How many people do these tables seat?

Many large formats comfortably seat eight to ten guests when fully extended with both leaves raised. The swing leg mechanism provides adequate knee clearance around the perimeter. Smaller gatherings can utilise the table with one or both leaves dropped against the central drop leaf section to save floor space.

How do I tell seventeenth century from later revivals?

Early pieces display hand-riven timber, pegged joinery, and heavy frame construction typical of the period. Tool marks and natural oxidation patterns offer key indicators of age. Revival pieces from later eras often use machine-cut timbers and standardised fixings while copying earlier styles like Jacobean turning.

Are mahogany and oak tables from different periods?

Oak predominates in seventeenth and early eighteenth century examples, reflecting traditional British cabinetmaking before exotic hardwoods gained widespread favour. Mahogany and walnut appear more frequently in Georgian and later designs. Regional workshops continued utilising local oak well into later centuries, particularly for country kitchen furniture.

How do I care for a historic wooden surface?

Maintenance involves regular dusting with a soft cloth and occasional applications of beeswax to nourish the dry timber. Direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations should be avoided to prevent wood movement. Hot items and liquids require protective mats to safeguard the polished or waxed finish from staining.