Tilt tables became popular in the Georgian Era of England's history. George II's reign saw an increase in the popularity of parlor games, entertaining guests at a townhome without the luxury of large spaces. The tilt table was a refined and elegant solution to the need for flexible table space in a smaller home. This example is probably from the early 18th century, circa 1735, based on the design and materials. Mahogany from Cuba became the material of choice ~1720. Brass latch and sturdy pivoting mechanism protect the solid mahogany tabletop from overbalancing. During the reign of George III(most notable for the American Revolution) the tables became more opulent with scallops, rims, or a "birdcage" mounting point which allowed it to rotate. The George IV/Regency period showed even more decor added to these tables with inlays, more carving on the pedestal or birdcage as well as ovals, squares, or other types of shapes for the top.

Ironically, the simple design of this table make it likely to be the one of the oldest examples of the style. Maintained with beeswax, these had a luxurious feel, almost soft, to them and developed a patina over the centuries.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: This example shows typical wear with some discoloration of the patina in a few places, probably where a modern cleaner/polish was used instead of the traditional beeswax, and a few places where there was a surface gouge or scratch, demonstrating this is not a veneer, but a solid slab of old growth mahogany with a very clean figure pattern. One corner of the block the table rests on when in the down position has been split away, but the pivoting mechanism and latch are fully intact and sturdy. There are iron straps under each of the tripod feet connecting them to the center. These straps are recessed into the body of the feet so they are flush with the bottom of the arched feet.

Origin:
United Kingdom

Materials & Techniques:
Mahogany

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; This example shows typical wear with some discoloration of the patina in a few places, probably where a modern cleaner/polish was used instead of the traditional beeswax, and a few places where there was a surface gouge or scratch, demonstrating this is not a veneer, but a solid slab of old growth mahogany with a very clean figure pattern. One corner of the block the table rests on when in the down position has been split away, but the pivoting mechanism and latch are fully intact and sturdy. There are iron straps under each of the tripod feet connecting them to the center. These straps are recessed into the body of the feet so they are flush with the bottom of the arched feet.