Fine early Georgian George II tray‑top silver table in rare Cuban mahogany, circa 1727–1760, with cabriole legs, slipper feet and a three‑sided drawer - a beautifully balanced, increasingly scarce example of early 18th‑century craftsmanship.
Why We Love This … Early Georgian tray‑top tables have a presence that later examples rarely achieve. This one feels particularly honest and well balanced — not over‑polished, but carefully looked after. The combination of crisp cabriole legs, rich surface colour, and subtle detailing makes it a genuinely attractive and highly usable piece.
At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility:
• Date: Early Georgian, George II period 1727–1760
• Origin: England
• Style: Tray‑top silver table with cabriole legs and slipper feet
• Materials: Cuban Mahogany with cross‑banded moulded tray top
Condition:
• Good country house condition
• Surface wear consistent with age
• Structurally sound and stable
Notable Details:
• Raised tray top
• Cabriole legs
• Slipper feet
• Drawer incorporated to three sides
Versatility:
• Ideal as a lamp table, occasional table, or bedside piece
Collectibility:
• Strong, as an increasingly scarce early Georgian furniture form
Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship:
This wonderful George II tray‑top silver table is a fine example of early Georgian craftsmanship, distinguished by its elegant proportions and confident, sculptural form. Raised on graceful cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet, the table has a strong yet refined stance, with the raised tray top lending both visual interest and practical design. The colour throughout is warm and inviting, contributing to its unmistakable country house appeal.
Tray‑top silver tables were originally designed for the presentation of silverware and refreshments, with the raised edge preventing items from sliding. During the George II period, furniture design embraced fluid curves and lighter forms, exemplified here by the cabriole legs and restrained decorative mouldings. The inclusion of a drawer - discreetly worked into three sides - reflects the practical ingenuity of early 18th‑century cabinetmaking.
Cuban mahogany, used here, was the most prized timber of the period: dense, fine‑grained, richly coloured and capable of taking a superb finish. Its scarcity today makes surviving examples particularly desirable.
Social History:
In the early 18th century, silver tables were a mark of refinement and hospitality. They were used for serving tea, displaying silverware, or presenting decanters and glasses during social gatherings. Their portability and elegant scale made them indispensable in both town and country houses, where rooms were often used for multiple purposes throughout the day.
Condition
• Good country house condition
• Warm, even colour with age‑appropriate wear
• Minor marks and surface imperfections consistent with use
• Drawer operates smoothly
• Legs and joints sound
• No over‑restoration - retains its early character
Provenance:
• From a private English collection
• Selected by a dealer with a superb eye for early Georgian furniture
• Chosen for its authenticity, colour and rare Cuban mahogany timber
Terminology by Style:
• Tray‑Top Table: A raised‑edge top designed to secure silverware or refreshments
• Cabriole Leg: A graceful S‑shaped leg typical of early Georgian design
• Slipper Foot: A refined foot form associated with George II furniture
• Cuban Mahogany: The finest and most sought‑after mahogany of the 18th century
• Cross‑Banding: A decorative veneer border framing the top
Styling Suggestions:
This table works beautifully beside an armchair or sofa, or as an elegant occasional table in a hallway or bedroom. Its proportions allow it to sit comfortably in both grand interiors and more relaxed country settings, where its patina and colour can be fully appreciated.
Explore Every Facet:
These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Viewed from different angles, the table reveals subtle shifts in tone and profile — from the softly moulded tray edge to the gentle curve of the legs. These small details are best appreciated in person and speak to the quality of its original construction.
Sustainable Style:
Thank you for considering this Early Georgian Tray‑Top Table - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Choosing an early Georgian table is an inherently sustainable decision. Made from solid materials and designed to last, this piece has already endured for centuries and remains as relevant and functional today as when it was first made.
Purchase with Confidence:
White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Every item is described and photographed with care, offering complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.
We are an established and trusted resource for both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each piece, and appreciate these timeless furnishings in person.
Delivery & Collection Information:
• Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase
• Collection welcome from our Sussex showroom
• Local delivery available
• Nationwide couriers arranged on request
measurements
Height:
68 cm
Width:
73 cm
Depth:
45 cm
measurements
declaration
White’s Antiques has clarified that the Early Georgian George II Cuban Mahogany Tray Top Silver Table with Cabriole Legs (LA570675) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being 1727-1760