What defines an 18th-century tea table?

An 18th-century tea table is a specialised style of occasional furniture designed for serving tea, characterised by cabriole legs, carved aprons, and either a tray-top or fold-over mechanism prominent during the Georgian era.

Which materials and construction techniques are typical of antique tea tables?

These tables were typically crafted from hardwoods such as solid walnut or mahogany, utilising traditional joinery techniques including hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, and hand-carved ball-and-claw feet.

How can you identify authentic 18th-century tea tables?

Authentic period tables exhibit features such as hand-planed marks on unseen undersides, natural timber shrinkage across the wood grain, hand-carved decorative motifs, and historic cast-brass hardware.

How do you style an antique tea table in a modern interior?

A walnut tea table serves as a functional accent piece in a modern living room, working as a compact wall console, a hall table, or an occasional side table alongside contemporary seating.

How should antique walnut furniture be cleaned and preserved?

Maintain walnut furniture by placing it away from direct sunlight and central heating sources, dusting regularly with a soft lint-free cloth, and periodically applying a high-quality beeswax polish.

for sale €14,625 $15,875

£12,500

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

Antique Flap Top Table

Carved Apron Tea Table

Irish Chippendale Table

Ball and Claw Foot Table

Id #SA1206942

PDF

SAVE

Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

Name: Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1206942
Price: 12500 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A rare and sophisticated mid 18th century (circa 1750) Irish American black walnut tea table of superb original patina with unusual inlaid bird decoration.

This table consists of a solid black walnut figured top of serpentine form to the front with shaped corners and cleats to either end.

The top opens to reveal an unusual inlaid design of two birds, possibly quails, inlaid in walnut - this being a very unusual design, the table most probably a commission piece for an important family.

This leads down to a concealed oak lined drawer within the frieze, this drawer having a shaped and carved apron of French influence, to each side of the drawer the corners are slightly chamfered with shaped side rails.

The table is supported on four cabriole legs with C scroll decoration to the top of the legs leading down to claw and ball feet.

This construction of the top is rare for a piece of this period and confirms the exceptional cabinet work of the maker as the cleated construction was designed to stop the top from casting or twisting.

This table has various influences of cabinet work from Ireland, France and America and was possibly made by a 'Journeyman' who travelled through various countries in Europe before travelling to America and used the knowledge he had gained to produce fine furniture. There were thousands of such craftsmen that travelled to areas such as Pennsylvania and Philadelphia particularly in the early-mid 18th century from Ireland, Scotland England, France and Germany etc.

This table is in excellent original condition for age, has a superb patina, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection being a very versatile item.

Size:

Height: 29'' / 73.5cm

Width: 33'' / 84cm

Depth: 16.25'' / 41.25cm (closed)

32.5'' / 82.5cm (open)

Physical Dimensions

Height

73.5cm (28.94")

Width

84cm (33.07")

Depth

41.2cm (16.22")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this Georgian Walnut Tea Table to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1206942

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1448

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 and sophisticated mid 18th century (circa 1750) Irish American black walnut tea table of superb original patina with unusual inlaid bird decoration.

“

This table consists of a solid black walnut figured top of serpentine form to the front with shaped corners and cleats to either end.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A dark walnut fold-over tea table featuring cabriole legs with carved knees ending in ball-and-claw feet and a decorative carved apron. — fig 1. Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

The top opens to reveal an unusual inlaid design of two birds, possibly quails, inlaid in walnut - this being a very unusual design, the table most probably a commission piece for an important family.

fig 2. A dark walnut fold-over tea table featuring cabriole legs with carved knees ending in ball-and-claw feet and a decorative carved apron. — fig 2. Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

This leads down to a concealed oak lined drawer within the frieze, this drawer having a shaped and carved apron of French influence, to each side of the drawer the corners are slightly chamfered with shaped side rails.

fig 3. A dark walnut fold-over tea table featuring cabriole legs with carved knees ending in ball-and-claw feet and a decorative carved apron. — fig 3. Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

The table is supported on four cabriole legs with C scroll decoration to the top of the legs leading down to claw and ball feet.

This construction of the top is rare for a piece of this period and confirms the exceptional cabinet work of the maker as the cleated construction was designed to stop the top from casting or twisting.

fig 4. A dark walnut fold-over tea table featuring cabriole legs with carved knees ending in ball-and-claw feet and a decorative carved apron. — fig 4. Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

This table has various influences of cabinet work from Ireland, France and America and was possibly made by a 'Journeyman' who travelled through various countries in Europe before travelling to America and used the knowledge he had gained to produce fine furniture. There were thousands of such craftsmen that travelled to areas such as Pennsylvania and Philadelphia particularly in the early-mid 18th century from Ireland, Scotland England, France and Germany etc.

fig 5. A dark walnut fold-over tea table featuring cabriole legs with carved knees ending in ball-and-claw feet and a decorative carved apron. — fig 5. Rare & Sophisticated 18th Century Irish American Black Walnut Tea Table of Superb Patina with Unusual Inlaid Bird Design

This table is in excellent original condition for age, has a superb patina, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection being a very versatile item.

Size:

Height: 29'' / 73.5cm

Width: 33'' / 84cm

Depth: 16.25'' / 41.25cm (closed)