Originally dating to the 1700s, this French chateau dining was once placed in the kitchen of a castle. The owner modified the table by adding an iron stretcher and carving additional motifs on the apron, making this a truly one-of-a-kind oak and iron dining table.

One of the carvings that were added (in the early 1900s) is the Latin phrase Primum Vivere, or “Live First”, indicating that the castle owner had a zest for life. Other more recent carvings include geometric shapes, Renaissance-style profiles of men with tonsure haircuts (possibly monks), and an escutcheon on the side opposite the Latin inscription. The highly carved four-and-a-half-inch thick top is supported by a pair of open legs that are adorned with imbricating scales. All four feet are reminiscent of talons, giving the entire structure a bird-leg-like appearance. Between the two legs is a turned iron stretcher with three large finials flanked by elaborate volutes. Our unusual oak and iron chateau dining table would surely be a topic of conversation for any guests seated at it.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor nicks and losses with light age separations. Old restorations and fills. Some of the carvings and the iron stretcher were added more recently.