A Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Card Table with Hidden Drawer, Newport, c.1780

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.