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A substantial joined oak centre table dating from the reign of Charles II.
 
Of pegged construction throughout with turned stretchers and a single broad drawer.
 
The dovetailed drawer is fully oak lined and exhibits carved channels to either side which support, and essentially suspend, the drawer within the carcass – a method of construction synonymous with the period. Both pulls and backplates are later replacements however the engraved brass escutcheon is original.
 
What really struck me was the peculiar, though patterned, placement of red walnut veneer to the front of the table: the drawer front is flanked by two large panels housed within moulded frames with a further fourteen pieces arranged above and below the drawer and to the top of the legs. These may have been added some thirty to forty years after the table was initially made but what was their purpose? They were, perhaps, just a decorative enhancement by the request of the then owner or, given the highly polished nature of the timber, when new, its reflective qualities could have seen them serve as beacons in a dark room. This would be especially useful when trying to navigate by candlelight.
 
The apron to the sides and back shares the same moulding indicating this table was intended to be freestanding in a room. Other subtleties affirm this: the chamfering to the outside of each rear leg along with the consistent overhang of the top.
 
Each side stretcher exhibits beautiful wear where feet have rested over the centuries and the two plank ovolo moulded top tells a tale with its many ring-marks and scuffs.
 
Some elements have been replaced during its lifetime: the lefthand fretwork spandrel is a later, though still old, replacement. The four cup-shaped feet have been sympathetically replaced during the mid 20th century. A few small pieces of veneer and a piece of moulding have been replaced recently under my instruction.
 
English, circa 1680.
 
Height 71.2cm
Width 85.5cm
Depth 61cm