Early 19th Century Early American Antique Federal Vermont Bird's Eye Maple & Flame Birch Work Table

Description

With our highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this wonderful early American two drawer worktable. … more With our highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this wonderful early American two drawer worktable. During the second half of the 18th century, and throughout the early half of the 19th century, these two drawer stands were commonplace in nearly all Northeastern homes. The lady of the home typically worked for hours on end sewing and needleworking clothing along with other fabrics for her family. These "worktables" are immensely popular in colonial Amercian interiors as they fit well in nearly every room of the household; especially as conveniently placed bedside tables. During the American Federal era many two drawer work tables were produced in mahogany, mostly around larger cities, and subsequently the form was adapted throughout New England in the later 18th century. This resulted in the construction of far scarcer examples made from native American hardwood lumbers. The example which we now present is one of the rarest and most exciting Vermont tables which we have ever had the privilege in offering.

The work table has an almost whimsical form with fantastically turned legs which end on prominent "penny feet." This subtle design adaptation is commonly worked into wrought iron of the 18th century, especially in Northern New England communities, yet rarely appears in furniture construction. Additionally, the turned legs feature fine ringlets and excellent rounded tapering and proportions. The table's top features a strongly figured solid flame birch surface which expands when the dropleaf ends are hinged upward. The frontward face of the table is embellished with boldly figured bird's eye maple drawer fronts that are fitted with turned wood knobs and an inset brass escutcheon. We cannot recommend this table highly enough for a collector searching for the perfect antique table to adorn an early American home in need of some extra charm. This table measures 18 1/4" wide x 19 1/4" deep x 29" tall and the table expands to 34 1/4" wide when the dropleaf ends are hinged upright. less