ITEM SW00929: An Inlaid Mahogany and Figured Satinwood Federal Hepplewhite
Card Table, probably Portsmouth, c.1790

This finely constructed card table is composed of a rather unusually large and beautiful central oval of crotch satinwood meticulously edged with a variegated molding (which is not common) all of which is framed by a central mahogany panel. Flanking this oval above the two line-inlaid legs are two similar rectangular inlaid panels, which are similarly edged in the variegated molding of the central panel. This is truly a connoisseur’s table with complicated inlay which also can be seen in the edge molding of the top. (See close-up detail below to enjoy the full complexity of this table).

The skirt of the table is also composed of mellow figured mahogany and the actual case is not a stacked laminated series of boards, but one carved out of the solid. The top mahogany boards are solid and beautifully figured (see attached). All is supported on the most desirable double tapered leg.

This card table is not the standard garden variety card table, but can be considered one of the best examples of the American Hepplewhite form in superb condition…a true racehorse.

Additional Images - Click below to ENLARGE