Tilt-top stand

1785-1810

and later

Measurements

28 in x 20-3/8 in (dia)

Materials

Mahogany, light and dark wood inlays

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

1975.19

Condition Notes

The six-pointed star inlaid into the center of the top exhibits no wear or movement from shrinkage of the single-board top.  The top itself has been thoroughly cleaned and exhibits no discernable links to the base.  It may be a replacement.  The top board of the square box (or birdcage) is of a piece of mahogany that differs from the bottom square board; it is likely a replacement.  A foot is replaced at the ankle of one leg.  The original round tenon over which the box fits has been replaced by a separate dowel inserted into the columnar shaft.  The replacement dowel is at a slight angle and is secured by three nails.

Provenance

When Winterthur purchased this stand from Miss Margaret Janvier Hort, the invoice dated February 6, 1975, stated that it belonged to Thomas and Mercy Janvier of New Castle. 

Comments

This tilt-top stand on three cabriole legs is of a design that was common throughout the greater Philadelphia region from the 1780s onward.  It was acquired from Miss Hort, who spent her adult life researching and acquiring manuscripts and furniture related to the Janvier family of furniture makers.  Despite its reliable provenance, the stand itself has compromising condition issues. No other tilt-top tables with Janvier provenances are known.  The style of inlay is unknown among Janvier furniture, which is seldom inlaid.

The round tenon over which the box slides is a separate piece of wood from the pillar itself--a non-period construction.  It was installed at a slight angle.  Three wire nails (20th century), visible around the collar at the top of the pillar, hold it in place.