Nautical Bronze Sculptural Table

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...

Louis XVI-Style Giltwood Table Circa 1860 Fashioned in the Louis XVI style, this magnificent guéridon showcases the refined neoclassical aesthetic through its striking contrast of r...

Rare, meaningful, practical, handcrafted and highly decorative antique table. This one of a kind table will appeal to spiritual people and collectors of stylish, rare and meaningful...

A scarce, likely one-of-a-kind Spanish Colonial church altar, repurposed as a sideboard server or console. Hand-crafted in Mexico in the 19th century, having a shaped demilune marbleized - faux marble painted wooden top, over substantial solid pine bowfront base with hand carved detailing and decorative molded paneling. Provenance: Prior owner purchased from Horse of a Different Color Antiques, San Antonio, Texas. Acquisition: Acquired from highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est. 1983, Austin, Texas. Three Day Estates Event February 22 catalog. Dimensions: (approx) 28" High, 84" Long, 22" Deep As warm and attractive as it is functional, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a dining room buffet, credenza - media stand, sofa table or hall console, dry bar, or placed in a palatial foyer as a stunning and historical entry statement piece! Condition: Good original antique condition. Presents well. Strong, sturdy, stable, and structurally sound. Nicely aged mellow warm patina. Wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses to the paint, old repairs and touchups throughout, and various other antique character marks that add to the overall display, authenticity, and rustic old world charm. Please note, at the time of writing this, we have a similarly styled baptismal font likely from the same church available. We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love religious antiques! Retaining spiritual significance, beautiful artistic depth, rich cultural and historical interest, they make for the perfect decorative object! Please be sure to check our other listings for architectural salvaged building elements to ornamental temple figures, tabernacle cabinets...