American Classical Mahogany “Cumberland action” Dining Table, attributed to Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1815. Mahogany with white pine and poplar secondary; narrow top with broad hinged leaves, each with curved corners and comprised of a single board (24 1/2″ W), over a plain frieze; four reed columnar supports are joined by a beaded box stretcher and swing diagonally to support the extended leaves; reeded sabre legs ending in brass hairy paw caps and casters. 27 5/8″H x 57 1/2″D x 15″W (leaves down), 64″ (leaves extended). Note: English Cabinetmaker John Linnell is generally credited with devising the Cumberland Action table for the Duke of Cumberland in the late 1700s. The double gate leg feature allows diners to sit around the table without having a support leg in the way, while yet evenly supporting each leaf, and enables the table to be stored compactly when not in use. Provenance: The Estate of Charles Boyd Coleman, Jr., Chattanooga, TN. Descended in the family of Lewis M. Coleman Jr. II (1894-1914), son of Lewis M. Coleman Jr., son of CSA Lt. Colonel Lewis Minor Coleman (1827-1863) and Mary Ambler Marshall, daughter of James K. Marshall and granddaughter of fourth U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835). Lewis M. Coleman Jr. also was related to the family of Revolutionary War General Henry Dearborn by his marriage to Julia Wingate Boyd, daughter of Annette Maria Dearborn Boyd, who was the daughter of Greenleaf Dearborn (1786-1846) and great granddaughter of Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) on her mother’s side. CONDITION: Older, possibly original surface; 11″ shrinkage crack to top, scattered paint drips to top and leaves; one 3″ area of varnish loss to top, scattered abrasions to top.