Drop Leaf Table
Period1750 - 1790
MediumWalnut, oak, and hard pine
DimensionsClosed: 28.25 × 44 × 18.25 in. (71.8 × 111.8 × 46.4 cm)
InscribedA handwritten label affixed to the underside of the table top reads, "Richd F. Mott / 78 Wood St. / Burlington." A second printed label on an end rail reads, "WM. H. ALRICH / Upholsterer / In All Its Branches / No. 1 No. 40th St. / Phila Pa."
ClassificationsTables and Stands
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number2017.719
DescriptionA four leg drop leaf table with a plain rectangular top and leaves. Two of the four cabriole legs swing out to support the leaves. They end in claw and ball feet. The end rails are undercut, and are set back a quarter inch from the leg blocks, which are molded with a quarter round.Curatorial RemarksWhile Richard F. Mott is known to have owned this table in the nineteenth century, it is tempting to speculate that he inherited it, perhaps from his maternal grandmother Hannah Burling Smith of Burlington. The table was made in the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley area, and given its general simplicity could well be an example of eighteenth century cabinetmaking from Burlington itself. Collection records are silent on how this fine table came to the Association.NotesThe owner of the table in the nineteenth century was Richard Field Mott (1825 - 1891), a Quaker from Burlington, Burlington County. He was born in Mamaroneck, NY, a son of Robert Field Mott (1794 - 1826) and Hannah B. Smith (1793 - 1866). The Motts resided in Mamaroneck, although Hannah was from Burlington, NJ. Her parents were Richard S. Smith (1752 - 1796) and Hannah Burling (1755 - 1840) of that city. In 1844 following the death of her mother, Hannah Mott relocated to Burlington, bringing her son Richard with her. Their household in 1850 included the two of them plus Richard's grandparents Richard Mott (1767 - 1856) and Abigail Field (1766 - 1851), and several servants. Richard Mott had been a prominent Quaker preacher. In 1856, young Richard married Susan Thomas (1830 - 1876). They became the parents of five children, three of whom died young. The Motts maintained a residence in Burlington but also owned a large farm in the township. The 1870 census indicated that they held real estate valued at $30,000 and a personal estate appraised at $45,000. All of the family were interred in the yard of the Burlington Friends Meeting on High Street. William Henry Alrich, Jr. (1868 - 1959), an upholsterer, resided at No. 1 North 40th Street in West Philadelphia his entire life. This location just off busy Market Street also served as his shop.
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