This is a charming and highly practical 19th-century Sutherland table, crafted from solid mahogany, combining elegance with ingenious design. These folding tables, popular throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods, were treasured for their versatility: narrow enough to slip unobtrusively against a wall when closed, yet opening to provide a generous and sturdy surface when required.
The table stands on beautifully turned mahogany legs, two of which swing outward to support the drop-leaf sides with ease. The mechanism is smooth and reliable, reflecting the craftsmanship of its time. When extended, it becomes an excellent occasional table for tea, lamps, writing, or display. When folded, it tucks away neatly — a true space-saver, as relevant in modern homes as it was in the 19th century.
Particularly attractive are its porcelain and brass castors, both decorative and practical, allowing the piece to be moved easily around a room. This feature alone speaks to its intended role as a flexible companion to daily life, ready to be drawn into service for entertaining or quiet use.
Condition overall is very good, with the rich mahogany base and top showing only minor signs of age. The surface bears a few light marks. You will see to the panel above the long legs there is a screw to each side, this is obviously a later repair as they screw into an original stretch of wood underneath. None of these detract from the table’s beauty or sturdiness; instead, they lend it the gentle character expected of an antique that has been well used and well loved for over a century.
Dimensions:
• Height: 63.5 cm
• Width (top closed): 16 cm, extended: 74 cm
• Width at feet: 24 cm
• Depth: 62 cm
