Hepplewhite Satinwood Serpentine Pembroke Table

Hepplewhite Satinwood Serpentine Pembroke Table
A fine well figured satinwood butterfly shaped serpentine Pembroke table crossbanded with kingwood outlined in ebony and boxwood stringing with a square edge.  The single drawer, crossbanded to match the top, bearing the original gilded axehead handles and mahogany lining.  A dummy drawer to the other side.  Elegant square tapering legs and brass roller cup castors. 
English, circa 1790

51cm W (extending to 94cm W) 

The design of this table includes both butterfly shaped flaps and serpentine form across the front and back, the complication of this design exemplifies the quality of the cabinetmaker's skill.  The elegant square tapering leg is the most desirable profile, it stands on original brass castors, note the width of the rollers, a sure sign of quality. The Pembroke table in its finest form is about the most elegant sort of drop-leaf table.  The design of the Pembroke table appears in cabinetmaker's trade books from about 1760 and although undocumented is thought to be named after a commission for the Countess of Pembroke. Sheraton describes it as 'a kind of breakfast table', the form with two flaps that raise on hinged brackets, four legs and a drawer at one or occasionally both ends.   

Condition: Beautiful condition throughout.