Early gateleg tables, or 'oval' tables as they were termed in period inventories were made in quantity in early Massachusetts although few maple examples now remain, particularly in larger sizes such as this table. Stored with leaves down and against a wall when not in use, when expanded they were often covered with expensive textiles that hung to the floor obscuring the elaborate turnings below.

This table is unusual in that the swelled turnings of the swing legs are distinct from most other examples wehre the swing legs are turned in imitation of the stationary legs; this may have been done becasue the swing legs were hidden from view when the leaves where closed and covered when open, hence elaborate turnings on the swing legs were not necessary. Made by chairmakers adept at turning, their shops also produced the drawers of most gate-leg tables which are rather crudely rendered either secured in front with nails or a single dovetail. This drawer is slightly more ambitious with one whole and two half dovetails and is constructed in the manner typical of the era with the drawer bottom framed by the sides. See Barquist, American Tables and Looking Glasses (New Haven, 1992), pp. 118-119; Jobe and Kaye, New England Furniture (Boston, 1984), p. 269