Important American Late Classical Mahogany Pier Table, Philadelphia, second quarter 19th century, probably from the cabinet shop of Anthony Quervelle, the rectilinear marble top over a conforming molded frieze with projecting banded panels at the corners, supported by carved scroll columns, each capped by a carved leonine head over acanthus carving, the sides of the columns carved in twining grapevines, leaves and clusters of the fruit, resting on paw feet on a low shelf with a central recessed ovoid marble panel and cove-molded front edge, the back fitted with a mirror plate flanked by columnar pilasters, and raised on carved paw feet, h. 43-1/2", w. 46", d. 21". In 1825 President Andrew Jackson purchased four related pier tables, also with distinctive carved scroll columns in vintage decor, from Anthony Quervelle, for use in the White House. For a discussion on related tables, see Boor Philadelphia Empire Furniture, figures 101, 102, 107, 108 and 109, and Robert Smith "Philadelphia Empire Furniture by Anthony Quervelle", The Magazine Antiques, September 1964. Similar leonine masks appear on a group of cellarettes often attributed to Joseph B. Barry (American, 1759/60-1838).

In overall good condition. The case appears to be tight and solid. Old surface with a modicum of mars, wear, abrasions and normal indications of age and use. The marble top appears to be replaced. The surface appears to be old/original. The lower shelf exhibits a number of straight-line veneer tears and losses over shrinkage on the underlying secondary woods. Those lines of shrinkage/veneer loss are a line about 2-1/2" in from the front edge, and about 4" in from the outside edges.