Two times table.

     Another table today - this time a Regency style side table. It's a very delicate table, probably in rosewood, with what looks like a satin wood inlay on the top, and elegant ring-turned legs. Two things make me think this is one of a set of four nesting tables (what is known as a quartetto). The first clue are the stretcher rails across the back - a single standing table would have stretchers across back and front, but single rails means the front rails have been omitted for a reason. That reason would probably be to allow other tables to be nested beneath this one. 

The second clue is that there are channels under the table top on either side. There is a narrow felt band glued above each channel, indicating that something needing protection was intended to be slid in and out. Other tables are a logical solution.

One of the slipper style feet has been replaced, rather crudely. It does not have the same finish as the table itself, and has been screwed into place. Not really noticeable at a distance, or at first glance, but there none the less.

This is probably the second largest of the set of four - the largest tables quite often are slightly paler on the top, as they have been exposed to the light. The nesting tables tend to be a more uniform colour, as they are protected by each table above them. Early nests of tables were usually quite plain, but they became more and more ornate during the 19th century, before returning to a simpler form in the Edwardian period. Modern nests more often than not have only three tables.

This table came from the same seller as the bureau, and cost £21.59. If I had seen it, rather than looking at a photograph on eBay, I don't think I would have paid as much ... caveat emptor ... (although twenty quid can only get you a passable take-away and a bottle of plonk anyway, and I know which I prefer).