Side table without drawers

Date1720-1760

MediumBirch and white pine

DimensionsOH: 24 1/2"; OW: 21 1/2"; OD: 31 3/8"

Credit LineGift of an Anonymous Donor

Object number1971-532

DescriptionAppearance: Oval table with overhanging top supported by a central batten; straight skirt; four slightly flared block and turned legs with reel, opposing baluster, and ring turned elements; feet bulbous at top, taper in, then flare at base; rectangular box stretchers.

Construction: The two board (butt joined) oval top was secured with a peg to the top surface of each leg. The pegs are now sheared off. The top is screwed with modern screws, from the underside, to each end of the central batten supplemented by two modern nails on one end. The batten is in turn is joined from its upper surface into a notch with two (probably) screws in each side rail. There is evidence of early glue blocks on each side and end rail to further secure the top. Two glue blocks remain but due to severe warping of the top are no longer functional.

Rails and stretchers are tenoned with double pegs into the turned legs. Turned feet are integral with the splayed legs.

The table is entirely of birch with one white pine glue block. There is evidence of green paint (now removed).