Antique Globe Wernicke Quartersawn Oak Mission Stacking Barrister Bookcase 58"

Description

A classic and highly sought-after Antique Globe Wernicke Mission Style Stacking Barrister Bookcase, standing approximately 58 inches tall. Made from beautiful solid quartersawn oak, the piece exhibits gorgeous, distinct "tiger" wood graining along the door frames and shaped base, featuring the iconic modular design complete with a matching molded top cornice.

The four signature glass-front sections feature lift-and-slide doors equipped with small pull knobs that open to reveal spacious, individual shelving. The original manufacturer's labels are beautifully preserved inside the cabinets, marking the piece as manufactured by The Globe-Wernicke Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, with specifications of Size D-8 1/2, Grade 299. Overall, the piece is in good antique condition, boasting a rich, warm patina with general wear consistent with decades of use and age, including some visible finish wear and faint rings along the interior wood.

The Globe-Wernicke Co., established in the late 19th century, became famous worldwide for their "elastic" or modular bookcases. Standing as a hallmark of American office and library furniture, their patented interlocking designs were revolutionary for their time. Given their enduring craftsmanship and timeless mission aesthetic, these quartersawn oak pieces have become highly coveted furnishings.

The barrister bookcase originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a highly functional storage solution for lawyers and professionals who needed to transport extensive, heavy reference libraries. Designed for portability, the individual sections could be easily unstacked and moved from chambers to courtrooms with the books still securely inside. The lifting, slide-back glass doors were specifically engineered to protect valuable volumes from dust and damage while allowing the cases to be displayed beautifully in offices and home studies.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; General wear from use and age. Some finish wear / rings along shelf interior

Dimensions

34"w x 12"d x 58"h