24,352  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY 71  ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS
ID #SA1168493
FOR SALE
£1,200
Email
Save
19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table
The Antique Furniture Company
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200

The Antique Furniture Company

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2013
View Dealers Stock Page
Id #SA1168493
PDF SHARE
SAVE

19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table

19th century
Description

An original 19th century mahogany Carter’s Patent revolving bed or reading table dating to c.1890. Of super quality & design this versatile table was intended to be used under a bed for meals, the top with gallery to both sides and adjustable bi-directional tilt for reading/writing purposes, it also has a generous height adjustment allowing the piece to be used either when seated, or when standing. With a heavy gun barrel turned column concealing the dog tooth lifting mechanism and on a platform base with brown porcelain castors.

It is in good condition for its age with minor signs of age and use, retaining original blackened brass fittings marked ‘John Carter, London W’ and with Carter Trade Mark label to the base.

Reading platform - 33in x 17in (84cm x 43cm)

Table surface height - 28in to 42.24in (71cm to 107.5cm)

Note:

John Carter of 6a New Cavendish Street, Portland-Place, London (fl.1876-1886) specialised in the invention and construction of quality mechanical adjustable invalid furniture and appliances for the alleviation of human pain.

Please feel free to request more photos as we are limited in the number we can upload.

Ref: 0748

Physical Dimensions
Height
74cm (29.13")
Width
84cm (33.07")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Declaration

The Antique Furniture Company has dated this Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1168493
Dealers Internal Reference
0748
Dealers Notes

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.

Description
An original 19th century mahogany Carter’s Patent revolving bed or reading table dating to c.1890. Of super quality & design this versatile table was intended to be used under a bed for meals, the top with gallery to both sides and adjustable bi-directional tilt for reading/writing purposes, it also has a generous height adjustment allowing the piece to be used either when seated, or when standing.
With a heavy gun barrel turned column concealing the dog tooth lifting mechanism and on a platform base with brown porcelain castors.
The Antique Furniture Company
fig 1. A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
fig 1. 19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table

It is in good condition for its age with minor signs of age and use, retaining original blackened brass fittings marked ‘John Carter, London W’ and with Carter Trade Mark label to the base.

Reading platform - 33in x 17in (84cm x 43cm)

fig 2. A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
fig 2. 19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table

Table surface height - 28in to 42.24in (71cm to 107.5cm)

Note:

John Carter of 6a New Cavendish Street, Portland-Place, London (fl.1876-1886) specialised in the invention and construction of quality mechanical adjustable invalid furniture and appliances for the alleviation of human pain.

Please feel free to request more photos as we are limited in the number we can upload.

Ref: 0748

Height
74cm (29.13")
Width
84cm (33.07")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Date of Manufacture

The Antique Furniture Company has dated this Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1168493
Dealers Internal Ref
0748
The Antique Furniture Company
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2013
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Antique Furniture Company Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
1 / 18
Archive I A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.

19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table

Archive II A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View II
Archive III A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
Archive V A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View V
Archive VI A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View IX
Archive X A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View X
Archive XI A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XV
Archive XVI A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XVI
Archive XVII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XVII
Archive XVIII A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors. View XVIII
FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01337 920027
Location
Glasgow
Scotland
Verified Since Sep 2013
Items For Sale 72
Items Sold 264
The Antique Furniture Company
Verified Since Sep 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Verified
Sep 2013
For Sale
72
Sold
264
A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
19th Century Carter’s Patent Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table
Ref: SA1168493
A Victorian mahogany adjustable reading table featuring a ratchet height mechanism, tilted top ledge, turned pedestal, and curved base on castors.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Detail View 15
Detail View 16
Scale Reference
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Developed in the nineteenth century, mechanical reading tables were engineered with adjustable ratchet or screw mechanisms to hold books at various angles and heights for comfortable reading while seated or resting.

These pieces were typically crafted from dense hardwoods such as mahogany or walnut, incorporating iron or brass mechanical components, turned pedestals, and concealed castors.

Authentic examples feature stamped maker marks or patent plates, hand-fitted ratchet teeth, heavy cast-iron or brass fittings, and consistent wear along the mechanical adjustment tracks.

Position the table beside an armchair or sofa as an architectural accent piece, utilizing the angled surface to display art books or tablets.

Keep timber surfaces clear of direct heat and moisture, clean with a dry microfibre cloth, apply high-grade beeswax periodically, and keep metal mechanisms lightly lubricated.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories