Attributed to Charleston, South Carolina. Possibly by James Main, w. 1813-1822 A newly discovered and previously undocumented American Federal card or "games" table attributed to Charleston, South Carolina, circa 1810-1820. The present table, found in an estate, in the St. Paul, Minnesota vicinity, belongs to a relatively rare, but extensively documented grouping of tables that were produced in Charleston, South Carolina during the Federal Era. It features a number of idiosyncratic details which suggest that the cabinet-maker's shop that produced this particular example had a familiarity of styles that were common to New York work, most notably in the presence of the table's astragal inlays, and five legs, which are turned, then reeded and end in an inverted urn shaped foot. New York details, such as these mentioned are common on Charleston bedsteads, case furniture, and tables. What is most notably uncharacteristic of New York workshop practices is the incorporation of a "round, elliptical front", more commonly called a "D" shape, which is rarely encountered in furniture produced by American cabinetmaking centers, other than those of the South Carolina Low country. Two card tables off this same architectural plan remain in the collection of The Department of State, Diplomatic Reception Rooms, and have been tentatively attributed to Rhode Island. This attribution has been more recently questioned, and a strong argument has been made suggesting a Charleston origin. Virtually all the other examples that have been examined have been attributed to accordingly. MATERIALS: Mahogany, mahogany veneers, eastern white pine (frame), birch (fly rail)**, various light colored inlays, brass and steel. All by visual analysis. Microscopy report pending. CONDITION: Exceptional. Minor repair to stress crack at the top of the upper left leg. Minor losses to the stringing, old, honey colored finish, with mellow patination. DIMENSIONS: (All approximate) 28" High, 18" Deep, 35" Width.

Antique Furniture
Antique Tables & Dining Sets