Research
Of mahogany. The octagonal crossbanded top with reeded edge is set with old but not original black leather top. Within the top are two rising book slopes with shaped bright steel ratcheted easels. The frieze is set with eight drawers with period but possibly replaced gilt brass octagonal ring handles. The  triangular corner drawers each fitted with ebonized curved pen tray and compartments to contain ink bottles (two original silver lidded examples present). Two long drawers contain fully fitted secretaires with drop fronts. Each of the six drawers with replaced bone turned knobs. Two remaining drawers are similarly fitted but also contain leather set book slopes with shaped bright steel ratcheted easels. Each outer drawer front with replaced inset bone tablet with black capital lettering. 

The square base with chamfered reeded corners with molded paneled sides enclosing panels of flame mahogany, two sides opening as doors to reveal a continuous shelf. The whole raised on a plain conforming plinth. The top and base with original mechanism to allow the table to fully rotate. 

This piece contains no ivory.

Marks:
Top of base inscribed:
No 28
with illegible letters beneath 

Provenance:
London Art Trade, early 1980s
NY Collection 

This large pedestal table is equipped with four retractable easels in its large octagonal swivel top, and is a highly unusual example of Georgian library furniture.

Circular tables raised on a pedestal and set with a leather top first evolved as pieces of library furniture in the second half of the eighteenth century, when they were soon adopted by the most eminent furniture-makers of the day. The conceit of such a “Library Table” containing a drawer with a ratcheted and leather-lined slope is featured in Thomas Sheraton’s The Cabinet Dictionary (London, 1803) plate 55. 

Research report available on request.