Goddard-Townsend School
Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1750
H. 26 _ in.; W. 33 1/4 in. ; D. 22 in.

Rectangular top with applied convex molding strips, applied convex apron flanked by shaped brackets, above cabriole legs, with peaked knees and terminating in pointed slipper feet. A heavy convex molding is applied to the perimeter. With a broad convex inner edge and beaded top edge with a rounded exterior. The skirts on most known examples have a convex applied skirt molding. On most tables, including this example, the knee brackets are separate pieces of wood affixed to the bottom of the molding and the adjoining leg. Six of the eight returns on this table are original. This tea table is notable for its exemplary proportions, condition and provenance. These proportions are accentuated by the bold convex moldings that encircle the top. Also contributing to the successful proportions are sinuous cabriole legs with their notably peaked knees, graceful ankles, and elongated slipper feet.

A Chippendale drop-leaf table, attributed to John Goddard (1723/4-1785), descended in the same family as the present table, and sold in Keno Auctions Inaugural Sale in May 2010 (lot 253).

Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000

Condition: The surface of the table retains a mellow patina with feet darkened with dirt build- up from cleaning probably done in the 19th century --when repairs were made: The top is made of two boards. In order to fix what was probably a crack down the center due to shrinkage of the top a section approx 1 1/2 inches wide was cut from the center of the top and the two boards reglued. Two approx. 3/4 inch strips were added back, flanking the top ( under each long molding) This way, the wood taken away could be added back while keeping the lamination in the center. the witness mark ( showing unoxidized wood) along the underside of the top next to the skirt can be clearly seen. Six of the eight returns are original, as well as five of the eight vertical glue blocks. Central portion of underside of table top has been lightly planed to level the surface so two cross braces could be inserted to stabilize the top Ð secured by eight screws. The Original Cabinetmaker's numbering system is visible on the interior of the skirt, with stamped Roman numerals and scribe marks. There are also small T-nails that help secure the skirt moldings to the skirt.

The surface of the table retains a mellow patina with feet darkened with dirt build- up from cleaning probably done in the 19th century --when repairs were made: The top is made of two boards. In order to fix what was probably a crack down the center due to shrinkage of the top a section approx 1 1/2 inches wide was cut from the center of the top and the two boards reglued. Two approx. 3/4 inch strips were added back, flanking the top ( under each long molding) This way, the wood taken away could be added back while keeping the lamination in the center. the witness mark ( showing unoxidized wood) along the underside of the top next to the skirt can be clearly seen. Six of the eight returns are original, as well as five of the eight vertical glue blocks. Central portion of underside of table top has been lightly planed to level the surface so two cross braces could be inserted to stabilize the top – secured by eight screws. The Original Cabinetmaker's numbering system is visible on the interior of the skirt, with stamped Roman numerals and scribe marks. There are also small T-nails that help secure the skirt moldings to the skirt.