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WITH A COLLECTION OF MINIATURE BOOKS With arched broken segmental pediment centred by parcel-gilt baluster-turned finials above a pair of mirrored doors with arched rectangular bevelled plates enclosing a fitted interior with pigeon-holes, three drawers and adjustable shelves above a pair of candle-slides, the base section with hinged flap enclosing an architecturally-fitted interior with pigeon-holes and drawers, the central recess with gilt half- columns and parquetry floor, above two short and two long drawers and a moulded plinth, on shaped bracket feet; together with a collection of miniature books dating from 1766 into the 19th Century including a Bible printed for 'F Newbery, corner of St Paul's Churchyard, 1780', a book of common notes dated 1766, forty 19th Century miniature bound volumes of Shakespeare plays, together with various other miniature books, the finials possibly associated 24 in. (61 cm.) high; 101/2 in. (26.5 cm.) wide; 73/4 in. (19.5 cm.) deep (68) PROVENANCE Bought from Norman Adams, 24 July 1984. LITERATURE C. Claxton Stevens and S. Whittington, 18th Century English Furniture, The Norman Adams Collection, Woodbridge, rev. ed., 1985, p. 178 ('It is a measure of quality that out of context with other items it is not immediately recognisable as miniature'). NOTES It seems likely that the richly-stained veneers were intended to simulate tortoiseshell veneers, in the manner of late 17th century boulle furniture. Often associated with the cabinet-making partnership of Coxed and Woster, its use on a piece of miniature furniture is even rarer. The process of creating this veneer is derived from two methods outlined in Stalker and Parker's Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing of 1688. The chosen veneer (often ash, elm or maple), is stained yellow with Aqua fortis (nitric acid) and then rubbed with 'lampblack' (soot). The acid penetrates deeply into areas of soft grain which the lampblack colours richly, giving rise to a three-dimensional effect. The final stage is to pare back the surface until the desired contrast of light and dark is achieved. For a full discussion of the technique and many of the myths surrounding the fashion of stained ash, elm or maple veneering at this date, see A. Bowett, 'Myths of English Furniture History: Mulberry Wood Furniture by Coxed and Woster', Antique Collecting, October 1998, pp. 32-35. FRANCIS NEWBERY The miniature Bible in the collection was printed for one of the two Francis Newberys, respectively son and nephew of John Newbery of St Paul's Churchyard and like him early publishers of children's books. SALESROOM NOTICE Please note that only 39 bound volumes of Shakespeare are included with this lot and none of the other miniature books. The veneer within the crossbanding on the centre of the slopefront and corresponding panel to the interior have been removed, either for restoration or because they have been replaced.