An early Victorian carved mahogany open bookcase circa 1840

in the manner of Mack, Williams and Gibton, the breakfront top above scrolled brackets and with shaped shelves to each side

Generally in good order. With old marks and scratches.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The bold carving seen in the present bookcase is typical of the work of the Irish firm of Dublin cabinet makers, Mack, Williams and Gibton.

The firm of Mack, Williams and Gibton was formed in around 1812, but its history can be traced to the latter part of the 18th century, when John Mack established a cabinet making business in Abbey Street, Dublin. First recorded in 1784, Mack continued to trade alone from Abbey Street until 1800 and in 1801 placed an advertisement in The Dublin Evening Post. About this time he was joined by another cabinet maker, Robert Gibton, who had established his own business a few years earlier, trading first from Aungier Street where he is recorded between 1790 and 1796, and afterwards from Stephen Street where he is recorded in 1800. Trade directories reveal that in addition to cabinet-making, Gibton also worked as an auctioneer, while his trade label, a copy of which survives on a deed box in the National Museum, Dublin, indicates that he was likewise a maker of trunks, gun cases and musical instrument cases. The partnership of Mack and Gibton flourished. By 1803 the business had moved to larger premises in Stafford Street and in 1805 the partnership was formalised.The following year Mack and Gibton received the ultimate accolade being appointed, `Upholsterers & Cabinet makers to His Majesty, His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and His Majesty`s Board of Works`

In 1812 Robert Gibton died and was succeeded by his son William Gibton (1789-1842). At the same time, a former apprentice, Zachariah Williams, who had married Robert Gibton`s daughter, joined the management, thus creating the new partnership of Mack, Williams and Gibton. Under this name the firm enjoyed unparalleled success. Mack, Williams and Gibton retained its Royal Warrant for many years supplying and restoring furniture for some of the most important public buildings in Ireland including the Four Courts, the War Office, the Barracks Office, Dublin Castle, the Chapel Royal, the Treasury and Viceregal Lodge. At the same time the firm undertook commissions for several major Irish houses such as Ballynegall, Co. Westmeath, Oakley Park, Co. Meath, Lissadell House Co. Sligo, and Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Following the death of John Mack in 1829, the firm continued to trade under  the name of the surviving partners, Williams and Gibton and it is from this period in the firms history that the offered lot was made. In 1844, two years after the death of William Gibton, it changed its name to Williams and Sons, finally ceasing business in 1852.

Further examples of furniture by this firm sold in these rooms include: a revolving bookcase, 2nd June 1995, lot 24; a mahogany side table, 16th May 1996, lot 37; a mahogany cellaret, 16th May 1996, lot 38; a pair of carved mahogany dining room pedestals lot 173, The Roger Collection, 28,29 & 30th January 1998.  See also Christie`s sale of the contents of Lissadell House, Co. Sligo, 25th November 2003.