Name/Title
TableEntry/Object ID
2000.001.006Description
Drop-leaf table, Mahogany, Charleston, SC, c. 1770. Table has four straight legs, with quarter round molding at outer corner, two plain leaves which drop on either side of rectangular central table. Fly-legs. Mortise and tenon construction with pegs.
2/23/2005: This table is in the Chinese taste, popular in Charleston during the second quarter of the eighteenth century. It exhibits straight, ovolo-molded legs terminating in "lamb's tongues" at the frame. The top is divided into three sections with the two outer boards folding down by means of a rule joint. The leaves are supported in the open position by fly legs, which are nailed directly to the inner frame.
While the lamb's tongue detail was unusual for Charleston, the full fly-frame with attached leg is typical as seen on earlier single-leaf breakfast tables. The table also exhibits another Charleston signature, pinned mortise and tenon joints, which were deemed necessary to accommodate the table being moved on a daily basis and in response to the cabinetmaker's concern for the effects of moisture on the joints which were simply glued.
In the 1730s the square or rectangular table was introduced into the lower Chesapeake and likely in Charleston at about the same time, replacing the previous fashion for round forms. This adaptation was a practical answer to the regional disposition toward lavish entertaining. Square or rectangular tables could be joined to form larger banquet-size tables. By 1770 squared edges and corners were the norm.
Charleston dining tables of the colonial period almost always have plain skirts in keeping with British urban taste rather than the more decoratively shaped skirts of Philadelphia and the northern colonies. The edges of Charleston table tops are also simply squared to allow visual continuity when joined to other tables.
These characteristics support the claim that this table was made in Charleston although the specific cabinet ship is as yet unknown.Collection
Historic Charleston Foundation CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2000.001.Source or Donor
Acquisition Fund, Historic Charleston FoundationAcquisition Method
PurchasedCredit Line
Museum PurchaseMade/Created
Date made
1760 - 1780Place
City
CharlestonState/Province
South CarolinaCountry
United States of AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
TableNomenclature Sub-Class
Support FurnitureNomenclature Class
FurnitureNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsLOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
FurnitureSearch Terms
Furniture, CharlestonOther Names and Numbers
Other Name
Drop-leaf TableOther Numbers
Number Type
Old NumberOther Number
2000.1.6Dimensions
Height
27-1/8 inWidth
18-1/2 inLength
45 inDimension Notes
Width open with both leaves extended: 46.5"
Width of leaves: 17.25" and 18"
2/23/2005: error was made in original calculations of size. When open, the table measures 52.625" to 53.25", rather than the 45" originally stated. Closed it measures 17.375"Location
Date
February 7, 2023Location
Room
101ABuilding
Nathaniel Russell HouseCategory
PermanentCondition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Surface has some areas which have been repaired - football shapes in top. Corner blocks at sides with fly-legs have been replaced using new light-colored wood - possibly poplar or pine.
Minor dents and scratches. Overall good condition. One leaf has a slight warp to it.Overall Condition
GoodNotes
1. Crack on leaf from edge extending across width 18.25". Minor gouges on leaf. Discolored shallow gouges, possibly burn marks near joint with top.
2. Hairline cracks across width of leaf and 3 surface scratches in circular forms; minor warping;
discolored shallow gouges, possibly burn marks near jint with top
3. Top has surface scratches; gouge near edge; chip in center near joint; hairline crack with grain, 8.25" across top from edge.
Parts Missing: NoneProvenance
Notes
Acquired from David Beckford, who acquired the piece from Dr. William Prioleau of CharlestonCreated By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
July 8, 2002Updated By
sferguson@historiccharleston.orgUpdate Date
April 5, 2023