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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: aways on March 11, 2007, 09:41:29 pm
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I have a unique oak drop-leaf table... the center is a solid cabinet with a door on each end (opening to shelving). On each side is a leaf which is supported by 2 legs which fold out from the cabinet. Finally, there is an ironing board hidden under the top (a "secret apron panel" opens and the board can be pulled out)
does anyone have an idea what this table is called or how i can research it???
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i am replying to myself...
it is called The "Presto" Multi-Purpose Dining/Lounging Table!
Made and patented by Sensinwood Ltd Liverpool
Anyone have any more info on this company or table???
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I am not 100% sure but I think they are based in Birmingham in the UK. Give me a short while and I will try and find out their website address.
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i am really sorry cause I cant seem to find it anywhere :(
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Unsure if you're still looking for information on this item, but I have found one of my own and was able to do some research.
This is a vintage table made by Sensinwood Ltd, Liverpool made in Kirkby England between 1950 and 1952. Sensinwood specialized in clever foldable and multi-use tables, who was still in the manufacturing business until the 1960's as far as I can tell. (So cool - check out this game table they made: https://youtu.be/tIIWqkqMHuE )
This table has two expandable folding leaves, china cupboards on both sides of the center base, and a secret compartment that houses an ironing board.
Details on the table patent can be found here: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?II=6&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=19521119&CC=GB&NR=682983A&KC=A
It is made of oak and has an oak veneer, is 29.5" tall and 35.5" long. When folded down it measures 19" wide; open it measures 56" wide.
After finding the patent for the table, I dug into the manufacturers some more. Sensinwood Ltd was started by brothers Simon and Maurice, who had three patents for furniture. They then sold the company (possibly to MFI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MFI_Group) to pursue charitable work, including founding the Shifrin Orchestra at the King David schools in 1969 (http://www.interculturaldialogueandeducation.org/2012/01/music-at-king-david-school-liverpool.html). They were founding members of the Childwall Synagogue and Ada Shifrin Hall was named for Simon's wife (https://www.geni.com/people/Hyman-Chaim-Shifrin/6000000045243287858)
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Here are some photos of mine
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This is quite an old post but glad you had pics ! Enjoyed seeing your table ? Not sure what to call it !
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These were called Expandable Cabinet Dining Tables. Still called that but also called Extending Tables today.
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I have noticed over the years that many things from the UK were multi-use pieces !