Canadian Arts, Culture & History

Auction begins to close:
October 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 4

Lot 4

Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century

Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century
Lot 4 Details
Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century

stencilled H.B.Co Library Case No.3
8.30 x 29 x 28 in — 21.1 x 73.7 x 71.1 cm

Estimate $500-$700

Realised: $1,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century
  • Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century
  • Hudson's Bay Company Circulating Library Book Case, 19th century
Note:

Life at a fur-trading outpost in the 19th and early 20th centuries was lonely and quiet, particularly so during the long Canadian winters. To keep staff sane, educated, and entertained, the company and its officers set up and maintained robust circulating library systems for these isolated trading posts, with books being shipped to them in heavily reinforced transport crates such as the present lot, 'Case No. 3'.

CONDITION DETAILS

In substantially good condition; lock absent

LOT 4
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.