This lovely 18th century mahogany drop leaf dining table that has just come into the showroom is exceptional in design and quality. The drop leaf style of table developed from the more cumbersome gateleg dining table during the second quarter of the 18th century. This example dates from about 1740 and is made from Cuban mahogany, the very dense, fine quality mahogany used in the early 18th century, and sometimes erroneously described as “red walnut”. It has a wonderful, silky patina.
What marks this table out as unusual is the beautifully executed cabriole leg, and the hoof foot, which includes a carved fetlock behind. This type of foot is not often seen on English furniture, although the design is an extremely ancient one, going back to Egyptian and Roman furniture. It is also known as ‘Pied-de-biche’, a French term meaning deer’s foot.
Being only 46” by 38”, and with the choice of having either one or both flaps up, this makes a lovely centre table, or an ideal dining table for a small house.
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