Folding Campaign Table

Object Description

A mahogany Camp Table which can double in length or fold for storage.

The Camp Table takes the idea of the Butler’s Tray on folding stand one step further. When used at its half size, the table has a leave below the removable Butler’s Tray. To double the length, a replaced , turned mahogany leg is screwed into a brass plate to the top of the leave. The leave is then turned 180 degrees for the leg to support it and the table to double in length. The Tray is then placed on top of the X Frame legs.

As is common with this type of table, both the leg and tray were missing. The tray is a period replacement and the leg has been turned for the table to restore it to its original design. It is a very practical piece of furniture, easily extended or folded to be carried into another room or the garden. The ability to use it in two different sizes, adds to its practicality.

When folded, the table has a mahogany twist catch towards the bottom of one of the X Frame legs. This holds the folded table leaf in place to make the table easier to carry or store. The removed leg is held parallel to one of the X Frame legs by two looped pieces of webbing, when not in use.

Loudon described below the usefulness of such a table to both army officers and the general public. That remains true today. Early 19th Century.

The full length size is given. The length at half size is 31 3/4 inches (80.5 cm).

Object Literature

The Camp Table
Loudon described and illustrated these tables in his Encyclopaedia of 1839 as ‘a very useful article, called a camp table, from its going into little bulk, being light, and being used by officers in camps … opened out to its full extent; the top being hinged to the two legs, and supported by a portable leg which is fastened into it by a screw and socket … and can be removed at pleasure. When not in use, this leg is fixed to one of the legs of the stand by two pieces of girth webbing which are fastened to the leg of the stand. When the stand is opened to its full extent, it stretches out, as a top, three pieces of webbing, which serve as a tray-stand; and a tray is generally made of a proper size to go along with the table. This table may be used as a common table; the hinges projecting above the rail of the stand in such a manner as to let the top turn round either way. When the table is shut up; there are two turn buckles on the legs to keep the top fastened, and to prevent it from swinging about when the table is moved. In families, accustomed to give large dinner parties, these tables are found useful, as forming additions to the sideboard: they are also brought in requisition when parties are given in the open air, or when a meal is taken in any room deficient in tables.’
Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm and Villa Architecture and Furniture – J. C. Loudon

Object Condition

Good. The leg replaced and the tray period but not original to the table.

Object Details