Rare mid 19th century satin birch tilt top breakfast table

A rare mid 19th century (circa 1860) satin birch tilt top breakfast table - ADDITIONAL IMAGES CAN BE VIEWED BELOW:

This table consists of a finely figured satin birch top veneered on solid mahogany with moulded edge leading down to a finely figured crossbanded frieze with moulding below, the top can be either tilted or secured down.

The top is supported on a pedestal base consisting of a fine quality hexagonal concave tapered column with moulded collar below. 

This leads down to three finely carved cabriole legs with scroll decoration, recessed and carved foliate design and suspended turned finial to the centre, terminating with scroll feet.

This table has a retailer/makers label to the underside:

I & J ASHFORD’S
(Late J.B. Bright & Co.)
CABINET, CHAIR
            and
UPHOLSTERY, MANUFACTORY
SAXMUNDHAM
SUFFOLK

The company ‘Isaac & James Ashford’ (fl. 1850-1983) were successors to ‘Jerome Denny Bright’ who had traded in the Suffolk market town of Saxmundham since the late 18th century.

The company was passed to their son-in-law’s Isaac & James Ashford in 1850 and they carried on the business in the High Street enlarging the premises in 1882 as their stock of antique and modern furniture had increased.

‘I & J Ashford’s’ traded as cabinet makers, upholsterers, paper hangers, undertakers and general furnishers, they often advertised for journeymen suggesting a good business, they carried on as house furnishers into the 20th century and eventually closed in 1983.

Three items or sets of furniture bearing ‘I & J Ashford’s’ label are known of,  these were sold at the Sotheby’s Benacre Hall sale in Suffolk in May 2000, these were a Chesterfield type sofa, a pair of giltwood footstools and a set of twelve ivory painted and part gilt armchairs.

These labels, which followed the format of J.D. Bright’s label, read: ‘From I. & J. ASHFORDS/CABINET, CHAIR/ AND UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTORY/ SAXMUNDHAM/ SUFFOLK’.

Provenance: Private collection, Suffolk.

This table is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - this table could be used as a breakfast or dining table or equally as a centre table.

Size:

Height: 28.75'' / 73cm (top down)
              62'' / 157.5cm (top tilted)

Width: 54'' / 137cm

Depth: 53.5'' / 136cm