A Regency mahogany extending dining table circa 1810

in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster, comprising a pair of D-end sections each with a telescopic action, on reeded turned tapering legs and castors, together with four leaves, some minor adaptions to leaves

Almost certainly John Thomas Townshend, 2nd Viscount Sydney, Frognal, Chislehurst, Kent, (d.1831), subsequently John Robert Townshend, 3rd Viscount Sydney, created Ist Earl Sydney 1874, (d.1890), also Frognal, Chislehurst, Kent, and thence by family descent to the present vendor. 

Thomas Townshend, (d.1800), inherited the Frognal estate in 1780.  A politician, he served in the government formed by Lord Shelburne ( Prime Minister 1782-1783) as Home Secretary, when he was created 1st Lord Sydney of Chislehurst. He subsequently held the same office in the government of William Pitt, and was created Ist Viscount Sydney in 1789. As Home Secretary, he had responsibility for the Colonies and a recently discovered harbour in New South Wales, Australia was named Sydney in his honour. 

He was  succeeded by his son John Thomas Townshend as 2nd Viscount Sydney, who also inherited the Frognal estate and carried out many alterations to the house. The present table was almost certainly acquired by him during the course of these alterations. He died in 1831 and was succeeded by his son, John Robert Townsend as 3rd Viscount Sydney.

The 3rd Viscount pursued a career in the Royal Household serving as both Lord Chamberlain (1859-1866, and 1868-1874) and Lord Steward (1880-1885). He died childless in 1890 and his titles became extinct. His property passed to his nephew the Hon. Robert Marsham Townshend on whose death in 1914, Frognal (see illustration) and many of its principal contents were sold.

The top has been re-finished. The leaves are all slightly chipped and bruised around the edges. Three leaves have age small cracks to both sides. One leaf is patched in the centre. There are patches to two other leaves along the inside edges. One other leaf is chipped on the top surface, outer edge. Some leaves show signs of alterations to underside. All have characteristic undulations. One D-end section has age cracks to the frieze. There are old marks and scratches, minor chips throughout consistent with age and use. With eighteen brass clips of mixed dates. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"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."