Master Art

The shaped top veneered with well figured, book-matched burr walnut veneers, opening to reveal four circular counters and four oval gaming counter wells. The conforming frieze similarly veneered over four well shaped and carved solid walnut cabriole legs. The knees carved with stylised anthemion and bellflowers, terminating in claw and ball feet.

This rare table has survived in a remarkable state of preservation. The burr walnut veneers retaining a gloriously untouched patina and graduation of colour. The fact that the back legs are shaped and carved to match the front ones is especially unusual.

The table is attributed to Benjamin Crook due to the almost identical example, which retains his label. Benjamin Crook had premises at The George and White Lyon on the south side of St Pauls Church Yard from 1732 to May 1748 when he retired.

Illustrated in Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Christopher Gilbert, page 169, cat 265.