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19th Century Revolving Book Case

Project by Billp posted 324 days ago 778 views 4 times favorited 17 comments Add to Favorites
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Billp

200 posts in 684 days


Project tags/keywords

furniture bookcase popular french polishing

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19th Century Revolving Book Case 19th Century Revolving Book Case 19th Century Revolving Book Case Click the pictures to enlarge them

(circa 1880). This is not a reproduction, I don’t know for sure how the original’s were made, I built this from a photo. I learned French Polishing from an 18 century restorer in PA. where my daughter lives. I just bought a bunch of equipment for my shop so I made it from popular spent all my money on tools . I thought it was an 18th century piece but as Lee pointed out it’s the 19th century. It looks black in the photo’s but it’s a real deep dark mahogany.

-- Billp


17 comments so far

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2536 posts in 584 days


posted 324 days ago

I was admiring the finish and then I read it – “French Polishing”. My hats off to you. Nice work.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

View Karson's profile

Karson

12901 posts in 885 days


posted 324 days ago

About a years ago a friend gave me this article with this bookcase. I scanned it and gave it back to him

The article asks:

There is a stamp on the inside that reads: DANNER’S RELVOLVING BOOKCASE. PATENTED MAY 16, 1876. MANUFACTURED BY JOHN DANNER MFG. SO. CANTON, OHIO. Was it designed to be used in the home?

Answer:
Made for law offices and student and home use, revolving book or cabinet cases either floor or table models, were popular at the end of the 19th century through the early part of the 20th century. This example is walnut, but others came in Cherry or Ash. Originally retailing for $12 to $20.

Valued at $1200

Great job. A nice copy.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

View Lee A. Jesberger's profile

Lee A. Jesberger

2758 posts in 464 days


posted 324 days ago

Hi Bill;

Nice work!

This is actually a nineteenth century piece if it is from the 1800’s.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

View Billp's profile

Billp

200 posts in 684 days


posted 324 days ago

I was thinking 1880 18th century but It’s the 19th century oops.

-- Billp

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

4192 posts in 703 days


posted 324 days ago

Cool. I like this one!

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

View DAN's profile

DAN

3212 posts in 467 days


posted 324 days ago

nice project. very professional job ! your finish looks great !

-- ..... art for lifes sake

View DAN's profile

DAN

3212 posts in 467 days


posted 324 days ago

I would like to make one these some day. great way to organize a book collection or part of one. My coffee table is over-run with books. .... at least 25 ... so it would make sense for me.

-- ..... art for lifes sake

View DrSawdust's profile

DrSawdust

215 posts in 582 days


posted 324 days ago

I really like the finish. Excellent work.

-- Making sawdust is what I do best

View Dan Pleska's profile

Dan Pleska

73 posts in 445 days


posted 324 days ago

Very nice piece. Adding to my favorites. Might have to make one. Thanks for sharing.

-- Dan, West Virginia, http://www.danpleskaCreations.com

View schroeder's profile

schroeder

474 posts in 610 days


posted 323 days ago

Beautiful!

-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe

View miles125's profile

miles125

920 posts in 490 days


posted 323 days ago

It looks so lightweight and intricate. I bet the first designer was a birdcage maker. Great job!

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

View TreeBones's profile

TreeBones

1409 posts in 508 days


posted 283 days ago

Very nice.

-- Ron, Twain Harte, Ca. Portable on site Sawmill Service http://westcoastlands.net/Sawmill.html http://westcoastlands.net/SawBucks2/phpBB3

View Russel's profile

Russel

1229 posts in 424 days


posted 283 days ago

That’s one nice piece of furniture. The finish is beautiful.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

View rikkor's profile

rikkor

7632 posts in 359 days


posted 283 days ago

French Polish. Impressive. It came out very well.

-- Maplewood, MN

View DAN's profile

DAN

3212 posts in 467 days


posted 283 days ago

with minor adjustments this could be made to hold a collection of FWW magazines and double as an end table.

quartersawn white oak, or some exotic like curly maple might be nice too.

-- ..... art for lifes sake

View MorningWood70's profile

MorningWood70

30 posts in 269 days


posted 241 days ago

Ok, I have to learn how to French polish. Is it hard? Just kidding. Very Nice!

-- Eric, www.themorningwoodshow.com

View Billp's profile

Billp

200 posts in 684 days


posted 241 days ago

no it’s not hard it is a lot like waxing a car very easy really.

-- Billp

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