Drop-leaf table

1735-1760

Measurements

29 in x 46-1/2 in x 18-1/4 in; open 52-1/2 in

Materials

Walnut; oak (swing legs), hard pine (fixed frame)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.626

Condition Notes

Old finish on the legs has begun to delaminate. A two-inch-long section of the rule joint between one drop leaf and the fixed center section was repaired with an insert; the inset repair piece is now missing.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner.  Although not marked by Mrs. Warner with a metal tag indicating ownership in either the Corbit or Wilson families, this table represents the kind of furniture that William Corbit's parents had when they lived in Southern Chester County, some of which they seem to have brought with them to Odessa.

Comments

This circular-top (not oval, as was common) drop-leaf table appears to be an early example of the Queen Anne style. The cabriole legs end in pointed feet that emphasize their 45-degree angle from the rectangular frame.  The end rails of the table frame are inset from the legs, as was typical.  They are undercut with a simple half-round.  A brace spans the center of the rectangular table frame.  Of interest, each end of the brace is cut into three square tenons that fit into mortises cut through the rails (exposing the ends of the tenons).  The fixed center section of the table top is glued to the frame by many glue blocks.  The table top boards display sections of attractive mottled grain.