Dining Table

Date1750-1780

MediumBlack walnut, birch, and white pine.

DimensionsOH: 28"; OW(open) 60 1/2"; OW(closed): 21 "; OD: 55 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-112

DescriptionAppearance:
Oval drop leaf table with with two leaves and six legs; skirt of central section shaped with outline of cyma recta and versa curves; center section of table supported by four cabriole legs with a shell carved on each knee above a pendant bellflower incised with lines and legs terminating in claw and ball feet; each leaf of table supported by a swing leg - 5 of the 6 claw and ball feet of the table are made of 1 or more piece of walnut applied to the block of the foot.

Construction:
The shaped mahogany end rails and the white pine inner side rails are tenoned and double pegged into the stiles. The mahogany top is secured with modern screws from pockets in the inner side rails. Rectangular glue blocks (modern, possibly replaced) reinforce the joining of the end rails to the stiles. The stiles and ball and claw feet are integral with the mahogany cabriole legs. Knees of the legs are carved with a shell over a pendant bellflower.

Four legs support the table. Drop leaves with inset original hinges are supported by birch swing hinge rails tenoned into two additional legs. The swing hinge rails are joined with knuckle hinges to birch fixed hinge rails that are in turn nailed (wrought nails) from the inside to the inner rails. The inner rails are notched to receive the top portion of the mahogany swing legs. Boards are nailed (wrought nails) to the inner rails from the inside to cover and reinforce the area weakened by the notches.

Blocks (2” x 6”) are glued to the outer side of the inner side rail to fill the void between the swing leg and the corner leg and make the swing hinge rail appear to be continuous.