Boston two part bookcase

ttalma

ttalma

Well-known member
I would like to build a reproduction of the bookcase being sold by Philip H. Bradley, pictured on page 12 of the December issue of the Magazine Antiques, and here,http://www.antiquesandfineart.com/dealers/enlarge.cfm?id=132&pid=8856.

I have a few questions on the construction. How would the lower part of the base where the legs are be built?

Where the transition from the lower case to the upper case, how would that be built, and how would the frame work around the candle slides be made?

And what style shelf support be correct for this type of bookcase. I would like to make them adjustable.

Thanks, Tim
 
Tim,

I would bet upper and lower are dovetailed boxes.  The lower is wider and the mid-molding is applied to it.  The candle supports face frame piece is glued and nailed to the upper box, as is the piece above the doors.

I'm guessing the flat breacketed feet (not sure if this is the correct term) would have the molding profile on them, and then they would be appl;ied to the lower face frame.  Gene also tells us to make the corner glue blocks longer then the molding to have the glue blocks carry the load - not the molding.

I think you could get a real good idea of the overall construction from the Pewter Press drawing I did for Olde Mill.  It would be very similar except for the lower unit having doors and the candle supports.  You could also see the candle support detail in Olde Mill's Spice Box on Frame drawing.

I just finished the candle supports for my spice box on frame, and could send you some pictures.

On the Pewter Press, we dadoed the shelves in the sides so they would allign with the sash.  This give a much better looks, but really limits what can go on each shelf.
 
Hi-  I'd like to view that bookcase, but my copy and paste of the web address given got me a message that there was no such site. I wasn't aware you could view photos from the magazine Antiques on the web, so I am disappointed I couldn't bring it up with a more specific address. Any way I could get directions to a photo of the bookcase you are talking about?  I need to design a book case, so would welcome ideas.  Thank you, Joyce
 
The link was to the dealer that was selling the piece. Unfortunatly it was sold, so they have probably removed it from thier website. I still plan on making that piece, and have kept the magazine. But with a new house and a bunch of other furnishings to make, a 14 month old and another baby coming in October,  it probably will be a few years before I get to it.
 
Since you have the magazine, can you scan the picture and post it or e-mail it? There are a lot of folks here with a lot of knowledge who may be able to figure it out.

I've built several reproductions using nothing but photos and general dimensions.

Ralph
 
Kent, Thank you for posting the picture. I was just logging on to do that. Now I don't have to try and remeber how my scanner works.

If anyone has any insite into it's construction please let me know. One day I will make this. One day...
 
I do not have direct knowledge of the piece. That being said a bookcase would be expected to carry a heavy loads. Therefore I suspect the sides of the lower portion go to the floor and are weightbearing and the molding that makes the feet is applied to the front rail and sides.

Howard Steier
 
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