A William IV rosewood circular extending dining table, stamped W Riddle,

with later six leaf extensions

Generally this table is in good condition. The top is slightly faded and has some old stains, minor dents and marks consistent with age and use. There is some minor shrinkage along construction lines with a small filled section on one edge adjacent to the join of veneers. The leaves are a much darker colour than the the central part of the table. As indicated in the saleroom notice these are probably of a later date. All the leaves have been patched on both sides. The bearers on some of the leaf extensions have been repositioned to compensate for shrinkage. There is some characteristic shrinkage and warping due to age to these leaf extensions and they do not fit evenly. There are two bolts missing from the top to secure it to the base. The base has some old repairs to veneers and some minor losses on all sides and is rather scuffed.
"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."

A George IV walnut and parcel gilt circular centre table, stamped William Riddle is illustrated in Christopher Gilbert,  The Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture, 1700-1840, 1996, p. 390 pl. 767.

William Riddle, a cabinet-maker is recorded, trading from premises at 16 Nottingham Place, Whitechapel Road, when he took out an insurance policy in 1823. The name W. Riddle is noted as being found on `two Regency tables', and since no other maker of this name has yet been recorded, it would appear to suggest the present table is by the same maker (see Christopher Gilbert, op. cit. p. 46).

An almost identical mahogany table, apparently without a stamp, sold Sotheby's London, 7 July 1995, lot 156.