Regency Ormolu Mounted Bookcase

A handsome bookcase or side cabinet, with ormolu mounts and lacquered brass grilles

English, circa 1830.

Why we like it

We like the dramatically figured veneers and the exquisitely chased ormolu decoration. A useful and beautiful piece with great patina.

Such extensive use of plum-pudding mahogany, together with the finest quality of the ormolu mounts make this piece quite unusual for the English cabinetmaking. Its general form and decoration relates to the oeuvre of one of the more notable London furniture-makers of the era, S. Jamar, based in Wardour St and Gerrard St in Soho. In 1818, Jamar advertised his furniture manufactured in London in the French taste was “equal to any made in Paris,” employing similar techniques and materials. He often combined striking figured mahogany veneering with dazzling gilt bronze ornament.

Good antique condition, great colour and patination, minor restorations to veneers.