Late 18th Century Antique Federal Tiger Maple & Cherry Drop Leaf Dining Table

Description

With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional and rare antique dining … more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional and rare antique dining table. This table features some of the boldest tiger maple antique lumber which one may ever hope to find on a piece of antique furniture. In all likelihood this table is a product of a northern New England furniture maker working in either the later part of the 18th century or around the turn of the 19th century. New Hampshire and Vermont were being settled at this time and each state had an abundance of old growth maple trees which had been left undisturbed for centuries. The untamed wilderness produced trees which grew taller and wider than anything we know of today resulting in the finest selections of figured maple lumber available at any point in history. The availability of highly figured maple, which was quartersawn so that the grain pattern may resemble tiger stripes, presented a unique opportunity for craftsman working in the furniture and instrument making industries. In fact, the boldest grain selections are referred to as "instrument grade" as it was more profitable to select flitches of figured curly maple for instruments such as violins rather than using the solid lumber for furniture making. For this reason, early American furniture comprised of boldly figured tiger maple remains in high demand among collectors for its scarcity and natural beauty.

This table has dropleaf ends which can be hinged upward to expand the surface area. Each of the dropleaf ends is shaped with an ovolo form that contributes to the overall sophistication. The boldest tiger maple grain was selected for the tables top, side leaves, and apron. The table features four cherry legs which were expertly turned with ringlets and baluster designs that end on ball form feet. The original 18th century brass caster wheels are still affixed to the table legs allowing for the table to be effortlessly moved around for convenience. We could not be prouder of this offering, and we have no doubt that the table will soon be in the collection of a passionate antique enthusiast who will care for it for generations to come. The table measures 41 3/4" wide x 20 1/2" deep x 29 1/4" tall and expands to 45 1/2" deep with both leaves opened. less