Drop-leaf table

1760-1790

Measurements

26-3/8 in x 36-1/4 in x 12-1/4 in (open, 38-1/4 in)

Materials

Mahogany; maple (inner frame)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, bequest of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1968.804

Inscription

Each of the four table leaf hinges is stamped with a two-initial die, which may read “RF”.

Condition Notes

Inactive wood worm evidence appears on one fixed mahogany rail and one inner top rail.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The slightly oval drop-leaf or dining table stands on four legs with turned tapered shafts that end in off-set turned pad feet.  The table maker then smoothed the edges of these two turning steps to create the ankles.  This strategy was an easier and cheaper method of producing a leg that evoked stylish cabrioles.  Such legs were made in most parts of the America and in Britain.  

Origin of this table in Rhode Island stems largely from the unusual manner of securing the table top to the frame.  The center section has short pieces of wood, called battens nailed to the underside of the top board.  Two extend across the narrow dimenson of the frame, and two more attach at each end.  Projecting ends of each batten form tenons that fit into mortises cut into the frame.  In this way, the top board can expand and contract with changes in humidity without breaking glue joints, as with usual attachments.  Another Rhode Island feature is the especially thick dimensions of the rails.