Of the style we think of as Edwardian Sheraton Revival, the 7ft 81/2in wide by 7ft 4in high (2.35 x 2.24m), bookcase was distinguished by sunburst glazing bars and a gilt brass trade plate bearing the name of leading Victorian manufacturers Druce & Co., of Baker Street and Portman Square, London.
Entered in untouched and clean condition, the bookcase attracted an above-estimate £8100 from the trade to become by far the best seller of the day.
£8100 bookcase underlines era coming of age
UK: NEXT year, with the beginning of a new millennium, 19th century furniture will seem far older than it actually is. But for some time now the finer pieces have been making prices comparable to their 18th century exemplars and this was certainly the case when this late 19th century satinwood and mahogany breakfront bookcase came up for sale at Heathcote Ball (10 per cent buyer’s premium) in Leicester on February 25.
