A Classical Pier Table

Baltimore, Maryland
Circa 1825
Attributed to John Needles

This rare Classical Baltimore table is referred to as a pier table but because it has no mirror or platform base, it likely could have been designed as a complimentary serving table in a dining room. The heavy pointed reeding on the freestanding legs is reminiscent of the Roman fasces. The table is attributed to the cabinetmaker John Needles based on it being nearly identical to a labeled table in the collection of Centre Hill Mansion in Petersburg, Virginia. Other Needles characteristics are demonstrated in the composite Corinthian capitals, the block and ebonized feet, and the use of applied ebonized moldings. This table is unique from other examples with its slightly more diminutive width. The marble is original and the inside back has a large signature in script designating Joseph King, the possible first owner.

Classical Maryland 1815-1845 Fine and Decorative Arts from the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, 1993. Page 116 Fig. 141.

Weidman, Gregory R. Furniture in Maryland 1740-1940, Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, 1984. Page 192 Fig. 169.

William Voss Elder III and Jayne E. Stokes, American Furniture 1680-1880 From the Collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, 1987. Page 163 Fig. 123.

Mahogany, (Secondary wood: pine), and marble
Height: 35 ½” Width: 33 ¼” Depth: 19”
C1030
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