Lot 442 , A mid 18th century walnut bureau bookcase, W. 3ft 6in. D. 1ft 11in. H. 7ft 2in.

A mid 18th century walnut bureau bookcase, with two mirrored doors enclosing shelves, over a fall and arrangement of five drawers, on bracket feet, W. 3ft 6in. D. 1ft 11in. H. 7ft 2in.
Estimate £800-1,200

Overall of a dark toffee to light golden walnut tone, mostly even but the fall lighter than elsewhere, cornice has signs of some small old repairs to the tips of the corners, mirrored glass looks to be old but not original, some repairs to the moulding around the mirrors, escutcheons look like later replacements, working key to the old probably original lock, internally there are three adjustable shelves, some splitting can be seen between the back boards, left hand candle slide pulls out slightly less far than the right, slope shows signs of old splits where a hand would pull it out just above the escutcheon, no key to the slope of the fall although the lock looks original, inside small drawers are all oak lined running left to right, handles look like later replacements, central door slightly bowed with no key, pilasters slide out as 'secret' drawers, inside of the fall a little bowed with some old splits and it doesn't quite shut flat with the carcass, one small loss of moulding to the underside of the fall and some signs of old repairs, some splitting running through the veneers of the front of the fall, drawers retain original locks but have later handles, signs of old repairs to some of the crossbanding, internally they are oak lined running front to back, feet look to be later replacements, typical dents, scuffs and scratches to the front left and right corners, and some lesser denting and scuffing to both sides, does look to have started life as one piece rather than be a marriage, overall typical repairs and alterations commensurate with age.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £1,200