Originally these served as cast iron and wood library shelves from the Carnegie-Felt Library in Galena, Illinois. The library was first located in the Galena city post office, built in 1894, they were then relocated to the new stand alone library built in 1907. While some of these shelves are still in use at the library a large number were placed in storage for over 50 years. Now the Architectural Antiques crew is working on refurbishing each bracket and returning them to working condition!

While these brackets look at first glance to be an Art Nouveau, details in the piece reveal it to also be designed with Ionic style elements. Lamb’s tongue detailing runs up along the length of the upright ends. The Ionic column-like portion supports the display plate top decorated with an anthemion ornamentation to flourish each end piece. Two empty rectangular portions could have held both an aisle title and number. The shelves are adjustable in height, the brackets hold the shelves and can be shifted along the track within the uprights. Dividing uprights are more simple in design with volute detailing at the top to bracket the top bar. Overall, these pieces are made to look light and sinuous, but can support tremendous weight!

Architectural Antiques will consider reasonable offers.  Be sure to include the Product ID AA# 62554 when making your offer.