Pembroke Table
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1795-1815
MediumCherry and maple, iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth of top when open): 29 3/4 x 41 11/16 x 36 1/16in. (75.6 x 105.9 x 91.6cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Mary W. Edwards
Object number1984.42.35
DescriptionCherry and maple pembroke table in the Federal, or early neoclassical style. The top is rectangular, and consists of a stationary center section joined with hinges to a leaf on each side. Each corner of the top is a quarter-circle flanked by a fillet, or a narrow flat edge. The top is supported by a frame with plain rails joined to the top of each slender, tapered leg. Each leg is connected at the ankle by a pair of crossed stretchers each composed of thin, vertical boards that that have an undulating, or wavy, upper edge.
Condition: The top surface is worn and lightly scratched and stained. One leaf has portions missing from the outer edge and near one corner of the rule joint. The opposite leaf has portions of wood missing from one corner of the rule joint. There are minor splits at the ends of the grain on all three sections of the top. The legs and stretchers are lightly worn and scratched. Each corner block on the interior of the frame is reinforced with nails.
Design and Construction Details:
Top. The stationary center section and each leaf that forms the top are each constructed of a single board. Each leaf joins to the center section with two iron hinges along a rule joint. The top is joined to the frame with screws through the underside. Each leaf is supported by a slender pivot support that is cut from the top of the long side rails. Each support pivots on a dowel between the long side rail and the underside top. A pocket, or curved recessed half circle, is cut out of each side rail and the back of the pivot support above the pocket on the rail. Each support pivots until it hits a triangular stop on the underside of the top.
Frame. The frame is constructed of four rails that are tenoned into the top of the tapered legs. Each interior corner of the frame, where the rails meet the legs, has a vertical corner block. Each stretcher is tenoned and nailed into the legs.
Condition: The top surface is worn and lightly scratched and stained. One leaf has portions missing from the outer edge and near one corner of the rule joint. The opposite leaf has portions of wood missing from one corner of the rule joint. There are minor splits at the ends of the grain on all three sections of the top. The legs and stretchers are lightly worn and scratched. Each corner block on the interior of the frame is reinforced with nails.
Design and Construction Details:
Top. The stationary center section and each leaf that forms the top are each constructed of a single board. Each leaf joins to the center section with two iron hinges along a rule joint. The top is joined to the frame with screws through the underside. Each leaf is supported by a slender pivot support that is cut from the top of the long side rails. Each support pivots on a dowel between the long side rail and the underside top. A pocket, or curved recessed half circle, is cut out of each side rail and the back of the pivot support above the pocket on the rail. Each support pivots until it hits a triangular stop on the underside of the top.
Frame. The frame is constructed of four rails that are tenoned into the top of the tapered legs. Each interior corner of the frame, where the rails meet the legs, has a vertical corner block. Each stretcher is tenoned and nailed into the legs.
Status
Not on view
