American Pilgrim Table

[jacon4]

Well, coming up this month, Aug 14-15, Skinner is having their Americana sale, this little guy caught my eye, incredible survivor, it appears to be all there! which is remarkable for a late 17th century american table, probably about 1680. Sale estimate is 20-50k which means, they have no idea what the value is. Joined riven oak table with drawer.

[mart]

Two board top or is that a crack ??

[jacon4]

Looks like a crack to me. Since it's riven (split) oak, top is more than likely 2 or 3 boards, a single board of riven oak to produce a 19 or 20 inch wide board, the tree would need to be in the 6-7 foot diameter range. Pretty big tree, way to big to rive by a single man. To rive a tree, you take say 4 foot long log, split it in half, then split (rive) pie shaped pieces off each half along the radial plane of the log.
https://pfollansbee.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/theres-oak-then-theres-riven-oak/

[mart]

Not a good top pic !!  Can`t see any additional boards !!

[jacon4]

Agrees pic is not the best and, there is only 1 which is odd for what they are asking for it. Condition report says "top with two shrinkage cracks, left front leg cat-scratched, losses to ring-turnings on legs. "

Here is link to table on Skinner website
http://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2922M/lots/39

Nevermind all that above, top is pine which makes sense so probably started out as a single board. Mart was leading me down the primrose path there, forget about the boards! it's the form that matters!

[mart]

 Ha!!  I would never do that Jacon4 !!  I was just thinking that the skirt looks a bit odd for that time period !!

[jacon4]

Reaches for my BAM! stick! That front apron it looks like is a single piece of wood, pinned on each side into leg and is consistent with the period. It doesn't say but that drawer should be side hung, odd that there is only one photo of this table.
I just wrote to Skinner, why the single pic & what's up with that drawer. I know someone who is attending auction so I'll get a first person review but dang, $50,000. for a table and no pic's, what's up with that.

[mart]

From what I see its a single board top with a crack !!

[jacon4]

Yep, if it's white pine, probably a single board top that has split. I have an 1750 cherry table of similar form, it has a split that someone repaired along the way. Those breadboard ends that are a feature of this form and were installed originally to keep that wide board from warping (which it does quite well) are what causes splits in single board tops. It's not a big deal and rather easy restoration.

[mart]

Have you heard back on the additional pics ??  It is odd that only one pic is  available at that price !!  I do not see $50K in it !!

[jacon4]

Nope, nuttin yet. There is still a couple weeks until sale, sometimes they release more pics later as getting it online NOW is primary focus. Well, 50k may not be the number UNLESS this table checks out, if it does pass muster though, that number could be low. We shall see, that drawer construction will be a big point among those that have an interest as well as a big pocketbook.

[ghopper1924]

Very cool table. I've read that the Victorians loved the 17th century for furniture, and I can see why. Out of my financial wheelhouse, though.  I could get a Belter 3-piece parlor set for that! 

[mart]

Very cool table. I've read that the Victorians loved the 17th century for furniture, and I can see why. Out of my financial wheelhouse, though.  I could get a Belter 3-piece parlor set for that! 

LOL !!  And I could live comfortably till this time next summer on that !!

[jacon4]

Yeah, I hear you, thing is, anytime PILGRIM furniture is mentioned in the American context, it draws A LOT of interest, a lot of fakes as well! It's just so rare that it even comes to market that interest in the object is understandable. While we wait for skinner, pics below of pilgrim tables of similar form and age at the MET

[jacon4]

And another, would not let me single post both tables