Hexagonal Barley Twist Occasional Table
Table (Occasional/Accent) · Jacobean Revival (1920s-1940s) · Likely a North American mass-market manufacturer such as Mersman, Imperial, or Lane Furniture.
Type
Table (Occasional/Accent)
Style Period
Jacobean Revival (1920s-1940s)
Material
Walnut veneer top with gumwood or birch secondary wood, solid wood legs, and cast resin or composite decorative apron appliqués.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1945.
Dimensions
Height: 29 inches, Width: 26 inches, Depth: 26 inches. Standard height for a side or tea table.
Origin
United States or Canada; typical of 'Brown Furniture' produced during the revival period of the early 20th century.
Designer/Maker
Likely a North American mass-market manufacturer such as Mersman, Imperial, or Lane Furniture.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $155.00 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is limited by its mass-produced nature and the current widespread availability of early 20th-century revival pieces.
Description
An attractive Hexagonal Jacobean Revival accent table featuring ornate barley-twist legs and a shaped apron. The piece utilizes historical English design motifs—specifically the helical leg and scalloped apron—and scaled them for the mid-century suburban home. Its compact footprint and decorative symmetry make it a versatile pedestal for lamps or collectibles.
Key Features
Hexagonal top with routed border, six barley-twist legs, scalloped apron with acanthus leaf motifs, and a cross-stretcher with a central finial.
Color & Finish
Medium-to-dark walnut stain with a high-gloss lacquer finish; darker shading applied to the apron and barley twists to simulate aged depth.
Construction Method
Mass-produced factory construction featuring machine-turned legs, stapled or nailed apron details, and a veneered top surface over a solid or engineered core.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard commercial joinery including doweled aprons and cross-braced stretchers; precision is typical of 20th-century production-line furniture.
Wood Grain & Species
Flat-cut walnut veneer on the top showing a gentle cathedral grain; legs and stretchers are likely a tighter-grained hardwood like birch or maple stained to match.
Surface Treatment
Features a routed 'psychic' groove on the top to delineate the border, machine-pressed acanthus leaf carvings on the apron, and barley-twist (solomon) leg turnings.
Upholstery Details
N/A
Hardware & Fittings
No metal hardware visible; features a central wooden turned finial at the stretcher intersection.
Origin & Provenance
United States or Canada; typical of 'Brown Furniture' produced during the revival period of the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Significant finish loss and scratching on the top surface. Some scuffing on the lower legs and feet. Structural integrity appears sound. Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
The 'Barley Twist' leg style was originally inspired by the Solomonic columns of St. Peter's Basilica and became popular in England during the late 17th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Revival' movement in American interior design where middle-class families sought affordable furniture that mimicked the grand aesthetics of European aristocracy.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with genuine 17th-century gate-leg tables; distinguish this by looking for the modern lacquer finish and the use of uniform machine turnings.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft microfiber cloth; use a high-quality furniture wax to protect the dry veneer on top; avoid liquid cleaners that can seep into the veneer seams.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $155.00 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is limited by its mass-produced nature and the current widespread availability of early 20th-century revival pieces.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable due to its longevity and reuse potential; represents a 'buy once' philosophy that keeps furniture out of landfills.