This is a beautiful example of Newport’s
interpretation of the serpentine card table. They come in several
forms, and rarely, if ever, are seen with the “secret drawer” hidden
behind the leg swing. This example is serpentine on the front, as well
as the sides, and gives a very svelte appearance. The paterae are
sometimes used with this table, and our example has such. Another
example of this form, (also with paterae) can be seen in Albert Sack’s Fine Points of Furniture (see
the scanned image below), which puts this in the “best” category,
identifying it as the work of John Townsend in Newport. An example
without paterae which alternately has fully fluted legs is illustrated
in Brock Jobe’s New England Furniture: The Colonial Era, item 70.
Still another is a pair that sold at Christie’s (lot 526, Jan. 8,
2008). Interestingly, none have the “secret drawer” as that is a very
rare feature that is often overlooked.

Note the mahogany
used in our example. These are solid, unjoined boards with vibrant
figure, which has mellowed over time, producing a rich amber tone.

Height: 28 1/4 in. Width:
32 in. Depth: 15 1/2 in.