Tea table

1760-1790

and 20th century

Measurements

28 in x 33-1/2 in (dia)

Materials

Mahogany

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1958.3228

Condition Notes

The top and hinged box below appear to be replacements.  See "Comments" section.

Comments

The tilt-top tea table has three cabriole legs ending in ball-and-claw feet.  They are dovetailed into the base of a turned pillar or standard, which has a flattened ball turning below a column.  All of the features of the base indicate fabrication in Philadelphia.  The round top is dished and is hinged to a box (popularly called a "bird cage") that allows it to swivel and tilt upright.  The top is made of two mahogany boards, the small of which is 5-7/8 inches wide.  The underside of the top does not have the four screw holes used to attach it to a lathe head to be turned.  Also, the underside exhibit no wear or oxidation, such as differences where the top board sat on the top of the box.  The battens look new, are attached with modern flat head screws, and show no movement from expansion and contraction of the top.