Drop-leaf table

1900-1950

Measurements

28 in x 39 in x 46 in

Materials

Hard pine

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, bequest of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1968.911

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

Originally catalogued as a table frame of 1680-1730 with a replaced top, this drop-leaf or gateleg table appears to be a modern creation.  The table is made entirely of hard pine, a wood that is not suitable in several places of use, especially for the turned leg stiles and stretchers.  Twist-turnings, visible in all eight stiles and in some stretchers, were executed by specialist turners, who consistently worked in maple, ash, and other particular hardwoods.  In addition, the leg stiles on this table are of smaller cross-sectional dimensions, worsening the already inadequate structural strength.   The end rails of the table frame have an arched undercutting.  The tongue and groove shaped rule joints between the fixed and hinged leaves have the tongue on the leaf.