How do I use a tilt top table?

Release the brass catch beneath the surface to pivot the wooden top into a vertical position. This allows the piece to stand flat against a wall when dining concludes. Lower the top back to horizontal and engage the snap mechanism securely before placing items on the surface again.

What is the difference between a supper table and a breakfast table?

Supper tables often feature fold-over leaves or drop-leaf Pembroke designs suited for evening entertaining and card games. Breakfast tables more commonly utilise a fixed pillar and tilt top mechanism. Both terms describe versatile tables from the Regency and Georgian periods that occupied central spaces in the home.

How can I date a mahogany table?

Examine the timber species, secondary woods, and construction methods used in the frame and pedestal. Cuban mahogany and specific brass castor designs point toward the Regency and late Georgian eras. Later 19th Century and 20th Century pieces often display variations in proportion and machine-cut joinery compared to earlier examples.

How do I care for antique mahogany furniture?

Keep the wood away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the mahogany and its veneers from drying out. Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply occasional wax polish to maintain the finish. Avoid placing damp glasses or hot dishes directly onto the polished timber surface.