William IV Mahogany Table in the manner of Mack, Williams & Gibton

Country: Ireland

Date: Circa 1831

Medium: Mahogany

Dimensions

Height: 73.50cm (28.94 inches)

Width: 143.00cm (56.3 inches)

Depth: 81.00cm (31.89 inches)

Main description

This William IV Irish flamed mahogany table in the manner of Mack, Williams & Gibton dates to circa 1831 and is veneered in finely figured Spanish mahogany, retaining its original gilt brass castors and boldly carved trestle end supports.

The butterfly matched top is veneered in highly figured long grain Spanish mahogany, displaying a beautifully faded tone with excellent depth of patina, colour and lustre. Broad mahogany cross bandings frame the top, while the applied gadrooned edge is crisply carved with stiff leaf decoration to the centre sections and corners above a fitted frieze.

The frieze is fitted with three short drawers veneered in matched flamed end grain mahogany. The mahogany lined drawers retain their gilt brass escutcheons and turned mahogany knobs, with a clever arrangement of working and faux drawers to each side, together with faux end drawers, preserving the symmetry of the design.

The broad trestle end supports are inset with recessed figured mahogany panels above gadrooned slips and flanked by finely carved acanthus leaf scrolls. They stand on plinth bases terminating in distinctive hairy paw feet fitted with gilt brass castors.

View the complete Freshfords Table collection.

Who were Mack, Williams and Gibton?

Mack, Williams and Gibton was a prominent Dublin furniture enterprise whose history began in the late 18th century with John Mack and his Abbey Street workshop. Robert Gibton joined Mack in 1800, and by 1806 the partnership earned official appointments to the King, the Lord Lieutenant, and the Board of Works. Following leadership transitions involving William Gibton and Zachariah Williams, the enterprise supplied elite furniture to major Irish estates like Ballynegall, Oakley Park, and Strokestown. The enterprise continued under various partnership names including Williams & Gibton and Williams & Sons until it finally ceased operations in 1852.

For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Mack, Williams and Gibton.

What Is Mahogany?

Mahogany is one of the most important and widely used hardwoods in the history of antique furniture. Celebrated for its strength, stability and rich colouring, it became the defining cabinet making timber of the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, appearing in everything from dining tables and bookcases to chests of drawers and library furniture.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Mahogany.

What Is the William IV Period?

The William IV period (1830-1837) bridged the transition between the Regency and Victorian era. Furniture became more substantial in form while retaining strong classical influences, with richly figured mahogany, bold scroll carving and practical, well balanced designs.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on William IV Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.