In two parts.

7 ft. 11 in. x 8 ft. 2 in. x 24 in.

Note: The extreme popularity of French design in England during this period led Ackerman to comment, "The taste for French furniture is carried to such an extent that most elegantly furnished mansions...are fitted up in the French style". Of the popularity of the Empire style Clifford Musgrave writes, "The fulsome Empire taste was acceptable to many fresh patrons of the decorative arts, especially amongst the industrialists and financiers who had been made newly wealthy by the Napoleonic Wars...". S. Jamar (fl. 1816-1826) advertised his furniture as "equal to any made in Paris, and at a rate that will be admitted considerably advantageous than importing from abroad...". His work is indeed extremely Continental, and he seems likely to have had European training and to have come to London to exploit the demand for such furniture. It is often only the English locks and carcass work which gives away Jamar's work, so French is it in all other respects. This bookcase is particularly interesting as an example of his applying the French style to the very English form of the breakfront bookcase. Jamar's use here of the circular ormolu glazing bars is highly individual and inventive as is the incorporation of the lunette panels of the lower section which might normally be associated with North European furniture, as for instance on a Swedish commode illustrated by Hakan Groth in Neoclassicism in the North. His work is distinguished particularly by the exceptional quality and matching of mahogany veneers, decorated with fine ormolu mounts. Some of the mounts use by Jamar also appear on French pieces and it seems likely that they are imported by him from Paris. Of a number of signed pieces by Jamar, the closest is a secretaire cabinet, the lock-plate of which is inscribed "S. Jamar, Cabinet Maker to Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland - 37 Gerrard Street, London."

Footnotes: F. Collard, Regency Furniture, 1985, p. 132. C. Musgrave, Regency Furniture, p. 67. H. Groth, Neoclassicism in the North, p. 210, pl. 35. 

In good overall condition with age splits and minor veneer loss. The upper section opening to two shelves lined with olive green velvet with fraying on the front.  The gilt-bronze mounts in the upper section have tarnished along with polish residue. The lower section opening to a leather-lined writing slide in good condition with pigeonholes and two short drawers. The lower cabinets opening to one shelf with scattered staining and scuffing. Structurally sound, impressive scale and rare.

Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.