The houses of the gentry were almost sure to have a dining table similar to this one. There are few banquet tables which remain intact today since they were often, at the death of their owners divided among the heirs. Often these tables were referred to as "part" or "sets" of tables. When the family ate alone, the centre swing leg table sufficed and the D-shaped ends were placed at the ends of the room as serving tables. This table was made of wide cherry boards and has rope-turned legs and a band of walnut inlay. Only the moulded edge of the table top forces us to date it as late as 1840. It was found in western Ontario and can be seen in the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
Courtesy: Sigmund Samuel Canadiana Collection, Royal Ontario Museum
