A SPLAY-LEGGED Drop-leaf Table, in the former Nutting Collection.
This piece, although it has lost somewhat from the feet, is a stocky, quaint,
very early specimen. It differs from the usual splay-leg table in this, that
the legs spread both laterally and longitudinally. The scrolling of the
wide skirt is another interesting feature. It extends around the ends as
well as at the sides. The top is altogether original and the leaves are at-
tached by hinges riveted through, an early and a very substantial method.
The maple top has acquired the beautiful bleached effect so much sought for
in the quaintest and earliest tables. While smaller tables are often made
in this style they are extremely rare with leaves. It will be noted that the
leaves are narrow so that, contrary to the rule, the top is longer following
the grain than across it.
The overhang is very marked and it is possible to sit up to the table with-
out any interference of the legs.
Tables having stocky legs are considered more desirable, in the Seven-
teenth Century styles, as a sturdy character is consonant with the period.
The table was made without a drawer.
Size: 44 by 52 inches, the long dimension being with the grain. Date:
1670-1690

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