Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/8/2010

Question
Hi,
I have an antique oak bookcase with 2 shelves that belonged to my great aunt.  I was told the bookcase originally had 2 glass doors that pulled down over each shelf, but they are missing.  I am wondering if there is anywhere I can buy replacement doors? I have had the piece refinished, so the doors do not need to be authentic, but I love the bookcase and would like to restore it to it's original look.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
What you have is called a "barrister bookcase".
Here are some examples to compare yours to

http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=antique%20barrister%20bookcase&...

Yours has two shelves but the idea with these bookcases was they could be stacked as the need arose for more book space.
Unfortunately, you will never find replacement doors but if you can find a local wood worker, you just may be able to get some made.
I rarely (if ever) see these bookcases come up for auction in my area.
There was a wonderful article recently by Fred Taylor (an antique expert) about these bookcases.
I'll see if I can find it........
Here it is
http://www.worthpoint.com/article/elastic-storage-multi-section-stacking-bookcas...

Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen