An oak credence table 17th century

with a demi-lune hinged top, a fielded panel cupboard door flanked by two fielded panels with applied lozenge decoration, on tapering gun-barrell supports, with a rear gateleg mechanism united by box stretchers,

Acquired through R.W. Symons by Moller for Thorncombe Park, Surrey;
Anonymous sale, Sotheby's Billingshurst, 14-15 November 1989, lot 1035;
The Parry Collection, Christie's London, 24 April, 1997, lot 242.

R.W. Symons, Furniture Making in Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century England, London, 1955, p. 50, fig. 73.
The Antique Dealer's and Collector's Club, September 1956.
Country Life, 2 November 1989, illustrated on page 119.

This rare table is stable and the timber attractively figured, albeit with a later varnished surface. There is exactly the sorts of wear one would expect to see on a piece of such great age. It is of a pleasing size. The location of the gateleg at the back appears to have moved. And there are sctructural elements aroudn the base, namely some stretchers which appear later. There is evidence of old wear, losses and damage. An interesting and academic peice.
"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 related Credence table, so called for its use adjacent to an alter, used for storing the host and communion wine before consecration, was almost certainly acquired for Moller by R.W. Symons and subsequently sold in The Moller Collection, Sotheby's London, 18 November 1993, lot 35.