Antiques Considered - May 30, 2012
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- Published on Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:44
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A lady from Richmond purchased this walnut tavern table many years ago. It has the classic stretcher base and two drawers with replacement hardware. It was refinished before she acquired it. The stretcher base is worn, and the overhang of the top extends farther on the drawer side than on the back. The secondary wood is pine.
The table is a good example of its type. The overhang of the top might be the result of its having been cut down to fit a smaller space. The turned legs are quite good, and the wear on the stretcher indicates that it has received hard use over the years.
The pictures indicate that the original hardware consisted of central knobs rather than the replacement Chippendale bails. The current hardware is incongruous with the overall design of the piece.
As to age, the table is from the early nineteenth century. The Sheraton legs indicate that it is later than the eighteenth century ones that command high prices today.
The refinishing, especially with the high gloss varnish, has affected the value significantly. With the original finish and hardware this piece would be worth $1500., but without those elements, it is worth half as much, or $750.
Nothing can be done about the finish, but I suggest having the pulls replaced with appropriate wooden ones. From the size of the holes I am confident that the drawers did not have brass or glass ones.
Tavern tables remain popular in today’s market. This one, although not from the eighteenth century, has good lines, and would be appealing to collectors or decorators seeking to produce a period look. Not long ago our firm sold an eighteenth-century cherry one with a replaced pull for $4500. The interest in this style does not diminish.
Happy Antiquing!
Lisa and Henry Hull operate Commonwealth Antiques and Appraisals, Inc. at 5150 Jessie DuPont Hwy., 22570 (P. O. Box 35). Wicomico Church, Va. 22570. Contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.commonwealthantiques.com
