This is a rare opportunity to own an English antique Victorian Scottish oak dining or conference table, circa 1870 in date, with the original set of twelve matching dining chairs. This table is very versatile and has five original leaves which can easily be added or removed as required to suit the occasion. The turned and fluted legs have been beautifully hand carved and sit on their original brass and brown porcelain castors. This dining set was made from solid oak by a master craftsman, and should last for generations more. Take a look at the amazing system of runners that pull out as you extend the table with it's brilliant winding mechanism. The matching set of twelve solid Scottish oak dining chairs comprises ten side chairs and a pair of armchairs. The chairs have been beautifully hand carved with fluted front legs that terminate in the original brass and brown porcelain castors. The seats and backs have been upholstered in sumptuous blue leather and the backs have been centred with an interesting gilded thistle and crown motif. This set has been beautifully French polished to bring out the wonderful blonde colour of the oak, and the chairs were upholstered in beautiful blue leather and they compliment the table perfectly. Condition: In really excellent original condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 74 x Width 405 x Depth 145 - when fully extended Height 74 x Width 168 x Depth 145 - when closed Height 89 x Width 59 x Depth 59 - Armchair Height 91 x Width 49 x Depth 59 - Side chair Dimensions in inches: Height 2 feet, 5 inches x Width 13 feet, 3 inches x Depth 4 feet, 9 inches - when fully extended Height 2 feet, 5 inches x Width 5 feet, 6 inches x Depth 4 feet, 9 inches - when closed Height 2 feet, 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 11 inches x Depth 1 foot, 11 inches - Armchair Height 3 feet x Width 1 foot, 7 inches x Depth 1 foot, 11 inches - Side chair Characteristics of Scottish Oak Scottish oak generally has a wilder and more characterful grain than European oak, with more pippiness and occasional burr. It can be difficult to get very long straight lengths. Scottish oak was used to make windows and doors in the Glencoe Visitor Centre. Strength & Structure Grain: Oak is normally straight grained, although this varies according to growing conditions. Generally, forest grown oak will be straight grained, but in oak grown in isolation or in small or sparsely populated woods (which often applies to Scottish oak), the direction of the grain may be less predictable. If you need oak for structural purposes, the direction of the grain is important. Oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus - Latin "oak tree" having approximately 600 extant species. Oak wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3, great strength and hardness, and is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. It also has very appealing grain markings, particularly when quartersawn. Oak wood is very durable, easy to maintain and resistant to wear and tear which is why it can be easily handed to the next generations if taken well care of. Oak wood virtually lasts forever and you can still admire oak furniture in museums and palaces even if it was made many centuries ago. Oak has been prized since the Middle Ages for use in interior panelling of prestigious buildings such as the debating chamber of the House of Commons in London and in the construction of fine furniture. Winding Mechanism for extending tables A man by the name of Samuel Hawkins applied for a patent on a screw expander on June 6th, 1861. Presumably, Mr. Hawkins either died or retired because his business was taken over by a young machinist named Joseph Fitter in 1864. Joseph Fitter operated a machinist shop where he produced winding mechanisms for extending tables as well as screw expanders for piano stools and other applications at 210 Cheapside, Birmingham England by the name of Britannia Works. Our reference: 06076 Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse. Shipping: We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge. A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase. To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE. Delivery and return policy: We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply. In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item. The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition. Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses. Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.