Barrister Bookcase [*SOLD*]
Barrister bookcases are a set of stacking sectional units that can be modified in number and size over time, while also being easily moved.Their name comes from their popular appeal to lawyers and judges at the turn of the 19th century who were looking to store and transport their library of legal references.The first patent for the unique glass-front tilting-door design was granted in 1892, and the cases were ordered in different sizes, wood species and finishes and shipped nation-wide in flat packages for easy customer assembly.
The Gunn Furniture Company made this piece. It was a leading office furniture manufacturer, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The four sections have solid oak sides and doors (some with nice quarter-sawn figured grain), has their “Mission” style top and base, terrific wavy old glass and a restored shellac Flemish finish, all typical of units made in the 1920’s.The sections could be ordered in three heights: this unit has two 9” and two 11” sections.
The only veneer in the entire piece was on the top, and it had suffered water damage and partial delamination.It had to be reglued, filled and completely refinished.Next, all the solid shelves, doors and sides were cleaned of accumulated dirt and grime, then scuff-sanded before applying 2-3 coats of shellac, lightly sanding between coats.After a few days to allow the finish to harden, I rubbed-out the very glossy shellac finish with a grey synthetic pad and Howards Feed-N-Wax, a beeswax and orange oil polish.The result is a very nice soft luster.
This likely antique is a versatile addition to any home: it can store books, art pieces, or collectibles in a dust-free/protected area behind glass doors. It’s also a compact size that will not overwhelm a room. Come by and see it!
Takoma Park, MD; local pickup only
Dimensions: 57” H x 34” W x 11” D
#takomaparkmd#vintagefurniture#CommunityForklift#furniturerestoration#furniturerehab#furnitureflip#furnituremakeover#beforeandafterfurniture#DMVmetro#oldfurnituremadenew#barristerbookcase#curiocabinet#bookcase#vintagefurniture#lawyersbookcase#stackbookcase
Barrister bookcases are a set of stacking sectional units that can be modified in number and size over time, while also being easily moved.Their name comes from their popular appeal to lawyers and judges at the turn of the 19th century who were looking to store and transport their library of legal references.The first patent for the unique glass-front tilting-door design was granted in 1892, and the cases were ordered in different sizes, wood species and finishes and shipped nation-wide in flat packages for easy customer assembly.
The Gunn Furniture Company made this piece. It was a leading office furniture manufacturer, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The four sections have solid oak sides and doors (some with nice quarter-sawn figured grain), has their “Mission” style top and base, terrific wavy old glass and a restored shellac Flemish finish, all typical of units made in the 1920’s.The sections could be ordered in three heights: this unit has two 9” and two 11” sections.
The only veneer in the entire piece was on the top, and it had suffered water damage and partial delamination.It had to be reglued, filled and completely refinished.Next, all the solid shelves, doors and sides were cleaned of accumulated dirt and grime, then scuff-sanded before applying 2-3 coats of shellac, lightly sanding between coats.After a few days to allow the finish to harden, I rubbed-out the very glossy shellac finish with a grey synthetic pad and Howards Feed-N-Wax, a beeswax and orange oil polish.The result is a very nice soft luster.
This likely antique is a versatile addition to any home: it can store books, art pieces, or collectibles in a dust-free/protected area behind glass doors. It’s also a compact size that will not overwhelm a room. Come by and see it!
Takoma Park, MD; local pickup only
Dimensions: 57” H x 34” W x 11” D
#takomaparkmd#vintagefurniture#CommunityForklift#furniturerestoration#furniturerehab#furnitureflip#furnituremakeover#beforeandafterfurniture#DMVmetro#oldfurnituremadenew#barristerbookcase#curiocabinet#bookcase#vintagefurniture#lawyersbookcase#stackbookcase
Barrister bookcases are a set of stacking sectional units that can be modified in number and size over time, while also being easily moved.Their name comes from their popular appeal to lawyers and judges at the turn of the 19th century who were looking to store and transport their library of legal references.The first patent for the unique glass-front tilting-door design was granted in 1892, and the cases were ordered in different sizes, wood species and finishes and shipped nation-wide in flat packages for easy customer assembly.
The Gunn Furniture Company made this piece. It was a leading office furniture manufacturer, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The four sections have solid oak sides and doors (some with nice quarter-sawn figured grain), has their “Mission” style top and base, terrific wavy old glass and a restored shellac Flemish finish, all typical of units made in the 1920’s.The sections could be ordered in three heights: this unit has two 9” and two 11” sections.
The only veneer in the entire piece was on the top, and it had suffered water damage and partial delamination.It had to be reglued, filled and completely refinished.Next, all the solid shelves, doors and sides were cleaned of accumulated dirt and grime, then scuff-sanded before applying 2-3 coats of shellac, lightly sanding between coats.After a few days to allow the finish to harden, I rubbed-out the very glossy shellac finish with a grey synthetic pad and Howards Feed-N-Wax, a beeswax and orange oil polish.The result is a very nice soft luster.
This likely antique is a versatile addition to any home: it can store books, art pieces, or collectibles in a dust-free/protected area behind glass doors. It’s also a compact size that will not overwhelm a room. Come by and see it!
Takoma Park, MD; local pickup only
Dimensions: 57” H x 34” W x 11” D
#takomaparkmd#vintagefurniture#CommunityForklift#furniturerestoration#furniturerehab#furnitureflip#furnituremakeover#beforeandafterfurniture#DMVmetro#oldfurnituremadenew#barristerbookcase#curiocabinet#bookcase#vintagefurniture#lawyersbookcase#stackbookcase