Important Charleston mahogany dressing table South Carolina, circa 1745-55 rectangular molded top over case fitted with single drawer, on turned straight legs ending on pad feet; bald cypress secondary wood. (Nicks, scuffs and scratches consistent with age) H28 5/8" W32 1/4" D21" *Note: In its size, form and decoration this table merits comparison to numerous Charleston examples published in Volume I of THE FURNITURE OF CHARLESTON, 1670-1820 by Brad Rauschenberg and John Bivins Jr. The straight legs terminating in pad feet are typical stylistic manifestations within the Charleston idiom during the Colonial period and were produced by means of offset lathe turning; the two set points are still visible on the underside of the pad feet. The table is notable for its extensive use of ovolo or thumbnail molding which is found along the edge of its top (all four sides), outer edge of its legs, drawer edge, and bottom of the skirt on the sides and front. Differentiation of the table from its British counterparts would be all but impossible were it not for the micro-analytical identification of bald cypress (drawer guides and rear rail) as the predominant secondary wood. The present drawer has been rebuilt although the fascia appears to be original. The brasses are replaced but appropriate for the period.