THE IMPORTANT NEARLY IDENTICAL PAIR OF CHIPPENDALE CARVED AND FIGURED MAHOGANY PIECRUST TILT-TOP TEA TABLES, carving attributed to the "De Young high chest" carver, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circa 1770

Second table has repairs to two legs.

The first table descended from Ellen Biedlingmaier, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was sold at Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, Americana, January 31, 1976, sale 3834, lot 848.

The second table was purportedly originally owned by;
George Washington and purchased at the Mount Vernon auction by Mr. George Smith, Dumfries, Virginia;
Andrew K. Smith, Dumfries, Virginia;
Mrs. David Boyle, Dumfries, Virginia;
Mrs. Mary K. Tyler, Dumfries, Virginia;
Mrs. Mary E. Watson;
Larden Morris, Toledo, Ohio;
Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, The American Heritage Auction of Americana, January 31, 1981, sale 4529Y, lot 1503;
Israel Sack, Inc., New York.
An accompanying letter documents the table's history of ownership.

Table 1: Top cracked and reglued. Excessive sun bleaching to back of top and birdcage. Birdcage pillars possibly replaced. Kleats have been taken off and reattached. Carving lightly abraided. Table 2: Retains a rich brown-red color. Top cracked and re-glued. The brass catch replaced. One leg with a 4 inch section replaced between knee and ankle. Second leg with a 3 by 1 inch patch at ankle where foot broke out and was repaired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This is the only nearly identical pair of Philadelphia pie-crust tea tables known.  The carving on the legs was likely done by the same carver who ornamented the Philadelphia high chest at the de Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco, California (acc. no. 77.2a-b).