What is a tilt-top breakfast table?

A tilt-top breakfast table features a circular or oval surface hinged onto a central pedestal base, allowing the top to pivot vertically when not in use. Popularised in the 18th and 19th centuries, this space-saving design allowed larger dining tables to be positioned flat against room perimeter walls when not needed.

What materials were traditionally used in mid-19th-century tilt-top tables?

Mid-19th-century tables were constructed using cabinet woods such as mahogany, rosewood, walnut, and highly figured satin birch. The tops typically comprised thick timber veneers laid over stable oak or pine cores, supported by solid carved pedestals and brass block mechanisms.

How can authentic 19th-century tilt-top tables be identified?

Authentic period examples feature hand-turned brass spring latches on the block underneath, original recessed brass castors beneath the feet, and hand-planed irregularities on unexposed undersides. Natural timber shrinkage over time often creates minor oval variation in circular tops.

How can a 19th-century tilt-top table be integrated into modern interiors?

A round pedestal table can serve as a compact dining surface in an eating area or as a focal centrepiece within a spacious entryway foyer. Combining warm timber tones with contemporary geometric seating creates a balanced contrast between historical and modern elements.

How should satin birch tilt-top tables be maintained?

Maintain the timber by dusting regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and applying a clear beeswax polish once or twice per year. To protect the original veneer and glued joints, place the piece away from direct sunlight, radiators, and damp environments.

for sale €3,803 $4,128

£3,250

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011

View Dealers Stock Page

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Satin Birch Dining Table

Satin Birch Centre Table

Id #SA1204052

PDF

SAVE

Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

Name: Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1204052
Price: 3250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A rare mid 19th century (circa 1860) satin birch tilt top breakfast table.

This table consists of a finely figured satin birch top veneered on solid mahogany with moulded edge leading down to a finely figured crossbanded frieze with moulding below, the top can be either tilted or secured down.

The top is supported on a pedestal base consisting of a fine quality hexagonal concave tapered column with moulded collar below.

This leads down to three finely carved cabriole legs with scroll decoration, recessed and carved foliate design and suspended turned finial to the centre, terminating with scroll feet.

This table has a retailer/makers label to the underside:

I & J ASHFORD’S

(Late J.B. Bright & Co.)

CABINET, CHAIR

and

UPHOLSTERY, MANUFACTORY

SAXMUNDHAM

SUFFOLK

The company ‘Isaac & James Ashford’ (fl. 1850-1983) were successors to ‘Jerome Denny Bright’ who had traded in the Suffolk market town of Saxmundham since the late 18th century.

The company was passed to their son-in-law’s Isaac & James Ashford in 1850 and they carried on the business in the High Street enlarging the premises in 1882 as their stock of antique and modern furniture had increased.

‘I & J Ashford’s’ traded as cabinet makers, upholsterers, paper hangers, undertakers and general furnishers, they often advertised for journeymen suggesting a good business, they carried on as house furnishers into the 20th century and eventually closed in 1983.

Three items or sets of furniture bearing ‘I & J Ashford’s’ label are known of, these were sold at the Sotheby’s ‘Benacre Hall; sale in Suffolk in May 2000, these were a Chesterfield type sofa, a pair of giltwood footstools and a set of twelve ivory painted and part gilt armchairs.

These labels, which followed the format of J.D. Bright’s label, read: ‘From I. & J. ASHFORDS/CABINET, CHAIR/ AND UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTORY/ SAXMUNDHAM/ SUFFOLK’.

Provenance: Private collection, Suffolk.

This table is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - this table could be used as a breakfast or dining table or equally as a centre table.

Size:

Height: 28.75'' / 73cm (top down)

62'' / 157.5cm (top tilted)

Width: 54'' / 137cm

Depth: 53.5'' / 136cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

73cm (28.74")

Width

137cm (53.94")

Depth

136cm (53.54")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this Satin Birch Breakfast Table to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1204052

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1404

Dealers Notes

******************************************

LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

******************************************

LAPADA & CINOA member

******************************************

All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

******************************************

INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

******************************************

Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

******************************************

PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

******************************************

Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

******************************************

Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

******************************************

You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

******************************************

Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

******************************************

Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

******************************************

Description

A rare mid 19th century (circa 1860) satin birch tilt top breakfast table.

This table consists of a finely figured satin birch top veneered on solid mahogany with moulded edge leading down to a finely figured crossbanded frieze with moulding below, the top can be either tilted or secured down.

“

The top is supported on a pedestal base consisting of a fine quality hexagonal concave tapered column with moulded collar below.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 1. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

This leads down to three finely carved cabriole legs with scroll decoration, recessed and carved foliate design and suspended turned finial to the centre, terminating with scroll feet.

This table has a retailer/makers label to the underside:

fig 2. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 2. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

I & J ASHFORD’S

(Late J.B. Bright & Co.)

CABINET, CHAIR

and

UPHOLSTERY, MANUFACTORY

SAXMUNDHAM

SUFFOLK

The company ‘Isaac & James Ashford’ (fl. 1850-1983) were successors to ‘Jerome Denny Bright’ who had traded in the Suffolk market town of Saxmundham since the late 18th century.

fig 3. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 3. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

The company was passed to their son-in-law’s Isaac & James Ashford in 1850 and they carried on the business in the High Street enlarging the premises in 1882 as their stock of antique and modern furniture had increased.

fig 4. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 4. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

‘I & J Ashford’s’ traded as cabinet makers, upholsterers, paper hangers, undertakers and general furnishers, they often advertised for journeymen suggesting a good business, they carried on as house furnishers into the 20th century and eventually closed in 1983.

fig 5. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 5. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

Three items or sets of furniture bearing ‘I & J Ashford’s’ label are known of, these were sold at the Sotheby’s ‘Benacre Hall; sale in Suffolk in May 2000, these were a Chesterfield type sofa, a pair of giltwood footstools and a set of twelve ivory painted and part gilt armchairs.

fig 6. A circular mid-19th-century tilt-top breakfast table made from figured satin birch timber with a carved central pedestal base and scroll feet. — fig 6. Rare Mid 19th Century Finely Figured Satin Birch Tilt Top Breakfast Table

These labels, which followed the format of J.D. Bright’s label, read: ‘From I. & J. ASHFORDS/CABINET, CHAIR/ AND UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTORY/ SAXMUNDHAM/ SUFFOLK’.

Provenance: Private collection, Suffolk.

This table is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - this table could be used as a breakfast or dining table or equally as a centre table.

Size:

Height: 28.75'' / 73cm (top down)

62'' / 157.5cm (top tilted)

Width: 54'' / 137cm