An Extremely Attractive And Unusual Late 19th Century Mahogany And Gilt Metal Mounted Occasional Table By James Shoolbred & Co., Having Superb Circular Italian Specimen Marble Top, Incorporating Approximately Fifteen Different Varieties Of Marble And Hardstone Arranged In Elaborate Geometric Patterns, Over Plain Frieze And Four Elegant Shaped Legs With Attractive Gilt Metal Foliate Mounts, United By Shaped Undertier.

Original James Shoolbred & Co. Label.

Dating from the latter part of the 19th century, this extremely attractive table was retailed by the renowned London firm of James Shoolbred & Co., whose original trade label remains attached to the underside. Based at Tottenham House, Tottenham Court Road, Shoolbred were amongst the leading London furnishers of the period and became particularly well known for good quality, fashionable furniture.

The standout feature of course is the superb Italian specimen marble top. Incorporating around fifteen different varieties of marble and hardstone, including Verde Antico, Rosso Antico, Giallo Antico and Spanish Brocatelle amongst others, they have been carefully cut and arranged into a series of elaborate geometric patterns, including a particularly intricate star design to the centre.

The substantial moulded black marble outer edge has acquired various old marks, scratches and minor imperfections over the years, whilst the surface itself also retains the inevitable signs of age and use one would expect from a top of this period. These blend extremely well into the overall appearance and help give the marble a pleasing sense of age rather than detracting from it.

The base has clearly been designed to accommodate the considerable weight of the marble above, whilst still retaining a sense of elegance and sophistication. Particularly attractive gilt metal foliate mounts run down from the frieze on each leg, providing a good contrast against the mahogany.

A particularly pleasing example of its type, combining a lovely 19th century Italian specimen marble top with a good quality English mahogany base by one of the leading London furnishing firms of the period, it remains to this day an extremely practical piece of furniture, working equally well as a centre table, large occasional table, or simply as a statement piece in a hallway or drawing room.

As with all items which we offer for sale, this table has been attended to in our workshops by our highly skilled and trained traditional antique furniture restorers and received a natural wax polish before being offered for sale. It is therefore ready to be placed straight into the home.

Circa 1890.

Height 28in.
Width 26.75in.
Depth 26.75in.