UNIQUE c1840 bowed built in LIBRARY cabinet 10'h x 87 across ASHER BENJAMIN

  

John Perkins Cushing, one of the largest importers in the country in the early 19th century lived in Boston, MA. He contracted with Asher Benjamin (not the first architect used) to design a very elaborate English manor residence. Shortly after, when the leading citizens wanted to incorporate the town, they sought assistance from Mr. Cushing and as a way of saying thank you, they named the new town after his estate: Belmont, Massachusetts.

The home is pictured in the listing here. After the second owner left the property in 1923, there was a small fire; the town then took the house down to build a schoolhouse.

The preservation society had the foresight to save two stain glass windows, 10 granite pillars and these cabinets before the dismantling of the entire home. The cabinets were stored since the 1920's & recently used by the North Bennet Street School in Arlington, MA to allow students studying antique cabinetry & joinery to study the marvel of this craftsmanship. In 2010, the Belmont Historical society opened a de-accessioning process for the cabinets.

You can see some pictures of the BEFORE picture prior to restoration. Through the meticulous work of Prestige Woodworking, and 240 hours of labor - the cabinet was brought back to life. Original species of wood were used in the restoration to keep the cabinet historically accurate. The stain color was derived after an original door was tested to determine the original color. The cabinet as shown is 10'3" tall & 89" across.

The top three doors roll (on original hardware). The doors are curved - but the glass is flat paned - it is an illusion to make you think the glass is curved also.

The base cabinet has three doors & drawers. The finest craftsmanship was used in making this cabinet - the joinery is marvelous. The base wood on the cabinet is mahogany & redwood. The surface is quartersawn oak veneer as it was originally on the cabinet. This is a remarkable piece of furniture - fit for a grand home or even re-purposed in a commercial setting. There is a second cabinet fully restored - and three additional ones that need full restoration - Ideally I would love to see all five stay together. You will not see another piece like this for a LONG time - it is wonderful - the pictures (professional ones taken by DD Drobney photography) do not do this justice. Please contact me to see this piece in person. It can also be picked up at our warehouse in Vernon, CT.

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The item "UNIQUE c1840 bowed built in LIBRARY cabinet 10'h x 87 across ASHER BENJAMIN" is in sale since Saturday, November 8, 2014. This item is in the category "Antiques\Furniture\Cabinets & Cupboards". The seller is "capitolsalvagect" and is located in Vernon-Rockville, Connecticut. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Region of Origin: Bellmont, MA
• Style: English manor
• Maker: Asher Benjamin
• Material: Quartered oak veneer, mahogany, redwood
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Age: 1835-1840
• Type: Custom built
• Color: Quartersawn oak
• Time Period Manufactured: 1800-1899