A Remarkable Model of a Radially Extending Table, made and exhibited by Samuel Hawkins of London, at the Great Exhibition 1851

H: 13 in / 33 cm Dia: 24 in / 61 cm Provenance: Constructed in a finely figured Cuban mahogany, with iron and steel used in the Patent cog wheel mechanism; rising from quadripartite swept scroll legs, with well defined leaf and berry carved decoration, fitted with castors, supporting a carved central bifurcating column with the date ‘1851’ in a cartouche; the circular top having a thumbnail edge moulding, and the apron incorporating the crank handle drive entrance. When operated, the screw mechanism expands, to permit two exterior rings of concentric leaves to be added, to increase the diameter, and thus, the seating capacity of the table. Circa 1851 Literature: The four volume ‘Official Descriptive & Illustrated Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of 1851’ illustrates and discusses Mr Hawkin’s table’s mechanism in great detail. Mr Hawkins was recorded as having premises at 54 Bishopsgate Street Without, London.