American homes in the Pilgrim Century and early Colonial periods were most often quite modest in both size and furnishings. A typical household might have a bedstead, table, wardrobe and several benches or chairs. The heavy use of this furniture frequently resulted in substantial wear. This was especially true of early tables, which saw heavy use in a wide variety of functions. For this reason it was common for their tops to be replaced later in the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries after decades of hard use. Interested parties should carefully inspect these tables to determine if their tops are original, an early replacement or a modern modification.

Reference note by p4A.com editorial staff, 05.09.