A rare, mid-17th century, oak drawleaf table with fruitwood geometric inlay

The plank top has four, fruitwood, geometric, inlaid panels and is faced with a cleated edge. The original leaves each have two, geometric, inlaid panels and are also faced with cleated edges. The plain frieze has a deep, ogee moulding. The table stands on elegant, bulbous and ring turned legs, joined by square stretchers, on its original bun feet. The underside of the top and the base bear an inventory stamp SC No 12'. Excellent original colour and patina. Second half of the 17th century.

Extended Length : 207 cm., 7ft., 5 in., Closed Length : 104 cm., 3 ft., 5 in.
Height : 79 cm., 2ft., 7 in., Depth : 104 cm,. 3ft., 5. in.,


The use of inlaid, fruitwood, geometric panels on the top of this table is an extremely rare feature, and most striking, particularly when the table is extended. This table has many sophisticated features, the carpenter has used the finest, quarter-sawn cuts of oak to show the oak, medullary rays to best effect creating decorative patterns in the top, and he has faced all the edges with cleats. The legs are boldly turned and, by using two different types of turning, the carpenter has created fluidity and carefully balanced the single, bulbuous turning with the multiple ring turnings. The table has survived in exceptional condition most likely because it has, by repute, been in the same household for many generations.