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ID #SA830759
FOR SALE
£3,950
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A Rare Irish George III Metamorphic Library Table Circa 1760
For sale by John Howkins Antiques
for sale €4,622     $5,017
£3,950

John Howkins Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2010
Browse dealers 476 items
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Id #SA830759
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A Rare Irish George III Metamorphic Library Table Circa 1760

18th century
Description

An exceptionally rare Irish George II freestanding metamorphic library table / desk in superb plum pudding mahogany and in original condition. The fold over top supported by claw and ball gate legs which opens to reveal a green lined writing surface. The hidden interior is raised by a ratchet mechanism which is controlled by the removable side crank handle. The raised section having an arrangement of 4 pigeon holes flanked by 2 banks of 3 small drawers, below 4 wider drawers and a small central cupboard and all retaining their original brass ring pulls. The whole raised on 6 claw and ball legs with original brass carry handles and key. The crank handle is a later replacement. Dimensions:- Height (closed)…32’’/ 81cm. Width…48’’/ 122cm. Depth (closed)...23.25’’/ 59cm.

Physical Dimensions
Height
81cm (31.89")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Depth
59cm (23.23")
Declaration

John Howkins Antiques has dated this George III Metamorphic Desk to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA830759
Dealers Internal Reference
23577
Dealers Notes

ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME.

Viewing by appointment.

Delivery.

We will gladly provide a quote for delivery to any U.K Mainland address and we offer a full 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase. (Less the delivery cost)

Payment.

We accept payment by cheque or bank transfer.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information on this item on 07770 311611.

Description
An exceptionally rare Irish George II freestanding metamorphic library table / desk in superb plum pudding mahogany and in original condition.
“
The fold over top supported by claw and ball gate legs which opens to reveal a green lined writing surface.
John Howkins Antiques

The hidden interior is raised by a ratchet mechanism which is controlled by the removable side crank handle. The raised section having an arrangement of 4 pigeon holes flanked by 2 banks of 3 small drawers, below 4 wider drawers and a small central cupboard and all retaining their original brass ring pulls. The whole raised on 6 claw and ball legs with original brass carry handles and key. The crank handle is a later replacement. Dimensions:- Height (closed)…32’’/ 81cm. Width…48’’/ 122cm. Depth (closed)...23.25’’/ 59cm.

Height
81cm (31.89")
Width
122cm (48.03")
Depth
59cm (23.23")
Date of Manufacture

John Howkins Antiques has dated this George III Metamorphic Desk to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA830759
Dealers Internal Ref
23577
John Howkins Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2010
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the John Howkins Antiques Profile Page

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A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.
1 / 12
Archive I A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.

A Rare Irish George III Metamorphic Library Table Circa 1760

Archive II A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View II
Archive III A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View III
Archive IV A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View IV
Archive V A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View V
Archive VI A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View VI
Archive VII A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View VII
Archive VIII A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View VIII
Archive IX A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View IX
Archive X A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View X
Archive XI A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View XI
Archive XII A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet. View XII
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John Howkins Antiques
Telephone 01508 498335 or 07770 311 611
Location
The Grange
Hempnall Green
Norfolk
NR15 2NR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified Since Sep 2010
Items For Sale 476
Items Sold 3,821
John Howkins Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Grange, Hempnall Green, Norfolk, NR15 2NR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified
Sep 2010
For Sale
476
Sold
3,821
A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.
A Rare Irish George III Metamorphic Library Table Circa 1760
Ref: SA830759
A George III mahogany metamorphic library table featuring a green leather writing surface, a fitted interior of small drawers, and cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks & Writing Tables
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorge III
  • MaterialMahogany, Leather, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCabriole legs, claw and ball feet, fitted pigeonholes, rising interior mechanism
  • SizeH 81 cm (32 in) x W 122 cm (48 in) x D 59 cm (23 in)

This Irish George III metamorphic library table originates from around 1760 and is built from plum pudding mahogany with brass hardware and a green leather writing surface. The freestanding desk includes a fold-over top supported by gate legs, a ratchet-raised interior mechanism operated by a side handle, six cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet, and brass ring pulls on the drawers and central cupboard. The hidden upper section incorporates pigeonholes, small drawers, wider drawers, and a central cupboard door flanked by multiple small drawers, all finished in a warm brown tone with distinct timber grain patterns visible across the mahogany surfaces. The item measures 81 cm high, 122 cm wide, and 59 cm deep. Positioned within a study or home library, the table functions as a practical writing desk with adaptable workspace configurations. The fold-over surface provides an expansive desktop, while the rising superstructure conceals stationery and documents behind small drawers and pigeonholes. The six-legged support structure and gate-leg mechanism offer stability for daily clerical tasks in domestic environments today.

FAQs

A metamorphic library table is a multi-functional piece of 18th or 19th-century furniture designed with hidden mechanisms that allow it to transform from a standard writing table or console into a fitted desk, easel, or steps.

George III metamorphic tables were typically constructed from solid mahogany or mahogany veneers, featuring hand-carved details, brass hardware, and insert writing surfaces made from gold-tooled leather or baize.

Authentic 18th-century pieces feature hand-cut dovetail joints, original brass hinges or mechanical levers, timber patination appropriate to age, and hand-carved architectural details such as cabriole legs and claw feet.

Position the table in a home office or living room corner alongside classic brass lighting, framed architectural prints, and structured upholstery to balance antique woodwork with modern elements.

Keep the wood conditioned by applying high-grade beeswax twice a year, avoid direct sunlight or proximity to radiators, and clean the leather writing inset using a soft, dry cloth.
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