Antique Scottish Regency Satin Birch Table with Lateral Slide c.1810

A fine Scottish Regency table, veneered throughout in satin birch and framed with ebonised fruitwood and boxwood banding, and raised on exceptionally slender square-tapered fully veneered legs terminating in its original brass castors. A single shallow drawer sits within the frieze, and below, the original runners retain a reinstated lateral slide, extending the working surface to either side as required. The scale, lightness, construction and mobility are characteristic of early 19th-century Scottish small tables, intended to stand attendant beside a seat for reading, writing or general domestic tasks. The warm golden tone of the satin birch, mellowed under an old polish, reflects a regional preference for native timbers that Scottish cabinetmakers often darkened or contrasted to suit early 19th-century taste. The result is a refined yet distinctly regional piece, restrained, well-proportioned, and beautifully crafted. Presented in very good antique condition with a warm, well-settled patina and minor, sympathetic restorations carried out over its long life. The top shows well-aged, honest surface wear typical of two centuries of use. The slide has been professionally reinstated to the original runners. Structurally sound, clean and ready to place in the home. Scottish, circa 1810. H: 79.5 W: 41 D: 35 cm