AN IRISH GEORGE II MAHOGANY DROP LEAF HUNT DINING TABLEMID 18TH CENTURYThe hinged single plank leaves supported by a twin gateleg action, the underside of one leaf stencilled 'HODGES DUBLIN'72cm high, 238cm long, 123cm wide (with leaves extended)Provenance: Private Collection, LondonThe stencilled title 'HODGES DUBLIN' is almost certainly the trade stamp of the 19th Century Dublin Auction House of this name on Grafton Street.These Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables are traditionally known as 'hunt' tables. The term hunt table originated from their use for hunt meets, when they were carried outside for dining at or to hold the food and drink. Examples still in situ in houses in Ireland are in the Dining-Rooms of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare, Bellamont Forest, Co. Cavan, Mount Stewart, Co. Down and in the hall at Luggala, Co. Wicklow (see J. O'Brien and D. Guinness, Great Irish Houses and Gardens, London, 1992, p. 23, 68, 157 and 192). A very similar hunt table was sold Christie's London, Out of the Ordinary - Christopher Gibbs & Harris Lindsay, 10 May 2005, lot 225 (£60,000 including premium). Another hunt table was sold Christie's, London, The Legend of Dick Turpin, 9 March 2006, lot 254 (£38,400). For a further comparable Irish hunt table see Dreweatts, Fine Furniture at Barnwell Manor, lot 81 (£31,250 hammer).