Walnut Stretcher Table
Northern Neck of Virginia
Circa 1760 – 1780
28 1/2” Tall 19 ¾”Deep 34” Wide
Commentary: The original purpose of this early stretcher table was likely as a flexible serving piece for use during dining or entertaining and was certainly among the furnishing of a large home on the Northern Neck where it was found. A pair of very similar tables descended in the Beverley Family of Blandfield in Essex County and were probably made for Robert Beverley (1760 – 1800) who entertained frequently and lavishly (CW L1983-24). Another single table of very similar form and construction with a history in the Baley Family of Westmoreland County was recorded by MESDA field researchers (S-4549). While there are minor variations among this group of tables, they are quite similar in style, form and structure and may have been from the same cabinet shop. The tables reflect a colonial artisan’s interpretation of the “Chinese” taste popularized by Thomas Chippendale and would have been quite fashionable in the period 1760 – 1790. As the Federal or neoclassical style gained predominance, it is likely that stretcher tables such as these migrated to less formal rooms where they served a variety of functions and eventually became work tables in kitchens or other out buildings.
The table is walnut throughout and retains its original two board top with scratch a beaded edge that is pegged to the frame. The boards are joined with splines, now visible due to shrinkage – a feature of Irish cabinet work. The legs are square in cross section; display molded outer edges and are joined by low rectangular box stretchers. The legs are secured to the stretchers by single pins and to the apron by double pins.
Condition: The table survives in good structural condition with remnants of an early surface. The two board top is original and exhibits normal shrinkage and some warping. The legs are secured with two pegs at the apron. One leg has a slight bow. Overall condition is commensurate with age and use.
Price: sold
