Wooden library bookcase

[LesPaulPlayer]

This piece has been in my family for years upon years but we know nothing about it. Any idea as to the country of origin, age, and the price? Here are some pictures of it.

[KC]

Any markings on it anywhere?

Beautiful piece!!!!!!!!!!

Is the face on the right front side of the chest, under the soldier, like a man?  (What one would call a "green man".)

Is it a squared cabinet or a "corner" cabinet (wedged)?

Also, does it have claw feet?

[ghopper1924]

It looks like R.J. Horner (or someone of that "school" anyway), made in New York ca. 1890-1900, probably oak. Could be worth several thousand USD. I'd send photos to several high end antique dealers to corroborate.

Beautiful!

[Ipcress]

Could you take a photo of the lock, please ? Side on.

[LesPaulPlayer]

Any markings on it anywhere?

Beautiful piece!!!!!!!!!!

Is the face on the right front side of the chest, under the soldier, like a man?  (What one would call a "green man".)

Is it a squared cabinet or a "corner" cabinet (wedged)?

Also, does it have claw feet?

The cabinet is squared.

It does look like a man! Here are some pics

[Ipcress]

I mean the lock within the door, side view.


Anyway. This is American furniture and not a strong point but the carved detail doesn't appear to be of the same high standard as Horner. It's good, but Horner was exceptional.
Also the panels / friezes are different in style and lesser quality to the knights and green man masks. You'd expect sweeping acanthus leaves and vines with a consistent level of quality from Horner furniture from what i've seen, not the more basic patterns you see here.

A very nice bookcase though

[KC]

Took the words out of my mouth Ipcress.  Missing the leaves and swirling.

Most likely American made and of Oak (as I can tell from the pictures).

I love it.  You just don't see knights/soldiers much except on Hunting Sideboards and Cupboards.

Now, this doesn't mean you don't have a beautiful piece, because you do.   Just comparing to the furniture standard out there of the highest quality...you have a good piece just not the cream of the crop!    So, it is still a good thing!

Would like to see the locking mechanism as well ipcress!  Also, how are the shelves put in?  Are they set or moveable?

[mart]

This bookcase is really a mixed up mess !! And I don`t mean that in a derogatory way !! But it has elements of several different styles all rolled into one piece !! I see Eastlake at top with a little Empire thrown in, Victorian scrolling and fretwork, and the figures look like some of the early carvings from Scotland !! They also look like they were given a bronzed finish at one time !!

[LesPaulPlayer]

Thanks for the help folks! The shelves can be moved! Here is a side picture of the lock. Hope it isn't too dark! The piece is also very very dusty. Don't remember the last time it was cleaned. I was kind of afraid to put ay thing on it.

[greenacres]

LesPaulplayer your pictures are so dark. Can you get better light in the last picture.

[KC]

LesPaulPlayer, how far can you trace it in your family?  Any additional information, rumors, etc....

[LesPaulPlayer]

Sure, I will take another shot in the AM. As far as additional information, all I can say is that my grandfather bought this from a family that was moving right after WW2 in NY when he came home. That is where my family and myself are from. I moved down South a few years ago. My grandfather died in 1970. 16 years before I was born. My dad also passed away a few years ago so that is pretty much all the info I have. Sorry

[rockandrollrods]

Not enough room in it for a Les Paul, but if you took apart a Strat, it would store nicely.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Beautiful! Love the carved figures!

[bigwull]

Ok,if you like that sort of,thing.....only way i,d have it...would be if i won it in a raffle.....then i could punt it....and use the money more wisely.....