Construction of an 18th-century French mechanical table
About this video
This video reveals the inner construction of an 18th-century French mechanical table. An oak frame holds a brass and steel mechanism of rails, gears, bolts and coil springs that moves a writing desk with compartments, a hidden latch and a spring-activated drawer; one key winds the springs and a smaller key opens the desk. The exterior is decorated with marquetry on a purple heartwood ground, a geometric trellis pattern and protective gilt bronze mounts.
You'll be able to
- describe the main parts of the table's mechanism and what they do.
- explain the jobs of the large key and the small key.
- explain how the decoration both beautifies and protects the table.
Key words
- mechanism
- A set of moving parts, such as gears and springs, that work together to do a job.
- coil spring
- A spiral of metal that stores energy when wound and releases it to push or move something.
- marquetry
- Decoration made by fitting thin pieces of colored wood together like a jigsaw puzzle.
- gilt bronze mounts
- Gold-coated bronze fittings that decorate and protect furniture edges.
Transcript
This table's ornate exterior hides an elaborate mechanized system. At its core is an oak frame. A complex brass and steel mechanism, including rails, gears, and a release lever controls a movable writing desk. A desk's assembly incorporates lidded compartments, a concealed latch, a spring-activated drawer, and a writing surface that also serves as a book stand.
A bolt prevents the desk from moving too far. A tabletop has metal fittings that engage gears and bolts. Long rods prevent the tabletop from sliding too far. A large key is used to wind the mechanism's coil springs. A small key unlocks and opens the desk. As the desk is closed, the spring mechanism rewinds.
The marquetry tabletop surface has a ground of purple heartwood into which thin pieces of other colorful wood are assembled like a jigsaw puzzle. The rest of the table's exterior is covered in a geometric trellis pattern. Ornamental gilt bronze mounts frame and protect vulnerable wood edges.
Today, the table is still functional and its innovative mechanics and artistry continue to amaze.
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