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John Goddard Tea Table
mahogany, 27"h, 33"w, 19½"dOne of
the most spectacular examples of 18th-century Newport cabinetmaking is a
tea table from the John Goddard shop in its fully developed form, replicated here in
exacting detail. This example has overcut, open-talon ball and
claw feet and knees carved in the Goddard pattern. The top conforms to
the sculpted shape of the apron and is one piece dished from the solid.
The table frame is of
mortise-and-tenon construction with concealed leg blocks. The top is let
into the frame and secured with cleats, as was the original, allowing
for seasonal movement.
The original was made by the Goddard shop
for Nicholas Brown and it descended in the family until its sale in
January 2005 for in excess of $8 million.
similar example: Sotheby's 8055, January 2005

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Goddard Rectangular Tea Table
mahogany, 26½"h, 32½"w, 20½"d
Rectangular tea tables with
cabriole legs and an applied top molding were favored in 18th-century
Newport. This example is in the manner of the Goddard family shop with
four Goddard-style open-talon, overcut ball and claw feet, identical to
the previous table. A radiused molding spans the bottom edge of the
apron, visually connecting the legs. The one-board top is framed by an
applied ogee top molding.
The construction is mortise and
tenon with the top let into the frame. The top is affixed by the top
molding in such a way as to allow for seasonal movement.
similar example: Monkhouse &
Mitchie p. 133
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Townsend Rectangular Tea Table
mahogany, 27"h, 33"w, 21"d A ball and claw foot version of the more common
slipper-foot tea table, after an early John Townsend original.
Townsend's early style of foot carving appears on only a handful of
pieces. His early feet are detailed and precise without the tall,
stylized appearance of his later work. The four feet have slender
digits, rounded knuckles, and open talons. The one-board top is
surrounded by an applied ogee molding.
The construction is of
mortise-and-tenon joinery and the top is let into the frame. The ogee
molding secures the top while allowing seasonal movement.
similar example: Monkhouse &
Michie p.133
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Townsend Slipper-Foot Tea Table
mahogany, 27"h, 32"w, 21"d available
The classic Newport rectangular tea
table of timeless grace and simplicity. This slipper-foot design
is in the manner of Christopher or early John Townsend, as exemplified
by the strong sweep of the leg, and is an exacting replica of an
original. The apron is narrow, lending lift and lightness to the design.
The one-board top is surrounded by a radiused top molding with edge
bead.
The construction is mortise and
tenon and the top is let into the frame. The applied top molding holds
the top and allows for seasonal movement.
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Ellen Townsend Tea Table
mahogany, 26"h, 31½"w, 20½"dThe
original of this slipper-foot tea table was given to the Newport
Historical Society by Miss Ellen Townsend (granddaughter of John and
great-granddaughter of Christopher) in 1884. Curiously, it doesn't seem
to have been made by either of them, and is more likely the product of
Job Townsend's shop (Christopher's brother). The original is on display
at NHS's Museum of Newport History on Washington Square and is
replicated under an agreement with the Society. It's a charming table
with a subtle curve to the legs and strong slipper feet.
The table is seen in Miss Ellen
Townsend's parlor in this watercolor by Mary Buffum c. 1880 (courtesy of
Newport Historical Society):

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Suffield Connecticut Tea Table
walnut, 27"h, 24½"w, 18"d
A number of unique designs were
made in 18th-century Connecticut, among them this diminutive tea table
that descended in a Suffield family. It is remarkable for its slender
and graceful legs that end in pad feet on flared disks. The top is
crotch-grained walnut that has been bookmatched to enhance the pattern.
The top is dished from the solid to create the tray edge. Below the top,
a bold ogee molding completes the transition between the frame and top.
Candle slides extend from either side.
similar example: Sack vol. X, p.2576
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Philadelphia Turret-Top Tea Table
mahogany, 27½"h, 30"w, 19½"dA
small group of 12 and 14-turret tea tables were made in Philadelphia and
Boston. Their riveting appearance is best describe as one of
"constrained energy". This is a 14-turret table from Philadelphia with
four compact Philadelphia ball and claw feet and Rococo foliate carving
on the knees. The top is dished from the solid and follows the intricate
pattern of the corner and side turrets.
The top is secured to the underlying rectangular
table frame in a manner that allows the for the seasonal movement of the
mahogany.
ref. Sack Vol. X, p. 64
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Boston Tea Table
figured maple, 28½"h, 26"w, 18"d
A diminutive Boston Queen Anne tea table with
boldly shaped aprons and long, graceful cabriole legs ending in pad
feet. The overhanging top features a molded edge. The table
has a great amount of lift, in keeping with the design ideals of its
day.
Originally walnut, but equally
striking in mahogany, figured maple, or cherry. The pegs are visible in
the mortise-and-tenon frame joinery.
similar example: Fairbanks & Bates p. 124
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Massachusetts Scalloped-Apron Tea Table
cherry, 25½"h, 32"w, 20"d
A scalloped-apron tea table in the Massachusetts
tradition. The scalloped apron design blends into the cabriole legs,
which end in pad feet. The top has an applied cove-molded tray edge. In
addition, the table has generously-sized slides that extend from either
end for candles or to increase serving space.
This is shown in cherry, but it is also
available in mahogany or figured maple.
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Rhode Island Porringer-Top Tea Table
figured maple, 27"h, 34½"w, 24"d available
Sometimes referred to as a "common tea table" in
early inventories, tea tables with turned and tapered legs were less
expensive than their cabriole-legged counterparts. The porringer top was
a Rhode Island favorite. The table top has a slightly rounded, beveled
edge that shows the porringer shape well.
Shown in figured (tiger) maple, but also
available in mahogany, walnut, and cherry. The inset shows the top
detail.
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Oval Tea Table
figured maple, 27"h, 34"w, 25"d available
The oval tea table was a design in widespread
use throughout New England in the 18th century. Nicely
proportioned, it has turned and tapered legs with a rounded, beveled
table top edge.
Shown in figured (tiger) maple, but also
available in cherry, walnut, and mahogany.
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Round Tea Table
cherry, 27"h, 25w, 25"d
An rare circular tea table design with details
similar to other "common tea tables". This has turned and tapered legs
ending in pad feet with decorative turned leg details just below the
apron. The top has a slightly rounded beveled edge that finishes the
design handsomely.
Shown in cherry, but also available in figured
or tiger maple, walnut, or mahogany.
similar example: Nutting 1259
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