Early George II Cuban Mahogany Gateleg Table Circa 1745/50 PLEASE NOTE, THIS TABLE HAS SOLD. Please click the thumbnails for full sized images.

Dimensions Overall. Height 28 ¼” Top (closed) 18 ¼” Top (open) 59 ¼”  Including the bevel at the edge Top length 60” Thickness of the top boards is 1” Materials.  CUBAN MAHOGANY primary wood- By Micro-analysis.  Oak inner framing,  Beech fixed inner rails & inner medial stretcher. By Micro-analysis. Both reports available.

Construction. The rule joint leaves are attached with Iron hinges. (see images) The top and leaves are made from single boards. (see image) Each hinge has three fastening screws. (see images) The stationary hinge rails are wrought nailed (clout nails) to the inner rails (see images). The stationary rails are tenoned into the end rails, due to shrinkage and movement it is now possible to see this joint. When both swing legs are pulled out from the frame the dovetail construction joining the end rails to the inner rails. (see image) Upper inner face of each swing leg cut and shaped to receive each end rail when closed. The tenons are attached with double pins at each joint. The pins are visible on the inside of the leg when the swing leg is pulled out. The hinged rails move via knuckle joints. The full height medial stretcher is double mortised into the side rails.(see image) The inner frame shows receiving wells for fastening screws that attach the top to the frame. (see pics) It is worth noting that each of the inner stationary rails that are wrought nailed are beveled at the area of nailing. (see pics) Each side leaf underside with a hole possibly where a pin was attached to act as a stop for the swing leg(s).

Please click the thumbnails for full sized images. Please note the images were taken with the top removed.

Please note: The images show some of the hinges without screws, however the screws were removed for photographing the hinges and are present.

Condition Please see all images to determine condition:  The underside shows a relatively original surface, with great oxidation and patina from handling where you would hope to see it. One of the leaves (underside) has marks which could be from a bench dog from being attached to a work surface, or?. Obviously there is correct shrinkage around the hinges, of the six hinges 5 are marked with initials one of the six is unmarked but looks to be of the same manufacture. Some of the screws for the hinges are loose. Please note that modern finishing nails have been added at the dovetailed area for stability. The holes on the underside of all four feet are from a recently removed modern glide pin. It seems ALL mortise PINS have been REPLACED, this could be due to shrinkage and loss or more likely re gluing and repair of the tenon joints for stability. There is evidence of dried modern glue at some joints. This table is very heavy and after 250 years or so of being moved and dragged the small tenon joints are very prone to looseness and damage. The outer surface is mellow and probably was refinished in the 19th Century or early 20th Century, there is marks and some scratches, particularly an X within a small circle on one leaf that is a scratch, but nothing that really detracts. There has been some pest/worm activity as seen in the images, especially on the medial inner stretcher- but no recent activity. There has been some splicing to areas on the outer rails around the knuckle, and part of the knuckles may be replaced , it is very well done splicing and must have been done by a professional, maybe due to worm loss. This can be seen in the image.  One of the legs has a pea size fill at a lower area.   One of the swing legs looks to have had some restoration. It looks to have lost some shape at the upper half and is flatter on the inner leg, less rounded- also the pins have been replaced and as can be seen in the image the top of the leg has been drilled into the rail at an angle. The “shoulder” at the top of the leg has about 50% less protrusion than the other leg and looks to have had some shaving/ on the inside, hence the flattening which runs around half way down on the inside. My gut feeling is there was some damage at the joint of the leg and the rail/tenon, that perhaps caused a small loss of material in order to facilitate repair. It is not apparent from the front. Seen in the large image at left.  The knuckle pins are replaced. The screws attaching the top to the base are replaced. Some pockets have no screws.

I have tried to be overly objective while examining and compiling a condition report and have to say , that this piece is in great condition, with most wear commensurate with the age and use. The color of the boards and ripples in the light from hand work on the top is quite charming. This piece will be blanket wrapped shipped via vintage transport in the Continental USA. Please contact (below) for price. Anthony@cardonaantiques.com