Henry VIII Tudor counter table

English oak Tudor counter table circa 1540. The counter table is the term used to describe a table which originally had a top marked out with a series of lines and squares representing values and units, which could be used for calculating accounts and counting money. Since it was inconvenient to have a hinged lid if money were laid out on the top, the counter board was made to slide horizontally on two bearers thus exposing the space beneath, and for this reason nearly all counter table of this type have replaced tops and are hinged for ease too. This example has a replaced top and restored to a sliding top as it should be. The four parchemin panel are of the highest quality, the sides with single linenfold panels. Base restored to it original height and lower stretcher rails replaced. There are very few examples of this early, rare form of table to have survived. A very similar example sold in the Peter Gwynn Collection, Sotheby's 2001.