A fine Regency mahogany scissor action extending dining table in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster. The rounded rectangular figured top with reeded edge above a figured mahogany frieze. The table opens and extends progressively by inserting additional leaves as required up to the maximum of five giving a flexible table length of up to135” thus seating comfortably 12-14 people, a tremendously flexible arrangement. Support is provided by ring turned legs which move inwards as the table extends providing support centrally so to give maximum leg room for seated diners. A truly elegant, slim yet immensely flexible table offering seating for a large dinner party without resorting to the heavier appearance of large later Victorian dining tables, a tremendous piece of furniture!

Gillows of Lancaster were probably the most celebrated of all English furniture makers. They were established in the early 18th century, and pieces made by Gillows are very desirable and extremely sought after. The scissor action design first appeared in the Gillows work books c1800 and proved a very ingenious method of being able to make a dining table of extremely compact dimensions when at its minimum size, to one that could host a large dinner party with minimum table leg intrusion and absolute elegance when fully extended. Scissor action dining tables are rare and generally highly sort after.