Turret Tea Table

Only about six of these Boston ornate tables exist, probably made in three different shops in the area (see Jobe and Breed “Boston Turret-Top Tea Tables,” “Boston Furniture 1700-1900” 2016, The Colonial Society of Massachusetts). The turrets are turned, then split and glued on to a dovetailed frame. The legs are carved and turned separately and joined to the corner turrets with a turned pin. The one-board top is carved and molded to conform to the base. The inventory of an estate containing one of these tables also had a dozen tea cups and saucers, perhaps one for each turret.