19th Century American Classical / Empire Extension Dining Table With Thomas Clark Patent Hardware

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Description

19th Century American Classical / Empire Extension Dining Table with Thomas Clark Patent Hardware
Provenance: New York, USA (c. 1830–1845)
… Read more 19th Century American Classical / Empire Extension Dining Table with Thomas Clark Patent Hardware
Provenance: New York, USA (c. 1830–1845)
A superb and impressively scaled American Classical / Empire pedestal extension dining table, attributed to a New York workshop, circa 1830–1845, retaining its original Thomas Clark patented hardware, brass casters, and all three original leaves. This rare example transforms elegantly from a 54-inch (137.16 cm) round center table to a commanding 9-foot (108-inch / 274.32 cm) banquet table.

This form — round center table converting to grand banquet scale — is a hallmark of high-style New York furniture of the 1830s–1840s. The table is supported by a monumental, tapering pedestal resting on four dramatic concave scrolled feet, each fitted with deep recessed wells housing the original early brass casters. These casters and wells are distinctive, high-grade features almost never found intact.

The table retains Thomas Clark’s patented brass hardware, stamped “THOS CLARK,” which was used by premier New York cabinetmakers of the period. Clark’s patented mechanisms improved the stability and alignment of extension tables, making this an especially desirable and well-engineered example.

Recently restored with a museum-grade French polish, the top displays a lustrous, warm garnet tone that enhances the depth and movement of the original mahogany. The transformation is seamless when extended, supported by its original rule-joint leaves and turned mahogany extension supports.

This is an investment-quality American Classical table with documented hardware, original components, and exceptional proportions — rare in both size and state of preservation.

Dimensions
    •    Closed Diameter: 54 in. (137.16 cm)
    •    Fully Extended Length: 108 in. (274.32 cm)
    •    Leaf Size: 18 in. each (45.72 cm)
    •    Height: Standard dining height (can be added if measured)

Origin:
New York, United States

Mahogany, turned mahogany extenders, original Thomas Clark patent brass hardware, original recessed brass casters, French-polished finish.
This Table has a fully restored surface while retaining original structure and hardware. French polish executed with historically sympathetic materials. All three leaves present and matching. Hardware and casters verified original.

Provenance
Attributed to a New York cabinetmaking workshop, supported by:
    •    Identical forms documented in New York Classical furniture collections
    •    Use of Thomas Clark’s patented table hardware, distributed primarily to major New York and mid-Atlantic makers
    •    Distinctive American Classical scrolled pedestal feet and recessed caster wells.
Comparable examples appear in:
    •    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY — American Classical Furniture Collection
    •    The MFA Boston — American Federal & Empire Furniture
    •    Berry-Hill Galleries catalogues of American Classical Furniture See less