What is a specimen wood table?

A specimen wood table is a small occasional table decorated with numerous distinct timbers arranged in geometric or pictorial patterns. These pieces showcase the variety of natural wood colours and grains available to nineteenth-century cabinetmakers. They were designed primarily as decorative and functional furniture for nineteenth-century drawing rooms and parlours. Today, they serve as accent furniture that highlights traditional woodworking skills.

How do I date a specimen wood table?

Dating relies on observing the overall furniture style, base construction, and turning characteristics associated with periods like the Regency, William IV, or Victorian eras. Examining the timbers and secondary woods used beneath the veneers also helps establish age. Stylistic cues such as pedestal designs, claw feet, and edge mouldings correspond to specific decades within the nineteenth century. Comparative study of known regional work from Britain or colonial workshops narrows the timeframe further.

Where were these tables made?

These tables originated in British workshops as well as colonial regions including New Zealand, India, and Ceylon. Makers utilised both domestic European timbers and exotic woods imported through global trade networks. Colonial pieces frequently incorporated native timbers unique to their region, resulting in distinct regional styles. British makers often combined these imported exotic specimens into traditional European furniture forms.

How do I care for a specimen wood top?

Maintain the surface by keeping the table away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts that could cause the delicate veneers to lift. Dust gently with a soft dry cloth and avoid harsh chemical polishes. Because these tops comprise many small pieces of wood with different expansion rates, a stable indoor environment preserves the integrity of the joinery. Natural wax applied sparingly helps protect the polished finish over time.

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Specimen Wood Occasional Table

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A specimen wood occasional table brings together diverse timbers in geometric parquetry or intricate marquetry to form a practical surface.

19th century

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19th-century Specimen Wood Side Table with Sunburst Top

From Colton Antiques

£780

3+ MONTHS AGO

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Fine Victorian Rosewood and Burr-elm Tilt-top Specimen Side Table

19th century

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Fine Victorian Rosewood and Burr-elm Tilt-top Specimen Side Table

From Colton Antiques

£950

3+ MONTHS AGO

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19th century

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Fine 19th-century Specimen Side Table with Oak Base

From Colton Antiques

£1,800

3+ MONTHS AGO

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19th century

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Fine Regency Specimen Table

From Country Homes Antiques Stirling

£1,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

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Antique Pietra Dura Octagonal Occasional Table

19th century

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Antique Pietra Dura Octagonal Occasional Table

From Antique and Unique

£1,155

3+ MONTHS AGO

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Victorian Walnut Circular Pedestal Specimen Table

19th century

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Victorian Walnut Circular Pedestal Specimen Table

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£3,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

A Brazilian Butterfly Table, Circa 1900-20

1900 - 1920

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A Brazilian Butterfly Table, Circa 1900-20

From Koos Limburg Jnr. Scotland

£775

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

19th century

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Antique Tripod Table

From Deva Antiques

£585

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

New Zealand Native Timber Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffer

19th century

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New Zealand Native Timber Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffer

From Moxhams Antiques

£850

3+ MONTHS AGO

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C19th Rosewood Rectangular Lamp or Occasional Table with Inlaid Specimen Wood Top.

19th century

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C19th Rosewood Rectangular Lamp or Occasional Table with Inlaid Specimen Wood Top.

From M Lees and Sons

£700

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

The listings show nineteenth-century examples utilising rosewood, walnut, and mahogany alongside specific regional timbers from New Zealand and Ceylon.

19th century

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Early Victorian 19th Century Walnut Inlaid Tilt Top Occasional Table

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£1,550

3+ MONTHS AGO

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Small Ceylonese Specimen Wood Elephant Table

1900 - 1920

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Small Ceylonese Specimen Wood Elephant Table

From John Howkins Antiques

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

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C19th New Zealand Specimen Wood Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffert / William Norrie

19th century

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C19th New Zealand Specimen Wood Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffert / William Norrie

From Gary Wright Antiques Ltd

£1,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

Fine Early C19th Regency Period Ladies 'Work-table' Inlaid with Specimen Wood Veneers.

19th century

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Fine Early C19th Regency Period Ladies 'Work-table' Inlaid with Specimen Wood Veneers.

From M Lees and Sons

£12,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

tables

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Specimen Wood Occasional Table

19th-century Specimen Wood Side Table with Sunburst Top

Fine Victorian Rosewood and Burr-elm Tilt-top Specimen Side Table

Fine 19th-century Specimen Side Table with Oak Base

Fine Regency Specimen Table

Antique Pietra Dura Octagonal Occasional Table

Victorian Walnut Circular Pedestal Specimen Table

A Brazilian Butterfly Table, Circa 1900-20

Antique Tripod Table

New Zealand Native Timber Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffer

C19th Rosewood Rectangular Lamp or Occasional Table with Inlaid Specimen Wood Top.

Early Victorian 19th Century Walnut Inlaid Tilt Top Occasional Table

Small Ceylonese Specimen Wood Elephant Table

C19th New Zealand Specimen Wood Table in the Manner of Anton Seuffert / William Norrie

Fine Early C19th Regency Period Ladies 'Work-table' Inlaid with Specimen Wood Veneers.

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