With our highest compliments and utmost honors, Bay Colony Antiques is proud to offer for sale this exceptional early 19th century antique Classical period Mahogany drop leaf table. This is a very handsome and substantial drop leaf table typical of the works of the Allison Brother's workshop and some of their early 19th century contemporaries like Duncan Phyfe & Lannuier. Each were producing nearly identical specimens of these tables as there was a huge demand for them in this novel style that was gaining popularity in America’s finest homes. Absent the shop's labels which have mostly flaked away over the centuries, it can prove difficult to place an attribution with 100% certainty. The table shares a number of construction techniques used by Michael Allison most notably the four column cluster base, the hairy paw carved legs, the construction of the table box & drawer, and special attention to detail in the wood selection. The Mahogany used for the top and leaves is superb with a very rare & interesting grain pattern. This is Santo Domingan Mahogany imported from the Caribbean and it is among the most desirable wood species in the world because of the special mineral deposits which give it the dark striations and a unique oil density that provides the signature sheen. The table has one drawer concealed in the table box constructed with impressively thin hand cut dovetails. There is an impression inside the drawer panel where a paper label once was that’s the same size as Allison’s smaller labels, not his large ones showing the warehouse. The four column pedestal is well executed with reeded columns & book matched crotch Mahogany veneers at the base. Some examples have an X shape visible at the base of the pedestal but we’ve always preferred ones like this with a cleaner aesthetic. The table has 4 masterfully carved down swept hairy paw legs with carved volutes & feathered ends. The table is in great condition with our only notes being age appropriate surface wear, a shrinkage split on the panel to the right of the drawer & on the right panel on the opposite side, and one of the legs was a little loose which is why there’s a gap between the pedestal and the feather carvings in our gallery image. We’ll have our restorer tighten up the leg and realign the carvings. The table measures 26” wide x 37 3/4” deep x 28” tall. When the leaves are locked up the tabletop measures 48 1/4” wide x 37 3/4” deep.
