A Rare and Important Cromwellian Oak Refectory Table

The substantial top, constructed from four thick oak boards, joined with cleated ends, is supported on a truly outstanding base.

The top rail has fine, deeply carved tight scrolls, with a slight stipple, or cross-hatched, background. The ends and back rail are decorated with a deep run-moulding. Running along the bottom of the rail is the original “waist-moulding” – a feature often lost on many tables due to the ease with which it can be broken away when lifting the table.

The legs are quite exceptional, the turnings being of a ball and fillet design, possibly a unique feature on a table of this size, being normally found on smaller side tables or single chairs. The legs are joined by a heavy section of stretcher, with a deep chamfer to the inner edge.

The ball and fillet turnings are often associated with Derbyshire furniture-making traditions, whilst the scrolls on the rail are identical to the scrolls on South Yorkshire/Derbyshire side chairs.

Wonderful proportions, outstanding colour and patina.

Derbyshire, circa 1660.

Provenance – Wood Hall, Hilgay, Norfolk.

Length 110 inches, width 30 inches, height 32 inches.

Ref 2596