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Regency Rosewood Breakfront Bookcase by James Winter of London c. 1815

The finest example of a Regency rosewood parcel gilt library breakfront bookcase in exceptional original condition.

Dated

c. 1815

Dimensions

83.5 inches high, 85.5 inches wide and 16 inches deep at plinth and 11 inches deep at cornice. The largest section is 43.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches wide and 16 inches deep.

The bookcase divides into seven sections for transport - three upper, three lower and the cornice. When fitted together the joints are so well prepared and tightly fitting that it appears as a single piece.

Full Description

The finest example of a Regency rosewood parcel gilt
library breakfront bookcase in exceptional original condition. With
excellent provenance, the bookcase comes from the superior private
collection of a lady, the probate sale of a country estate.

Made in circa 1815 by James Winter of Wardour Street, London (fully
stamped) the bookcase is complete and original and of exemplary quality.
Brass capitals to the pilasters on upper and lower cases in the
classical manner, and a beautiful overhung cornice with gilded arcades
and carved acanthus leaves. The engraved brass capitals to the turned
rosewood pillars on the lower case are particularly beautiful and both
upper and lower doors retain original gilded slips. The thick panes of
glass are hand made and each piece is curved - an early and costly way
of reducing glare and reflection. Each upper door has a brass bar
dividing the two glass panes. The lower doors have original brass
grills over pleated ivory silk panels. The Rosewood is superbly figured
and in excellent condition throughout. The original shelves are
rosewood faced and fully adjustable on turned pegs (some pegs replaced).

There are nine shelves to the upper case and five to the lower. There
are original locks and working keys to all doors. The central upper
doors have a superb locking mechanism whereby the right door when closed
releases a brass catch in the cornice which automatically locks the
left door in place.

James Winter held the Royal Warrant and made furniture for all of the
Royal households. He was highly influenced by Egyptian and Greek
architecture as of course was the Prince Regent who commissioned
numerous pieces from him.

This is the epitome of fine quality Regency furniture, the height of good Regency taste and brimming with quality details.