LATE 18TH CENTURY, THE TOP POSSIBLY SLIGHTLY RE-SHAPED IN THE 19TH CENTURY

These Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables are traditionally known as "hunt" or "wake" tables. Their narrow shape when the flaps are down, allows them to be conveniently placed against a wall, out of the way, often in a hall or dining-room. The term hunt table originated from their use for hunt meets, when they were carried outside to hold the drink. They are otherwise known as wake or coffin tables, their narrow shape being ideally suited to holding a coffin prior to burial. Their mobile nature and usefulness has resulted in many examples still in situ in houses throughout Ireland. There are examples in the Dining-Rooms of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare, Bellamont Forest, Co. Cavan, Mount Stewart, Co. Down and in the hall at Luggala, Co. Wicklow (see J. O'Brien and D. Guinness, Great Irish Houses and Gardens, London, 1992, p. 23, 68, 157 and 192).