Antique Sofa Tables with Pillar Supports
TABLESÂ sofa, pillar supports
The final group of sofa tables is the one in which there is a central pedestal. These pieces are therefore linked with pedestal dining tables, for the same type of base was often used.
In mahogany and remarkably similar to a design in zebrawood which can be dated exactly to 1810. The pillars are well turned and the decoration of split beading lines (fine around the drawers, slightly greater round the platform) is restrained. White stringing line is also used. The table edge is reeded and there is a thin line of crossbanding on the top. c.1810
Another example with four pillar turning in which the knee has moved towards the peculiarly high Regency form. The piece is in rosewood and the pillars are well turned. A small amount of split beaded decoration and metal mounts on the leg. More cramped and not quite the quality of the first example. c. 1815
An example which illustrates the desire for show at not too much extra cost, and a type that became an obsession later on. Simply cut on a band-saw these solid mahogany supports are reeded to match the feet. The top, too, has the customary reeding around the edge and is cross-banded in the same wood. Not as good as it looks at first sight. c. 1830
Down to two pillars. The same ringed decoration marks the place where the top of the legs don’t pierce the platform. The turning on the pillars is getting somewhat aimless a series of rings and the odd bulge, not like the careful baluster form of the first two examples. c. 1830
Equivalent to the previous example with a straight-sided pillar. Again plenty of brass inlay and some ebony in the leg which turns with the characteristic sharpness of the period.
As can be seen, it has high decorative quality, but the drawback is its being mahogany.
When restored
A very simple example where the decoration is confined to a modest black stringing line on the side of the legs and a broader band on the top of the legs and the table itself. The two unimaginative rectangular pieces supporting the top affect the value. c. 1825
A bit of light relief. The vast base, heavily gadrooned, is supported by an equally substantial humanised version of the ball-and-. One would expect the top to be about 8ft. long, but in fact it is a normal sized sofa table, again gadrooned in calamander wood. The misalliance is condoned by two very elegant and beautifully reeded vase-shaped pillars with rims. It was sold at auction by a very knowledgeable specialist firm, so it must be right. Early 19th century
A robust turned and heavily carved centre pillar rosewood table. Plenty of brass inlay and a Regency knee with good stylised design. The edges of the table have a very refined beading. Rich effect without undue ostentation.
Tags: design, dining table, drawback, drawer, drawers, ebony, inlay, mahogany, pedestal dining table, pedestal dining tables, period, pillar, Rectangular, rectangular pieces, Regency, Sofa Tables, Tables, Wood