What traditional materials were used in 17th-century gateleg tables?

These tables were constructed primarily from native English oak, featuring hand-planed timbers, mortise and tenon joinery, and turned wooden legs.

How can you identify authentic 17th-century oak gateleg tables?

Authentic period examples display hand-cut joinery, wooden peg construction, irregular tool marks, and natural wear patterns on the lower stretchers and feet.

for sale €1,737 $1,886

£1,485

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17th Century Dining Table

Id #SA1201128

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Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

Name: Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1201128
Price: 1485 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by London City Antiques

Description

A charming antique 17th century oak gateleg drop leaf dining / supper table dating to around 1680, displaying wonderful character and honest period craftsmanship.

The table features a solid oak plank top with a rich warm colour and beautiful patina developed over centuries of use. The oval dining surface is formed by two drop leaves which raise to create a generous circular table, while when lowered the piece becomes a compact console sized table making it extremely practical for smaller spaces.

The base stands on traditional turned legs united by stretchers and supported by a pair of gateleg supports which swing out smoothly to hold the leaves when extended. The sturdy construction and simple turning are typical of English late 17th century country furniture.

Tables of this type were widely used in the late 17th century as practical dining or supper tables within the home. Many houses did not have large dedicated dining rooms, so furniture that could easily fold away when not required was extremely useful. The drop leaf design allowed the table to be placed against a wall when not in use and quickly opened when needed for meals or entertaining.

Because of this practicality, gateleg tables became one of the most popular forms of domestic furniture in England during the 17th century and remain highly sought after today for their versatility and historic charm.

A wonderful example of early English oak furniture with excellent colour, character and centuries of history.

Condition Report:

Good antique condition with age related wear to the top consistent with centuries of use. The gateleg mechanism works well and the table is structurally sound.

Dimensions:

Height: 72 cm (28.35 inches)

Width: 98 cm (38.58 inches)

Depth: 104 cm (40.94 inches)

Depth closed: 39 cm (15.35 inches)

Date: 1680

Origin: English

Physical Dimensions

Height

72cm (28.35")

Width

98cm (38.58")

Depth

104cm (40.94")

Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Oak Gateleg Dining Table to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1201128

Dealers Internal Reference

3025

Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description

A charming antique 17th century oak gateleg drop leaf dining / supper table dating to around 1680, displaying wonderful character and honest period craftsmanship.

“

The table features a solid oak plank top with a rich warm colour and beautiful patina developed over centuries of use.

London City Antiques

The oval dining surface is formed by two drop leaves which raise to create a generous circular table, while when lowered the piece becomes a compact console sized table making it extremely practical for smaller spaces.

fig 1. A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. — fig 1. Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

The base stands on traditional turned legs united by stretchers and supported by a pair of gateleg supports which swing out smoothly to hold the leaves when extended. The sturdy construction and simple turning are typical of English late 17th century country furniture.

fig 2. A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. — fig 2. Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

Tables of this type were widely used in the late 17th century as practical dining or supper tables within the home. Many houses did not have large dedicated dining rooms, so furniture that could easily fold away when not required was extremely useful. The drop leaf design allowed the table to be placed against a wall when not in use and quickly opened when needed for meals or entertaining.

fig 3. A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. — fig 3. Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

Because of this practicality, gateleg tables became one of the most popular forms of domestic furniture in England during the 17th century and remain highly sought after today for their versatility and historic charm.

fig 4. A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. — fig 4. Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

A wonderful example of early English oak furniture with excellent colour, character and centuries of history.

Condition Report:

Good antique condition with age related wear to the top consistent with centuries of use. The gateleg mechanism works well and the table is structurally sound.

Dimensions:

Height: 72 cm (28.35 inches)

Width: 98 cm (38.58 inches)

Depth: 104 cm (40.94 inches)

Depth closed: 39 cm (15.35 inches)

Date: 1680

Origin: English

Physical Dimensions

Height

72cm (28.35")

Width

98cm (38.58")

Depth

104cm (40.94")

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Oak Gateleg Dining Table to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1201128

Dealers Internal Ref

3025

About the Dealer

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London City Antiques Profile Page

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17th Century Dining Table

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A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers.

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Archive I

Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

Archive II

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View II

Archive III

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View III

Archive IV

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View IV

Archive V

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View V

Archive VI

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View VI

Archive VII

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View VII

Archive VIII

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View VIII

Archive IX

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View IX

Archive X

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View X

Archive XI

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XI

Archive XII

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XII

Archive XIII

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XIII

Archive XIV

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XIV

Archive XV

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XV

Archive XVI

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XVI

Archive XVII

A dark oak 17th-century gateleg table shown with both leaves folded down, featuring turned wooden legs and sturdy box stretchers. View XVII

First developed in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, gateleg tables feature hinged leaves supported by pivoting legs that swing out like gates to create an expanded surface.

Position the table with leaves folded against a wall as a console, or fully extended alongside modern dining chairs to create a visual contrast between historic wood and contemporary lines.

Maintain the surface by dusting with a soft dry cloth and applying beeswax polish periodically, while keeping the timber away from direct heat sources and damp environments.

London City Antiques

Antique 17th Century Oak Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining / Supper Table

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London City Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What is the history of the gateleg table style?

What traditional materials were used in 17th-century gateleg tables?

How can you identify authentic 17th-century oak gateleg tables?

How can a gateleg table be styled in a modern interior?

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

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

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Material

Origin

Stock Location

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Online Payments

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