Object Description
This is a fantastic dining set comprising of an antique mid Victorian dining table, Circa 1860 in date, with a set of twelve balloon back dining chairs, dating from the last quarter of the 20th century.
The beautiful table is in stunning flame mahogany and has four leaves which can be added or removed as required to suit the occasion by a special winding mechanism signed J.Fitter. It stands on four elegantly carved and fluted legs that terminate in their original elegant brass and white porcelain cap castors.
The absolutely fantastic English-made set of twelve balloon back dining chairs date from the late 20th Century. These chairs have been masterfully crafted in beautiful solid mahogany throughout and the finish and attention to detail on display are truly breathtaking.
The set comprises ten side chairs and two armchairs, all of which feature an attractive balloon back design and seats that have been upholstered in the finest golden damask fabric.
It is a very impressive dining set which is sure to contribute to successful dinner parties.
Condition:
In excellent condition having all been beautifully cleaned, polished waxed and the chairs reupholstered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 77 cm x Width 348.5 cm x Depth 134 cm – Fully Opened
Height 77 cm x Width 145.5 cm x Depth 134 cm – All 4 Leaves Removed
Height 95 cm x Width 55 cm x Depth 60 cm – Armchairs
Height 89 cm x Width 54 cm x Depth 51 cm – Side chairs
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 11 foot, 5 inches x Depth 4 foot, 5 inches – Fully Opened
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 4 foot, 9 inches x Depth 4 foot, 5 inches – All 4 Leaves Removed
Height 3 feet, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 2 feet – Armchairs
Height 2 foot, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 9 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches – Side chairs
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: A4530a