Label Type
Object LabelLabel
Card Table, 1809-1816
Saco, attributed to the shop of Joshua Cumston and David Buckminster
mahogany, mahogany and bird's eye maple veneers, pine
Gift of John and Lorinda Bradford
Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
During the Federal period, card tables might have been the most frequently made type of furniture after chairs. They were produced in large numbers by craftsmen in both urban and rural areas. Their popularity may have been due to the fact that, being lightweight and easy to move around, they made good all-purpose tables. Since card tables were meant to be placed against a wall when not in use, they are always unfinished on the back. This table was made by Saco cabinetmakers Joshua Cumston and David Buckminster and is typical of much of their work with its panels of contrasting mahogany and highly figured bird's eye veneers outlined by vibrant string inlay. The rear fly leg is branded with the letters "JTC." The initials are probably those of John Thorndike Cleaves, the son of John Cleaves, owner of the Cleaves Hotel in the early 19th century