Object Description
This is a fabulous antique Victorian flame mahogany extending dining table, circa 1860 in date.
The table has three original leaves, can comfortably seat ten and it has been hand-crafted from solid flame mahogany which has a beautiful grain and colour.
The table is almost round when the leaves are removed but becomes oval when they are added. The three leaves can be added or removed as required to suit the occasion by a special winding mechanism. The table is raised on turned and fluted tapering legs that terminate in brass cap castors which makes it easy to move when required.
This stunning table will stand out in your living or conference room and will definitely become a key piece in your furnishing collection.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 75 x Width 300 x Depth 140 – Fully Extended
Height 75 x Width 136 x Depth 140 – With all leaves removed
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 9 foot, 10 inches x Depth 4 foot, 7 inches – Fully Extended
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 4 foot, 5 inches x Depth 4 foot, 7 inches – With all leaves removed
Flame Mahogany
Thomas Sheraton – 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as “best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works up easily, has a beautiful figure and polishes so well that it is an ornament to any room in which it may be placed.” Matching his words to his work, Sheraton designed much mahogany furniture. The qualities that impressed Sheraton are particularly evident in a distinctive pattern of wood called “flame mahogany.”
The flame figure in the wood is revealed by slicing through the face of the branch at the point where it joins another element of the tree.
Winding Mechanism for extending tables
A man by the name of Samuel Hawkins applied for a patent on a screw expander on June 6th, 1861. Presumably, Mr. Hawkins either died or retired because his business was taken over by a young machinist named Joseph Fitter in 1864.
Joseph Fitter operated a machinist shop where he produced winding mechanisms for extending tables as well as screw expanders for piano stools and other applications at 210 Cheapside, Birmingham England by the name of Britannia Works.
Our reference: A3344