Hi Mila,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

You've a good eye for the details - I do agree with you that this is walnut!

Shelves of this sort - particularly with the pierced sides - were very popular in the Victorian period (mid-late 19th Century) and used for putting small decorative objects (today we'd likely call them tcotchkes, or knickknacks) and are the cousin to the large multi-tiered floor shelves called "etageres".

Your shelf has lots of great detailing that elevate it from the more common and plain models, whether made in the US or in Europe as the history of this one would suggest. I would argue the shaping of the crest and shelves has some precedent in some of the designs of early 19th Century Scandinavian and Germanic furniture.

Unfortunately, shelves like this are a little out of favor with collectors right now; recent examples of comparable size and design have sold at auction for between $300 and $500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Continental Victorian carved and pierced walnut wall shelf,
possibly Italian, mid to late 19th Century
Featuring a tall pierced crest and elaborately shaped and pierced sides with a top board, medial board and bottom board, the last with shaped front.
Height: 37 inches; Width: 35 inches; Depth: 15 inches
CONDITION: This shelf appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia