A Rare Sawbuck Dining Table, Chestnut and Pine, 1st quarter 18th century, probably Rhode Island

Sawbuck tables come in all sizes and qualities. This one is one of the best, and the chestnut and fine work on the sawbuck base point to Rhode Island and/coastal Connecticut. Conditionwise, it's all there, with no additional nail holes, repairs, or restorations, whatsoever. Note the breadboarded ends, both retaining their large rosehead nails, et al. The top is hard pine and the surface is that of an old, real scrubbed board that has good color and wear.The base is all chestnut, retaining its old red paint and is far from a "crude" base. Note the beautifully chamfered edges on the feet. Also, upon inspection with Bill Samaha, (a highly regarded dealer in early period Americana) he remarked that there is an additional support block between the top edge of the legs, where they meet the top, which he has never seen before, even though the overall arrangement is very familiar. This certainly makes for a more stable table, indicating an innovative and caring cabinetmaker.

It should be noted that the size is perfect for a small grouping of one or two couples for entertaining in an early setting.

Although sawbuck tables of this scale are rare, another such example owned by Israel Sack was illustrated in The Pine Furniture of Early New England, Russel Hawes Kettell.  Note that the lower stretcher on our example is higher (closer to the X joint) and makes our table for commodious for usage, as guests will not be scraping or knocking their shins again the support stretcher. 

Height: 28 1/2 in. Length: 77 in. Depth: 28 1/4 in.