What is the history of late 19th-century walnut occasional tables?

During the late 19th century, walnut was widely used across Europe for fine furniture due to its rich grain and workability. Occasional tables from this era were designed for versatility in drawing rooms, incorporating traditional turned woodwork and decorative top surfaces.

What materials were traditionally used in 1890s table construction?

Tables from this period were predominantly crafted from solid walnut or fruitwoods, utilising mortise and tenon joinery. Tops often featured decorative elements such as inlaid veneers, glass coverings, or printed paper maps set beneath protective surfaces.

How can you identify an authentic Victorian occasional table?

Authentic pieces feature hand-turned legs, natural wood oxidation, original joinery marks, and hand-finished aprons. The underside often shows rougher hand-sawn wood cuts rather than modern uniform machine cuts.

How do you style a Victorian map table in a modern interior?

A small walnut table works well alongside a contemporary armchair or sofa to provide functional surface space. Its detailed woodwork and graphic map top introduce texture and historical contrast into modern minimalist or traditional settings.

How should an antique walnut table be cared for and preserved?

Dust the timber regular using a dry, lint-free cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax paste annually to nourish the wood. Keep the piece away from direct heat sources, damp conditions, and prolonged direct sunlight to prevent timber movement or fading.

for sale €497 $540

£425

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

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Id #SA1130365

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Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

19th century

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

This is an unusual small antique French 19th Century rectangular walnut occasional table, incorporating an inset glass panel, displaying an Ordnance Survey map of Bath & Frome in Somerset, circa 1890, in excellent condition.

Summary:

• Item: Walnut Occasional Table

• Circa: 1890

• Style: Low Countries

• Provenance: French

• Wood: Walnut

• Rectangular shape

• Reeded moulding

• Inset glass panel

• Features a map of Bath & Wells, Somerset

• Accessible glass panel – map can be replaced

• Scalloped shape frieze

• Continental turned legs & stretchers

• Ideal as an occasional / coffee table

• Unusual item

• Good quality

• Excellent condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

This is an unusual small antique French 19th Century rectangular walnut occasional table, incorporating an inset glass panel, displaying an Ordnance Survey map of Bath & Frome in Somerset, circa 1890, in excellent condition. The map is a re-print of a 1st edition David & Charles Ordnance Survey of Bath, Wells & Frome in Somerset, South West of England, circa 1880 because it shows railway lines on the map. The map can be removed from the table and replaced with something else, by un-screwing the brass screws on the reeded moulding around the table edge. The walnut occasional table is decorated with a scalloped frieze and sits on four splayed continental shaped & turned legs (bobbin turned and block), united my matching stretchers, terminating on turned feet. Ideal for use in the living or dining room, as a small occasional / side table, or even a small coffee table. This small French table has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard.

Dimensions:

Height = 49cm / 19¼” / 1ft 7¼”

Width = 63cm / 24¾” / 2ft 0¾”

Depth = 48cm / 19” / 1ft 7”

Condition Report:

This is an unusual small antique French 19th Century rectangular walnut occasional table, incorporating an inset glass panel, displaying an Ordnance Survey map of Bath & Frome in Somerset, circa 1890, in excellent condition. The glass top and map are in good condition. The map is a re-print of a 1st edition David & Charles Ordnance Survey of Bath, Wells & Frome in Somerset, South West of England, circa 1880 because it shows railway lines on the map. Nominal old used marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering the age of them. The table has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard. The walnut occasional table is well constructed and is ready to use.

Price:

The price for this item is £425, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 111347

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

63cm (24.80")

Depth

48cm (18.90")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Antique Walnut Side Table to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1130365

Dealers Internal Reference

111347

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

fig 1. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 1. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

Summary:

• Item: Walnut Occasional Table

• Circa: 1890

• Style: Low Countries

• Provenance: French

• Wood: Walnut

• Rectangular shape

• Reeded moulding

• Inset glass panel

• Features a map of Bath & Wells, Somerset

fig 2. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 2. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

• Accessible glass panel – map can be replaced

• Scalloped shape frieze

• Continental turned legs & stretchers

• Ideal as an occasional / coffee table

• Unusual item

• Good quality

• Excellent condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

fig 3. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 3. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

“

The map is a re-print of a 1st edition David & Charles Ordnance Survey of Bath, Wells & Frome in Somerset, South West of England, circa 1880 because it shows railway lines on the map.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

The map can be removed from the table and replaced with something else, by un-screwing the brass screws on the reeded moulding around the table edge. The walnut occasional table is decorated with a scalloped frieze and sits on four splayed continental shaped & turned legs (bobbin turned and block), united my matching stretchers, terminating on turned feet. Ideal for use in the living or dining room, as a small occasional / side table, or even a small coffee table. This small French table has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard.

fig 4. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 4. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

Dimensions:

Height = 49cm / 19¼” / 1ft 7¼”

Width = 63cm / 24¾” / 2ft 0¾”

Depth = 48cm / 19” / 1ft 7”

Condition Report:

This is an unusual small antique French 19th Century rectangular walnut occasional table, incorporating an inset glass panel, displaying an Ordnance Survey map of Bath & Frome in Somerset, circa 1890, in excellent condition. The glass top and map are in good condition. The map is a re-print of a 1st edition David & Charles Ordnance Survey of Bath, Wells & Frome in Somerset, South West of England, circa 1880 because it shows railway lines on the map. Nominal old used marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering the age of them. The table has been cleaned and French polished in our workshop, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard. The walnut occasional table is well constructed and is ready to use.

fig 5. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 5. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

Price:

The price for this item is £425, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

fig 6. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 6. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

fig 7. A small rectangular antique walnut occasional table with turned legs, lower stretchers, and an inset Somerset map top. — fig 7. Antique French Victorian Rectangular Walnut Small Occasional / Side / Coffee Somerset Map Table (Circa 1890)

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 111347