Lot Essay
One of the most expensive Federal card table forms available in New York was a "Veneered Eliptic Pillar and Claw Table." The cost of labor alone was five pounds, with additional charges for double and treble-elliptic tops, such as in this example. The New York Prices for Manufacturing Cabinet and Chair Work described such tables with trick or "mechanical" legs as "Solid Eliptic Pillar and Claw Table... with three claws, two of ditto to turn out with the joint rail."