Stand with hinged top

1790-1810

with possible later alterations

Measurements

27-3/4 in x 19-1/4 in x 19-1/2 in

Materials

Mahogany; probably white cedar (bottom board of well)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3512

Condition Notes

One corner of the stretcher is separated from the leg.  Two of the legs exhibit splitting at the top.  See "Comments" for further condition notes.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This simply conceived stand has features that lie outside American federal furniture practices, yet the presence of white cedar (possibly white pine) suggests American manufacture.  The table has four Marlborough legs with a bead cut into the outside corners and deep chamfers on the inside corners.  Rails at the top are tenoned into the legs, and an X-shaped stretcher joins them near the floor.  The square top has serpentine-shaped sides with canted, slightly rounded corners.  The top is more unusual in that it is hinged and opens to a well formed by the table rails.  Evidence exists that the top was formerly hinged onto a different side.  The present lock and hasps are replacements, as are the hinges.

The present bottom boards of the well may be later additions.  They have black stain applied to the outside bottom to suggest age and oxidation.

The X stretcher has been reattached to the legs with new small shaped blocks below.  Evidence suggest the one-time presence of metal brackets that screwed in place.