1800's wood table with ornate carvings (lion head, green man, a drawing, etc.)

This table was sitting in the house I grew up in. My parents bought and we moved into the home in 1972 when I was 12. Dad put a cloth covered top on it and a curtain around the carvings. So, we ignored it for 48 years. My mom recently passed away and I inherited it. I'd like to sell it. To do that I'd like to understand its value and the carvings on it. Also, I'd like to know the best way to sell it.

The table's dimensions are 40" x 62" x 28.5".

Provenance: The table was in a house built as a fancy bed and breakfast just before the Great Depression. The owners lost it in that financial crises and it remained vacant until my parents bought it. The house is in NY.

 

Renaissance Revival library table. Here's one similar (but of finer quality.)

https://www.loveantiques.com/antiqu...revival-scottish-oak-carved-side-c1880-118829

Debora

 

Do you have the top? Not much value without a top but of value to someone who can make one.

 

Thanks, verybrad. No top. It was broken so Dad threw it out.
Yes, it is less valuable. Do you have an idea how much and where to sell it?
What about the symbol in the first photo? What is that? I've read about the green man carvings. But, what about that drawing in the middle?

 

Thank you Debra. Would you consider it higher quality if mine were restored? The table in that link looks like it was heavily stained. I like the look of mine even though there's a lot of dust on it now. I think it needs a lot of work but has potential.
What would you recommend? How much and where should I sell it. Also, what does the drawing (first photo) mean?

 

The quality is in the carving. Restoration won't add. Won't speculate as to value but think finding a buyer for such a large piece without top in this condition not going to be easy. But offering though local channels would likely be more successful because of the cost of shipping. As to design, are you referring to this? Don't think center has any special meaning. The shapes to either side are foliate.

Debora

 

Not sure that the symbol has any specific meaning, although I note that there's a "9" and a "6" in it. Perhaps for the date the table was made, 1896? Well, that's speculation, but it COULD be true.

It's a superior quality 1890s Renaissance Revival oak table in the R.J. Horner mode. Nice trestle form with cup and cover table supports descended from 17th century precedents. Fine gadroon motif on the table top skirt.

I dunno, if it were me I'd investigate cutting an oak top to match the rest. Without a top alot of the value would be gone; in my part of the U.S. I'd expect it to fetch maybe $50-$100 at auction. Several times that with the top.

 

Yep, agree with all the above. It's a late Victorian piece so tough sell from the get-go plus, it needs a structural repair (the top). The restoration is going to cost more than the table is worth so.........
Wish I had better news.

 

@Ghopper1924, don't think that's a 6 and 9, I think they are just design marks, as they are also on the ends.....as pointed.....I also COULD be wrong!!!! I've made the image big enough to see.....

 

I think you are CORRECT! this time! it's a miracle? J/K

 

WOW!!!

 

I'm happy I haven't poured money into this. I guess if the center diagram didn't mean anything then all three of my questions were answered!

However, I think it does have some meaning beyond simple design. I think there are two arms and two legs a head, etc.. There are two symbols, one extending from the left and one from the right. They are similar to some Gothic Crosses. The rectangle in the middle could be a stake with a pointed top.
As Ghopper1924 wrote above: Well, that's speculation, but it COULD be true.

 

Well done @Aquitaine!

 

I am on board with the $50-100.00 estimate. Sadly, not worth more without a top. Might try craigslist or facebook marketplace to sell locally.

 

So, I have a short list of things to do with this table. I don't think I could throw it away. In the near term I'll give it a linseed oil bath. Then I'll put a new piece of particle board on it and make it my hobby table.

 

Good for you. It deserves a second useful life.

Debora

 

I agree. The pattern was made with a ring punch. Leather workers use the same/similar tool for pattern making.

 

I agree with all above; best to do as ghopper says and put on a proper solid oak top, but materials cost would be quite high. Since you're willing and able to make a particle board top, consider this instead.

4x8x3/4" sheet of oak veneer plywood at home depot for about $50, cut to size. Stain to match, then coat of varnish. If you're motivated, buy some 3/4 edging to cover the plywood edges. It won't be right, but won't take a lot more work than cutting particle board to get something decent.

p.s. forget the linseed oil bath which is likely to cause more problems; consider instead the stain you use for the top.

 

"p.s. forget the linseed oil bath which is likely to cause more problems; consider instead the stain you use for the top."

Good advice.