Rare Set of Anglo-Japanese Ebonised Hanging Book Shelves by E W Godwin

Edward William Godwin (1833-1886). A rare set of Anglo-Japanese ebonised hanging book shelves with an extending lower shelf and a two-door hanging book cupboard beneath, brass hinges and escutcheon. This set by Godwin has the reeded moulded edge to the sides and front of the extended shelves identical to the one illustrated on p.266 pl.6 show in William Watts catalogue of 1877. This differs from the one illustrated on p.184 which has had its extended shelf restored. To the front of the top two side as they start to angle back, it has the unique details of a 'circle above an acute pyramid', which can be clearly seen on the hanging shelves in p.266 plate 6 and on the hanging shelves on p.184 illus. 305. The sides, doors and extended shelf on this example are made from mahogany yet the three upper shelves and the back are made of deal. Godwin's first pieces of furniture were made from deal which he later discarded for the preferences of mahogany due to its instability.