Modern Mahogany Veneer Bookcase
Shelving (Open Bookcase) · Contemporary Commercial (Late 20th Century) · Unknown; likely a mass-market manufacturer similar to Sauder, Bush Furniture, or a commercial office supply brand.
Type
Shelving (Open Bookcase)
Style Period
Contemporary Commercial (Late 20th Century)
Material
Mahogany wood veneer over particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010 based on the use of particleboard and current condition of the veneer.
Dimensions
Approximately 72 inches (H) x 30 inches (W) x 12 inches (D). Standard institutional/home office sizing.
Origin
Likely North American or Southeast Asian mass production; acquired as part of a lot (Lot 371) in an auction center setting.
Designer/Maker
Unknown; likely a mass-market manufacturer similar to Sauder, Bush Furniture, or a commercial office supply brand.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. The value is strictly utilitarian and significantly diminished by the damaged shelving and common materials.
Description
An upright, slender open-faced bookcase designed for utility and storage. The piece features a fixed central shelf for structural stability and several adjustable shelves, though one is currently collapsed. Finished in a dark mahogany tone, it mimics the appearance of traditional executive office furniture while utilizing modern economical materials.
Key Features
Reddish-brown mahogany veneer, adjustable shelf peg holes, edge-banded shelving, and a flat-panel backboard typical of modern office storage.
Color & Finish
Deep reddish-brown mahogany stain with a low-to-medium sheen lacquer finish; visible scratching and surface wear.
Construction Method
Mass-produced/Machine-made; typical 'knock-down' or flat-pack construction using cam locks and wooden dowels.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Butt joints reinforced with modern fasteners; the peg holes for adjustable shelving are drilled at standard intervals. Low-to-average craftsmanship intended for functional utility.
Wood Grain & Species
Flat-cut mahogany veneer; features long, straight grain patterns with some light feathering; likely a commercial-grade Sapele or African Mahogany veneer.
Surface Treatment
Smooth spray-applied lacquer; edge-banding on the front-facing shelf edges and side gables.
Upholstery Details
None; not applicable to this piece.
Hardware & Fittings
Inconsistent; plastic or metal shelf pins (pegs) would have been used but many appear missing or dislodged as evidenced by the collapsed shelf.
Origin & Provenance
Likely North American or Southeast Asian mass production; acquired as part of a lot (Lot 371) in an auction center setting.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant structural compromise with collapsed lower shelves; surface scratching, edge-wear on the veneer, and sticker residue from auction labeling (Lot 371).
Interesting Facts
The 'red mahogany' finish was the standard for executive decor throughout the 1990s as it projected a sense of status and tradition even in budget-friendly manufactured materials.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'traditional' office aesthetics through high-volume manufacturing and synthetic wood products in the late 20th century.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with solid mahogany barrister bookcases or Victorian etageres; distinguished by its use of fiberboard core, lack of doors, and modern pin-adjustment system.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth; avoid excessive moisture which can cause the particleboard core to swell and the veneer to delaminate. Structural repair required for the shelf pegs.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. The value is strictly utilitarian and significantly diminished by the damaged shelving and common materials.
Sustainability Notes
Low sustainability. The use of formaldehyde-based glues in particleboard and the difficulty of repairing failed composite joints make these pieces prone to landfills once damaged.