A Fine Antique Mahogany Empire Dropleaf Breakfast Table, New England, Circa 1840's

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Antique Mahogany Empire Drop Leaf Breakfast Table, New England, Circa 1840s

A handsome and well-proportioned example of New England Empire … Read more Antique Mahogany Empire Drop Leaf Breakfast Table, New England, Circa 1840s

A handsome and well-proportioned example of New England Empire period furniture, this elegant mahogany drop leaf breakfast table combines the bold, architectural vocabulary of the Empire style with the restrained good taste characteristic of Boston and Portsmouth makers of the 1840s. Found in New Hampshire and almost certainly originating from the Boston or Portsmouth cabinetmaking trade, this table represents the Empire style at its most refined and domestically appealing.
The table is distinguished by a pair of rolled Empire drawer fronts — one on each side — a sophisticated and unusual feature that adds both practical utility and decorative distinction to the form. The solid mahogany top and leaves display a warm, rich tone and generous proportions, opening to a full 51 inches to accommodate comfortable dining or generous workspace. The mahogany veneered central pedestal rises from a shapely platform base terminating in round ball feet fitted with casters — a classic New England Empire composition of considerable elegance and visual weight.
The pine secondary wood confirms the New England origin with confidence, and the shadow outline of an original maker's label — now sadly lost — tantalizes with the suggestion of a documented Boston or Portsmouth attribution that further research might yet recover. Collectors and enthusiasts of New England furniture will appreciate this detail as a compelling authenticating fingerprint.
The table has been refinished and presents cleanly, with minor veneer chips to the base, light sun fading to the top, and age related wear and wiping consistent with its nearly 180 years of domestic service — all honest and expected characteristics of a well-used and well-loved piece of New England furniture.
Dimensions: 20.5"W closed × 51"W open × 42"D × 29.5"H; drop leaves 16" each; on casters
Material: Solid mahogany top and leaves; mahogany veneered pedestal; pine secondary wood
Details: Two rolled Empire drawer fronts, shapely platform base, round ball feet, casters, shadow of original maker's label
Origin: New England, possibly Boston or Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Circa 1840s
Condition: Refinished; minor veneer chips to base; sun fading to top; wear consistent with age See less