Early George III Period Mahogany Dining Table

$11,569.26

About

A rare early George III period mahogany dining table, the two end sections with removable leafs. demilune ends, the supports of gentle cabriole form terminating in pad feet. The timbers are beautifully figured and all are in their original state. The price of dining tables, Richard Gillow wrote in 1786, depended on the quality of wood, more than any other furniture - as these may be made of inferior kind of mahogany with slip hinges bolts, brass fasteners £1.00 5ft. long, but if made of Fine hard mahogany they would come to about 12 guineas'.' Again in 1788 Gillows wrote similar comments about the importance of dining tables made in the 'completest manner' of fine hard mahogany', as opposed to those made of inferior soft mahogany or baywood (Honduras mahogany).' Gillows stressed the importance of using well-seasoned wood, particularly for dining table tops in order to prevent them warping. Their timber, they wrote, stands well as the tops are Fine old mahogany that have been sawn up nearly 5 years ago will improve in use. Most eighteenth century dining tables were designed as sets of smaller tables, some of which could be placed against the wall, or a pier between the windows, when not in use, and reassembled to suit the number of people dining. In modest houses without a card or drawing room they were also reassembled after dining by servants for different purposes, such as card playing. In 1796 Gillows advised customers on the size of the table in relationship to the dining room. All dining tables should be 7 feet shorter than the room they are for to leave room at each end for a chair and a servant to pass. The length of a table depended, of course, on the number of people expected to dine, and Gillows’ customers sought advice on the amount of space to allow per guest. In the nineteenth century Gillows & Co calculated 24in should be allowed per person but added 22 inches is frequent made to do but rather crowded, but 21in they thought insufficient. The width of the table was also carefully calculated to allow for factors such as space for dishes, candelabra and leg room. Naturally, the advice given depended on several factors, but Gillows did not approve of narrow dining tables nor apparently, what would be regarded today as standard measurements.

Details

Dimensions
Height: 27.5 in. (69.85 cm)Width: 106 in. (269.24 cm)Depth: 45 in. (114.3 cm)
Style
George III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques
Mahogany
Place of Origin
England
Period
Mid-18th Century
Date of Manufacture
1760
Condition
Seller Location
Peterborough, GB
Reference Number
Seller: 61361stDibs: LU103289085293
View Invoice

Shipping & Returns

Shipping
Rates vary by destination and complexity.
Estimated Customs Duties & Taxes to the Continental US: $0.
Ships From: Peterborough, United Kingdom
Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.