Federal Mahogany Sofa Table
Unknown Marker, Philadelphia or New York
Circa 1815
Dimensions: Height 27 ¾” Depth 27 ¾” Width 44” Open 72”
Commentary: Sofa tables, noted Charles Montgomery in American Furniture The Federal Period, represented one of rarest American form of drop-leaf tables. Significant research on these tables has been undertaken since he made the observation in 1966, most importantly, the overview of American sofa tables published by Philip Zimmerman in the Magazine Antiques, May 1999. While Zimmerman concluded that American sofa tables might not be quite as scarce as previously believed, he did not dispute that this form remains one of the least common and most desirable examples of Federal furniture. This mahogany table, very likely the work of a New York or Philadelphia artisan, boasts exceptional dimensions, condition and form. The boldly turned stretcher, robust fan carved ends, drop pendants and leg configuration combine to yield a distinctive and elegant interpretation of a most desirable form.
In contrast with early 19th century America, sofa tables in England were a very popular and common furnishing. The great majority of sofa tables available today are English in origin and can be dated to the Regency period. In England the form evolved from single standards, to more stable double standards, often of lyre design, to a pedestal base, to the columned Empire design, as furniture styles changed over the first half of the 19th century. This cycle of development is generally comparable to the progression in American examples. Zimmerman concludes from price books and advertisements that sofa table probably appeared in US around 1810. The earliest examples were drawn from Sheraton’s design and generally conformed to his specification that sofa tables should be 60” to 70” long and 22” to 24” wide. The great majority of the approximately fifty American examples dated prior to 1835 examined in Zimmerman’s study were attributed to New York, Boston and Philadelphia. He concludes that early American tables featured lower stretcher braces and dual end standards, but are difficult to attribute to cities or regions based on style, suggesting that secondary woods and construction details provide the best clues to origins.
The secondary woods and construction of this table point to its production in either New York or Philadelphia. The cabinetmaker used yellow poplar for the drawer sides and bottoms and white pine was utilized in the frame. Both native American woods are commonly found in furniture of both cities. The single hinged support flaps or “flys” were constructed of beech.. The use of beech rather than more common American secondary woods may point to a shop employing English immigrant cabinetmakers who continued to use familiar woods long after they became established in the United States. Montgomery notes that beech is found with some frequency in American furniture; particularly in New York and New England. Robert Mussey attributes the Seymours frequent use of beech in their furniture to, among other things, their English training. (Page 22, The Furniture Masterworks of John & Thomas Seymour) Other examples include a Philadelphia card table with a beech hinged rail in the Garvan Collection.
Condition and Materials: The table is in fine condition with an old surface and mellow color. The screws securing the top and hinges have been replaced over time and a metal brace added (?) beneath the legs. The casters are original and the drawer pulls are period appropriate replacements. Several pieces of veneer were secured and a coating of paste wax applied by conservators at the F.C. Vogt Company.
Provenance: Collection of Naval Historical Foundation
Tingey House, Official Residence of the Chief of Naval Operation
Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC
Trump & Company, Philadelphia
Price: $14,500.
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