Object Description
There is no mistaking the style and sophisticated design of this exquisite rare English antique Victorian pollard oak extending dining table, circa 1860 in date.
The styles that developed throughout the early 19th Century were an extension of the current political situations but also in accordance with the needs of the rising middle class during the industrial revolution. This impressive dining table is exemplary of the early Victorian era with its Pollard oak and bold moulded and ebonised edge.
This amazing table has three leaves, each of approx 55cms, and can comfortably seat ten. The leaves can be added or removed as required to suit the occasion by a special winding mechanism, the leaves can be easily stored away when not required.
It has been hand-crafted from solid oak which is not only strong, but has a beautiful grain, and it has been veneered in rare Pollard oak, which is seen in the intricate burr.
The table is raised on four tulip-carved turned and fluted tapering legs ending in brass and brown porcelain caps and castors.
Whatever the function of this gorgeous table, it will make a profound impression on your dinner guests or clients and will receive the maximum amount of attention wherever it is placed.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 cm x Width 300 cm x Depth 137 cm – Fully Extended
Height 76 cm x Width 137 cm x Depth 137 cm – With all 3 leaves removed
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 9 foot, 10 inches x Depth 4 foot, 6 inches – Fully Extended
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 4 foot, 6 inches x Depth 4 foot, 6 inches – With all 3 leaves removed
Pollard Oak
Pollarding is a pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. It has been common in Europe since medieval times and is practised today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a predetermined height. The bole of the tree, constantly cut back over a period of years, will eventually form a lump, or ‘burr’, which when sawn for veneer, gives a lovely grained, swirling figure.
The effect is similar to that of burr walnut with its distinctive speckled grain. Burrs, or ‘burls’, are growths which appear on the side of tree trunks, resulting from a tree undergoing some form of stress. They may be caused by an injury, virus or fungus.
During the 19th century great strides were made in the mechanisation of cabinet making. Marc Isambard Brunel [ Isambard Kingdom’s father] built the first steam driven saw mill, and invented a circular saw that could be used to cut veneers thinly and evenly for the first time. He also developed the first hydraulic veneer press. The figured wood cut from burrs and pollards is notoriously difficult to cut and lay: the wild grain which makes it so attractive results in a very delicate, brittle veneer. The new machines enabled the Victorian craftsmen to make the most of these beautiful timbers.
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: A4209