Lot 309
An unusual late Regency period mahogany four-slope metamorphic library reading table
Auction: 8 December 2006 at 11:00 GMT
Description
the hinged rectangular drop leaf top, fitted at each end with brass page stays, on ratchet supports, assisted by a central sash and counter weight action, each corner with brass ferrules possibly intended for candle sconces (not present), the frieze at each end containing a slide above two graduated short drawers,one enclosing stationery fittings and a pair of smaller pull out slopes on ratchet supports, the whole with a rise-and-fall mechanism on a hand-cranked brass winding screw, the turned column carved with stiff acanthus above a gadrooned collar, on a quadrapartite platform base with bun feet and recessed castors
Dimensions
125cm long, 104cm wide extended
Footnote
Probably of Scottish manufacture and possibly a hitherto unrecorded 'patent' design. Interestingly, the ratchet action allows the flaps to form a table top at their finial point of extension, this together with the presence of slides and a writing compartment suggests a multitude of uses within the library or even Music Room.