An unusually, large, 8-10 seater, oak, gateleg table with bold, barley-twist turnings and an exceptional patina

The 1¼ inch thick, circular, plank top has a square edge and is in three sections. The central section and flaps are each made from three, oak boards, butt jointed together. The rule joint between the centre of the table and the leaves provides additional strength to the original iron, dovetail hinges which support both flaps, bearing marks on the underside where they have been strengthened with timber supports and butterfly hinges all of which were removed some time ago. The top is pegged into the rectangular frame which is joined with pegged mortise and tenon joints. The frieze is fitted with an oak lined drawer, running on a central bearer, with a later knob, at one end and a plain panel the other. The gates pivot from the top and bottom long stretchers. Apart from its unusually large size, the main feature of this table is the bold, barley twist turning, reflecting the height of fashion at the time it was made. The metal pins, reinforcing the strength of the base, on the lower blocks are an unusual feature and have developed a lovely crusty patina. Some of the ball feet are replaced.

This table has developed an exceptional, lustrous patina over time, crusty in some areas and thinner from use in others. It dates from the last quarter of the 17th century.

The Lord Chamberlain's accounts record many gateleg tables of this type being made for the Royal Palaces, and during the 1670's and 1680's most were made with twist turned frames.

Extended Width 175 cm., 5 ft., 9 in., One Leaf Open 117 cm., 3ft. 10 in,.
Closed Width 64 cm., 2ft., 1 in.,
Length 153 cm., 5ft., Height 76 cm., 2ft. 6 in.,
Thickness 3 cm., 1¼ in.,