Images(4)

Card table

DateCa. 1770

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Newburyport

MediumMahogany and white pine

DimensionsOH: 28 3/4" OW: 36 3/4"; OD (closed) : 17 3/4"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1991-73

DescriptionAppearance: Card table with a rectangular top with outset square corners with rounded edges; opening to a leather (replaced) lined interior, the corners with square unlined reserves, the conforming skirt with plain apron enclosing a thumb molded drawer with origial single brass drawer pull and escutcheon and iron lock, and continuing to four foliate and long, voluted C-scroll carved cabriole legs ending in claw-and-ball feet.

Construction:
Front and sides are tenoned and double pegged to the tops of legs; outer rear rail is tenoned and pegged to the legs; outer rear rail has finger joint in center; inner rear rail is nailed from inside to spacer blocks at center and proper left end between inner and outer rear rails and half blind dovetailed to the proper right side with a chamfered vertical glue block in inside corner; top of proper right rear leg abuts table corner when closed; knee blocks nailed to underside of rails and legs; folding top hinged with inset side knife hinges and has a rear edge leaf tenon centered on fixed top; rectangular glue blocks secure top to frame; white pine rail glued (possibly nailed) to back of table front along bottom; L shaped drawer supports and guides tenoned into backboard and half lapped over white pine front rail; replaced leather on interior table top.

Drawer is of standard dovetail construction; side to side oriented drawer bottom is nailed in rabbets in the front and sides and to the underside of the back; drawer bottom chamfered along the sides.
Label TextCard playing was a near universal pastime in 18th-century America and most wealthy householders owned a table designed for that purpose. This one, with its well-carved knees and feet, descended in the Larkin family of Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was likely made in that prosperous port north of Boston. The British-inspired blockfront form of this table was quite popular in New England. The playing surface of the card table was originally covered in wool broadcloth and had square reserves at the corners for candlesticks. The table was folded and placed against the wall when not in use.
ProvenanceDescended in the Larkin family of Newburyport, Massachusetts
Donor purchased from Israel Sack, Inc. in 1965

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