Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Victorian Solid Oak Adjustable Reading Table By John Carter

About the Item

An extremely adaptable and functional Victorian solid oak adjustable reading table by John Carter, also known as the "Literary Machine." Beautifully crafted, this piece would likely cost several thousand pounds to have made to a similar standard today! The table boasts a wonderful colour and patina. It can be used as an adjustable table, reading or music stand, or even as a stylish easel! It would also serve as an intriguing console table. The large tabletop, with hinged support flaps at the top and bottom, is height- and angle-adjustable. The clever adjustment system operates with a patented ratchet mechanism and a cast iron locking mechanism. The attractive column is finely decorated with fluted and stud details. The entire piece stands on a smart and sturdy four-legged base with inset ceramic castors and lead weights for added stability. It still bears its original John Carter trade plaque. The tabletop measures 82cm wide by 43cm deep. The height adjusts horizontally from 71cm up to 110cm, and the base measures 60cm deep. In good original condition with wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of the small stud details to the central column lacking. We have cleaned and waxed the table in our workshop.
  • Creator:
    John Carter (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 51.19 in (130 cm)Width: 32.29 in (82 cm)Depth: 23.63 in (60 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6236241793692

More From This Seller

View All
A Victorian Carter's Patent Brass And Cast Iron Reading Stand
By John Carter (Furniture)
Located in London, GB
Add a touch of Victorian charm to your space with this late 19th Century Carter's patent brass and cast iron adjustable reading table. Featuring a mahogany top with an enamel maker's...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Music Stands

Materials

Brass, Iron

A Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk by Deighton & Dunthorne, 320 High Holborn, London.
Located in London, GB
Featuring a gilt-tooled dark red leather writing surface. The upper section comprises a central drawer flanked by two smaller drawers. Below, the twin pedestals each contain three g...
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak, Pine

A French Kingwood And Marquetry Inlaid Kidney Shaped Side Table
Located in London, GB
A magnificent French Kingwood and Marquetry Inlaid Kidney Shaped Side Table, crafted in the 18th century style of Charles Topino and dating to the late 19th century. This exquisite p...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Revival Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tan Leather Side Table 1960s Peruvian Embossed Mid Century Geometric Viracocha
Located in London, GB
A wonderfully decorative and very rare Mid Century Incan-themed embossed leather-topped table in lovely condition. Made in Peru, most likely in the 1960s, this standout decorative pi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Peruvian Spanish Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

A Victorian Giltwood And Marble Console Table
Located in London, GB
This smart Victorian console table features a beautifully crafted Carrara marble top of serpentine shape, accentuated by an attractive ogee lip. The giltwood and gesso base is a true...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Console Tables

Materials

Marble

1960’s mid century solid teak coffee table by Myer
Located in London, GB
Mid century modern coffee table by respected English maker ‘Myer’. Solid countered teak frame with thick smoked glass insert Size Width 112cm x depth 48cm x height 35cm Condition:...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Smoked Glass, Teak

You May Also Like

Victorian Walnut Adjustable Reading Stand
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Victorian walnut adjustable reading stand This is a very beautiful and versatile piece, the table has an easily adjustable angle, by means...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Regency Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Solid Oak Victorian Side Table
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Burbank, CA
ntique end table for sale. From the late 1800's / early 1900's. Made of solid oak with incredible wood work and detail. This was previously refinished in a natural oak finish. It's a...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Oak Ecclesiastical Gothic Adjustable Reading Table Lectern Stand
Located in Norwich, GB
A 19th century French oak fully adjustable reading table in the Ecclesiastical Gothic style. Circa 1880. The table has a rounded rectangular plateau with two book rests, terminating...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Side Tables

Materials

Iron, Brass

Victorian Oak Hexagonal Occasional Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
This occasional table has a moulded edge top and tapering fluted and reeded legs with roundel decoration joined by an X-stretcher, on short downswept legs.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Victorian North Patent Telescopic Reading Stand
By John Carter
Located in Dereham, GB
Victorian Telescopic Reading Easel E.P.North Birmingham Patent The Reading Easel Mahogany adjustable Reading Lectern, Makers Brass Badge at back Sup...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

John Widdicomb Solid Walnut Oak Interior Travertine Top End Table Stand
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern superb quality one drawer and shelf solid walnut end side table Stand with travertine top NY John Widdicomb.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Travertine

Recently Viewed

View All