Mahogany Chippendale Piecrust Table
The piecrust table has long been a favorite piece of furniture. It became popular in America in the second half of the 18th Century. The table may be stored with the top tilted to the upright position, thus taking up less room, while at the same time showing off the hand carved 'piecrust' design around the perimeter. This one is a reproduction of a Chippendale-era table made in Philadelphia in the mid-1700's. It is made of solid mahogany and features cabriole legs terminating in hand carved ball and claw feet. It features a substantial center pillar to which the three legs are secured with hand cut sliding dovetails. The top rotates effortlessly. The 'birdcage' underneath the top is an ingenious mechanism that allows the top to rotate and tilt. The table is 26" tall and the top is 22" in diameter, but it can be made in widths up to 36". It is finished with many coats of oil to give it a very soft and smooth feel.