Hi Randy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Despite the name, there’s no evidence that Martha Washington herself owned or designed one—the name was used later as a marketing term to evoke colonial-era domestic elegance. Most furniture historians call these small tables "work" tables or "sewing" tables and they can come in variety of forms, including ones with four legs that features a bag suspended from the lowest drawer that would have held fabric, other materials or embroidery frames with partially finished needleworks.

The style of this table identifies it as reminiscent of the Victorian era but elements of its construction mark it out as Colonial Revival, much like the hinged games table in your other appraisal. While period (mid 19th Century) work tables can bring up to several hundred dollars at auction these days, later replicas such as this rarely sell for more than $300.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Colonial Revival Victorian style mahogany and mahogany veneer sewing table
unattributed American maker, early 20th Century
The shaped hinged top over a corresponding case lifting to reveal a divided compartment fitted with needle cushion, spools and other sewing accoutrements, on a reel- and bulbous turned shaft on shaped base on four feet. Unsigned.
Height: 30-1/4 inches; width of top: 20-1/4 inches; depth: 15-1/2 inches
CONDITION: This table appears to be in good condition with some use wear commensurate to age.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia