Furniture, Library, Bookstand, Table Top, Adjustable, Fretwork, Late 19th Century

Bookstand
American or English: Late 19th Century
Mahogany or other stained hardwood
11.5 inches height, 14 inches width, 12 inches depth
$975

A tabletop adjustable antique bookstand for the display or reading of a book. Of typical form, having a rectangular backrest with elaborate open fretwork design in the Mannerist taste, with a curved support at the lower edge, opening and closing on a hinged lower platform, with four turned feet. The bookstand can be adjusted to different angles with a ratchet mechanism on the lower platform. It can be closed at the hinge when not in use for storage or transport. A cross motif subtly incorporated in the upper center of the fretwork design suggests that this bookstand was originally intended as a bible stand.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light wear.