Stock ref: DS1205

Circa 1930s to 50s

I am delighted to offer for sale on behalf of my clients this  rare early bespoke made Mouseman 9′ rectangular dining table and 10 armchair suite, all presented in superb condition.

Purchased as a ‘Mouseman classic’ suite by my clients directly from Robert Thompson’s in 1988, with the invoice to support,  together with a number of other pieces. It would cost in excess of £20,000 to make the same bespoke suite new today. Its age and early history is not recorded on the invoice, although my client recalls being verbally advised by R. Thompson’s that it had been in a Bradford boardroom for many years. The suites precise age remains unclear, although the table bears a number of distinctive features that would suggest it was originally made in the 1930s, whilst the bespoke designed armchairs have a mix of features, some dating to the 30s others through to the mid 50s.

The 9′ long dining table features a 2″ thick 4 plank top with typical exposed fox tongue dowel jointing. It stands on  substantial 4″ thick carved and dowel jointed legs with sledge feet and a central  6 1/2″ wide stretcher. Two 30’s style mice are carved in high profile on the table legs, one to each end of the legs. The whole piece features extensive adzing to both visible and unseen areas, including the underside of the table top. It was common practise to adze the rough sawn underside of table tops in the late 20s and early 30s but the practise ceased following the purchase of a planing machine in the late 30s. The table presents in superb condition with solid joints and a deep aged colour and patina commensurate with very careful and considerate usage all its life.

The matching armchairs feature 4 carved high panel backs with extensive adzing front and rear, as well as to the entire legs and frame. The seat is a single solid piece of cow hide wrapped around and nailed to the underside of the seat frame. These cow hides were all replaced by R. Thompson’s prior to my clients purchase in 1988. These are all typical 30s /early 40s design features, however, intrerestingly the bottom front rush rail has been set back. This was a modification made in the mid 50s to the standard armchair design still in use today to allow better placement of the diners feet when the suite was in use. Trademark mice, all by the same craftsman, are carved in high relief onto the front right leg of each chair. Colour and condition of the wood is excellent with no loose joints. The leather has been well looked after and now has a lovely patina with only very minor splash marking.

The suite is avilable to view in-situ at my clients home in central Nottingham by appointment. Access in and out of my clients home with the table is fine. Please contact me directly to register your interest and discuss any initial questions you may have, after which i will pass your personal contact details onto my client to arrange a convenient viewing.

Table size: 274(w) x 115(d) x 74(h)cm

Armchair size: 53(w) x 52(d) x 130(h)cm

Update 22/9/13. The table top is detachable via 4 securing bolts to make transport easier.

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