Scottish Regency William Trotter Rosewood Tea Table

A Scottish Regency rosewood tea table, circa 1820, in the manner of William Trotter of Edinburgh. The rectangular crossbanded top above a frieze with typically Scottish sunken panels with bead moulding to all sides, on a waisted and lotus-clasped square section column with concave quadripartite platform base raised on fluted bun feet. The hinged swivel top concealing a green baize lined storage space and opening to a polished crossbanded surface. In good condition and super colour and grain, the interior baize has some fading & light spots.

Approximate dimensions at largest points

Width - 38in (96.5cm)

Depth - 18 3/4in (47.5cm)

Height - 30 1/8in (76.5cm)

Top closed - 38in x 18 3/4in (96.5cm x 47.5cm)

Top open - 38in x 37 5/8in (96.5cm x 95.5cm)

William Trotter

William Trotter was born into a family of merchants in 1772, descended on the maternal side from the family of John Knox. He became a member of The Merchant Company in 1797 and by 1809 he was sole proprietor of the firm Young & Trotter. Accounts from the firm survive for over fifty patrons including the marquesses of Graham and Tweeddale; the earls of Cassillis, Dumfries, Hopetoun, Lauderdale, Traquair and Panmure; the Lords Arniston, Hailes and Milton; the baronets James Clerk, William Forbes, John Hall and Alexander Kinloch; and the lairds of Ardwall, Balbirnie, Boqhan, Cairnfield, Drummelzior, Freswick, Kemnay, Kilbagie, Langton, Largo, Menziesfield, Moncraig, Newliston, Prestonhall, Saughton and Stair. 

Often regarded as the most eminent of all Scottish cabinet makers, his success was in part due to his appreciation for his client's taste. Using the finest quality materials, Trotter developed a distinctive Regency style typically characterised by bold carving, bead moulding and reeded legs and supplied furnishings to some of Scotland's most important houses and institutions including: numerous apartments in the Palace of Holyroodhouse; Dumfries House; Mount Stuart, Edinburgh's Parliament House, Assembly Rooms and Register House. Trotter worked with various partners in Princes Street until his death in 1833. The management of his shop continued under the title of 'Heirs of Wm Trotter' and later under the name of William's son, Charles, until it closed in 1852.

Ref: 0686

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.