With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering one of the finest early American tiger maple tables which we have ever handled. At any given time there are numerous examples of varying tiger maple tables available for purchase throughout the entire antique marketplace. When considering which table is the best quality and value there are three primary considerations worth keeping in mind. The first is the age of the table as antique tables are generally always prized far above contemporary reproductions. Secondly, the boldness of the grain is a key aspect in accessing the true value of any piece of furniture constructed from solid tiger maple lumber. In the lumber industry the term "heavy flake" refers to the size and consistency of the quartersawn wood grain which comprises a piece of solid wood. The boldest selections are usually allocated for musical instruments so we refer to particular cuts of tiger maple as "instrument grade" when they feature highly figured grain patterns uncommonly found in furniture production. The third primary aspect worth considering is the width and length of the tiger maple boards which are joined together to build a particular piece of furniture. The term "old growth" is reserved for the largest and widest selections of lumber which take centuries to grow and command the highest premium in the lumber and furniture industries. With these factors in mind there are only a select few tables which have appeared for sale anywhere in recent years that can be held to the same standards of excellence which apply to the table we currently offer. With respect to the age, desirability of grain pattern, and premium "old growth" solid tiger maple lumber construction this table is simply the very best anyone could ever hope to find.
This table had remained in the same family for as far back as they could trace their lineage throughout the past two centuries. The family had lived in New York for several generations before moving south and deciding to take the table with them. Since the youngest members of the family had chosen contemporary furniture over their antique heirlooms we were contacted to purchase their entire antique collection in advance of their next move. The table has never before been offered for sale in any public setting which makes it one of the very few antiques still left that can truly be advertised as entirely fresh to the market. We believe this table was likely constructed in the upper New England region somewhere close to either Vermont or New Hampshire as the populations of those states were rising towards the end of the 18th century. Each of the dropleaf sides are fitted with the original hand forged 18th century iron hinges that have remained in excellent working condition. The table is supported by six finely turned cherry legs designed in the Sheraton manner with two of the legs serving as swinging gatelegs which are used to support the weight of the dropleaf sides from underneath. The legs are styled with upper ringlet turnings, a rounded and tapered form, and exceptional ball formed feet. The table top and apron are entirely solid tiger maple with instrument grade figured quartersawn grain and a beautiful patina which makes the table absolutely glow when illuminated by sunlight. The table measures 43 1/4" long x 22 1/2" wide x 29" tall and expands to 62 1/2" wide when both leaves are fixed upwards.
