Dining table, 3-part

Date1805-1820

Possibly by Thomas Seymour (1771 - 1848)

MediumMahogany, birch and white pine

DimensionsOH: 28 1/4"; OL: 179 1/2"; OW: 56 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1969-227,1-3

DescriptionCumberland Dining table in 3-parts. Each part or section has a flat, rectangular top composed of narrow center piece and two deep leaves; one leaf on each end section is rounded at corners and finished on ends, the other leaves on each section and both leaves on center section have squared-off corners; the finished edges of top are reeded; plain, short, skirts on each side with raised and reeded molding on lower edge; each section supported by four reeded, columnar posts, ring turned at top and bottom and tapering outward from top to bottom; top of each leg attached to short shaped gate support which swings outward to support leaves; bottom of each column attached to top and rear of curved leg, reeded on upper edge terminating in applied brass paw on original caster; rear of leg attached to framework which swings out from center when gate swings out to support leaves; each section braced by four short, rectangular stretchers at center; tables fastened together with brass clips (not original).

Construction notes: medial rails between inner side of table frame and between long stretchers are in sliding dovetails in ditto. There are iron braces reinforcing the joint between the turned legs and feet. Tripple bead on lower edge of skirt is in a small rabbet in ditto.
MarkingsNone found
ProvenanceAccording to the family history which accompanied this table, it was originally owed by James Hughes (1777-1832) of Baltimore who married Rose Anna Fetter (1793-1891) in 1809 and moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1810. At the time of his death, Hughes was president of the United States Bank in Louisville, and the table appears in the inventory of his estate taken the following year as "1 Sett of Dining Tables $40." The table descended in the family until they were sold to Mrs. Shryer, and finally passed to Marc Larimer and James Liston.