THE WHIPPLE FAMILY VERY FINE AND RARE DIMINUTIVE CHIPPENDALE MAHOGANY CARVED SINGLE-LEAF BEDROOM TABLE, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, CIRCA 1770

The oblong top and drop leaf with molded edge, four slender cabriole legs with acanthus-carved knees ending in claw-and-ball feet; one leg swings out to support the leaf, the apron at each end has a flattened arch outline.

Descended in the Whipple family, Salem, MA
Israel Sack, Inc., New York
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Titelman, Georgia
Israel Sack, Inc., New York, July 1980

Sotheby's Parke Bernet Inc., New York, Fine Americana, February 3, 1979, sale 4211, lot 1273;
American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection,Vol. 6., (Washington, DC: Highland House Publishers, Inc., 1979), p. 1672, no. P2266

Secondary woods are birch and white pine; the swing leg square with a false mortise filled with original piece by cabinetmaker, an original cabinetmaker's error; one return lacking; returns are probably of a later date; A thin finely executed patch approximately 3/8 in. by 18 ¼ in. runs along the top edge of the rule joint on the fly leaf.
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 apparently the only surviving bedroom table with carved knees. Elizabeth A. Davison has recently written a detailed article on the origin of the American bedroom table (available at www.mesdajournal.org/2014/research-note-scottish-bedroom-tables-scotland-american-south, Elizabeth A. Davison, "Research Note: Scottish Bedroom Tables from Scotland to the American South," Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Volume 35).