Antique English George V Globe Wernicke Oak Four Tier Glazed Sectional Bookcase (Circa 1920)

Summary:

• Item: Sectional Oak Bookcase
• Cabinetmaker: Globe Wernicke
• Circa: 1920
• Provenance: London, England, UK
• Wood: Oak
• Width: 86.5cm / 34” / 2ft 10”
• Four tiers
• Original glass doors
• Original working sliding door mechanisms
• Original knobs & handles
• Dismantles for easy transport & access
• Original shaped plinth
• Lovely mellow colour and patination
• Original condition
• Excellent quality
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy

Description:

This is a fine quality English George V sectional Globe Wernicke Bookcase, constructed from oak, with four glazed tiers, circa 1920, in excellent original condition.

Retaining the original Globe Wernicke logo and label (‘Globe Wernicke – Office & Library Furnishers – London) in each tier, the bookcase is constructed of four main tiers with a cornice above.  Each tier retains the original glass sliding doors, with original working door mechanisms and knobs.  The bookcase measures 2ft 10” wide, so will fit in a compact space.  The sectional bookcase is supported by a shaped plinth, with each section protected by steel strapwork.  The sectional Globe Wernicke Bookcase dismantles into several sections for easy access and transportation.

The oak bookcase features a rich mid-brown oak colour having been cleaned and wax- polished by hand in our workshop, to a professional standard.  The sectional Globe Wernicke Bookcase therefore boasts a lovely colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.  It would look superb in a variety of rooms, especially the office or library.  It would suit either a contemporary or traditional setting and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional.

History of Globe Wernicke:

The Globe-Wernicke Co Ltd was an American furniture company based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The company was founded in 1893, and specialized in the design and manufacture of military equipment.  Globe-Wernicke was formed as a result of the Cincinnati based Globe Files Company (est. in 1882) purchasing the Minneapolis based Wernicke Company, founded in 1893 by Otto Wernicke, in 1899. The company is best known for their high-end bookcases, Desks, and other office furniture. Globe Wernicke established factories in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France and Germany.

The company patented the “elastic bookcases” also known as a modular bookcase or barrister’s bookcase. These were high-quality stacking book shelves, with a standard width of 34 inches, in oak, walnut and mahogany, capable of being adapted to fit together to form a bookcase which could either be all of the same measurements or which could be rearranged by the insertion of units of different depths and heights. These glass-fronted shelves are today collectible antiques highly desired by collectors. With regularity, these bookcases appear in auctions and internet sites and, what originally cost $75 or so will now be sold for $900 or more.  During World War II 90% of the company’s business in the US was converted to produce military equipment.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_Wernicke

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality English George V sectional Globe Wernicke Bookcase, constructed from oak, with four glazed tiers, circa 1920, in excellent original condition.  Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item.  Each tier retains the original glass sliding doors, with original working door mechanisms and knobs.  The working drawer retains its original handles.  The bookcase stands on its original plinth.  The backboards are original.  The sectional bookcase has been cleaned and wax-polished by hand, to a professional standard, in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard.  This Globe Wernicke Bookcase item is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

External Height = 161cm / 63⅜” / 5ft 3⅜”
External Width = 86.5cm / 34” / 2ft 10”
External Depth = 32cm / 12⅝” / 1ft 0⅝”

Top Internal Shelf Height (Door Open) = 26cm / 10¼”
Top Internal Shelf Width = 81.5cm / 32⅛” / 2ft 8⅛”
Top Internal Shelf Depth = 24cm / 9⅜”

2nd Internal Shelf Height (Door Open) = 26cm / 10¼”
2nd Internal Shelf Width = 81.5cm / 32⅛” / 2ft 8⅛”
2nd Internal Shelf Depth = 24cm / 9⅜”

3rd Internal Shelf Height (Door Open) = 31cm / 12⅛”/ 1ft 0¼”
3rd Internal Shelf Width = 81.5cm / 32⅛” / 2ft 8⅛”

Terms & Conditions:

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Ref 79873