George IV Rosewood Bookcase Retailed by Winter and Son

Country: England

Date: Circa 1826

Medium: Rosewood, Brass

Dimensions

Height: 136cm (53.54 inches)

Width: 101cm (39.76 inches)

Depth: 30cm (11.81 inches)

Main description

The figured full length rosewood doors are raised on a veneered plinth base with lively long grained rosewood sides. The item was not made by Winter and Son but was retailed by them when they traded from c.1860-1899. The business functioned as cabinet makers, upholsterers, house furnishers, and antique furniture dealers, with surviving antique pieces carrying their brass trade labels as seen on this George IV piece.

This George IV rosewood bookcase retailed by Winter & Sons dates to circa 1826 and retains the retailer’s label to the reverse for Winter & Sons, Upholsterers & House Furnishers, Taunton.

The rectangular top is veneered in figured rosewood above end grain edging, which overhangs the long grain rosewood veneer to the cornice. The recessed cornice sits above a solid rosewood beading, applied across the front and sides above the two glazed doors.

The glazed doors open to reveal three rosewood fronted shelves, currently fitted with felt fabric. The shelves have been moved previously and can be repositioned if required. The doors are fitted with a period gilt brass lock with gilt brass decoration to the interior.

The full-length doors are framed in figured rosewood, while the sides are veneered in lively long grain rosewood. The bookcase is raised on a veneered plinth base.

The bookcase was not made by Winter & Son but was retailed by the firm during the period in which they traded from circa 1860 to 1899. Winter & Son worked as cabinet makers, upholsterers, house furnishers and antique furniture dealers, and surviving pieces are known to retain their brass trade labels, as seen on this George IV bookcase.

View the complete Freshfords Bookcases collection.

Who were Winter and Son? 

Winter & Son were a high status 19th century firm of cabinet makers, upholsterers, and house furnishers based in Taunton, Somerset. Established by Esau Winter with premises on Bridge Street and Station Road, the business supplied fine Victorian furniture, bespoke upholstery, and decorative household goods to grand provincial estates. Today, furniture carrying their original stamped metal trade plaques or paper labels is highly regarded by antique collectors for its superior construction and regional historical importance.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Winter and Son.

What is Rosewood?

Rosewood is a richly coloured tropical hardwood prized for its deep brown tones, darker figuring and natural lustre. During the Regency and Victorian periods, it became one of the most desirable cabinet making timbers, widely used for high quality furniture, writing tables, musical instruments and decorative veneers.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Rosewood.

What Is the George IV Period?

The George IV period (1820-1830) marked the height of the British Regency style, combining classical elegance with increasing richness in materials and decoration. Influenced by architects and designers such as John Nash and Thomas Hope, furniture from the period is recognised for its bold proportions, finely figured mahogany and rosewood veneers, brass inlay, carved ornament and refined neoclassical design.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.