A Chippendale carved mahogany tilt-top tea table, carving possibly by the "de Young High Chest

A Chippendale carved mahogany tilt-top tea table, carving possibly by the "de Young High Chest carver," Philadelphia, PA, circa 1770

With scalloped top, bird cage mechanism, on tapered and fluted support with suppressed gadrooned ball, on cabriole legs with acanthus and rocaille-carved knees, on ball-and claw feet.

H: 30 ½ in. W: 33 7/8 in. D: 33 ½ in.

Provenance

Tradition states that this table originally belonged to a Mr. Gallager from Richmond, Virginia, who died in the Richmond Theatre fire on December 26, 1811, which killed more than seventy people. Mrs. Joseph (Mary) Gallego is found in the victims list of the incident, which is the closest name to Gallager, so it is more likely that she died.

Joseph Gallego (1768-1818), of Spain, married Mary Magee (1761-1811), of Philadelphia, in 1783. Mary's parents were Alexander Magee II (1716-1766) and Marie Rivers Dugsdale Magee (1723-1789). It is plausible that the table was made for the Magees.

The Carr family, who purportedly worked for Joseph Gallego and his family, are said to have inherited the table following his death.

Subsequent line of descent:
Nancy Carr, Richmond, Virginia
Nancy Ellis (d. 1876), Richmond, Virginia.
Condition Report: Top with losses to molded edge, minor scratches, several cleat holes with fill. Missing key, The support with small area of loss to upper molding, one leg reattached to support has loss to top left side at junction, segment of base of support replaced. Small rectangular patch to ankle of another leg. Two feet with pads added to level table.