This English tripod table is a masterpiece. I acquired it at a Skinner’s discovery sale that they routinely held for lesser material. This was in the early 1990s. I imagine nobody thought it was of the period and everybody was looking for American furniture anyway. English furniture in New England didn’t sell and this was the deal with auctions. At that time, I left no stone unturned as we were selling through the Internet, and I was the buyer. I was intrigued enough with this piece because of its style and dark oxidized surface. The carving was absolutely unbelievable.
Alan Miller, a highly notable authority in the antique world, paid me a visit because I wanted his opinion for what I felt was a period piece of great value. I still remember Alan being very intrigued with its original carved gallery, (which is often replaced or missing,) and the unusual three part column support that was fully carved. On top of this is the cabriole legs with deep acanthus leafage carving. If this were not enough, the feet are a series of shells one on top of another.
Long story short, Alan took the top off, turned it over and unscrewed the batten–which appeared untouched–to see the type of screw, and if it was first and importantly of the period. Of course, I held my breath and Alan was totally impressed that the screw had never been taken out and was indeed of the period, mid 18th century including its first surface. Believe me, it doesn’t get any better.
It indeed is a treasure and just goes to show what hard work being a picker can be with occasionally finding a sleeper. Alan felt it was a six digit piece and wanted to handle it for me, but at this point, I couldn’t let my little treasure go. So I guess I wasn’t truly a dealer, but a collector and now a study center for American classical furniture.
Height: 41 ½ in. Width: 28 in. Depth: 26 in.
Revised Mon, Nov 17, 2025