A Regency figured pollard oak end support writing table from Asprey & Co Ltd

This free-standing table is of unusually slender proportions with a shaped rectangular top above two frieze drawers on one side and dummy drawers on the other.  It is raised on end supports with short, splayed feet terminating in foliate brass feet and castors.  The decoration relies largely on the superb pollard oak veneers, but there are restrained ebony bead borders and stringing.  The lock plates are stamped London England/Lever.  English, circa 1815.

Height: 28¼ in (72cm) Width: 54¼ in (138cm) Depth: 26½ in (67.5cm) £8,800

Provenance: Asprey & Co Ltd, 1969

A distinguished American Private Collection

During the Regency period there was a shift towards the use of native British woods led by the designer and cabinetmaker George Bullock, who championed the use of pollard oak.  This fine table is veneered in pollard oak of quite exceptional figure and colour and has faded beautifully and mellowed wonderfully with age. 

Asprey & Co Ltd was established in 1781 by William Asprey and was instantly recognized as a luxury brand supplying jewellery, silverware and gifts for ‘people of refinement and discernment’.  In 1862, Asprey’s received a royal warrant from Queen Victoria and has, in its illustrious 240 years, crafted crowns, coronets and sceptres for numerous royal families.  However, it is important to remember that for many years Asprey was one of the finest places in Britain in which to purchase antiques of the highest quality.  The firm exhibited at the Grosvenor House Antiques Fair for many years, having one of the largest stands there, and many dealers who began their careers at Asprey went on to become renowned independent dealers once the firm closed its antiques department.