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ID #SA1097945
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Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter
Sold by Tinker & Toad
sold SA1097945
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Tinker & Toad

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2020
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Id #SA1097945
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Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter

19th century
Sold 25 July 2025 · Tinker & Toad
This “Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter” found a buyer.

It was listed by Tinker & Toad. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Adjustable Book RestMahogany Book RestPedestal Reading Desk Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

An extremely adaptable and functional Victorian solid mahogany adjustable reading table by John Carter, also known as the "Literary Machine." Beautifully crafted, this piece would likely cost several thousand pounds to have made to a similar standard today!

The table boasts a wonderful colour and patina. It can be used as an adjustable table, reading or music stand, or even as a stylish easel! It would also serve as an intriguing console table. The large tabletop, with hinged support flaps at the top and bottom, is height- and angle-adjustable. The clever adjustment system operates with a patented ratchet mechanism and a cast iron locking mechanism. The attractive column is finely decorated with fluted and stud details. The entire piece stands on a smart and sturdy four-legged base with inset ceramic castors and lead weights for added stability. It still bears its original John Carter trade plaque.

The tabletop measures 82cm wide by 43cm deep. The height adjusts horizontally from 71cm up to 110cm, and the base measures 60cm deep.

In good original condition with wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of the small stud details to the central column lacking. We have cleaned and waxed the table in our workshop.

Date of Manufacture

Tinker & Toad has dated this Victorian Mahogany Reading Table to the Victorian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
130cm (51.18")
Width
82cm (32.28")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1097945
Description
An extremely adaptable and functional Victorian solid mahogany adjustable reading table by John Carter, also known as the "Literary Machine.
“
" Beautifully crafted, this piece would likely cost several thousand pounds to have made to a similar standard today!.
Tinker & Toad
fig 1. An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base.
fig 1. Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter

The table boasts a wonderful colour and patina. It can be used as an adjustable table, reading or music stand, or even as a stylish easel! It would also serve as an intriguing console table. The large tabletop, with hinged support flaps at the top and bottom, is height- and angle-adjustable. The clever adjustment system operates with a patented ratchet mechanism and a cast iron locking mechanism. The attractive column is finely decorated with fluted and stud details. The entire piece stands on a smart and sturdy four-legged base with inset ceramic castors and lead weights for added stability. It still bears its original John Carter trade plaque.

fig 2. An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base.
fig 2. Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter

The tabletop measures 82cm wide by 43cm deep. The height adjusts horizontally from 71cm up to 110cm, and the base measures 60cm deep.

In good original condition with wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of the small stud details to the central column lacking. We have cleaned and waxed the table in our workshop.

Date of Manufacture

Tinker & Toad has dated this Victorian Mahogany Reading Table to the Victorian era.

Height
130cm (51.18")
Width
82cm (32.28")
Depth
60cm (23.62")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1097945
Tinker & Toad
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2020
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Tinker & Toad Profile Page

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An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 10
Archive I An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table by John Carter

Archive II An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View II
Archive III An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View III
Archive IV An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View IV
Archive V An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View V
Archive VI An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View VI
Archive VII An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View VII
Archive VIII An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View VIII
Archive IX An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View IX
Archive X An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base. View X
Enlarged Archival View

Tinker & Toad
Telephone 07771 682942
Location
54 The Mint
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7EN
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/tinkerandtoad
Verified Since Aug 2020
Items For Sale 80
Items Sold 558
Tinker & Toad
Verified Since Aug 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: 54 The Mint, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7EN, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/tinkerandtoad
Verified
Aug 2020
For Sale
80
Sold
558
An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base.
Victorian Solid Mahogany Adjustable Reading Table By John Carter
Ref: SA1097945
An adjustable Victorian solid mahogany reading table with a ratchet mechanism, turned column, and four-legged castor base.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectReading Tables
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass
  • ColourBrown
  • MotifsTilting book rest, Ratchet height adjustment, Turned pedestal column, Quadruped castor base
  • SizeH 130 cm (51 in) x W 82 cm (32 in) x D 60 cm (24 in)

FAQs

Victorian reading tables and stands gained popularity during the 19th century as literacy rates rose and specialised furniture for study, libraries, and parlours was developed to accommodate books, newspapers, and correspondence.

These pieces were typically constructed from solid hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or oak, often featuring brass or iron mechanical components for adjustable ratchets and castor wheels.

Authenticity is identified through traditional joinery, patination on the timber, maker stamps or patent markings, and the presence of hand-forged or period-appropriate mechanical ratchets and brass castors.

An antique reading table functions effectively as an accent piece in a study or living room, serving as a display stand for open art books or as a functional desk surface in a contemporary setting.

Maintain antique mahogany by keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent warping, and clean periodically using a soft cloth and quality beeswax, avoiding silicone-based polishes.
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