Object Description
An Extremely Attractive Early 19th Century George III Period Mahogany Oval Tray On Stand, Or Coffee Table, Having Very Well Figured Lift Off Tray, With Attractive Original Brass Bound Decoration And Original Brass Handles, Housed On Later Mahogany Stand With Elegant Sabre Legs.
Oval tray stands of this type have remained one of the most enduringly popular forms of occasional furniture for well over two centuries. Originally intended as elegant serving pieces, the removable tray allowed drinks, tea services or refreshments to be carried with ease before being returned to its stand for use within the drawing room. Their combination of practicality and understated elegance has ensured that they remain just as useful today, lending themselves perfectly to use as coffee tables, lamp tables or decorative occasional tables throughout the home.
The beautifully figured mahogany timber used in the construction of this example possesses a wonderfully rich colour and attractive grain throughout, whilst the original brass bound decoration and matching brass carrying handles provide an elegant contrast to the warmth of the timber. The later mahogany stand has been made entirely in keeping with the period of the tray itself, with elegant sabre legs which complement the proportions and style of the original piece perfectly, creating an extremely practical item of furniture whilst remaining entirely sympathetic to its early 19th century origins.
Being of relatively modest proportions, this is an exceptionally versatile piece of furniture, equally at home within both traditional and contemporary interiors. The removable tray remains as useful today as it was over two hundred years ago, whilst the elegant stand allows it to serve equally well as a coffee table, side table or occasional table.
The piece remains in excellent condition throughout, with no significant historical damage to report. It retains a superb rich colour and pleasing patina, together with the expected minor marks, knocks and signs of age and use accumulated over more than two centuries, all of which blend sympathetically into the surface and simply serve to enhance its authenticity and character.
Having been inspected in our workshops by our highly skilled, traditional antique furniture restorers, the table has received a natural wax polish ensuring that it is ready for immediate placement and use.
Circa 1800.
Height 20in.
Width 22.5in.
Depth 18in.