A Classical Carved Mahogany Drop Leaf Table with Lyre Supports attributed to Rufus Pierce, Boston, c.1830

The top of this drop leaf table is composed of highly figured dense single board drop leaves, hinged to a similar single board top, little doubt, from the same tree. Mahogany such as this was the glorious material of the period and through time, this surface has developed a deep, warm glow of unmatchable quality. The aprons are also of highly figured, crossbanded mahogany, which is set within corner blocks bearing their original drop finials (see detail). Lyres at each end support this table, and are in-filled with highly figured mahogany which is then edged with carved mahogany terminating in the profile of a violin type scroll, an interesting twist on the overall Lyre form of the table support. The end lyres are ultimately supported by vigorously carved paw feet, all of which are tied together with a strongly turned medial stretcher.

This is a robust, large-scale drop leaf table which makes a very strong and complete statement as a piece of furniture to be reckoned with. For a related piece, also attributed to Rufus Pierce, employing Lyres of the same form, see item sw00366: A Classical Mahogany Worktable with Carved Lyre Supports attributed to Rufus Pierce, Boston, c.1820. This table, of its period, is the best of its type and Boston, at that time, had many cabinet shops like New York, producing the best of what was to come out of the United States. 

Height: 28 1/2 in. Width: 24 1/2 in. - 57 3/4 in. Length: 47 in.