Chippendale games table, Newport, RI
A rare and important antique Chippendale demi-lune games table, attributed to John Goddard, Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1760.
This appealing antique Newport games table is a rare form that bears the distinctive carvings found on authenticated furniture produced in the cabinet shop of John Goddard. The superior quality of the materials, finely carved legs and feet and layout of the table further confirm the attribution to this important Newport cabinetmaker. This table is illustrated and discussed in the highly regarded text, “Master Craftsmen of Newport” by Michael Moses, page 227, plate 5.16 & 5.16a. [see attached]. The rarity of this form, superb quality construction and solid pedigree, establish this as one of the great examples of Newport formal furniture. The table, which is constructed with high quality mahogany, has a rich old color with a mellow surface. The top leaf folds open to form a circular table and the lower leaf lifts to reveal a storage well beneath. The base of the cabinet is finished with a quarter round molding that joins the three cabriole legs. The front leg has shaped returns and a knee carved with a Rococo leaf and petal pattern, above a superbly carved ball and claw foot. The foot has expertly rendered open talons with shaped knuckles and raised tendons.
Dimensions
Height: 26 ¼”; Width 35 ½”; Depth closed 18 ½”
Pricing
Sold.