A Magnificent Chippendale Mahogany Tilt-top Table, with Pie Crust Top, England, c.1780

Starting with the top, note the magnificent single board with beautiful striping.   The wood chosen was to show the beauty of mahogany and this piece certainly was well chosen.  Also note the desirable pie crust edging is not attached, but a feature all carved out of the same solid board.  Also, note the very strong stop-fluted column, with a lovely carved ring at the base of the shaft.  The carved knees are beautifully worked and quite large in size.  The paw feet are well done and reminiscent of the same type of carved foot on another table in our collection (see item #sw00570).  They were probably made in the same shop, and both are of the very best quality.    

The overall tone of the entire piece exhibits a warm yellow brown rich patina.  The condition is excellent.  It has an old repair where the lock was broken out, and a patch set in to reattach a lock.  The battens were probably moved a little as the screw holes probably loosened up and were reset just off the old screw holes.  The top of the bird cage has had a thin veneer placed over it, no doubt to adjust for spacing and stability of the top.  This type of housekeeping is often seen in tables like this as they were used for generations.   Most importantly, this table has no breaks or replacements, and is otherwise in fine condition. 

Although this table is English, the connoisseur will recognize that it has the real look of a Philadelphia tilt-top table, which, if it were, would have at least another zero after the price.  (Please see the images below for an example that sold at Christie's for $1.4MM). 

Height: 27 1/4 in.   Diameter: 32 in. - 31 3/4 in.