Rare George III mahogany metamorphic cellarette table

Rare George III mahogany metamorphic cellarette table; very unusual 'Deception' form; with a good rich colour and patination; the well figured solid mahogany rectangular top having a fine reeded edge.  The hinged centre section opening on brass release button catches revealing the hidden wine cooler interior; lead lined with 15 bottle divisions.  The conventional drop leaf to either side supported by a gate leg action.  Both sides of the table having two dummy drawers with finely enchased gilt brass handles.  Raised on square tapering legs with original brass castors.

This table would have almost certainly been a 'one off' commission for a wine connoisseur or a gentleman who like to entertain in style.

The concept of the 'Deception' table is believed to have originated with the Gillow firm; a design for a 'Deception' table appears in the Gillow sketch books for Jun/Jul 1787 (Westminster City Archives).  Thomas Sheraton in his 'The Cabinet Dictionary, London 1803' noted that the 'Deception' table was the answer for a secret use which would hide from the eye of a stranger.

English circa 1790

Very good original condition

Dimensions (ins) 39 wide x 31.5 high x 21 deep; open with leaves up 49ins