A GEORGE III INLAID-MAHOGANY UNIVERSAL TABLE

The form of this table derives from Thomas Sheraton's design for 'A Universal Table,' published in his Drawing Book, Plate XXV and dated 1791 (R. Fastnedge, Sheraton Furniture, Suffolk, 1983, p. 166). Sheraton writes 'the use of this piece is both to answer the purpose of a breakfast and a dining-table.'
The oval pattern brasses and hinged, alphabetically inlaid compartments are particular hallmarks of Gillow furniture. The compartments can be seen in several desks discussed in S.Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London Vol. I, Suffolk, 2008, pp.277-282.