American Federal-style (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base

An elegant early 19th century. English mahogany and satinwood card table with large Lyre shaped pedestal on saber legs and brass cap casters.

This card table is an exceptional example of American Classical design, with highly skilled carving and reminiscent of work being done in New York during the late Phyfe period and the work done in New York by the Vose makers, etc. Note the quality of the lyre and the carved leafage at the base of each lyre. The lyre sits on a double pedestal that is concave on all sides, reducing the heft of what could have otherwise been a over-weighty table. All of this is supported on four individually carved legs with conforming paw foot casters. These legs are quite distinctive and the reason for the Barry attribution. Please note, we have, in our collection, a related drop leaf table that came together with this piece; it appears they are from the same shop and have always been together. Measures: Height 29 1/4 in., width 36 in., depth 18 in.,  36 in.

This exceptional Philadelphia games table was the product of a master cabinetmaker - the burled elm inlay is highly unusual - when opened, the top spins to initially reveal an inner compartment and folds out to lie flat in card-table dimensions (see image 2).

This is a truly exceptional card table in many ways. The lyre is quite a bit larger than ordinarily seen and is developed, with respect to carving, a tad more than other examples: see our detailed images for the carving between rosettes in the lyre. The color of the mahogany is a very amber tone, and quite dry to the feel, as it is quite sharp in all its carved detail, all of which means it hasn’t been touched in many years, as it must have been understood by a knowledgeable owner. It should also be noted the top boards are solid mahogany that have aged well through the years, i.e. minimal warping. For the color of the mahogany, see our image with leaves open. Also, of note, is the very sophisticated apron with no curves and built to a fine scale in a manner seen on many high style classical New York pieces.

English mahogany tilt-top breakfast table with brass feet and castors. Brass spring loaded catch releases table to upright position, circa 1840.