Q: I bought this tilt-top tea table recently at an estate slae. The sellers had no idea about the history of the table. There are some markings on the bottom of the tilt platform which may help identify the piece. They include an eagle in an oval surrounded by the words “The Company of Mastercraftsmen” and the numbers S1254E and 21338. We’d love to know more about this piece.
A: The Company of Master Craftsmen was founded by William Sloane Coffin in 1925. It was a subsidiary of the California Furniture Co., which was owned by the W. & J. Sloane Co. The company was controlled by members of the Sloane family until 1955. In 1984 it became part of RB Furniture, which went bankrupt in 1985. A tilt-top table with a scalloped top is often called a wine-tasting table. If the raised rim and top of your table were made of one piece of wood, the table would date from the 18th century. Newer tables like yours have an applied rim.
I have a dining set “The Company of Permo Weld” Master Craftsmen, Blue label Genuine Mahogany Number 288. There is a china cabinet, table with leaf, 6 chairs 1 large side board and 1 smaller side board. Do you know what is is worth? Or where I could find out. I want to sell this set. Thank you