Pair Neo-Classical Pier Tables, about 1825
Boston
Mahogany, marble tops, mirror plate, ormolu capitals and bases, and lead-filled gilt-brass moldings around the bun feet
34 in high, 40 1/2 in wide, 20 1/4 in. deep
One of the signature forms of the Neo-Classical period, the pier (or console) table received its name from its typical use against the wall, or pier, between two windows in both the front and rear parlors. Pier tables were made in considerable quantity, ranging in quality from the vernacular to the true masterpiece. Pairs of American Neo-classical pier tables are extremely rare, whether from Boston, New York, or Philadelphia, likely because they were often separated as they descended from generation to generation.
Although the form of these tables is similar to that of tables made elsewhere, particularly in New York, the combination of several elements found on documented Boston furniture of the period distinguish them as the product of a Boston shop, most notably the ebonized ball feet encircled with brass moldings.
Like so much of the best Boston furniture of this period, this pair of tables is unmarked by its maker and has no meaningful provenance. However, based upon marked and documented examples of the same character and similar construction we do know that the distinguished shops of Emmons & Archbald and the various Vose shops are likely candidates for their authorship in the years surrounding 1825.