If you never seen or handled one of these they are glorious pieces. Its hand made and carved. You can see the dove tail construction on the back. The carvings are rough and unique usually a sign they were done by hand. Highly detailed and ornate. The shelf is usually place on a table. The ends fold down when no books are in it. They stand up if you place several books in the middle. It extends to 20" when you add more books by sliding out. The wood shows it age but there is no damage. To me the "crown" on the end almost looks like a heart.