Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Scalloped-Top Tilt-Top Tea Table, Carving attributed to Nicholas Bernard (1732-1789), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circa 1750

With a design derived from contemporary English models, tea tables with circular tilting tops, a central baluster stem, and shaped cabriole legs were made in Philadelphia from about 1740. Dating to circa 1745, this one is a very early example of the form. It survives in remarkable condition and retains its original surface and casters.

This table is made of a heavy fine grained mahogany with a scalloped top divided into twelve segments and a ring turned inverted baluster standard. The battens on the underside of the top that secure it to the bird cage consist of two short parallel battens that hinge on the bird cage and intersect two long parallel battens. The tripod base displays knees carved with broad and flattened acanthus leaves and claw feet with flattened balls and finely articulated talons.

 Two very closely related Philadelphia piecrust tea tables are cited in the Kindig file for this object along with photographs of both tables. Both are in private collections. The two tables similarly feature a twelve segment top, a ring turned inverted baluster standard, and tripod base with acanthus carved knees and claw feet. One with acanthus carved knees is most similar to this one. The other has the additional feature of acanthus carved plaques at the top of the knees with acanthus carving below. It also has the double batten construction found on this table. 

An early Philadelphia tea table with double batten construction also retaining its original surface was in the collection of Dr. Everett Pusey Barnard (1876-1957) and his wife, Eliza (Bosler) of Philadelphia. It sold in These Rooms, Important Americana from a Private Collection, Janaury 22, 2011, sale 8776, lot 46.