Early Georgian Dish Top Bird Cage Tripod Table

A handsome 18th century early Georgian mahogany tripod tea table with a dish top. It features a solid figured mahogany circular tilt-top with single reeded line to the outer curved edge, with a bird cage mechanism to a turned baluster shaped column raised on outswept cabriole legs with pad feet. Retaining a good original colour and patination and original brass catch.

This is a better quality example of its type being moderately larger, the top being from a single piece of mahogany and having the slight lip to the outer edge, due to the dish top, and curved underedge, in addition the birdcage mechanism lets the top rotate without lifting the entire table. The tilt-top allows the table to be displayed at the side of the room when not in use (and the birdcage also means the top can be faced out with the legs arranged pointing into a corner, or flat against a wall). This is a typically plain and robust George II example dating to c.1730-1750.

The overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately

Width - 33.865in (86cm)

Depth - 33.75in (85.5cm)

Height - 73cm (28 3/4in)

The top can be separated from the base by removal of a wedge in the birdcage.

Note:

The tripod table (or ‘pillar and claw’ table as they were known at the time) developed in Britain from c.1720 and quickly became very fashionable, no doubt in part due to their versatility of use, with contemporary artists depicting them in a variety of uses but most commonly for taking tea, coffee or chocolate, the circular shape providing an equal social stage for genteel tea table discussion. In addition, the central pillar rather than traditional legs allowed space for ladies to display their skirts without table legs obscured a person’s clothing or posture.

Ref: 0732

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.