Description
An exceptional and rare English mahogany galleried octagonal table, circa 1755.
This fine, larger than usual, George II-period table has a baluster-galleried octagonal top supported on a birdcage, allowing the top to both swivel and tilt. Note the fine, tapering, fluted column continuing into a carved collar. The well-drawn cabriole tripod base is foliate-carved at the knees and toes.
Of lovely old colour and patina throughout, and in original condition. The spindle gallery has a rare and original feature of elegant brass ‘spacers’ with slightly protruding brass studs. Note the one-piece, beautifully-figured top.
Vis. A similar tripod table from the Percival Griffiths Collection is illustrated in R.W. Symonds, English Furniture from Charles II to George II (1929), fig. 152.
Another was sold from the Frederick Howard Reed Collection by Christies on 16th November 1955.
Literature:
Ralph Edwards CBE FSA, The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture (1964), p. 529, fig. 8.
R. W. Symonds, The Present State of Old English Furniture, Duckworth (1921), fig. 26, col. B, p.82.
R. W. Symonds, English Furniture from Charles II to George II (1929), from the Percival Griffiths collection (see black and white illustration fig. 190 p. 232).
References:
An English mahogany tripod of similar date but with a more elaborate support and fretted gallery was sold at Sotheby’s New York, on 22nd October 2010 @ $74,500.
Bonhams sold a more common ‘ball and claw’ piecrust table of similar date, lot 45, on 16th July 2008 @ $29,140.
Sotheby’s London sold a mahogany tripod of similar date but with a plain top and ‘birdcage’ action on 30th June 2004, lot 98 @ £12,500.
These fine tables would have been used for activities such as taking tea – the detaching top allowing it to be easily moved. The tripod base ensured it could stand firmly on an uneven floor.
