A fine George III Chippendale period mahogany Pembroke table, of outstanding quality and superb original colour and patination.

English, c. 1770.

The the well-figured solid mahogany rectangular top with rounded corners, having two drop leaves, unusually, supported by solid mahogany lopers, mounted on a mahogany underframe; above the two short mahogany-lined frieze drawers at either side, with an ornate brass handle to the front, fitted drawer, and a swan-neck handle to the opposing drawer; the whole raised on four chamfered square-cut tapering legs, terminating in original brass and leather barrel castors.

The design derives from Thomas Chippendale's design for a 'Breakfast Table' in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754, pl.XXXIII. A closely related example is illustrated in Christopher Gilbert, The Life And Work Of Thomas Chipendale, London, 1978, p. 218.

The present table's superb quality of construction and the use of mahogany as a secondary timber, as well as the design of the ornate handle, which appears on several other pieces attributed to Thomas Chippendale, point out to an important cabinet maker of the period, possibly of the workshop of Thomas Chippendale.

Outstanding quality, original surfaces throughout, superb colour and patination, virtually untouched condition, except for a restoration to one leg. Both handles are original and retain traces of their original gilding.