A Fabulous George II Mahogany Silver Table

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A Fabulous George II Mahogany Silver Table

English, circa 1735–40.

Dimensions:
Height: 71cm
Width: 87cm
Depth: 60cm

A rare English George II mahogany silver or occasional table of unusually large scale and exceptionally attractive proportions. The table retains a wonderful degree of originality and has acquired a superb colour and mellow, naturally developed patination.

The rectangular, dished top features elegantly re-entrant corners above a single drawer retaining its original brass handle. It is raised on four boldly turned cabriole legs, each terminating in finely carved ball-and-claw feet. The upper sections of the legs are particularly beautifully carved with scrolling foliage, C-scrolls and pendent bellflowers, lending considerable refinement and movement to this robust mid-18th-century piece.

The table survives in wonderful original condition. The rich mahogany has mellowed naturally over time to an especially pleasing colour, with a depth of patination increasingly difficult to find. Its generous scale and beautifully carved legs give it considerably more presence than the description of an ‘occasional table’ might suggest.

The term ‘silver table’ reflects its original purpose within the grand Georgian household: a dedicated piece for the display, storage and serving of the family’s silver plate, generally positioned in or near the dining room for convenient access during meals and entertaining.

An especially appealing example of the tradition, this table combines substantial proportions with exceptional carving. The boldly carved cabriole legs, intricate foliage, C-scrolls, pendent bellflowers and impressive ball-and-claw feet elevate it well beyond the purely functional, giving the piece remarkable character and presence.