The World’s Most Expensive Table sold at auction for $4.6 million on January 20th,1990 in a Christie’s auction held in Philadelphia. Today, in 2012 it is probably worth closer to $7.5 million if it were to resell at auction.
The Tufft Pier table was named after Thomas Tufft or its original creator. It was meticulously hand-carved in the late 1700’s resulting in a beautiful and unique design. This historic piece of furniture was specifically made for general store owner Richard Edwards of Lumberton, New Jersey.
This example features intrinsically detailed ball and claw feet with pierced fretwork and long legs ending in narrow ankles. This gorgeous antique table was sold by Edwards descendent, a Philadelphia architect by the name of Samuel Harrison Gardiner.
The reason this table is so impressive and realized such a high price at auction is because it has remained completely original and intact for this long. Not to mention a great design and special provenance makes it even more special. This piece still remains in pristine condition despite it being manufactured over 200 years ago! As of November 2012, it is still the world’s most expensive table.