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Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
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Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter

  • This early 19th-century Scottish specimen table is attributed to William Trotter of Edinburgh
  • Trotter is widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest cabinetmaker
  • The vibrant gemstones are fitted with extraordinary precision
  • This is among the most important Scottish specimen tables ever made
  • Get complete item description here
$48,850
Item No. 32-0777

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Description
Octagonal Specimen Table
William Trotter
Early 19th Century

This extraordinary early 19th-century Scottish specimen table is a museum-quality masterpiece attributed to William Trotter of Edinburgh, who is widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest cabinetmaker. The octagonal top is exquisitely inlaid with agate, jasper and rare Scottish hardstones, arranged in a striking pattern reminiscent of a stunning plume of feathers. The result is a remarkable fusion of geometric precision and the natural beauty of indigenous minerals.. . .
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Octagonal Specimen Table
William Trotter
Early 19th Century

This extraordinary early 19th-century Scottish specimen table is a museum-quality masterpiece attributed to William Trotter of Edinburgh, who is widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest cabinetmaker. The octagonal top is exquisitely inlaid with agate, jasper and rare Scottish hardstones, arranged in a striking pattern reminiscent of a stunning plume of feathers. The result is a remarkable fusion of geometric precision and the natural beauty of indigenous minerals. It is among the most important Scottish specimen tables ever made, and no other like it is known to exist.

A finely carved foliate border in richly figured rosewood frames the top, enhancing its ornamental elegance. The vibrant gemstones are fitted with precision, reflecting a masterful command of both materials and technique. The table is supported by a well-balanced base and remains in untouched “country house” condition, a rare and desirable state that speaks to its long history and impeccable provenance.

William Trotter (1772–1833) was the preeminent cabinetmaker of the Scottish Regency period and served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1825 to 1827. He established his firm on Princes Street in 1805 and supplied furnishings to Scotland’s most distinguished estates, as well as to the Royal Collection. His work is instantly recognizable for its refined lines and commanding presence. This table stands among the finest examples of his output, combining superior craftsmanship with exceptional materials in a work of singular historical and artistic importance.

28 3/4" high x 20 1/2" wide x 16 1/2" deep
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Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Scotland
Type: Occasional Tables/Étagères
Style: Regency
Depth: 16.5 in. (41.91 cm)
Width: 20.5 in. (52.07 cm)
Height: 28.75 in. (73.03 cm)
Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
A Guide to Hardstones: A Material Coveted by the Rich and Famous from Antiquity to Today

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Specimen Table Attributed to William Trotter
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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