19th Century English Revolving Top Table

Pietra Paesina is one of the most scarce and wondrous stones on earth, and the surface of this exceptional early 19th-century center table is inset with...

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...

Exquisite craftsmanship in wood is coupled with the elegance of Wedgwood in this remarkable side table. Highly similar to one of French cabinetmaker Francois Linke's most enquired-after designs at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, this outstanding piece features bronze gilding, which complements the luminous Ceylon satinwood. A beautiful white marble top harmonizes wonderfully with Wedgwood jasperware...

This exquisite writing desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design prevalent in England during the early 19th century. A luxurious leather-covered top pr...

This early 19th century Swiss gold vinaigrette has the charming addition of a musical mechanism. The entire box is crafted of 14-karat yellow gold envelo...

Highly-prized coromandel, or East Indian ebony, was used to create this beautiful Victorian vitrine. Featuring delicate inlay in the Victorian/Edwardian style and glass panels framed in the equally luxurious satinwood, this cabinet is constructed to fit flush against a wall with baseboards. Elegant cabinets such as this are perfect for displaying one's treasures, but with original locks, keys, mirrors and fleur-de-lis fabric, this case is a prized possession unto itself, circa 1890. Measures: 30" wide x 14 ½" deep x 41 ½" high. Coromandel ebony is variegated brown and black, often called "streaky," wood. It is considered a highly valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinet...

19th Century English mahogany side table with castors with a 19th century mahogany top.

An unusual whimsical mid to late 19th century walnut side table. High figural walnut grain with an interesting exaggerated apron on a campaign style oak x stretcher base. This ta...

Late 19th century English drop-leaf table from the Mid-Victorian Era. Made of gorgeous yellowish-brown walnut with a fantastic burl walnut table top. The patina on the top is simply glorious!! The table was made circa 1850-60. It sits on beautifully turned fluted legs with the porcelain and brass casters. Two of the legs swing inwards and outwards to extend the 2 leaves of the table. Fully extended the table has a fabulous curved and indented edge, in an oval shape on both ends. The center column is beautifully turned and fluted. The 2 side columns are again beautifully turned and fluted and end with 2 extending scrolling supports that end in turned bulbous twin feet. This is a high quality item and highly desirable! Antique Sutherland Tables...

Late 19th century table with a lovely banded and bevelled edge surrounding a parquetry central panel. The apron is scalloped and has a bevelled edge and the table is supported on spl...

19th Century English mahogany claw foot pedestal side table with upholstered flower pattern velvet top.

Early 19th century mahogany oval-topped occasional table, complete with single drawer featuring brass lock and swan neck handle, sitting above gently tapered legs supported by a simp...