Tiger maple drop leaf table

[japple]

Hello,
I'm basically an antique noob. Years ago I inherited a variety of antiques. This table being one of them. I've gotten frustrated trying to date or identify it. It seems to have contrasting characteristics. So here I am asking all you experts for help. If anyone has any idea of what this table is all about, please post your thoughts. I'll answer any questions as best I can.
Here's what I know:
It has 4 barley twist legs. 2 of them swing out on a wooden hinge to support the leaves.

The top and sides are 1 piece each. they are only 3/4" thick. You can "feel the grain" by running your hand accross the top. So it's not machined perfecty flat/smooth.

The top is obviously maple, but I'm not sure of the legs and framework. If they're not maple, I'd guess they are pine. There's not much of a visable grain-it's kind of plain.

measurements are 42" X 16" closed and 42" X 41" with leaves open. hieght is 29"

Thanx in advance

[japple]

A few more pics.

[dr612]

I'll take a stab at it.  It is clearly handtooled, as you can see the scribe marks on the flyleg hinge cuts, and the tops of the screws in the hinge look to be handtooled. You can also see a file mark on the barley carving.  I would guess early 1800s.  Beautiful tiger maple.  Very nice table.

[cogar]

This cropped view of the table’s edge has me curious if it might be a Faux Flame Maple table? Or is it that my eyes are just not seeing clearly this morning?

[jacon4]

Nice. It's a period Sheraton drop leaf table, first half 19th century, American. C.1830-40

[mart]

I am going with Jacon4 !! Thats a beauty !! The wood underneath that supports the top looks like mahogany ??  Legs look maple to me !! 
Once again,, gotta ask Jacon4,,barley twist legs would be common to what part of the country for a Sheraton piece ?? We do not see them much here except on English tables !! For some reason the traditional reeded legs and such are usually what we find in Texas !! Must be a southern thing !!!

[jacon4]

barley twist legs would be common to what part of the country for a Sheraton piece ??

Eastern seaboard. Drop leaf dining tables were very popular in America during the 18th & 19th century. Very functional as they could be folded and stored out of the way against a wall. The table base/legs are most likely clear maple. Auction prices for a period Sheraton table would be in the $1000-$3000 range, with the tiger top, this table would be on the higher end of that range.

[mart]

Thanks for the info !!  We see many different styles of drop leaf tables but not like that one !! If you say maple in Texas immediately the 60`s come to mind for most people !!  I just enjoyed looking at this one !!

[jacon4]

Maple was a favorite wood all during the colonial - federal period. There was alot of it, it works well, its a pretty hard dense wood. Add in figured maple which cabinetmakers saved for table tops, drawer fronts, etc. & its easy to see why it was popular.

[mart]

Might add that some call the drop leaf tables with swing out legs "gateleg tables" !!  Might help you find similar examples !!

[frogpatch]

Sheraton, if I am not mistaken, was late 18th early 19th century 1780- 1805. I believe that to be a Federal Period piece. Sheraton generally had turned or reeded legs. I can't find an example with rope turned legs. Regardless of all that it is as great piece and worth what was stated.
http://antiques.about.com/od/furniture/a/SheratonStyle010710.htm

[jacon4]

Yep, either term should give many examples if you google antique sheraton drop leaf or gate leg, i usually select images from the search list as it helps to identify the form i am looking for quickly. I have a C.1720-30 william & mary Boston gate/drop dining table, the top is oval though and the base has turned stretchers. This form of table originated in england in the late 17th century & quickly crossed the pond to america. Highly functional tables, even today. A related form is a "Pembroke" table, much smaller though and usually with a drawer.

Frogpatch, yes, Sheraton & Hepplewhite were federal furniture forms in America post revolution, say 1790-1830. American time lines are different than in england where the designs actually came from. Our cabinetmakers also were very liberal in how they adapted these furniture fashions to american taste. Another thing, it was not unusual for these fashions to continue being made in the country long after they were out of date in the big city. I did a quick google search/images, linked below.
http://www.google.com/search?q=antique+sheraton+drop+leaf+table&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=46klT8j6L4arsQLu4c2MAg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

[frogpatch]

Excellent info thanks!  Please tell me exactly how you pulled all those images. That is incredible!

[jacon4]

Frogpatch, sometimes, images or pictures are the fastest way to search. In this case, i typed in the Google search box...... antique sheraton drop leaf table, and the Web results come up just like normal but, if you look on left side of page, you'll see options like images, videos, shopping, etc. I clicked images and BINGO, there they are.

[mart]

I just learned to do that myself !!  Great way to search !!