Object Description
A Very Good Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Mahogany Folding Dumbwaiter Having Three Well Figured Circualr Tiers, With Folding Drop Flaps, United By Elegant Turned Central Support, Terminating On Tripod Legs With Fluted Decoration And Original Brass Castors.
Dumb waiters, which are often referred to as buffets, or whatnots, were generally made as an additional piece of occasional furniture, used in the dining room for the storage of food and drink which is about to be served. They were quite often made in pairs, or even larger groups for large country houses and the first references to their use appears to have been around the middle of the 18th century.
Following on from dinner, once the ladies had retired to a different room, the dumbwaiters would be moved across and loaded with drink and cigars, allowing the gentleman to help themselves to whatever they may require throughout the course of the rest of the evening.
This is a nice example of its type, sporting three tiers instead of the more common two tiers which are found on the folding examples and constructed from good quality mahogany timbers. It also boasts real elegance and sophistication.
Circa 1800
Height 46in.
Top Tier Diameter 15.5in.
Middle Tier Diameter 19.5in.
Bottom Tier Diameter 24in.
Gaps Between Tiers 13.25in & 12.5in.