A Rare Pair of Fine Mahogany Dolphin Carved Lyre Base Card Tables, Philadelphia, c.1815-1820 Attributed to Henry Connelly

These tables belong to a celebrated group of card tables attributed to the workshop of Henry Connelly. They all share in common the opposing dolphin with water spouts and it is at this point where many variations are developed; no two alike. These tables, we feel, is the most elaborately carved of the grouping. None others have carving on the apron, such as is seen here as a center panel above the dolphins, but also developed in the canted corner panels as well. If this weren't enough, there is an additional carved panel of the same style below the dolphins and also carved acanthus on the knee of the legs. The acanthus carving is typical of the Philadelphia Connelly school. Further, the paws are beautifully carved of wood, and not the standard factory brass caster. It is truly a carver's fantasy, elaborated to the fullest (see details). We feel this table, which has a solid mahogany top, and much of its original dark grunge surface, especially on the carved elements, is clearly one of the best of its kind.

Attached, please find a series of related tables, some of which rely on inlay and figured mahogany panels for embellishment. (Please click here.)

Height: 28 in. Width: 36 in. Depth: 17 3/4 in. - 36 in.