Anglo Indian Miniature Chess Table

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

A luxurious array of rare marbles and hard stones are inset into the playing surface of this William IV-period chess table. The visually appealing arrangement incorporates specimens ...

This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...

An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...

A special silver coin commemorating the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth is inset into the base of this limited edition glass goblet. Crafted...

This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...

Anglo-Indian Bone inlay Ebony Chess Board 'Sadeli' work box.

The freestanding cartouche-shaped tinned copper frame embossed overall with scrolling leafy vines surrounding a pair of open oval reserves flanked on either side by embossed motifs of lovebirds. The back showing a hinged easel support which allows the frame to be freestanding, and two top loading compartments intended to receive a pair of framed portrait miniatures which can then be viewed through the twin oval open reserves on the front. The rather naive albeit charming construction & decoration is consistent with items sold by street merchants in the various bazaars & marketplaces frequented by Western & European tourists travelling throughout India and The Middle East during the later part of the 19th century and early 20th century. There are surprisingly very few, if any similar examples of this frame currently available. This would most certainly be a unique addition to any collector of portrait miniatures, particularly those made by India Company School...

Carved bone miniature chess set and table, Switzerland, 19th century. With white and red chess pieces, though some pieces are missing. The Stanhope...

The board is nicely carved with Rajasthani designs at the rim, the sides and feet are covered with clad silver metal hammered with Moorish Raj designs. In good vintage condition. ...

An 18th century Anglo-Indian hardwood multi drawer small apothecary or spice cabinet.

This Anglo-Indian silver casket is inscribed on a central panel to the front with the following: 'Presented to / Mr. A. L. Guildford, B.Sc. M.I.E....