Antique tripod tables were first seen in the early 18th century, used as a candle holder as they could be easily moved around the room where light was needed. Antique tripod tables have a carved or turned pedestal, stand on three legs and have a hinged top that tilts up into a vertical position, so they can be stored away when not in use. The tops are circular ( the very best having a one piece solid mahogany tilt top ) and operates on the original iron mechanism. Some mechanisms are called a ‘bird cage’ and this enables the table top to spin on the pedestal, this was usually used as a gaming table. The Dish top is a raised moulded edge around the top that protects items from being accidentally knocked off the table top. Country tripod tables were usually made from Oak, Fruit-wood or Elm and were made from two or three planks of solid wood rather than one full solid top. 19th Century examples can be veneered in Walnut or Rosewood with interesting decoration from a chessboard top to a segmented sunburst design. Here at Antiques World we get many antique tables for sale but if you are specifically looking for a tripod table, have a look below at a few we currently have on offer.
