Tea Table

Date1740-1770

MediumBlack walnut throughout.

DimensionsH: 28 1/2"; DIAM: 32 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-80

DescriptionTea table with circular top and molded edge made of two pieces of wood of unequal size with pair of butterfly keys on underside; pair of long, parallel braces shaped at ends, joined by pair of cross braces near ends; birdcage mechanism formed by pair of "square" blocks separated by four, baluster-turned members, one at each corner; upper block pegged to braces of top at rear; birdcage fits over top of pedestal and is secured by wooden key (replacement); bulbous, pear-shaped pedestal, ring turned at top and bottom, and supported by three cabriole legs, each with curving, shaped tops and straight side, terminating in padded snake feet.
MarkingsNone found.
ProvenanceNo history came with this table. The fact that its former owner was from Virginia, and the rather crude way in which the upper part of the legs are formed might indicate that the table was made either in Virginia or in a neighboring area. However, there is a lack of any secondary woods. There is some confusion as to the provenance of this table. One card in the file indicates that it came from Mrs. Tucker Coleman in Washington, Virginia. The other indicates it came from the Old Millstone Antique Shop in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As Mrs. Coleman was the recipient of a receipt for the table, however, she would seem to be the origin.