A George III mahogany secretaire bookcase the astragal glazed…
click the photo to enlarge
A George III mahogany secretaire bookcase the astragal glazed upper doors with Gothic arched glazing bars, above a secretaire drawer and two panelled doors, bracket feet, 124.5 x 243 x 59 cm provenance: Purchased from Kent Antiques, Melbourne, 4th October 1975. Accompanied by the purchase receipt.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Bracket Feet - On bracket feet the corner edge is square and joined by a mitre to its partner on the opposite angle. The inner edge is usually shaped or scalloped. Bracket feet were first introduced in the early 18th century and used until c. 1830 and are found on carcase furniture such as chests, cabinets, bookcases and bureaux.

    Ogee bracket feet, a variation on straight bracket feet, have the outside edge forming an "S" shaped curve with the top bulging outward and the bottom turning inward.

    On splayed bracket feet, the exterior edge curves outward.
  • Glazing Bars - Thin astragal mouldings, almost always of timber, behind which glass panes in bookcases, china cabinets, kitchen dressers, and so on are fixed. The glass is either puttied in or held by thin beads. Old hand-made glass should show imperfections, such as bubbles and ridges when looked at obliquely against the light, something which is not found in modem factory-made glass. The joints of the glazing bars should always be neatly mitred.

    A cheap shortcut is to apply false glazing bars over a single pane of glass, and this indicates either an item of modern manufacture, or a later conversion, where the panelled door of a press or wardrobe has had a glass front fitted, and the article turned into a 'bookcase'.
  • Astragal / Glazing Bars - An astragal, bead or glazing bar is the term used to describe the wooden strips that divide the glass in a cabinet into sections. However it can also refer to the narrow beading on a multi-door cabinet or bookcase that covers the gap between the doors, when they are closed. The astragal is usually attached to the inner stile of the left-hand door (or the right hand as you look at it).
  • George Iii - George III (1738 - 1820) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820.
  • Provenance - A term used to describe the provable history of an antique or work of art, and thus an additional aid to verifying its authenticity. Provenance can have an inflating effect on the price of an item, particularly if the provenance relates to the early settlement of Australia, a famous person, or royalty. Less significant are previous sales of the item through an auction house or dealer.
  • Mahogany - Mahogany is a dense, close grained red-coloured timber from the West Indies and Central America. It was first imported into Europe in the the early 18th century and its use continued through the 19th century. It was popular for furniture making because of its strength, the wide boards available, the distinctive grain on some boards, termed flame mahogany and the rich warm colour of the timber when it was polished.. The "flame" was produced where a limb grew out from the trunk of the tree, and this timber was usually sliced into veneers for feature panels on doors, backs and cornices.

    Some terms used to describe mahogany relate to the country from which it originally came, such as "Cuban" mahogany, "Honduras" mahogany etc. However unless the wood has been tested the names assigned are more a selling feature, rather than a true indication of the timber's origin.
  • Gothic Style, Furniture - Gothic style furniture refers to pieces that are designed and crafted in the Gothic architectural and decorative style that was popular in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries. This style of furniture is characterised by its elaborate and ornate details, as well as its use of dark and heavy woods, such as oak and walnut.

    Gothic style furniture often features intricate carvings and embellishments, including pointed arches, quatrefoils, and tracery. The style also frequently incorporates elements such as coats of arms, shields, and religious symbols. Gothic furniture often has a heavy and substantial appearance, and the pieces are often finished with a dark stain to accentuate the detailed carving and embellishments.

    The furniture items can be quite large and imposing, and they are often used as statement pieces in large rooms. Gothic furniture can be a striking and dramatic addition to any space, and it is often appreciated by those who have an interest in medieval and historical design.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

A 19th century Australian colonial cedar bookcase, with a shaped cornice, above a pair of glazed doors flanked by corbels, the lower section with a secretaire drawer flanked by corbels, above a pair of panel doors supported on a plinth. 233 cm high, 128 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

An Edwardian inlaid display cabinet, early 20th century, the Sheraton Revival cabinet with a dentil embellished cornice above a swagged frieze, an astragal glazed door and side panels and internal shelving, a bow front lower section with a marquetry decora

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A large Victorian cedar bookcase, 19th century, with an extended architectural cornice above a pair of glazed doors with three shelves to the interior, the extended base with an ogee profile frieze drawer above two panelled doors and a plinth base, with si

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A very good George III mahogany and satinwood inlay secretaire bookcase, the astragal glazed doors enclosing adjustable shelves, the fall front drawer enclosing pigeon holes and drawers, the cupboards enclosing fitted drawers, 124 widith x 58 cm deep, 230

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.