Table Slide Creates Beautiful Inner Workings

I came by this table through a friend.   He was trying to empty out a rented storage building.  I knew of a need for a small table and so we headed over to the storage building to check it out.  Funny thing I learned about storage buildings that night was that they are not equipped with electricity thus there was no lighting.  Not to be deterred, we were armed with head lights from two vehicles and a various assortment of flash lights.  What fun, an after dark adventure.  My excitement was building about the treasures I would see.  Now if you are thinking of those storage war episodes where they open the door and find a bunch of junk to rummage through think again.  This would be the mega episode where they hit the jackpot.  See, my friend is a designer, collector, and borderline hoarder (which explains the storage building).  He has been in the industry form many years and has an amazing collection of interesting furnishings and accessories.

We dive in the unit, flashlights in hand, and finally locate the table we had come for.  A nice little drop leaf.  We placed it in direct headlight for examination.  What I thought would be a simple drop leaf was revealed to be an interesting drop leaf that you had to open up and then twist.  All of this action was aided by beautiful inner workings comprised of gears and slides.  I now realize that the statement "beauty is on the inside" does not just apply to people.

Jefferson Equalizer Table Slide

Right then and there in the glow of the headlights I could envision this table repurposed with an industrial feel.  Imagine leaving the table open and adding a glass or acrylic center leaf.  In the hands of a master craftsman I think it could be stunning.  I just love the gears.  I realize that I am sometimes intrigued by unusual things so I hope you can see it's beauty.

The slides are stamped with Jefferson Equalizer and I did a little research out of curiosity.  Evidently this company made slides for several furniture companies and is no longer in business. I assumed such beautiful working might make it an extra valuable piece but It doesn't look like that is the case.

We were unable to use the table in the original space it was intended for because of limited space to do the pull out and twist action.  Since I am still in possession of the table I decided to share it with you. I took these pics in my garage.  Sorry it's not in a fancy setting.

 Table extended exposing the table slide.

The table base is a Duncan Phyfe style which usually is more traditional but I think the light finish makes it looks sort of contemporary.  I need to have a little repair done to the table base.  Her are a few more up close pictures.

For now the table waits in storage until we find the perfect home for it.  - Marianne








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