Georgian Tilt Top Table - Pad Foot & Birdcage Action - Later Painted

Georgian Tilt Top Table with pad foot and birdcage action - later painted English Georgian Era circa 1780 Tilt Top with birdcage action Tilt-top mechanism works seamlessly Hand painted detail to centre of top Later painted faux stone top Individual hand painted design and Segment lines to the top Later Painted Distressed Mottled Black base Hand turned Vase-shaped stem column Tripod Base with 3 slender, shaped cabriole outswept legs Terminating in pad feet providing strength and stability Stands Very Well Could serve well as a lamp table or side table or Small supper table between chairs Dating back to the late 18th century (c. 1780), this exquisite original Georgian period Tripod Table, also known as a Tilt Top or Snap Top Table, is of high quality, exudes charm and possesses all of the classical features required. It has all its original components, including the birdcage mechanism, indicating it is early Georgian, and has been later painted. It has been later painted in a colour that was used in Georgian times; we have mixed it to our traditional recipe and applied it by hand in the traditional manner and described the finish with a slightly more contemporary name using a Stone colour and applied a specialist finish to give a faux stone effect to the top. The top has then been hand decorated with an individual design to the centre and segment lines painted in to suit. The base has been painted in the same colour as the decoration to the top – Distressed Mottled Black. It has a solid top, featuring a simple rounded edge which is supported by tripod base. The birdcage mechanism sits on the top of column of the tripod base The tripod base has an elegant hand turned single column with early baluster form turning of vase form This column tapers down to a tripod base with 3 slender, shaped cabriole outswept legs terminating in pad feet, providing both strength and stability. These tables are designed with a hinged top and a mechanism that allows the top to be tilted into a vertical position when not in use, maximizing space in a room and showcasing the tabletop. The design offers the advantage of compact storage, enabling the table to be placed against a wall on two legs or tucked into a corner with one leg. These Georgian tilt-top tables are not only functional but also exquisite examples of craftsmanship from a bygone era. Their timeless appeal continues to captivate antique enthusiasts and interior aficionados alike. Condition Report:- This Georgian Tilt Top Table is structurally sound and sturdy, and is in very good condition, exemplifying a fine specimen of classic Georgian furniture. The tilt-top mechanism works seamlessly; the column and base are in good sturdy condition; wear is commensurate with age and use, adding to its sense of history. It has been thoroughly inspected and checked in our workshops. Any signs of woodworm are historical and no longer active, having been treated as a precaution. Marks, scratches, and dents around the sides, front, and back add to its charm without affecting the item's overall integrity. 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. Historically Significant Events (1750-1800): When this table was created, Britain stood as the pre-eminent Empire globally, with numerous transformative changes on the horizon over the subsequent 30 years. George III ascends to the throne of England in 1760 The onset of the Industrial Revolution in 1760 James Watt's invention of the Steam Engine in 1766 The Boston Tea Party in 1773 The approval of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 The commencement of the French Revolution in 1789 Tilt Top Tables During the 18th Century, Tripod Tables rose to popularity for their form and function, offering well-balanced proportions, versatility, and an aesthetic boost to home interiors. Tilt-top tables feature a hinged top and a mechanism that allow it to stand vertically to save space and showcase the tabletop. Their use ranged from breakfast to 'tea' or occasional tables, with tops varying from oval to circular shapes and sizes. The legs, elegantly designed, often ended in a pad foot, ball and claw, lion's pad, or other decorative forms. The central column, connecting the legs and supporting the top, was frequently ornately turned or featured a simple design, with a vase-shaped stem being the most prevalent. The early Georgian period's finest examples showcased the Birdcage Mechanism. This design consisted of a box structure formed by two square pieces of wood connected at the corners with turned columns, allowing the table top's long bearers to hinge. This enabled the top to rotate freely atop the stem, which slotted into the birdcage and was secured by a wedge. Consequently, the tabletop could be rotated relative to the tripod base, facilitating more compact and adaptable storage; the folded table could be positioned against a wall or angled with one leg towards a corner for space efficiency. Here are some indicators that can help determine the age, condition, and authenticity of a table like this: Inspecting the underside of the table top may reveal signs of work that has been done, which is usually disclosed. Such work may have been necessary restoration, as these pieces have been in use for two centuries, and some may have endured more wear than others. If there are no extra screw holes on the underside and no evidence of the bearers being moved, it is likely that the top is original to the base. When a birdcage mechanism is present, indentations at the top of the columns are often visible. Wear marks where the bearers have rubbed due to the opening and closing action of the table can also be observed.