With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this remarkable antique dining table. We have been privileged over a lifetime of collecting and trading antiques to have owned significant and rare antique dropleaf tables of all varying manners, and we can state with all confidence that our current offering is among the finest tables to have come to market in recent history. Since the 18th century the dropleaf dining table has been a staple in historic New England households as the form allows for quick and easy expansion, which is a wonderful feature, particularly in homes without an abundance of space. Many tables were produced from the second half of the 18th century and into the early half of the 19th century until tables with runner systems and stacks of tables leaves became available throughout the country. At a glance many of the early dropleaf tables can appear to be identical to each other because stylistically they are quite similar. What truly differentiates one dropleaf table from another is the care taken in building the table and the quality of materials selected for the overall construction process. With respect to all of the similar dropleaf tables in homes across the country, this table is a superior and scarcer commodity than nearly all other comparable examples.
From the moment we first lifted the table up to move it we knew that it was quite special and exceedingly rare. The sheer density of the mahogany lumber used to construct this table is drastically different than even some of the finest selections of old growth mahogany we have previously handled. In the rainforests of Honduras and Santa Domingo the most beautiful and exotic grades of mahogany can be found having been left undisturbed to grow for centuries in the best tropical climate for lumber cultivation the world over. Joint venture trading companies were formed in the 18th century by cabinetmakers working in colonial America who sought to procure the best lumber for furniture building. These endeavors were incredibly risky as many ships sank during the journey but those that made it back came home loaded with lumber rarer than anything else found throughout the world. Artisans working in port cities such as Boston, Newport, & Portsmouth had unique access to this lumber reserve at an early point in our history. The table we now offer is the result of the selection of the absolute best mahogany from one of these shipping endeavors.
The table top is built from solid figured mahogany with old wide growth lumber that features fantastic grain patterns and wide growth layers only made possible from robust growing seasons in the tropical rainforests of Santa Domingo and Honduras. There is a figured rippling that cuts diagonally across the grain which provides additional depth and character to the bold grain of the wood. The rarest feature in the presence of small dark dotting that has affectionately been named "plum pudding" due to the similarity in appearance to the famous English food dish. Plum pudding mahogany is considered the most superior cut of mahogany as it is a rare anomaly that is widely sought after by passionate furniture collectors. Chippendale case furniture comprised of plum pudding grain has famously sold at auction for in excess of a million dollars shattering previously held record prices. The table leaves are fitted with the original hand forged iron hinges and allowed to be fixed upwards with double shuttle supports that each swing outwards 90 degrees. The table features two ogee curved aprons and four finely turned legs in the Sheraton manner with antique brass caster wheels. The underside of the table features wonderful oxidation from centuries of aging naturally along with an ink stenciled marking that reads "A.D.B. 17". We believe these to be the initials of the original maker and the 17 to correspond to the year 1817 when this table may have possibly been built. The table measures 24 1/4" wide x 41" long x 28 1/2" tall. The table measures 55 1/4" wide when the leaves are hinged upright.
