In 35 years specialising in the largest stock of antique dining tables in the World there has always been one model that’s considered the 'Holy Grail' of antique tables from history. The design was introduced in Gillows' directory as the 'Imperial table' and featured the first documented use of the runner system to provide ergonomic extension for various numbers of dinner guests. This particular example is superb but also one of the largest Imperial models to ever to go on sale and only the second we have seen at this length of 20ft. With classic thumb moulded top the table is formed in two parts and adjoins at the enclosed runners to open and incorporate any combination of leaves. A finishing apron below and standing on well positioned fine turned and reeded legs terminating in brass cup casters. We've not worked on this table just yet but it has matured and faded through 9 generations to a warm tan shade which can be sympathetically revived and evened to retain 200 years of evolving history fit for the grandest of stately homes. Measures 595cm long x 130 cm wide.