Rare Early Antique French Walnut Provincial Farmhouse Dining Table Circa 1790

A beautiful early rare and sought after larger sized antique French provincial Walnut farmhouse refectory dining table. Circa 1790 with peg and tenon joints, fabulous carved legs with open walnut burr grain. Thick four plank walnut table top construction with mellow patina from years of use. Central deep/wide cutlery drawer with thick carved walnut construction confirming superior quality. Fabulous thick walnut timbers used throughout the construction with open burr walnut graining detailing. Walnut tables of this quality rarely come to market. The use of walnut for construction is very unusual due to the weight/density of timbers in construction. Walnut was seen as a harder material to work with and not as easy as softer fruitwoods such as cherry/pear etc which were widely used for the construction of vernacular “country” furniture in France and England. The most commonly used fruitwood was the timber from the native or wild cherry, Prunus avium, which produced a decent sized trunk and fine, wide planks. The wood is of a close, firm texture and reddish colour, and cabinet makers were drawn to it for various reasons; firstly, availability: a ready supply of locally produced timber. It is also very easy to work: the grain is fine and smooth, light in weight yet stable, and relatively free from knots. Walnut is the polar opposite of the fruitwoods and as outlined was rarely used due to the time and inconvenience in construction. Walnut was only used on very fine/important furniture of the time due to its higher quality timbers/finish over fruitwoods.

These highly sought after tables are getting harder to source with the classic early French craftsmanship. A fabulous statement piece of furniture and practical size. Seats 8 comfortably either side with two at heads of table taking total to 10 seater if required. 

Restored in house by the Search & Rescued restoration workshops so this beautiful table can admired, enjoyed and used for another 100 years plus. Some historic wear as expected with age. Split to one end of table top planks, splits to front left leg, (see photos), none detract from overall look or use of this rare survivor.

Table length 226cm x 105 depth x 80cm Full Height x 62cm to under plinth (plenty of leg room).

As a genuine antique/vintage item there is wear and use commensurate with age. Some wooden products may have signs of historic woodworm. As a precaution we apply a clear triple action woodworm treatment that also kills wet rot, dry rot and woodworm. Please look at all the images carefully and ask any questions pre purchase as we do not unfortunately offer refunds due to the size and shipping costs of our antiques/items.  All our items are available on line at Search & Rescued and other online stores.