Prototype Briefcase Table

A small oak table that folds out of a box.

The legs are hinged halfway up their height to halve their size and so pack into the box which forms the base. Angled bracing bars, also hinged to fold, are fixed between the top of the legs and the underside of the top. Opening these bars lock the legs in the vertical position. The top has two folding leaves to double its size.

This form of table is associated with the makers Albert Barker and Walter Thornhill, who used to be business partners before Barker set up on his own. The folding action was also used by G.W. Scott & Sons on their picnic basket tables. With whom the design originated is not yet known but it was likely with Barker and Thornhill. A few variations on this table using the hinged leg mechanism were made. Some were compact in size and simple with a baized folding top, others were longer and fitted to take playing cards etc., some had a drawer and some didn't and others had cribbage markers and were brass bound. Some have either a Barker or Thornhill inset plaque and most, but not all, are stamped with the patent number 14907 to the leg.

This example is the smallest we have seen by approximately 2 inches on both the folded length and depth. It is also the most basic example suggesting it is either an early version or perhaps a prototype. The base is not fully covered by a board but has two shorter boards with an open section to the middle. The sides of the base are also open showing the folded legs rather than having a box. Due to the open sides, there are 4 extra upright 'wedges' used to strengthen the two base boards. Added to this, the top was never baized for playing cards etc.

This table is interesting for its simplified construction and the fact that it is likely an earlier version than others we have seen. It is believed the patent dates to 1907.

Folded Size is given. The size set up with the top fully open is 24 inches in height (61 cm) by 18 inches (45.7 cm) by 12 1/2 inches (31.7 cm).