Derbyshire, England, 19th century

'Ashford marble', inlaid coloured hardstones, rosewood, the circular top inlaid with a sprig of roses

Very charming. The top with a crack and now laid on a timber bed. The rosewood with old marks and scratches from use, most notably on the wedge form feet, these could well be later. The rosewood may have been re-polished and there are some old water marks.
"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."

Ashford Marble became a popular material for ornaments, in the late 18th Century when the quarries where developed by Henry Watson of Bakewell. In the 19th century it was promoted by the 6th Duke of Devonshire as suitable for furniture, emulating Florentine inlaid marble work which he had seen in Italy. 

Examples of this inlaid work were exhibited in the Great Exhibition of 1851 and included a table by Tomlinson of Ashford, illustrated in Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibitions, London- New York- Paris- Philadelphia 1851-1900, 2006, p.46. Samuel Birley was another highly skilled lapidarist who produced similar tables and exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1862.