| Decoration | | | | A period table should have a lighter underside, with |
| Look at any decoration such as painting, gilding, | | | | none of the patination found on the top. Patination is |
| mounts, or carving. The style may help indicate the | | | | the surface colour caused by years of wear, dust, |
| period, and is also a good way of assessing quality. | | | | sweat from hands, and polishing. That does not |
| The panel between the legs is carved on this table. | | | | happen to the underside. |
| The table may be of an animal theme such as lion's | | | | Fixture of top to base: Check underneath to see |
| paws or claw-and-ball or end in a pad or spade. Or | | | | whether the top is permanently fixed to thebase. If |
| they may be blocked, shaped like a bracket, or | | | | it tilts or turns, this will give you a good clue as to |
| splayed. The shape and style of the feet will help | | | | the table's purpose. Tables with adjustable tops were |
| you to trace the table to its origins. | | | | usually designed for occasional use. The tops would |
| The tabletop | | | | be dropped down and the table moved when not in |
| Look to see whether the top is solid or veneered. | | | | use. |
| You can tell if there is a veneer by examining the | | | | The legs |
| edge of the tabletop. If the top is a solid piece, is it | | | | Check the leg formation. They may be at the |
| made from a single plank or interlocking planks? If it | | | | corners, perhaps joined by stretchers. Alternatively, |
| is veneered, try to identify the type of wood used | | | | there may be a central stem with three or four legs. |
| as this helps to tell you where the piece was made | | | | The shape of the legs is a good style indicator. So, |
| and its age. Notice whether the veneer is machine- or | | | | too, is the decoration: legs may be square, turned, |
| hand-cut as this is also a good clue to age. | | | | fluted, reeded, and/or painted. |
| The shape of the top | | | | For example, the refectory table, a 16th century |
| The top may be straight or shaped. Identify the | | | | tables with four legs with a plank top would have |
| shape: demi-lune (halfmoon or semi-circle), serpentine, | | | | turned legs as a refinement. The gateleg table, |
| or, as here, more elaborate. Shaped edges require | | | | popular in the 17th century, would have one leg |
| skill to make and are a sign of quality. | | | | swinging out to support the drop-leaf top. |
| The underside | | | | |