Featured I thought brown furniture was out of fashion

I was not surprised to be outbid on this small book shelf. I thought it was attractive, and I had a use in mind for it, but its utility to me had its limits, and it would have just been a decorative indulgence that I could easily do without. I bowed out at $550 (plus buyer premium, of course). But I was rather surprised when I saw the final price.

I can only assume that two knowledgeable dealers recognized it as the work of the illustrious ???? Opinions?

https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3360T/lots/168?noredir=1

 

Welcome David.
It is lovely. And of course it is the work of the illustrious ....!
@verybrad or @Ghopper1924 may know more.

 

Hurray for brown furniture!!!

 

Ah, this is a case for @James Conrad
Suspect the Cherry Wood might be part of it. Original finish. 1830 date if documented. BWDIK

 

Hurray is right!

I think the price is from the very early date in the U.S. for a bookshelf, and how special(ized) the piece is. Never seen another one quite like it. Beautiful!

 

Made me think of a library cart. So maybe something from a large home with a private library. Just my thought.

 

Be VERY interesting to see what @James Conrad has to say!!!

 

AND a warm WELCOME to ANTIQUERS, David!!!!!

 

Yeah, more likely 2 or more collectors saw it was early, a rare form in the Federal period (Sheraton) and in very good condition with probably original finish. Add all that up and BOOM! prices can get out of hand in a hurry!

 

BTW, i was "at" that same auction, had my eye on an early chest of drawers C. 1700 that had lost it's painted decoration, estimate was 800-1200, ended up sold at 3k on 29 bids. I dropped out at 2k hammer/2500 with BP.
That was a very good sale furniture wise, a lot of good stuff!

 

I love the legs