Art Deco Side Table, 1920s

Description

Antique Side Table with Interesting Drawer Mechanism

England
Birdseye maple
Art Deco circa 1920

Dimensions: H x W x D: … more Antique Side Table with Interesting Drawer Mechanism

England
Birdseye maple
Art Deco circa 1920

Dimensions: H x W x D: 83 x 32 x 26 cm

:
Elegant piece of furniture standing on high legs with cross bracing. The legs are slightly flared at the bottom and the footprint is 37 x 30 cm.
There is a small tableau in the frame that can be pulled out to the left.

The box-like structure can be opened upwards. The handleless drawer automatically extends forwards out of the body. An interesting and rarely found patent.
The lid is mirrored on the inside and is held in place by brass hinges. Both the drawer and the box itself are fitted with compartments for storing jewellery. The compartments are covered with fabric and lined with red velvet at the bottom. The upholstery is as good as new, it certainly does not date from the time the furniture was made.

The lock is engraved: Albert Barker Ltd 5th New Bond St. Barker, who is listed as a silversmith in the London books from the 1890s, specialised in the production and sale of high-quality luxury items in the early 20th century. The company sold cutlery and writing utensils as well as small items of furniture and utensils for private yachts. Furniture designed for use on board in particular needed well thought-out patents and security systems for doors and drawers. The locking and opening mechanism of the small table offered here was certainly developed with this in mind. However, the piece of furniture was certainly not intended for use at sea, but would fit in well in a chic London flat.
There is another engraving on the drawer: Rd No 541494. This could be the patent number.

Condition:
Restored and in good working condition. The shellac polish gives the wildly grained wood an incredible "depth". less