original text : (Automatic translation)
An early 19th century Irish mahogany dining table attributed to Mack, Williams and Gibton, comprising five tilt-top pedestal sections and four matching loose leaves, the rounded rectangular top of finely figured mahogany with a deep reeded edge. The base with five turned and reeded columns standing on quadruple splay legs terminating in polished brass claw feet and castors.
(The leaves are not original to the table but of the same origin and date.)
Ireland, circa 1830

Height: 283/4in (73cm)
Width: 711/4in (181cm)
Length of pedestals only: 14 feet 21/2in (433cm)
Length with all leaves: 22 feet (671cm)

PROVENANCE

Alfred Rive, B.A., M.Litt, Ph.D., LL.D (1898-1970).

This dining table is a unique example of the best of Dublin furniture making of the period. It is comprised of five individual pedestals and a further four leaves, designed to separate and be reformed as is most convenient. The versatile nature of the design is in keeping with the Regency era\'s taste for fluid interior design, whereby such furniture could be easily altered in scale as required.

The five pillar sections, when together reaching just over 14 feet, make up the original table. The four additional leaves have been sourced from another table of the same date and, remarkably, appear to be made from the same cuts of timber. They have the same deep reeded edges that give the top such strength. The generously wide rectangular top is of the finest West Indian mahogany and the beautifully grained, bookmatched veneers are evenly faded across the table. The thickness of the solid mahogany top, almost two inches at the edges, is a fine and typically Irish characteristic.

The quality of the wood used is of an exceptional standard throughout. Mahogany is used instead of a secondary timber even for the undersides of the table. The pedestal supports are perfectly proportioned and each is supported on four splaying legs, in a Regency saber form. The sophistication of the design shows in the reeding around the curved table top, which follows through to the legs and terminals. The only carved decoration is the single acanthus leaf found on the hips that serve as a classical counterpoint to the shiny brass caps opposite.

This magnificent large-scale dining table has no identification marks but appears to have been made by the firm of Mack, Williams and Gibton, having the same features as another bearing their trade stamp that was sold through Mallett. A feature typical of Mack, Williams and Gibton furniture is the matched rounded and moulded edges of both the pillar table tops and the additional leaves. Overall, the table, of extraordinary scale, is in exceptional original condition. It retains its original brassware, locks, toecaps and castors. The excellent condition of the table is largely testament to Mack, Williams and Gibton\'s solid construction techniques and quality of materials.