Very Cool Mahogany End Table by John Keal

As I began writing this post, I started scanning the web looking for something interesting to say about designer John Keal.  I didn't really turn up much.  But as I looked at images of various pieces he designed the thing that struck me the most was how detailed his designs are.  Almost every piece has a very unique feature that guarantees it won't be mistaken for something else.  He incorporated concealed drawers in pieces, designed in uniquely cantilevered shelves or expanding table tops, used steeply angled legs, all of these with the intent to design a special piece of furniture.  I'm guessing he gave the production staff of Brown-Saltman fits trying to figure out a way to produce these pieces in quantity and still make a buck.  The aesthetics of his designs are American modern but attention to detail is more similar to Danish design.

As with all Brown Saltman pieces, this end table is very well constructed.  The "case", tambour slats and legs are all constructed of solid mahogany.  The boomerang top and supports as well as the sliding door are all mahogany veneer over solid hardwoods.  The most notable feature on this table is its retractable "tambour" table top.  The door rolls back into the case to reveal a large storage space.  This would be a great space to stash magazines, remote controls, drink coasters, anything you might want to have handy in a living room but don't want cluttering up the space.  A cord or charging cable can even be threaded into the compartment to have a convenient yet hidden space for charging electronic devices.  The "flying" boomerang top be a great place to perch a cool table lamp or could be used to support a smaller flat screen TV.

As I do with most pieces, this has been completely stripped and refinished.  The characteristic straight grain and "tiger stripes" of the mahogany show through well.  The door functions perfectly and overall this is a very sturdy as well as rare and collectible table.

Dimensions:  32 1/2"W x 32 1/2"D x 17"H (to table top) 24 1/2"H (to boomerang top)

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