Pembroke or breakfast table

1790-1820

Measurements

28-7/8 in x 32-1/8 in x 20-1/4 in (open: 38-3/8 in)

Materials

Mahogany, oak (banding); tulip poplar (drawer sides), white pine (drawer bottom), hard pine (frame)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.623

Condition Notes

The brass drawer pull is a replacement; a filled hole is above.  The top has been reattached with new screws and some added glue blocks. It has a dark circular stain at a corner opposite the drawer opening.  The legs have surface nicks and abrasions.  The difference in color between the drawer blade and drawer front was likely caused by sun bleaching, which is apparent elsewhere on the table. 

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner.

Comments

The drop-leaf Pembroke or breakfast table is rectangular and has rectangular leaves attached by iron hinges. A hinged triangular support or “fly,” which appears to be made of mahogany, supports each leaf.  The table stands on four legs that taper on the two inside faces.  The solid mahogany drawer-front has a scratch-bead around the edges.  An oak band is inlaid along the bottom of the frame at each end.

The history of ownership of this table, which places it in the Odessa area, and the unusual use of mahogany for the table leaf supports contribute to determining its probable place of origin.