Rare 1870's Vintage Industrial Utility Adjustable Table Desk by Lambie & Sargent

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Rare 1870's Vintage Industrial Utility Adjustable Table Desk by Lambie & Sargent

About the Item

A rare example of the Lambie & Sargent Utility Adjustable Table circa 1870's. The table is best described by the 1874 article entitled "A Useful Novelty; The Utility Adjustable Table from the Philadelphia Journal of Commerce & Scientific American: "One of the neatest, most convenient and ingenious contrivances lately brought to our notice is the UTILITY ADJUSTABLE TABLE, manufactured by Messrs Lambie Sargent & Co. of New York and for which Messrs J. C. Miller & Co., No 29 South Eighth Street are the general agents. It is an article especially adapted to the wants of every family; an ornamental and attractive piece of furniture, forming a combination of conveniences that till at once be readily recognized by all who appreciate domestic comforts. It is something entirely new, and the following description will clearly define its construction, utility and adjustability. The legs are fastened to the top by hinges folding inwardly; when adjusted as represented above, the table is supported by the braces which are attached at one end to the legs and at the other to the top. By means of a hinge-joint at the centre of each brace, and the hinges by which the top legs are joined, the table may be folded at pleasure, the legs resting flat against the under side of the top when folded. Each leg consists of an outer and inner section, the former sliding against the side of the latter. Between the two sections is a bowed spring, producing sufficient friction, preventing wear and rendering the table easy of adjustment. To raise the table from a low to a higher point it is only necessary to lift the top, and by means of a clevis on each leg, which springs into the notches cut in the legs, the table is held firmly at any desired height. By raising the top to its highest point, the clevises, which are self-acting, will reverse, and the table may be lowered without obstruction: when pressed to its lowest point, the clevises will again reverse and the table it left in a position to be folded or adjusted to any height, from twenty-two to twenty-eight inches. Drawers are arranged conveniently at each end, made to swing outwardly when desired and fastened when closed. A yard stick is attached underneath the top of the table, concealed when not in use, and detached at pleasure. The best materials are used and the most careful workmanship is bestowed in its construction. For the sick room or hospital is it particularly desirable, it possesses the double advantage of adjusting and folding, and when not in use can be packed away in any nook or corner; its height may be made to suit that of and bed and with one leg supporting its weight and the other folded, the top resting on the bed, it forms the most complete invalid’s table that can be imagined or desired As might be supposed, the demand for this useful article is already very great, and justly proportionate to its merits. The ladies particularly can not fail to appreciate it, as it combines so man advantages especially adapted to the necessities. For a handsome and useful present nothing could be more appropriate or more acceptable. We congratulate Messrs. Lambie, Sargent & Co., on being represented in this city by live, energetic and popular agents Messrs. J. C. Miller & Co. are well and favorably known to the business community and public generally, and will see that this handsome and useful article is introduced into every household. We cannot praise the Utility Adjustable Table too highly, and conclude by advising every lady, or man of family to call and be convinced that this handsome little household treasure is better than we have represented it." This table was manufactured by the Messrs, Lambie, Sargent & Co located at 793 Broadway Street in New York City. This company was well-known for its line on innovative invalid furniture as well as inventions like the Rotary Bookcase. This particular table features an ingenious folding/adjusting design that is a direct precursor to the ubiquitous plastic folding tables of today and was designed nearly 150 years ago! We paired the table with an early 20th-entury folding chair from the Acme Chair company. With its innovative design, steam-punk aesthetic and mix of classic, industrial revolution materials... This piece would make a beautiful desk for the space-conscious home-office!

Dimensions:
Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 37 in (93.98 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Style:
Industrial (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron,Walnut,Cast
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1870-1879
Date of Manufacture:
1870's
Condition:
Refinished. Repaired: Top has been professionally refinished and one iron brace appears to have an older welding repair. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Lafayette, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2680324594822