Oval Table by J & J Smith of Pebbles

This mahogany, oval table folds very flat because the thinner pair of legs are designed to sit within the wider pair. The table's mechanism is simple but effective. The two pairs of legs are united by a bolt through their top cross rails and the top is fixed by three hinges to the wider pair of legs. There is a stop block to the underside of the top which ensures that the legs are always opened to sit at right angles to each other.

The pressed brass plaque gives the maker's name of J & J Smith of Peebles and the table's name as the Holyrood Folding Table with a Patent number of 13796. Smith are known to have been in existence at least by 1890 and described themselves on their letterhead as Coachbuilders, Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, Auctioneers and Valuators with a factory at Dovecot and warerooms at High Street, Peebles. They showed commercial sense in choosing the name for their design as the Royal Residence of Holyrood, situated at one end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is famous throughout the world. It is known that they also produced a version with a rectangular top but the aesthetic of the oval is more pleasing to the eye. The only concession to decoration on the table is the tramline mouldings running down the legs. However, the choice of mahogany is good and the clean lines of the table make it stand well.

Another example of this table is owned by the National Museums of Scotland. Circa 1900.