A massive Anglo-American oak refectory table 18th century

the top of five plank construction, the frieze with multiple blind panels and moulded apron, the eight baluster turned legs with square feet and peripheral stretchers, restorations and losses

Generally tidy except for the cleated end that is lacking from the top. The top with typical separations and there are diagonal cuts to the planks. Some patching and indents. The rim of the top with some splitting and fragmented to a section measuring 3in. by 2in. with exposed peg. The underside of the top with metal braces. The supports also with metal brackets. The frieze and moulded apron with some old chipping and splits. Some minor losses on turned legs. The square feet with some replaced sections and separations to the joins of the stretcher rails. One end constructional variation indicating that this table may have been even larger or possibly that the legs have been re-arranged into a new order. Most of the issues discussed in this report are in part due to its massive size and are a by product of transporting this item over its long history. Visually this is a very impressive piece. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

By repute this table is said to have come from St Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire in the U.S. It has been suggested that the table was originally a domestic family piece, rather than an institutional one and that it was linked to the Choate family of Massachusetts. A descendant of this family, George Cheyne Shattuck (1827-1896), founded St. Paul's School in 1856. The enormous size of this table would point to the table being an institutional piece and was perhaps purchased with its scale in mind at the time of St. Paul's foundation.