catalog text
AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID MAHOGANY GAMES TABLE
North Shore, Massachusetts, ca. 1810
Item # 906KZX05O
A very fine Sheraton card table from the first quarter of the 19th century, it features a fine serpentine form that is most exaggerated, the front with a cupid's bow curvature that follows through in the undulating sides. This is only seen when the top is opened and the perfect symmetry of the curves comes into view. Turrets in each corner of the top conform to the columnar legs.
Note the superior selections of mahogany in the table throughout, starting with the leaves on the top. These planks are entirely solid and are shaped from a single tree, selected carefully for the pleasing movement of the grain through the board and finished with a fine french polish. The lower leaf has a cove routed edge that lightens the lines of the top beautifully.
The apron is finished with crotch-cut mahogany veneers, bringing a touch of drama to the surface with flame-like grain movement and intense color variation. The center is highlighted with an inlaid panel framing an ovular inlay. Each important edge is finished by satinwood stringer inlays.
Viewing the underside of the table gives a sense of the tidy and careful craftsman designing the piece. Generous quarter-round blocking in the front legs remains undisturbed and entirely effective in maintaining a firmness of joinery throughout. The rear corners are secured with small rectangular blocks and the top is affixed to the laminated Eastern White Pine apron with cut steel screws.
With a series of rings in the front corners of the apron joining flawlessly into the legs, these are finely conceived and executed with their distinctive ring-and-vase turnings at the top over a reeded leg that swells dramatically and then tapers beautifully simple ring-turned toupie feet.
For the serious collector of Federal period forms, this is an exquisite find. The level of care it has been shown over the years leaves us with a rich and fine example that shows as beautifully as it did when it first left the shop.
Measurements: 29 3/8" H x 35 1/2" W x 38" D [opened], 17 3/4" D [closed]
Condition Report:
In fine presentation-ready condition. Entirely conserved and remaining in exquisite condition with a relatively recent polishing and touch up of surfaces. Retaining original corner blocking, mostly original screws, original hinge hardware, untouched structure.