Drop Leaf Table
Period1750 - 1780
MediumUnidentified ring-porous hardwood and oak
Dimensions28.25 × 42.8 × 45.5 in. (71.8 × 108.7 × 115.6 cm)
ClassificationsTables and Stands
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number1991.611
DescriptionA drop leaf table with two hinged leaves. The rectangular top and leaves are plain with no molded edges. The front and rear rails or skirts are made of oak. The end rails have an attractive if simple cutout shape. The outer edge of the four legs where the rails attach to them have been rounded off. They transition into straight rounded legs that end in claw and ball feet. Two of the legs swing out to support the table leaves. They are set off center, and have squared hinges which are atypical.Curatorial RemarksThe primary wood of this table remains unidentified at this time. It is lighter in color than walnut or mahogany, and the grain is too pronounced for it to be sweet gum. One person suggested it may be white mulberry. Wood analysis will be undertaken soon.NotesAlthough the source of this drop leaf table is not known, it relates to furniture made in the Middletown area of Monmouth County. Of particular note are the claw and ball feet. The talons grasp a flattened ball not unlike those on a high chest from the Taylor family of Middletown, accession number 1982.409. Both examples exhibit carving produced by someone of modest talent. That is a characteristic of one subgroup of furniture made in Middletown. Compare also to the feet on accession numbers 20, and 1995.531.
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