A Very Good Quality And Extremely Attractive 18th Century Chippendale Period Mahogany Centre Table, Commonly Referred To As A Silver Table, Having Superbly Figured Rectangular Top With Very Elegant Pierced Fretwork Carved Decoration To Galleried Edge And Pierced Fretwork Corner Brackets, Raised On Elegant Square Legs.

The term “Silver Table” is used because tables of this, or similar form and design, were made as central standing tables throughout the 18th century and beyond, intended to display the family’s finest silverware, cutlery and other decorative items in readiness for dining and tea services. Silver was, of course, an extremely valuable commodity in Georgian England and it was commonplace for families of standing to proudly display their wealth through the quality and quantity of the silver they owned.

Although produced in a variety of forms, silver tables are generally distinguished from conventional side tables by being finished on all four sides, allowing them to stand proudly in the centre of a room. They also frequently incorporate a raised gallery or moulded edge and are often richly decorated, reflecting both their prestigious role within the home and the wealth of their owners. As dining fashions changed during the 19th century, many silver tables were altered, relegated to other uses or simply discarded, making well-preserved Georgian examples such as this increasingly difficult to find today.

This is an especially attractive example of a Chippendale Period Silver Table, boasting exceptionally figured mahogany timbers and standing proudly upon its elegant tall legs. It also retains its finely carved fretwork corner brackets, which beautifully complement the pierced gallery and further enhance the elegant proportions of the piece, resulting in a table which is both highly decorative and exceptionally practical.

In terms of condition, this table presents extremely well, having been inspected and attended to within our workshops by our highly skilled antique furniture restorers, where it received a natural wax polish. There is evidence of some minor historic repairs to the gallery and corner brackets, but any repairs we can identify were carried out many, many years ago and have simply enhanced the rich history and character of the table overall.

As with all items which we offer for sale, this piece has been inspected and attended to within our workshops by our highly skilled antique furniture restorers. It has received a natural wax polish and is therefore presented in excellent condition, ready for immediate placement within the home following purchase.

Circa 1760.

Height 33.5in.
Width 30in.
Depth 19.25in.