A charming Edwardian mahogany Pembroke-style occasional table, circa 1900 to 1910, in the Sheraton Revival taste and of neat, compact proportions. The oval top has a softly moulded edge and is flanked by two drop leaves, which can be raised to extend the surface or lowered to leave a slim, space-saving footprint. Below, a single frieze drawer is finely strung with boxwood and satinwood banding and fitted with a brass swan-neck handle, while the delicate fan-inlaid spandrels beneath the frieze add a refined and unexpected touch of decoration. The table stands on four square tapering legs, each outlined with stringing and inlaid panels at the top, finishing in brass cappings and castors that allow it to glide easily about the room. A shaped undertier of bowed outline provides useful additional space for books, magazines or a tray. The mahogany has aged to a warm, mellow red-brown with a soft, hand-rubbed patina, and the top carries the gentle surface marks you would expect of a piece that has been used and enjoyed for well over a century. With the leaves down it slips neatly beside a sofa or armchair as a lamp table, and with them raised it is perfect for tea, books or a small supper for two. Light, elegant and very easy to place, a most appealing little table in good original condition.
