American Chippendale Walnut Antique Dining Table w/ Drop Leaves c. 1750

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American Chippendale Walnut Antique Dining Table w/ Drop Leaves c. 1750

About the Item

AMERICAN CHIPPENDALE WALNUT DROP LEAF DINING TABLE Philadelphia or the Delaware River Valley, c. 1750-70 The drop leaf dining table was a prominent form in homes of the higher classes during the Chippendale and Federal periods, a working solution to the problem of balancing space with flexibility in a home that entertained company regularly. It allowed for tables to be posed as pier or serving tables against the wall, making the room large and inviting during a social engagement, these being brought out as needed to recreate a dining room. This table was almost certainly part of a pair originally, two sets of bracket holes on one leaf evidence of clasps that would have attached to the leaves of the other table to create a solid surface. A pair of tables very similar in form, though crafted with solid board leaves, was offered at Christies in 2003 (Lot 322, Sale 1189, sold as a pair for $13,145). Intact pairs of this form are rather uncommon as these were regularly broken up as they were passed down in families. The top is crafted of five boards butt-jointed with tongue-in-groove joinery assisting in all but one leaf, this probably a later solution to the uneven shrinking of the boards, secured from the underside with butterfly dovetails. The leaves hang over ruled joints, lifting on two swinging gate legs, the frame and knuckle crafted of solid oak double pinned to the square Marlborough leg. The oak rails are affixed with scattered rosehead nails to the poplar frame rails coupled with one original hand filed screw set in wells into the top on both sides, these boards joined to the mahogany front and back rails with exposed dovetails behind the gate legs. Three dovetailed walnut braces join the frame to the top, these absent several screws, the top likewise secured with three hand filed screws set evenly in wells through the mahogany front and back rails. A single thick walnut brace dovetails into either side of the bottom of the frame, reglued during the 20th Century. This form is less than typical, one that does not appear on the market frequently. Crafted with the clean simplicity we cherish in works of Philadelphia and the Delaware River Valley, the table is free of embellishment or unnecessary decoration - a well patinated surface shows great character, this emboldened by the strength and masculinity of the block feet. It is a piece you will cherish in your collection for a lifetime. Further Reading and Literature: American Antiques from the Israel Sack Collection vol. I, Highland House, p. 86 f. 263 - a nearly identical example: "Chippendale mahogany drop-leaf dining table, bold square legs with chamfered back, Marlborough feet, moulded frame, fine color and condition. Phila., c. 1750-60" Materials: [primaries] Walnut (front and back of table frame, all leaves and legs) [secondaries] Oak (outer rails and gate leg frame); Poplar (sides of interior frame) Measurements: 53 3/8" deep x 48 1/8" wide x 28 3/4" high; leaves are 17 13/16" and 17 5/8" in depth Condition Report: Finish is somewhat early beneath many layers of later wax, though the surface has much variation of color, including scars, abrasions and other use indicators. Wax on the frame and legs dirty and should be removed and reapplied at some point. Top is fully original, secured with mostly original hand filed screws (some replaced); each leaf and top two board construction, the boards butt-jointed with tongue-in-groove joinery, though this is not the case on one leaf. We believe the tongue-in-groove joinery is probably a later joining as the boards separated over time. One hinge replaced, all others original. One butterfly dovetail replaced under leaf, all others are very early. Holes on end of one leaf suggest this was originally a pair of tables with latches at the joining end. Crack above one hinge on leaf. Dovetail beneath frame secured with later glue. Strong and stable, fully functional and in overall outstanding condition. We have many additional images available for this table on our website - also available upon request.

Dimensions:
Height: 28.75 in (73.03 cm)Width: 48.13 in (122.26 cm)Depth: 53.38 in (135.59 cm)
Style:
Chippendale (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Oak
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1750-70
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. See condition notes.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 130002IWT181stDibs: LU105901299154