Mahogany Georgian Oval Butlers Tray On Stand

A very good quality late 18th century, Georgian period, mahogany oval butlers tray of Panelled design, retaining original brass hinges to folding sides with pierced carrying handles, raised on later square leg mahogany stand. During the 18th and 19th centuries a coffee table was not what we regard as a coffee table in the 21st century. Coffee tables back then were always full height, effectively side tables. The modern, low, coffee table is really something which began to be seen during the early 20th century onwards. Based on the above there is a variety of different methods to incorporate a coffee table into an interior for people who wish to furnish their properties with genuine antique furniture, whilst still allowing for the practicalities and function which is required in modern times. Therefore as is now normal with by far the majority of these butlers trays which we see, due to the fact they make absolutely perfect coffee tables, this has been removed from its original, tall, folding stand at some point and fitted onto a lower, more practical and sturdy stand constructed from old antique wood. It’s worth noting that generally this means an old broken table...

An Extremely Good Quality, Mid-18th Century, George II Period Solid Mahogany Oval Drop Leaf Dining Table, To Seat 8 People, Having Extremely Well Figured Two Flap Top Retaining Exceptional, Rich, Untouched Colour And Patina, Raised On Four Elegant Turned Legs Terminating With Original Pad Feet. Georgian drop leaf dining tables of this design are relatively common to find, however it is rare to find one of this size and in this condition, which retains such a fabulous colour and patina. It is also quite nice to find an oval one, which is not far off being circular when extended. This is a superb example of its type, constructed from what would have been the absolute best solid mahogany available in the mid 18th century and because of that the table is still as fit for purpose as the day it was made. It is particularly solid even with the moving legs fully extended and this allows for great functionality. Of course another tick on the desirability scale for this table is that it can be easily folded down and even pushed against a wall, or into a corner when not in full use, meaning one does not require such a large dining room as may otherwise have been required. The table also retains a fabulous untouched colour and patina and has very clearly not ever been stripped and repolished or anything like that. Seating 8, this table is one of one of the most desirable antique dining table forms available and would work with a whole variety of different dining chairs...

With panelled tray and shaped hinged sides with hand holds on a later base with square section legs. The hinged borders enabled the tray to be stored flat...

Very nice classic tray table. Tick solid mahogany tray. Fits perfect on the table. Brass hinges. Good quality table. Manufactured by Bevan Funnell England 1960s.