A lot of wonderful antique furniture at the auction below, but its the table, whose photo is at the 2nd link, that motivated me to make this point. Anyone know what it is? If you see anything you like, you can buy it at auction on Wednesday.
Oops, the auction was yesterday, but you still might enjoy the photos.
Looks like a combination of the Windsor-Sheraton style of furniture. To have a spindle backing is odd for any table. The table top surface is low, more attuned to a (bed?) side table application. It's dainty, not robust.
I suspect it was built either for a specific (and unusual?) use or some craftsman was simply experimenting with combining different elements of design and this was the end product.
Otherwise, the only possible use I can think of is its a nursing table, placed next to a rocker, chair, bed for handy use when caring for a baby.
The owners/sellers may know its purpose/use.
Sonny
I think that's a thoughtful guess. I hadn't pictured it next to a bed, but the cavities make a bit of sense in that context. I've seen some tables designed to hide "booze", but I didn't see any additional covers for the table, and the tables I've seen before did a bit better job of hiding the contraband. I've never seen a table with a spindle backing before either--but I think the style is consistent with the style of some 19th century pieces. But the base doesn't scream "fine furniture" to me. Nursing table is a nice guess too, and I think the best one. I think the "airy" style, makes the most sense for that. Good deducting!
Bill
My first thought was some type of game table with wells for the game pieces/dice/stones/etc.
Obviously the spindles blow that idea out of the water.
Are the wells lined with felt or are they hard?
Would be interesting to know if they did have any further info -- it is unusual, indeed.
I wondered if it could somehow be a dice-rolling catch basin with a game board set on the top, perhaps. But, would definitely be a two-player only and probably uncomfortable at that.
Unfortunately, it has a broken spindle at the left end as we face it in the picture.
That's worth a posting to Fine Woodworking gurus or museum-type folks to identify.
I've never seen it in person and don't know anymore about it than I can guess through the link/pic. I just found it a "curiosity".
I'm glad that some of you enjoyed it and I enjoyed sharing it with you! I hereby surrender all control of the matter to you or anyone else who is interested.
Cheers, Bill
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required