A George II mahogany breakfront bookcase circa 1760

in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, the top with four astragally glazed doors enclosing shelves, the lower section with a secretaire drawer containing five small drawers and pigeonholes, with a recess below flanked by cupboard doors one enclosing a drawer and adjustable divisions for folios, the other five drawers, on a plinth 

Comparative Literature: Ralph Edwards and Percy Macquoid, The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1954, rev. ed., 3 vols., vol. I, p.90, fig. 30  and also fig. 27.

Overall this is in very good condition. The colour and patination are both excellent. There have been old repairs to the plinth between the pediment. Some replaced glass panes, minor age cracks to the top section sides. Characteristic old marks and scratches consistent with age and use.
"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."

It is not uncommon during the latter half of the 18th century for library bookcases to incorporate a hidden surface for writing or examining books or maps. This was usually found within a drawer which when drawn out revealed a flat baize or leather inset  slide above small compartments or as in the present case a false drawer front which hinged to reveal small compartments and a writing surface. It is rare however to have a bookcase with an aperture to the centre as in the present example. It is possible it was conceived to contain a table which could be moved out or it could simply have been designed purely as a kneehole. Gentleman`s libraries of this period were often furnished with book cabinets, desks, tables and chairs, commissioned as a group from a single cabinet maker in consultation with the architect responsible for the whole scheme. For example, Thomas Chippendale was obviously aware of the William Chamber`s sketch for a chimney piece for the library at Pembroke House, Whitehall, London, the details of which clearly influenced his design of a library table made for the same room. It is interesting to compare the present bookcase with that eventually supplied by Chippendale as the principal bookcase also incorporates a kneehole recess like the present example, illus. Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, p.148, pl. 66, p.42. The blind fret carving on the present bookcase also appears in many of Chippendale`s designs and the overall form relates to one of his designs for a library bookcase, see Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker`s Director, 3rd Edition, 1763, pl. XCI.