With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this truly remarkable antique tavern table. This piece is a superior example of the iconic tavern table form with a history of ownership reaching as far back as the late 18th century. Much of this table's existence was spent in the state of Pennsylvania where some of the finest early American walnut furniture has been continually produced. The unique combination of incredibly skilled woodworkers along with the readily available black walnut lumber made for a prolific and profoundly impressive history of exceptional furniture production. The height of traditional furniture maker is unquestionably around the latter half of the 18th century when the Queen Anne period had reached its pinnacle. We are fortunate to encounter wonderful antique tables, especially fine tavern tables, routinely and we must plainly state that this particular example is one of the most superior examples we could ever hope to offer.
This tavern table features a three-board top with the center board being considerably wider than most lumber used in traditional furniture design. The surface of the table displays centuries of regular use which contributes to the exceptional charm and character that only time can create. Two and a half centuries of oxidation have created a patina within the finish which cannot be replicated through any other means. The drawers each have molded edges and display excellent signs of traditional 18th century furniture building with dovetailed construction, indication of hand tool markings, and chamfered drawer panels which prevent cracks and warping from occurring. The table's top is designed to be removed should the entire table require relocating which is an attribute that is both ingenious and rare considering how convenient this added feature is. Two dovetailed battens are fixed to the underside of the table's top and are designed for additional support and to counteract the typical wood movement which occurs seasonally. By orientating both battens against the direction of the grain of the table top each element counteracts one another resulting in a stable and well-preserved top. The tavern table stands on four finely turned legs and moreover the entire table is quite sturdy and well suited for continued use in a primitive country interior. Overall, the tavern table measures 54" wide x 35" deep x 28 1/4" tall.
