Rare 18th-Century New England Wall-Mounting Folding Leg Table - Antique Associated At West Townsend

Rare 18th-Century New England Wall-Mounting Folding Leg Table

A testament to 18th-century American ingenuity, pragmatism, and craftsmanship
An Exceptional New England Survivor

Rare 18th-Century New England Wall-Mounting Folding Leg Table
1488-84_1_Wall Table, 18th Century, 2 leg, Original Surface
1488-84_2_Wall Table, 18th Century, 2 leg, Original Surface
1488-84_3_Wall Table, 18th Century, 2 leg, Original Surface
1488-84_4_Wall Table, 18th Century, 2 leg, Original Surface

Please click on images to expand.


Embodying the ingenious space-saving solutions of colonial kitchens [keeping rooms] and taverns – tables typically utilized a swing-out leg (gateleg) or articulated bracket to support a hinged tabletop that could be stored flat against the wall when not in use.

This form is scarce, possibly unique – far rarer than standard gateleg or drop-leaf tables. Major museums, auction houses, and scholarly references document none [that we could locate] in published form. The only comparable public reference is a small similar example featured in the upcoming Summer 2026 issue of A Primitive Place Magazine (The Nik and Kim Groothuis collection), also described as a necessity for small colonial kitchens and taverns. The Groothuis table is supported by a single leg while our larger example is supported with dual legs facilitating enhanced support.

Mechanism: The single-board hand planed top hinges down from the stout, shaped wall cleat via two period butt hinges. When in use, it deploys fully supported by two tapering swing-out legs pivoting on large wooden dowels creating solid stability without floor intrusion. Folds flat against the wall when not needed, reclaiming precious floor space.

Item Date: 1750 - 1820

Measurement: Height 28.25" (perfect seated work/dining height); open top measures 25.75" deep × 58.5" wide (providing generous surface for meal preparation, dining, sewing, or tavern use); wall cleat/bracket with concave ends 66.75" long × 5.75" high × 2.25" thick for secure mounting.

Material: Crafted entirely in desirable white pine, the quintessential wood of early New England rural furniture; iron but hinges.

Item Condition: The single board top featuring breadboard (batten) ends joined by mortise-and-tenon and wood pegs…the classic anti-warping solution for softwood tops. Early iron hardware and tool marks, trivial shrinkage cracks, soulful wear, patina, and rich aged reddish-brown surface are consistent with centuries of honest use. No modern replacements or alterations detract from the integrity of this survivor. Outstanding original condition is consistent with age and use. Overall color and dry surface are outstanding.

SOLD

SKU 1488-84

For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.