Circa 1790 Gillows Era George III English Regency Mahogany Serpentine Sideboard Table Serving Table

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Description

This is a really special late 18th century George III style mahogany serving table. A serving table features a large … Read more This is a really special late 18th century George III style mahogany serving table. A serving table features a large serving surface above one or more concealed drawers with no outward facing hardware. Serving tables bridged the evolution of dining furniture from the simple, drawer-less hunt table to the more advanced case furniture represented by the sideboard.

This fine example of a serving table is unsigned but was made during the era of Gillows of Lancaster and London (or Gillow & Co.).

The late 18th century serving table has a generous serpentine top of spectacularly grained flame mahogany banded with satinwood. There are three concealed dovetail jointed drawers lined in what looks like original green baize. There are hidden finger recesses under the drawers that allow them to be opened.

The top case is mounted on 6 spectacularly ringed and reeded legs. Unusually, the reeded legs terminate in fluted feet, a design element that I haven’t seen in any other piece. Fluting is sometimes considered the inverse of reeding, and the two are rarely seen together on the same piece–much less the same leg–and in such visual harmony.

On the back, there are the remains of a paper label inscribed "WILKES / Depositories, / STROUD." A depository was a storage service that removed and warehoused furniture and other belongings for their often wealthy clients traveling abroad during the days of Empire. Interestingly, Stroud is a town in England well known for manufacturing the green baize fabric of the type that lines the drawers.

The late 18th century sideboard is in good antique condition for its age. The table is visually striking, and the mahogany graining is a pleasure to behold. The table is sturdy, and the drawers slide freely. Repairs made to older cracks in the legs. Evidence of a weakening of the sides of the table top that has produced cracks in the veneer. The table top has some other scratches, gouges, and veneer losses. However, the table has been used with a custom 1/4" thick glass top (included) that protects the veneer from any further damage. The baize lining the drawers is obviously deteriorating. Some losses of banding on the top and one of the drawer fronts. Please see photos for more details about condition. For its age, the table is rather well preserved.

The serving table measures 82.5" long, 24.34" deep, and 31" tall. The depth at each end is 21.5". See less