Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Tilt Top Table c.1780

Fine quality Georgian Mahogany Tilt Top Table circa 1780 English Georgian Period Circa 1780 Purchasing this item helps to sustain our environment A fine quality Georgian Mahogany tilt top table Full of classical Georgian Charm Top with raised moulded edge Raised on a base centre column Tripod base with outswept legs terminating in pad feet In good condition Wear is commensurate with age, adding to its sense of history. Every piece is meticulously examined by our skilled expert craftsmen, and any necessary repairs or restorations are performed in our workshops. This guarantees that each item from our collection can be acquired with assurance and is ready for immediate integration into your home. For a complete assessment of the item's condition, we encourage you to carefully examine all the provided photos. These pictures are integral to the description and condition report of the item, providing crucial visual details about its appearance and quality. Originating from the late 18th century (circa 1780), this table radiates the charm of a country house; its solid top features a raised moulded edge, and the hand-turned baluster-shaped pedestal with a vase-turned shaft culminates in a tripod base with elegantly sweeping cabriole legs ending in pad feet. These classic elements enhance the Georgian elegance of this delightful table. The table's tilt-top mechanism operates smoothly, allowing for an upright position when conserving space is necessary. It is versatile enough to function as a lamp table, side table, or even a small dining table between chairs. The column and base are in excellent sturdy condition; the wear is consistent with its age and contributes to its historical character. Georgian tilt-top tables like this one are not only practical but also represent exquisite craftsmanship from a past era. Their enduring charm still enthrals antique lovers and interior design enthusiasts. Tilt-Top Tables:- Such tables feature a hinged top and a mechanism that allows it to stand vertically when not in use, optimizing space in a room and showcasing the tabletop. This design offers compact storage options: the folded table can be placed against a wall on two legs or positioned with one leg in a corner. Tripod Tables became highly sought after in the 18th Century for their design and functionality; they offered balanced proportions, adaptability, and contributed an extra aesthetic to home interiors. Depending on their intended use, from breakfast to 'tea' or as occasional tables, the tabletops varied in shape from oval to round, as did their sizes. The gracefully designed legs often ended in a pad foot (as seen here), ball and claw, lion’s pad, or other decorative styles. The column, joining the legs and supporting the top, was frequently ornately turned, adding to the table's visual appeal. Clues regarding age, condition and authenticity Upon inspecting the underside of a tabletop, signs of workmanship are sometimes visible, and these are typically acknowledged. Such work may have been necessary restoration, as these pieces have been utilized for two centuries, with some experiencing more wear than others. If there are no additional screw holes and no evidence of movement in the bearers, it is likely that the top is original to the base. The presence of a birdcage often results in noticeable indentations at the top of the columns, as well as marks from the bearers rubbing due to the table's opening and closing actions. The finest early Georgian examples featured the Birdcage Mechanism; a structure created by connecting two square pieces of wood at the corners with turned columns, to which the long bearers beneath the tabletop were attached. This design allowed the top to rotate freely on the stem inserted into the birdcage, secured by a wedge. Consequently, the tabletop could be turned relative to the tripod, enabling more efficient and versatile storage. The collapsed table could be positioned against a wall using two legs or angled with one leg towards a corner for space-saving.