An 18th c. Queen Anne tilt top tea table in original Spanish brown pigment paint.
 
Comprised of a robust and beautifully turned shaft with a large urn sitting atop a hollow turning with centric rings and a suppressed astragal turning. Three cabriole legs are joined to the shalft via a dovetail type joint and reinforced with a hand forged nrace and attached with fabulous early iron rosehead nails.
 
A two board top made of fully figured tiger maple wood is pinned and cleated to the base via iron screws.
 
A short time after being made, naturally occuring shrinkage between the top and base caused the catch to not latch and the top would flip up unexpectedly. A clever solution was invented....a small iron screw was inserted into the top and a corresponding screw to the base and when closed the top can be closed shut with string. True New England ingenuity!
 
Survives in an over remarkable state of original condition with fine surface elements. No notable repairs or issues. Massachusetts origin. Ca. 1760-1775. 31"W x 28 1/2"T.