Tea Table
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1750-1780
MediumCherry, brass and iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter of top): 26 15/16 x 41 5/8in. (68.4 x 105.7cm)
Component (maximum width between two feet): 27 1/4in. (69.2cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Frederick K. Barbour
Object number1959.8.5
DescriptionCherry tea table in the late Chippendale or early Federal style. The tea table has a round top with raised molding at the edges. The top is not stationary, but tilts up into a vertical position. The pedestal has a cylindrical top over a band of small dentils, a fluted cone, an urn with stylized leaves around the outside, and a cylindrical base with three cabriole legs and elongated claw-and-ball feet. The lower edges of the pedestal base and the underside of the legs near the base are carved with cyma curves, or S-curves, and C-curves.
Condition: The brass latch and surrounding wood on the underside of the top are replaced.
Design and Construction Details: The top and raised bead molding at the edge is made from three boards. A pair of slender cleats are screwed to the underside of the top. Between each cleat is a block which is attached to the cleats with round hinge pins; the top pivots on these pins. A brass catch (replaced) holds the top in a horizontal position. The block is screwed from the underside to a second block with dentil molding at the edges. The pedestal is tenoned into the lower block and into the top block with four vertical tenons that are secured with horizontal wooden pins. A vertical wooden block extends out of one side of the top of the pedestal; this serves as a support for the table top when vertical. This vertical block has a curved outside edge and is dovetailed into the pedestal top and the horizontal block at the top of the pedestal. Each leg is dovetailed into the base of the pedestal. A flat iron plate with three spokes is nailed to the underside of the pedestal base and legs.
Condition: The brass latch and surrounding wood on the underside of the top are replaced.
Design and Construction Details: The top and raised bead molding at the edge is made from three boards. A pair of slender cleats are screwed to the underside of the top. Between each cleat is a block which is attached to the cleats with round hinge pins; the top pivots on these pins. A brass catch (replaced) holds the top in a horizontal position. The block is screwed from the underside to a second block with dentil molding at the edges. The pedestal is tenoned into the lower block and into the top block with four vertical tenons that are secured with horizontal wooden pins. A vertical wooden block extends out of one side of the top of the pedestal; this serves as a support for the table top when vertical. This vertical block has a curved outside edge and is dovetailed into the pedestal top and the horizontal block at the top of the pedestal. Each leg is dovetailed into the base of the pedestal. A flat iron plate with three spokes is nailed to the underside of the pedestal base and legs.
Status
Not on view
