut three tier whatnot

An English wotnot, mahogany and pine with barley twist columns…

Mahogany and Pine Wotnot with Barley Twist Columns, 1865

An English wotnot, mahogany and pine with barley twist columns and single drawer, circa 1865, 107 cm high, 55 cm wide, 36 cm deep

An antique wotnot, burr walnut and beech, circa 1855, 131 cm…

Burr Walnut Antique Wotnot, 1855

An antique wotnot, burr walnut and beech, circa 1855, 131 cm high, 68 cm wide, 46 cm deep

A French three tier inlaid whatnot, late 19th century, with a…

French Inlaid Three Tier Whatnot

A French three tier inlaid whatnot, late 19th century, with a pierced three quarter gallery and hand coloured inlay to each tier, ebonised rod style timber supports and gently curved splayed legs, height 81 cm, width 45 cm, depth 37 cm

Victorian canterbury what-not, burr walnut with secretaire…

Walnut Secretaire Canterbury with Leather Writing Slope

Victorian canterbury what-not, burr walnut with secretaire drawer fitted with leather top writing slope

What not early Victorian rosewood with five fixed shelves with…

Victorian Rosewood Bookcase with Carved Finials and Bobbin Supports

What not early Victorian rosewood with five fixed shelves with carved finials to top and bobbin supports, height 149 cm, width 58 cm, depth 35 cm

A Victorian two tier burr walnut whatnot, 19th century, of…

Serpentine Burr Walnut Two-Tier Whatnot

A Victorian two tier burr walnut whatnot, 19th century, of serpentine shape with an arched fretwork rear gallery, turned and relief carved supports with finials, delicate arabesque inlay and stringing, raised on toupie feet, height 59 cm, width 77 cm,…

Victorian rosewood three tier whatnot with fretwork gallery top,…

Victorian Rosewood Fretwork Whatnot with Drawer

Victorian rosewood three tier whatnot with fretwork gallery top, scroll and spindle supports, drawer to base on dwarf baluster legs

Fine quality what not, Victorian mahogany of four tiers

Victorian Mahogany Four-Tiered Shelf

Fine quality what not, Victorian mahogany of four tiers

A Victorian walnut and marquetry inlaid what-not fitted with…

Walnut Marquetry What-Not with Shelves and Doors

A Victorian walnut and marquetry inlaid what-not fitted with shelves and two doors

Victorian gallery back what not, of shaped form, united by…

Victorian Barley Twist Gallery Shelf

Victorian gallery back what not, of shaped form, united by turned Barley twist supports, with three shelves, on turned legs, 123 cm x 108 cm x 39 cm

Victorian inlaid walnut three tier what-not

Victorian Walnut Inlaid Three-Tier What-Not

Victorian inlaid walnut three tier what-not

Large late Regency mahogany what not, set with five square…

Regency Mahogany Whatnot with Five Shelves

Large late Regency mahogany what not, set with five square shelves, on well turned supports and turned tapering feet, 142.5 cm x 60.5 cm x 60.5 cm

A Victorian walnut whatnot canterbury, mid 19th century, in…

Victorian Walnut Canterbury with Fretwork Sides

A Victorian walnut whatnot canterbury, mid 19th century, in well-figured walnut, having a pierced three-quarter gallery, the top with cross banding and ebony and boxwood stringing, with turned supports to a partitioned lower section with fretwork sides…

Victorian walnut whatnot with pierced gallery back, c1880s.…

Victorian Walnut Pierced Gallery Whatnot

Victorian walnut whatnot with pierced gallery back, c1880s. Height 103 cm, width 79 cm, depth 41 cm. Provenance: Historic Corio Villa Geelong

Fine Victorian mahogany four-tier what-not with turned columns…

Victorian Mahogany Four-Tier What-Not with Drawer

Fine Victorian mahogany four-tier what-not with turned columns and single drawer

Victorian 3 tier whatnot with serpentine front and lower drawer,…

Victorian Serpentine 3-Tier Whatnot with Drawer

Victorian 3 tier whatnot with serpentine front and lower drawer, 77 cm wide, 42 cm deep, 109 cm high

A Victorian burr walnut and inlaid whatnot with mirror panel…

Victorian Burr Walnut Inlaid Whatnot with Mirror Back

A Victorian burr walnut and inlaid whatnot with mirror panel back, fret-pierced panels and turned supports. Width 55 cm

A Japanese bamboo and lacquer hardwood 5 shelved wotnot of…

Japanese Bamboo and Lacquer Wotnot

A Japanese bamboo and lacquer hardwood 5 shelved wotnot of naturalistic form, late19th century, 82 cm high, 52 cm wide, 28 cm deep

An English Arts & Crafts three tier wotnot, nickel plated cast…

Arts & Crafts Three Tier Wotnot with Cockatoo Motif

An English Arts & Crafts three tier wotnot, nickel plated cast metal with cockatoo motif and inset tile top, 19th century, 80 cm high, 42 cm wide, 42 cm deep

A demi-lune four tier wotnot, rosewood with marquetry inlay,…

Rosewood Demi-Lune Four Tier Marquetry Wotnot, 1860

A demi-lune four tier wotnot, rosewood with marquetry inlay, circa 1860, 126 cm high, 73 cm wide, 35 cm deep

Italian three tier inlaid What not, with a gallery back, above…

Italian Three-Tier Inlaid What Not with Gallery Back

Italian three tier inlaid What not, with a gallery back, above three shaped shelves inlaid with flowers, on four ebonised supports, height 88 cm

A Victorian walnut canterbury whatnot, circa 1860s. The well…

Victorian Walnut Canterbury Whatnot

A Victorian walnut canterbury whatnot, circa 1860s. The well figured book end veneer top with stringing, Sheraton style floral inlay and finials, with turned supports to a tri-partitioned lower section above an inlaid single drawer, and raised on turned…

Victorian mahogany inlaid what-not

Mahogany Inlaid Victorian What-Not

Victorian mahogany inlaid what-not

An unusual Victorian figured walnut serpentine three-stage…

Victorian Figured Walnut Serpentine Three-Stage Whatnot

An unusual Victorian figured walnut serpentine three-stage whatnot, with carved and pierced decoration and original brass casters. 71 cm x 40 cm x 103 cm.

Rosewood what not, mid, 19th century, four tier with foliate…

19th Century Rosewood Four-Tier What Not

Rosewood what not, mid, 19th century, four tier with foliate fretwork gallery, single drawer and turned column supports, height 124 cm, width 50 cm, depth 40 cm

Victorian four tier inlaid mahogany whatnot height 150 cm approx

Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Four-Tier Whatnot (or) 150cm Height

Victorian four tier inlaid mahogany whatnot height 150 cm approx

Victorian two tier what not, with small circular top, above a…

Victorian Two-Tier Tripod Table

Victorian two tier what not, with small circular top, above a turned support and larger circular top, set above a tripod base, height 84 cm

Good Victorian four tier rectangular whatnot, with turned…

Victorian Fretwork Whatnot with Turned Stretchers

Good Victorian four tier rectangular whatnot, with turned stretchers and fretwork decoration

Victorian walnut whatnot with fretwork backs and barley twist…

Victorian Walnut Fretwork Whatnot with Barley Twist Supports

Victorian walnut whatnot with fretwork backs and barley twist supports, 102 cm wide, 114 cm high

An English burr walnut wotnot with serpentine front, circa 1870,…

Antique Burr Walnut Serpentine Wotnot, Circa 1870

An English burr walnut wotnot with serpentine front, circa 1870, 114 cm high, 58 cm wide, 38 cm deep

An antique English wotnot, burr walnut with barley twist…

Antique English Burr Walnut Wotnot, Circa 1860

An antique English wotnot, burr walnut with barley twist columns and serpentine front, circa 1860, 101 cm high, 57 cm wide, 40 cm deep

A large Victorian burr walnut barley twist whatnot, 19th…

Victorian Burr Walnut Barley Twist Whatnot

A large Victorian burr walnut barley twist whatnot, 19th century, the two tier whatnot of generous form with a pierced three quarter gallery, finials, bold barley twist supports, and raised on toupie feet with petite brass casters. Height 116 cm. Width 56…

A Victorian walnut and inlaid whatnot, circa 1890, with a small…

Victorian inlaid walnut whatnot with mirrored gallery

A Victorian walnut and inlaid whatnot, circa 1890, with a small mirrored and pierced gallery above three cascading shaped shelves with turned supports and delicate stringing, ebony, satinwood and burr walnut marquetry, a pair of cupboards below with…

Antique walnut music canterbury What not, 92 cm high

Antique Walnut Music Canterbury

Antique walnut music canterbury What not, 92 cm high

A Victorian marquetry inlaid burr walnut three tier what-not,…

Victorian Burr Walnut Three Tier What-Not

A Victorian marquetry inlaid burr walnut three tier what-not, 19th century, with a carved three quarter gallery and satinwood stringing, raised on turned supports and toupie feet, 113 cm high, 61 cm wide, 39 cm deep

A Victorian burr walnut whatnot, 19th century, of rectangular…

Victorian Burr Walnut Whatnot with Spiral Turned Supports

A Victorian burr walnut whatnot, 19th century, of rectangular profile with a small oval mirror in a carved surround above a small shelf, three shelves of even size with spiral turned supports and raised on turned feet with porcelain casters, height 136 cm…

Victorian burr walnut canterbury what-not, mirror top and four…

Victorian Burr Walnut Canterbury with Mirror Top

Victorian burr walnut canterbury what-not, mirror top and four fretwork devision below, 80 cm long

An antique English wotnot, burr walnut with marquetry inlay and…

Antique English Burr Walnut Wotnot with Marquetry Inlay

An antique English wotnot, burr walnut with marquetry inlay and barley twist columns, circa 1875, 154 cm high, 55 cm wide, 36 cm deep

A Victorian burr walnut whatnot with parquetry detail, 19th…

Victorian Burr Walnut Parquetry Whatnot

A Victorian burr walnut whatnot with parquetry detail, 19th century, a fine three shelf whatnot with a three quarter fret gallery with finials, spiral carved and turned supports to a lower drawer and raised on bun and blade toupie feet with petite brass…

A Victorian inlaid walnut whatnot, the three shelves of…

Victorian Walnut Serpentine Whatnot with Fretwork Gallery

A Victorian inlaid walnut whatnot, the three shelves of serpentine fronted form, turned supports, fretwork top gallery, white painted faux inlay. Height 1015

Victorian burr walnut three tier whatnot with barley twist…

Victorian Burr Walnut Three-Tier Whatnot

Victorian burr walnut three tier whatnot with barley twist columns, c1870s. Height 116 cm, width 67 cm, depth 42 cm. Provenance: Historic Corio Villa Geelong

A Continental walnut five tier whatnot. 133 cm high, 69 cm wide,…

Continental Walnut Five-Tier Whatnot

A Continental walnut five tier whatnot. 133 cm high, 69 cm wide, 36 cm deep