Metamorphic Table Shelf by Combination Table Company of Indianapolis

Antique Metamorphic Table Shelf patented 1896 • USA late 19th Century late 1890s • American Walnut • Unique Unit Style • Patent awarded on February 4, 1896 • Designed and Made by Combination Table Company of Indianapolis who were • Later bought out by the Yesbera Manufacturing Co • Wonderful metamorphic Shelves transforming in multiple positions • Originally designed for use in a retail setting • There is more than meets the eye with this hugely versatile treasure! • From shelves… to steps… to a table • Set in a beautifully turned wooden frame • Originally made by the Combination Table Company of Indianapolis • Later to become Yesbera Manufacturing Co Toledo There is more than meets the eye to this absolute treasure! It is a truly wonderfully, versatile antique item that has historic significance and exemplifies timeless craftsmanship with practical design. Although it is over 120 years old it has everything you could possibly need today. It is ideal for both compact spaces and larger settings making it a refined choice for those seeking a functional yet stylish addition to their interior - whether residential or commercial. This versatile Metamorphic Table Shelf from the Combination Table Co was designed to transform into multiple positions and has been crafted using a wooden frame and engineered for adaptability and the multi-position mechanism allows for various configurations. It can be adjusted from a vertical shelf to a horizontal table - whether your choice is as a merchandising or library table is quite another matter; or it can left in the horizontal position where the open shelves are load-bearing. I have even heard that it is possible to use the Metamorphic Étagère to form a set of library steps. Whatever your choice each position is stable and the action is smooth. There was a huge amount of skill involved in the design and execution of these items and it is a testament to this attention to detail and durability that we are able to offer this wonderful piece to you after it has served 120 years or so. They were designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the design sensibilities of the time and were engineered for adaptability. The result was a practical and elegant item showcasing the Baroque revival style popular during this period. Made from solid American Walnut with metal extension brackets ensured durability and the use of a graduated sprung notched steel handle and removable castors allowed for manoeuvrability. Raised on baluster turned end supports, ending in shaped reeded platform bases these hand-finished details reflect the quality of early 20th-century finely skilled furniture making. Historical Context: The Combination Table Company of Indianapolis was established in the late 19th century and later became known as Yesbera Manufacturing Co. when it moved to Bryan, Ohio, and eventually to Toledo. A patent was issued regarding the Metamorphic Table Shelf in 1893 and on February 4, 1896. The company specialised in creating versatile and high-quality shop fittings and produced several items from this original patent such as the Metamorphic Table Shelf, Metamorphic Étagère, and The Adjustable Mercantile Shelf. They were well respected and renowned for their durability, craftsmanship, and their versatility and practicality made their items extremely popular in bakeries, pharmacies, hardware stores, and general retail settings. For a complete assessment of the item's condition, we encourage you to carefully examine all the provided photos. These pictures are integral to the description and condition report of the item, providing crucial visual details about its appearance and quality. Purchasing any item online can sometimes be a bit of concern, rest assured we are an established and successful business and have many happy clients both in the trade and as private clients. We have a beautiful showroom in West Sussex and you are always welcome to visit to view any of our delightful items. We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:- • You can arrange your own collection from our address • You can fill in the delivery request option • You can email us for further information if there is more than one item • Proovia Delivery offer a 2 person delivery system